Credit Cards Can Help Gig Trippers Save Big on Concert Travel Costs

Concert-goers who enjoy traveling to events, known as 'gig trippers', may be surprised at how much they can save on travel costs by using their credit cards wisely.

The American Express benefits and offers page advises that with the right rewards, you don't have to overpay for concert travel. By planning ahead and being flexible with your dates, you can book flights and hotels for a fraction of what you would otherwise pay.

One simple strategy is to use statement credits or cash back redemptions at a rate of 1 cent per point on last-minute travel. For example, opening a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card can provide a welcome bonus worth $750 in travel costs.

However, this may take several months to qualify for, and you'll need to have the funds upfront to pay for flights. Alternatively, earning and using airline miles can unlock outsized value from your credit cards.

Airlines like United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines partner with travel rewards programs, allowing cardholders to transfer points or book award flights directly. Certain credit cards offer award flight discounts, such as the United℠ Explorer Card's 10% discount and the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card's TakeOff 15 feature.

Using hotel points is also more straightforward than redeeming airline miles. By booking through hotel loyalty programs or opening a credit card specifically for hotels, you can save hundreds of dollars per night on accommodations.