Expedia’s Rewards Credit Cards Offer Flexible Ways to Save on Travel While Making Purchases

In a Nutshell: Expedia is well known as an online hub for all things travel-related. The company also entered the credit card arena several years back with a couple of cards with perks aimed at travel lovers. We recently spoke with Marlin Chan, Director of Customer Loyalty for Brand Expedia, to learn more about the credit cards they offer and the many benefits that come with them, including stacking points and the Expedia Voyager Rewards Program. The company also makes it a point to listen to customer feedback and use it to make improvements to its products and services. Expedia cardholders can also expect some new perks coming up in 2021.

Expedia is one of the companies that helped turn the travel industry upside down nearly 25 years ago by bringing a new level of convenience to consumers booking trips. The company — and website — launched as part of Microsoft in 1996, thus embracing the nascent world of online services.

Over the past 25 years, Expedia has become a household name as an online travel agency that cuts out middleman travel agents and lets consumers book flights at competitive rates.

The Expedia website is still going strong, having grown significantly over the years to add a number of trip-planning services, including car rentals, cruises, and package deals. The company knows the world of travel and knows what travelers want.

The company states that its purpose is to bring the world within reach, and it does just that in more ways than ever. And as part of Expedia Group, Expedia is part of a huge network of travel partners that has the whole industry covered.

“Expedia Group is the world’s travel platform, with an extensive brand portfolio that includes some of the world’s most trusted online travel brands,” according to the Expedia Group website.

With its broad reach and mission to make planning trips as convenient as possible, it only makes sense that Expedia also offers credit cards geared toward avid travelers.

We recently spoke with Marlin Chan, Director of Customer Loyalty for Brand Expedia, to learn more about the company’s credit card offerings, how it works to maintain top-notch customer service, and about some of Expedia’s new and upcoming credit card reward opportunities.

“The cards launched in 2014 as an extension of the Expedia Rewards program to offer travelers a flexible way to save on travel as they make everyday purchases,” Chan said. “We wanted to expand the opportunities for travelers to save on their next trip — a rewards credit card was the next step.”

Chan said that Expedia offers two credit cards, both from Citi: the Expedia Rewards Voyager Card and the Expedia Rewards Card.

“With either card, cardholders have the unique ability to stack their points to maximize their rewards,” he said. “They can earn Expedia Rewards points while still earning credit card bonus points from Citi and earn frequent flyer miles with their preferred airline programs when they book travel.”

With the Expedia Rewards Voyager Card, customers get instant complimentary Expedia Rewards Gold status, which means they earn 30% more base points on every Expedia booking and have access to the Gold member customer service line, Chan said.

“Plus, you supercharge your ability to earn points faster, with four times the Expedia Rewards bonus points on every Expedia purchase and two times the Expedia Rewards bonus points on dining and entertainment,” he explained.

The Voyager Card also offers a $100 travel credit each year of card membership that can be used on travel incidentals such as inflight WiFi, baggage, and TSA PreCheck, which offsets the annual fee of $95.

“The cards are a great option for travel maximizers as well as the casual travelers who enjoy booking their entire trip in one place,” Chan said. “You can save on your future travel through everyday purchases and then use your points on hundreds of thousands of hotels, airlines, car rentals, packages, and activities worldwide.”

Of course, a company doesn’t maintain its status as a leader in its industry without providing quality customer service. And Expedia makes it a point to ensure that its customers can count on a convenient experience when using Expedia.

One way it maintains so many satisfied customers is by listening to the customers and letting their feedback guide certain decisions. That remains true of its credit card service as well.

“We always welcome feedback from our travelers to make our card and Rewards program the best it can be,” Chan said.

Travelers can submit feedback to Expedia anytime via the company’s website.

Chan said Expedia has heard from many customers who have enjoyed big savings on trips with the sign-on bonus and points accumulation through the card.

“We’ve had customers share their stories about how their stacked points led to vacations to Napa, New York City, and Arizona all for free,” he said.

The Expedia credit cards page also provides a wealth of information about each card’s rewards, flexibility, and other benefits.

“Triple-dip on points, save an extra 10% or more with lower member prices, and save when you bundle,” according to the company. “Earn and use points on hundreds of thousands of flights, cars, hotels, packages, and things to do — all in one place.”

Of course, Expedia offers quality customer service all-around — not just in relation to its credit cards.

“Expedia is always improving, in large part, thanks to unfiltered customer feedback and complaints which help highlight opportunities to offer better service,” according to the Expedia website. “Travel should be a pleasure, and how you plan a trip should be a seamless, transparent process.”

Chan said that Expedia is always looking for ways to improve customer experiences and perks it can offer with its cards.

“Travelers will soon be able to earn even more at Expedia VIP Access properties,” he explained. “Starting February 1, 2021, bookings will earn triple points on VIP Access properties providing the chance to build up points more quickly for future trips.”

VIP Access is a group of properties that offer superior service and receive the company’s highest member reviews, Chan said.

“Currently at VIP Access properties, Expedia Rewards Cardmembers with complimentary Silver status receive perks such as spa credits or free breakfast, as well as free WiFi,” he said. “In addition, Expedia Rewards Voyager Cardmembers with complimentary Gold status receive room upgrades when available and early check-in/late checkout.”

Watch on
And with many people’s travel plans put on hold in 2020, Expedia is welcoming the new year with optimism and ways for people to save even more.

“A new year means new adventures. Whatever travel itch you’re ready to scratch, we’ve gathered deals to help you get back on your way,” according to the company.

And for those whose travel plans were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company provides information and resources on its website to help people change or cancel trips, use credit or coupons, and track refunds.

Expedia also provides a trove of information on traveling safely during the pandemic, addressing a wide range of topics and concerns.

“Whether you have to travel or you’re just exploring options for future trips, there’s much more to consider before you depart,” according to the company. “Like you, we love to travel, and we will travel again. When that time comes, we’ll help you travel smart and travel safe, every step of the way.”