Traveling with a big crew? If your family includes five or more people, you already know how challenging - and expensive - vacations can be. The good news? With the right credit card strategy, you can fly, stay, and play without breaking the bank.
But not all points programs are created equal for large families. Some make it easy to book multiple seats and spacious hotel rooms - others, not so much.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best travel credit cards for large families in 2025 and how to actually use those points to cover travel for 5, 6, or even 7 people.
The Problem: Travel Rewards Often Assume Small Families
Most rewards bookings are priced for 2 adults and maybe 1 or 2 kids. But once you get into the 5+ zone, things get tricky:
- Flights often limit award seat availability
- Hotel rooms max out at 4 guests
- Credit card points rarely stretch far enough without a strategy
That’s where the right credit cards - and the right plan - can save the day.
What to Look for in a Travel Card for Big Families
- Flexible points you can transfer
- High sign-up bonuses
- Cards from the same ecosystem (stacking!)
- Low annual fees for extra authorized users
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® – The Ultimate Starter for Families
If you’re new to points and miles, start here. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are flexible, easy to earn, and transfer to valuable partners like Southwest, United, and Hyatt - all great for big families.
Why it works for large families:
- Earn a big bonus that can cover multiple flights or hotel nights
- Transfer points to family-friendly partners
- Add your spouse as an authorized user for better point stacking
2. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Cards – Companion Pass for the Win
This is the best value for U.S. travel with a large family. If one parent earns the Southwest Companion Pass, another family member flies FREE - unlimited - for up to two years.
Why it’s great for 5+ people:
- No baggage fees (huge for families!)
- No change fees
- Easier to book multiple award seats compared to other airlines
3. World of Hyatt Credit Card – Hotel Redemptions That Work
Hyatt is one of the few hotel programs where points actually go a long way - and they have several properties that allow families of 5 or 6 in a single room or suite.
Why Hyatt wins:
- Sweet spot redemptions for larger rooms or suites
- Transfer Chase points to Hyatt to stretch value
- Free night each year = built-in family weekend!
Bonus Tip: Double Up
For large families, it often makes sense for both parents to get cards. For example:
- Parent A gets Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Parent B gets the same or a complementary card (like Southwest or Hyatt)
This way, you double the points haul and unlock more flexibility for award bookings.
Final Thoughts: Yes, It’s Possible to Travel as a Large Family on Points
It takes more planning, but it’s absolutely doable. With the right travel credit cards, your large family can start seeing the world - without going into debt to do it.
Have questions or need help crafting a custom plan? Reach out - we love helping families get started.
