How many credit card points do I need to fly to Tokyo for free?

A round-trip economy flight to Tokyo costs approximately 70,000 points via Virgin Atlantic Miles, which transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards. The best route books ANA flights — one of the highest-value redemptions available. Business class to Tokyo requires about 160,000 points round-trip.

What credit card gives the most points for travel?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve earn the most transferable points for travel. The Sapphire Preferred offers a 60,000-point signup bonus after $4,000 in spending, which is enough for a round-trip economy flight to Paris. The Amex Platinum and Capital One Venture X are also top travel cards with large signup bonuses of 80,000–100,000+ points.

How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?

Most people can earn enough points for a domestic free flight within 3–6 months using one credit card signup bonus. For international travel, combining 2–3 travel credit card signup bonuses typically earns enough points within 6–12 months. For example, getting the Chase Sapphire Preferred (60K bonus) and Amex Gold (60K bonus) in the same year gives 120,000 points — enough for round-trip economy to Europe or Asia.

What is the cheapest destination to visit for free with credit card points?

Domestic US travel is the cheapest — as low as 15,000 points for a one-way flight on Southwest. For international, Cancun is one of the best values at 20,000 points round-trip via Southwest. Caribbean flights start around 25,000 points. European destinations like London and Dublin start at 40,000 points round-trip.

Can I travel for free if I have a fair or low credit score?

Yes, but your options are more limited. With a fair credit score (580–669), you can qualify for starter travel cards like the Capital One VentureOne, Discover it Miles, or secured travel cards. These still earn points toward free travel, just with smaller signup bonuses. Building your credit score to 670+ opens up the best travel cards with 60,000–100,000 point signup bonuses.

How does the Travel for Free Roadmap tool work?

The Travel for Free Roadmap is a free 5-step tool from StackEasy. You pick a destination (31 options including Tokyo, Paris, Maldives, and more), enter your credit score range and current cards, input your monthly spending by category, and set your preferences. The tool calculates exactly which credit cards to get, in what order, and shows you the total points you'll earn plus when you'll hit your goal — with no signup required.

What are transfer partners and why do they matter for free travel?

Transfer partners are airlines and hotels that let you convert credit card points into their miles or rewards at a 1:1 ratio (or better). Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to United, Hyatt, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France Flying Blue, and more. Amex Membership Rewards transfers to Delta, Air France, Singapore Airlines, and others. Transferring to the right partner can double or triple the value of your points — for example, transferring Chase points to Virgin Atlantic to book ANA business class to Japan is worth 5–10 cents per point vs. 1 cent for cash back.

Is it worth getting travel credit cards with annual fees?

Often yes. The Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95/year) more than pays for itself with 5x points on travel, 3x on dining, and travel protections worth hundreds of dollars. The Amex Platinum ($695/year) offers $200 airline credit, $200 hotel credit, $240 digital entertainment credit, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry, and Priority Pass lounge access — offsetting the fee for frequent travelers. The key is matching the card's benefits to your actual spending patterns.

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30,000 points · 3 months timeline

How to Visit Lima & Machu Picchu, Peru for Free with Credit Card Points

Quick Answer

Flying to Lima & Machu Picchu, Peru costs 30,000 points for economy or 70,000 points for business class (round-trip). The best route is United direct to Lima or Avianca via LifeMiles. Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (60,000 bonus after $4,000 in 3 months) and reach your goal in 3 months.

Point Cost Breakdown

Category	Points Required	Est. Cash Value	Best Program
Flights (Economy RT)	30,000	$500–$800	United direct to Lima or Avianca via LifeMiles
Flights (Business RT)	70,000	$1800+	United direct to Lima or Avianca via LifeMiles
Hotels (per night)	10,000	$200–$300	MARRIOTT (JW Marriott El Convento Cusco / Marriott Lima)

Fastest Path: 3 months to Lima & Machu Picchu, Peru

Timeline: 3 months

1Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and spend $4,000 in 3 months to earn 60,000 bonus points
2Transfer your points to United MileagePlus
3Search for award space on United direct to Lima or Avianca via LifeMiles
4Book your flights — 30,000 points for economy RT, 70,000 for business class
5Book JW Marriott El Convento Cusco / Marriott Lima using MARRIOTT points (10,000 points/night)

Why Chase Sapphire Preferred + LifeMiles Is the Best Route

United MileagePlus is one of the most versatile programs for international travel because United is a Star Alliance member with partner agreements covering 40+ airlines. For Lima & Machu Picchu, Peru, United miles book both United-operated flights and partner airlines, often with better availability than booking directly. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to United at 1:1, making it one of the easiest programs to top off.

Book United MileagePlus awards at united.com under 'Use miles'. The United system shows both United-operated and Star Alliance partner flights. Filter by 'Saver' awards for the best rates. For Lima & Machu Picchu, Peru, search 6–8 months out for best availability. United's 'Excursionist Perk' lets you add a free one-way stopover on certain itineraries — useful for multi-city trips that might include Lima & Machu Picchu, Peru plus a nearby destination.

The bottom line: Lima & Machu Picchu, Peru requires approximately 30,000 points for economy or 70,000 for business class. With Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (60,000 bonus points), you can reach this goal in 3 months. The points value delivered — compared to cash fares of $500–$800+ for economy — makes this one of the most powerful travel strategies available.

Where to Stay Free in Lima & Machu Picchu, Peru

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco / Marriott Lima

MARRIOTT · Best hotel redemption in Lima & Machu Picchu, Peru

10,000 pts

per night

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco / Marriott Lima offers an exceptional points redemption in Lima & Machu Picchu, Peru. At 10,000 MARRIOTT points per night, you're getting outstanding value compared to cash rates in the area. Marriott has great options in both Lima and Cusco. 25-40K Marriott/night for $200-400 hotels. Transfer your credit card points to MARRIOTT and book directly at marriott.com — award availability for most properties in Lima & Machu Picchu, Peru is generally strong outside peak holiday periods.

Book JW Marriott El Convento Cusco / Marriott Lima→Redeem MARRIOTTpoints →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points do I need to fly to Lima and Machu Picchu for free?

A round-trip economy flight to Lima (LIM) costs approximately 30,000 United MileagePlus miles. Business class is 70,000 miles. From Lima, take LATAM to Cusco (LIM-CUZ, 1 hour), then train to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu. The Cusco connection can be booked with additional United miles or LATAM cash fares ($80–$150).

What's the best credit card for Peru flights?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred (60,000-point bonus, transfers to United) is ideal for Peru — 60K covers the 30,000 needed for economy, with 30,000 remaining for Lima-Cusco connections or hotel points. JW Marriott El Convento Cusco (a stunning converted colonial convent) runs 25,000–35,000 Marriott points/night.

How do I book flights to Lima and Cusco with points?

Transfer Chase to United MileagePlus and book LIM at united.com. For the Lima-Cusco leg, check United's LATAM partner availability or purchase LATAM cash tickets ($80–$150). Avianca LifeMiles (transfer Amex to Avianca) is another solid option — Avianca connects Lima and Cusco directly.

Is Peru worth the 30,000 points? It seems cheap for such a far destination.

Peru is one of the best-value long-haul destinations with points. At 30,000 United miles for Lima economy (cash fares run $400–$700), you're getting 1.3–2.3¢ per point. Business class at 70,000 miles vs $1,500–$2,500 cash delivers 2.1–3.6¢ per point. The JW Marriott Cusco is a world-class stay at fraction of cash cost.

Start Your Personalized Roadmap to Lima & Machu Picchu, Peru

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