How to Maximize Credit Card Points for International Sports Travel

Choose the right credit card

Choosing the right credit card involves more than just comparing rewards. Interest rates, annual fees, eligibility requirements and how you plan to use the card are all important factors to consider.

If maximizing travel rewards is one of your goals, consider the following features:

• Points for sports-related purchases: Depending on how sports categories are defined, certain cards may earn rewards on entertainment, ticket purchases or sporting goods.
• Points on travel spending: Cards that offer higher earn rates on travel-related purchases – such as flights or hotels – may help you collect points faster.
• Partnerships and promotions: Certain cards may provide access to special promotions; partner offers or event-related experiences.
• Travel insurance benefits: Some travel-focused cards include insurance benefits that may apply to cancellations, delays or lost baggage.

Before applying, take a look at the card’s full details to make sure it fits with both your financial situation and travel goals.

See what rewards RBC travel credit cards have to offer.

Earn points on your planned purchases

Using a travel rewards credit card for planned or large purchases can help you accumulate points more quickly.

If you already have significant expenses coming up – such as electronics, appliances or travel bookings – charging those purchases to a travel rewards card (and paying the balance in full, if possible) can contribute to your overall points balance.

Those points may later be redeemed toward travel-related expenses, such as flights, accommodations or car rentals, depending on your card’s redemption options.

The key is to make the most of spending you would have done anyway (rather than increasing it just to earn rewards).

Use points for international flights, upgrades and game travel

Flights are often one of the biggest expenses when travelling internationally for major sporting events. Using a travel rewards credit card for airfare and other out-of-town game expenses can help you build a points balance that can be later redeemed toward those same costs.

Depending on the rewards program, points can typically be used to book flights through a travel portal or transferred to airline partners. The number of points you earn will vary based on how much you spend and the earn rates tied to your card.

Want to see how many rewards points you could earn in your first year based on your spending habits? Check out the RBC Credit Cards Calculator.

You might also be able to redeem your points for business class upgrades and other perks that take your experience to the next level. Keep in mind that travelling during peak sports seasons can be expensive – so your points can come in handy!

Explore RBC credit cards to learn more about how rewards points are earned and redeemed.

Plan and book major sporting events strategically

International sporting events – whether it’s the World Cup, the Olympics or a championship match abroad – often involve multiple bookings, including flights, hotels, local transportation and event tickets.

Credit card rewards can typically be redeemed for these types of travel expenses – and using points towards them can help offset part of the overall cost.

When buying tickets online, using a credit card can also provide added security features compared to some other payment methods. For high-demand events, it’s worth reviewing your card’s purchase protection and fraud monitoring benefits to see what it offers and how you’re protected.

Planning ahead and understanding how your rewards program works can help simplify your travels while getting the most value from your points.

Understand your card’s travel insurance benefits

Some travel-focused credit cards include travel insurance benefits that cover trip cancellations, lost baggage and emergency medical expenses. These protections can save you money and give you peace of mind while travelling.

Because these benefits are typically part of the card’s features, using a card with built-in travel insurance lets you avoid the cost of purchasing separate coverage. This added benefit can help make your international sports trip more secure and enjoyable, knowing you're covered for unexpected issues.

Timing and booking strategies for maximizing point value

Travel demand typically fluctuates throughout the year. School holidays, summer travel months, long weekends and major events can all influence flight availability and hotel pricing.

If your schedule allows for some flexibility, it’s worth looking at different travel dates or nearby departure airports to expand your redemption options. During high-demand periods, flights and accommodation may require more points or have less availability.

Planning ahead can also give you more redemption choices – a bit of advance legwork can give you the opportunity to compare travel dates, routes and booking methods within your rewards program, which can help you make the most of your points.

Finally, keep an eye on your card issuer’s promotions and partner offers – there may be even more ways to save and redeem that can elevate your travel experience.

Smart ways to redeem credit card points for international sports travel

When planning travel around a major sporting event, there are several ways you can redeem your credit card points, depending on your program.

Many rewards programs let you redeem points for flights to major events, hotel stays near the venue or car rentals to get you around. Some programs also allow for partial redemptions, where points are used to cover a portion of the cost and the remaining costs are paid in cash.

Combining points with cash can let you stretch your rewards further, which can be especially helpful during high-demand events such as international tournaments or championship matches.

Some RBC credit cards give you flexible redemption options so you can get the most value on your sports trip.