Techie goes on free vacation worth Rs 27.5 lakh, says he owns more than 40 credit cards

Who doesn’t love travelling? It is always a good idea to just pack your bags and explore the world. However, travelling can be quite expensive, especially if you plan on staying at 5-star hotels overseas. But what if we tell you that a software engineer took his family out to a luxurious vacation to Masai Mara, Kenya, without spending a single rupee? Moreover, they stayed in JW Marriot and the total cost of their trip was Rs 27.5 lakh. However, it was a free vacation and they didn’t pay any cash.

Anirban Chowdhury, a resident of Jharkhand, managed to fund the entire trip using only credit card reward points.

Speaking to Moneycontrol, Chowdhury revealed that he utilised Marriott Bonvoy points, the rewards currency of Marriott International's loyalty programme. These points can be earned and redeemed for various travel experiences, including stays at premium hotels and resorts. However, instead of purchasing these points—which would have cost him roughly ₹84 for every 10 points—Chowdhury accumulated them over a year through his strategic use of credit cards.

Software engineer takes free vacation

At 34 years old, Chowdhury told the portal that he is an enthusiastic traveller and self-proclaimed credit card expert. He also revealed that he owns over 40 credit cards but primarily uses around five. By funnelling almost all of his household expenses through these credit cards, he was able to gather a significant number of reward points.

"I own more than 40 credit cards but mostly use four or five of them. My wife and I collected points for a year for us to be able to afford this trip solely by using the points," he told Moneycontrol. He also focused on how they use American Express credit card for most of their purchases.

Chowdhury also revealed that he booked his Masai Mara trip a year in advance when the JW Marriott lodge was charging 1.06 lakh points per night. Marriott’s loyalty programme offers a bonus for guests who book four consecutive nights using points: the fifth night is free. As a result, Chowdhury only needed 4.24 lakh points for the entire stay, covering not just accommodation but also food, luxury car transfers, and safari rides.

“I did not have to pay a penny extra. My invoice was zero,” he told the publication.

The family stayed in a lavish 1,220-square-foot tent that featured a whirlpool bath, a patio for stargazing, and stunning views of the Talek River. They experienced top-tier safaris and travelled in Land Rovers, living the high life—all on points.

Using credit cards for a decade

Chowdhury also told Moneycontrol that he has been using credit cards for a decade and has honed his strategy to maximise returns. He prefers not to use debit cards at all, citing the potential to earn rewards as a reason to rely almost exclusively on credit. American Express cards play a major role in his approach, especially the Gold Charge card, which gives users 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for every ₹6,000 spent across four transactions of ₹1,500 each.

For those intrigued by the possibility of funding their own travel dreams through credit card points, Chowdhury’s journey offers an inspiring roadmap. It’s all about discipline, planning, and, of course, choosing the right credit cards.