The question “do you need to be rich to travel?” sparked a whole debate on Threads but it was Izzat’s reply that actually answered it.
His trick involves two credit cards, a balance transfer, and a little forward planning.
Here’s everything you need to know.
By the time you’re done paying, you’re already ready to travel. Come back, and start the countdown to the next one.”
So… how does the method work?
According to the Threads post, the strategy involves using two credit cards:
- One regular credit card
- One credit card with a low or 0% balance transfer offer
The process goes something like this:
1. Get two credit cards — one regular, one with a balance transfer offer
Card A is your everyday card. Card B needs to have a low or 0% balance transfer (BT) promotional offer; most banks run these for 6 to 12 months.
You don’t need a fancy card; you just need one with an active BT promo and enough remaining credit limit (at least 80% of your available balance).
2. Buy your flight ticket using Card A — and book early
Charge the full ticket price to Card A in one go. The earlier you book; ideally for a trip the following year, the cheaper the ticket tends to be.
This is also when you can throw in your hotel booking and convert that too.
3. Use Card B to clear Card A’s balance via balance transfer
Apply for a balance transfer using Card B. Card B will pay off Card A’s outstanding balance in full so Card A is cleared immediately.
Now the debt sits on Card B instead, but under a 0% (or low) interest rate for the promotional period. If you travel once a year, opt for the 12-month plan.
How to apply: Most banks have an online form or an email submission process for balance transfers. Search for the balance transfer application under whichever bank issued your Card B.
4. Pay Card B back in monthly installments
Now just pay Card B every month at a fixed amount until the balance is cleared. By the time your trip rolls around, you’re already paid up; no debt hanging over your holiday.
Example: RM1,200 flight ticket ÷ 12 months = RM100/month. That’s it.
Why not just pay with Card B directly at checkout?
Paying directly at purchase doesn’t give you the installment option; the charge just sits as a full amount on Card B.
The balance transfer step is what converts a lump-sum charge into a spread-out monthly payment. That’s the whole mechanic.
Can’t I just use my card’s Easy Payment Plan (EPP) instead?
You can but only if the merchant offers EPP at checkout. Airlines and travel platforms don’t always have this option.
When EPP isn’t available, balance transfer is the next best alternative. Izzat’s advice: compare the rates of both EPP and balance transfer, then go with whichever is lower.
Is everyone eligible for balance transfer?
Pretty much, yes. You don’t need a high income or a premium card.
As long as your card has at least 80% of its credit limit remaining, you should be eligible to apply for a balance transfer with your bank.
Heads up: BT offers vary by bank and card; some carry a one-time processing fee even at 0% interest.
Always read the terms before applying, and only commit if you can reliably make the monthly payments. This strategy works because of discipline, not magic.
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