Business class award tickets to Bali can be booked with credit card points instead of cash, though it takes some planning. Here are the steps.
Step 1: The Credit Card Game (No, Really)
You might be thinking: “Credit card points are a scam.” They’re only a scam if you’re bad at math. Travel credit cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the American Express Gold have offered sign-up bonuses once you spend a set amount in the first few months. Bonus sizes and spending requirements change, so check each issuer’s current offer on its official page.
Don’t go on a shopping spree to chase a bonus. Putting normal expenses on the card, such as groceries, gas and subscriptions, can be enough to reach the minimum spend. Each card also carries an annual fee, so do the math on whether the bonus outweighs it.
Step 2: Transfer Points Like a Pro
Here’s where most people mess up: they use credit card points to book flights directly through the card’s travel portal. The value there is often lower than a good airline transfer: Chase’s program terms, for example, set a baseline of 1 cent per point when you redeem for travel. Instead, consider transferring your points to airline partners.
Singapore Airlines is one option. Its KrisFlyer program is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards (see the Chase Sapphire Preferred page), and Singapore Airlines lists a business class with a fully flat bed on its Singapore to Bali flights. Compare the points price against the cash fare for your route to see what each point is worth. Transfer partners and rates differ by card and change over time, so check your card issuer’s transfer page.
Step 3: Keep Checking for Award Seats
Here’s the thing nobody tells you: award seats (seats you can book with points) are limited and are released on each airline’s own schedule. Most people just check random dates and give up when nothing’s available. Don’t be most people.
Check the airline’s own award search regularly for your route and dates, and if you use a third-party alert tool, confirm that it still covers your airline: coverage of some airline alliances has been dropped by such tools in the past.
Step 4: Be Flexible (This Is Non-Negotiable)
If you have to fly on a specific date, this won’t work. If you can be flexible — even by a week or two — you’ll find amazing deals. Award availability and point prices vary by date, so shifting your dates can change what’s available. Flexibility is everything.
What to Avoid
Don’t fall for: “cash + points” options (usually terrible value), booking through third-party sites like Expedia (you lose flexibility), or waiting until the last minute (award seats disappear fast). And for the love of all things holy, don’t carry a balance on your credit cards. If you can’t pay it off in full every month, this strategy is not for you.
Is It Worth It?
This isn’t a hack. It’s not a secret. It’s just information that the airlines and credit card companies don’t advertise because they’d rather you pay full price. Don’t. Learn the system, play the game, and fly like you’re rich — even if you’re not.
See you in business class.