From Bad Credit to Bucket List: (Re)build Your Credit and Unlock Premium Travel Perks

The Truth Behind Credit Cards: How to Rebuild Bad Credit and Unlock Real Travel Perks Beyond the Myths

Having bad credit can feel like a huge roadblock, especially when it comes to things like getting approved for credit cards that offer premium travel perks. Mistakes from the past can feel like a life sentence, especially if you keep getting denied for premium¹ or even regular travel cards. But don’t let a low credit score hold you back from exploring the world.² There are multiple ways to improve your credit over time, and there are also travel hacking strategies that don’t require a perfect credit score to take advantage of.

In this post, let’s dive into how you can rebuild your credit, what you can do with your current credit score, and how my travel hacking course can help you unlock premium travel benefits—even if credit cards with top-tier rewards are out of reach for now.³

Rebuilding Your Credit: Step-by-Step

If you're starting with a less-than-perfect credit score, know that there’s always hope. As an immigrant to Canada, there was a day when I couldn’t quality for a (secured) car loan, even if my life depended on it. While building or rebuilding credit takes time, it’s totally possible with a little strategy and patience. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Get a Secured Credit Card

If all else fails, a secured credit card is one of the best ways to rebuild credit. You make a deposit (for example $500), and that becomes your credit limit. Use it wisely—make small purchases and pay off your balance in full each month. Over time, responsible use will rebuild your credit score.

2. Pay All Bills on Time

Credit scores are heavily influenced by your payment history (35% of your total score). Be sure to pay your credit card bills, loans, utilities, and even cell phone bills on time all the time. Late payments can bring your score down quickly.

3. Monitor Your Credit Report

Check your credit report regularly for errors. Even small mistakes could be holding you back from improvements. You’re entitled to one free credit report per year from Canada’s two main credit bureaus: Equifax and TransUnion.

4. Use Less Than 30% of Your Credit Limit

Try to avoid maxing out your credit cards. Ideally, keep your credit utilization ratio (the amount you owe compared to your credit limit) under 30%. For instance, if you have a $500 credit limit, try not to exceed a balance of $150.

5. Don’t Apply for Too Many Credit Cards

Every time you apply for a new credit card, a “hard inquiry” is made, which can lower your score. Be selective and strategic about the cards you apply for, especially when starting the rebuilding process. Even when requesting a limit increase to an existing card, ask whether this is a “hard inquiry” or a “soft inquiry”. It makes a difference. Ask for guidance from your bank and only apply for cards you’re likely to get approved for.

How Travel Hacking Works—With or Without a Perfect Credit Score

When most people think of travel hacking, they imagine credit card rewards like free flights and upgraded hotel stays. While many of these perks come from premium credit cards, did you know that you don’t need a perfect credit score to start earning rewards?

In my course, I teach other travel hacking principles that don’t require a credit score at all. If you’re willing to think differently and experiment, you can unlock exclusive travel benefits without the need for elite credit cards.

Key Travel Hacking Strategies That Don’t Require a Credit Score