Professor Samuels Shares Travel Rewards Insights

In a recent WalletHub article examining whether the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is worth it for consumers, Dr. Jack Samuels, Professor of the Hospitality and Tourism department, shared expert insight on the evolving travel rewards landscape and how individuals can make more informed decisions when choosing and using travel-focused credit cards.

Dr. Samuels explained that introductory rewards bonuses are largely driven by competition among credit card companies, making them difficult to predict. As providers continue to compete for new customers, limited-time offers can become especially attractive. He advised consumers to pay close attention when they come across a particularly strong bonus opportunity and to carefully review all card benefits before committing, noting that valuable perks often extend beyond the initial points incentive.

He also emphasized that the value of a travel rewards card with an annual fee depends heavily on a person’s travel habits. According to Dr. Samuels, individuals who consistently spend significant amounts on flights or hotel stays each year are more likely to benefit from rewards structures and loyalty-related advantages. For those who frequently use the same airline or hotel brand, he suggested investigating affiliated credit card options to determine whether the long-term rewards justify the annual cost.

When discussing how to maximize value from rewards programs, Dr. Samuels encouraged consumers to compare prices carefully when booking travel through a credit card’s rewards portal. He noted that airfare and hotel rates listed on portal platforms can sometimes be higher than booking directly through an airline or hotel website. He also highlighted the flexibility of non-branded travel rewards cards, explaining that they often allow users to redeem points across multiple providers while still earning loyalty rewards from the supplier, helping travelers get the most out of each purchase.