Can Credit Card Points Help You Invest in Real Estate?

When you think about real estate investing, credit card points probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, savvy investors know that using the right credit cards can help reduce costs, fund expenses, and even earn valuable rewards that can be reinvested into their business.

Credit cards not only provide short-term financing opportunities but also enable investors to make necessary purchases while earning points that can be redeemed for cash, travel, or other valuable benefits. By selecting the right credit cards, real estate investors can reduce operational costs and improve their bottom line.

Whether you’re a seasoned real estate investor or just getting started, leveraging credit card points the right way can give you a financial edge. In this guide, we’ll break down the best credit cards for real estate investments, including which ones provide the best cash back, travel perks, and financing benefits.

Why Use Credit Cards for Real Estate Investing?

Using credit cards strategically can help real estate investors in multiple ways:

Cash Back for Reinvestment

Cash-back rewards allow investors to earn a percentage of their purchases back in the form of cash. This money can then be reinvested into the business by covering costs such as property repairs, staging, and even mortgage payments. Over time, these savings can add up and serve as additional capital for future real estate deals.

For example, a real estate investor who spends $50,000 a year on renovation materials, advertising, and office expenses with a 2% cash-back card will earn $1,000 annually. This amount can be used to cover maintenance costs, property taxes, or other investment-related expenses. The ability to earn passive rewards while managing expenses makes cash-back credit cards an attractive choice for real estate professionals.

Travel Benefits

If you’re investing in multiple markets or purchasing properties in different states, having access to travel rewards can save thousands of dollars in flights, hotels, and rental cars. Many top credit cards offer travel points that can be redeemed for these expenses. Additionally, premium travel credit cards provide complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees, making business travel more affordable and convenient.

Real estate investors who frequently travel to scout properties, attend real estate conferences, or network with other professionals can significantly cut travel costs by using credit cards that offer generous travel rewards. Some cards even offer free companion passes, priority boarding, and hotel status upgrades, providing even more value for frequent travelers.

0% APR Financing

Several business credit cards offer introductory 0% APR periods, allowing investors to finance expenses without immediate interest costs. This is particularly useful when managing short-term property renovation expenses or covering operational costs. Instead of depleting cash reserves or taking out high-interest loans, investors can leverage 0% APR financing to spread payments over several months without incurring extra costs.

For example, if an investor needs $20,000 to renovate a rental property, they can put the expenses on a 0% APR card and pay it off gradually over the promotional period, avoiding interest charges while keeping cash flow intact. This strategy provides financial flexibility and can help investors manage multiple projects simultaneously without straining their capital.

Business Growth Opportunities

Many real estate-related expenses, including digital advertising, office supplies, property inspections, and renovations, can earn investors significant cash-back rewards or points, which can be reinvested into business growth. Business credit cards often offer higher rewards on categories like online advertising, software subscriptions, and utilities, making them an essential tool for scaling real estate ventures.

Additionally, some credit cards provide access to exclusive business perks such as free employee cards, expense tracking software, and extended warranties on purchases. These features can help real estate investors manage their operations more efficiently and maximize their return on investment. By strategically selecting credit cards that align with their spending habits, investors can accumulate valuable rewards that directly benefit their business.

Now, let’s dive into the best credit cards for real estate investments based on specific needs.

Best Credit Cards for Real Estate Investors: Cash Back and Rewards

Best Overall for Cash Back: Chase Ink Business Unlimited®

• Why it’s great: Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limit.
• How to use it for real estate: Cash back can be used for renovations, down payments, or maintenance costs.
• Bonus: Earn $750 after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months.
• Additional Benefits: Offers purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, which can be helpful for property-related purchases.

Best for High Spending: American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

• Why it’s great: 2% cash back on purchases up to $50,000 per year, then 1%.
• How to use it for real estate: Perfect for large purchases like materials, appliances, and office expenses.
• Additional Benefits: Access to Amex Offers, which provides additional savings on various business expenses.

Best Credit Cards for Large Property Expenses and Renovations

Chase Ink Business Preferred®

• Why it’s great: 3X points on business expenses like advertising, travel, and shipping.
• How to use it for real estate: Ideal for digital ads, contractor payments, and office supplies.
• Bonus: 100,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months (worth $1,250 in travel or $1,000 in cash).
• Additional Benefits: Offers cell phone protection, which can be useful for real estate professionals managing multiple devices.

American Express® Business Gold Card

• Why it’s great: 4X points in your top two spending categories each billing cycle (including gas, advertising, and tech expenses).
• How to use it for real estate: Earn extra points on marketing, property listings, and business expenses.
• Additional Benefits: Access to Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to various travel partners.

Best Credit Cards for Real Estate Investors Who Travel

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

• Why it’s great: 2X points on travel and dining, plus 25% more value when redeemed through Chase Travel.
• How to use it for real estate: Reduce costs when traveling to scout new investment markets.
• Additional Benefits: Travel insurance, trip cancellation protection, and no foreign transaction fees.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Why it’s great: 2X miles on every purchase + airport lounge access.
• How to use it for real estate: Redeem miles for flights, hotels, or rental cars.
• Additional Benefits: Annual travel credit and free access to airport lounges.

Best 0% APR Credit Cards for Real Estate Expenses

Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards

• Why it’s great: 0% intro APR for the first 9 billing cycles + unlimited 1.5% cash back.
• How to use it for real estate: Ideal for covering short-term renovation or investment costs without paying interest.
• Additional Benefits: Helps real estate investors with cash flow management by deferring payments on large expenses.

How to Maximize Credit Card Rewards for Real Estate Investing

Even though it seems easy enough to just rack up points by spending, there are several ways for you to maximize your rewards to ensure you make the most of your new card. If you’re new to credit cards in general, the tips below will greatly benefit you in your financial journey and explain why it’s beneficial to have a credit card.

Pay Off Balances Quickly

Avoid high-interest charges by paying your balance in full each month. Carrying a balance negates any benefits gained from rewards.

Use Multiple Cards Strategically

A combination of cash back, travel rewards, and business benefits can maximize your savings. Choose cards based on spending categories to earn the most rewards.

Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses

Many business credit cards offer lucrative bonuses that can be converted into cash, flights, or investment funds. Be sure to meet minimum spending requirements responsibly.

Use Points for Business Expenses

Instead of redeeming points for luxury items, use them to offset real estate costs like advertising, staging, and travel.

Which Credit Card is Best for Your Real Estate Business?

Choosing the right credit card for real estate investing depends on your specific business needs and spending habits. If cash flow is your primary concern, cards with strong cash-back rewards can help you offset everyday expenses. If you travel frequently to scout new properties, a travel rewards card can save you significant money on flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Real estate investors should also consider whether they need 0% APR financing to cover short-term renovation costs or large purchases. Cards that offer extended interest-free periods allow investors to spread out payments while maintaining financial flexibility.

Additionally, sign-up bonuses can provide an extra boost in rewards when making large initial investments. Business credit cards often offer lucrative introductory rewards that can be leveraged for various expenses, including property repairs, office supplies, or even mortgage payments.

By understanding your spending patterns and investment goals, you can strategically choose credit cards that enhance your business operations and generate maximum value. Whether you’re focusing on cash-back rewards, travel benefits, or low-interest financing, the right card can significantly impact your bottom line.

The key takeaway is that credit card points are not just a perk—they’re a financial tool that, when used effectively, can contribute to your real estate investment success. What’s your go-to credit card for real estate investing? Drop a comment below and share your experience!

What’s your go-to credit card for real estate investing? Drop a comment below!