The news: 82% of travelers are interested in using points from non-travel loyalty programs to book trips, per a report from Expedia—including 43% who are extremely interested.

Why this matters: While consumers said travel platforms like Expedia were their first choice for booking travel, credit card companies—and even retailers—have a huge opportunity to snag more spending by offering redeemability with a travel partner. Credit cards and retailers backed by a familiar travel brand were consumers’ second-favorite booking method.

Travel preferences: With inflation still a major concern for travelers, 57% of consumers valued customizable travel packages that blend affordability, convenience, and flexibility, per Expedia. 

According to the survey, fifty percent of polled customers said discounted package offers were appealing—the highest share for any type of discount offer.

Partnerships matter: Issuers benefit from working buzzy brands and pop culture into their offerings. Thirty-two percent of travelers will take vacation inspiration from TV and movies in 2025. 

For example, American Express’ recent White Lotus collaboration capitalized on the zeitgeisty HBO show by offering travel packages to the Four Seasons resort in Thailand where some of season three was filmed.

Our take: Capturing expensive travel purchases is critical to reinforcing issuers’ card volume as economic anxieties make consumers spend less. 

Given that a whooping 83% of cardholders want to redeem loyalty points on travel—more than double the share who want cash back—issuers should craft rewards packages that align with travelers’ desire for ready-made vacations at competitive prices.