Unlock the World of Travel with Ben's Expertise

Meet Ben Komenkul: Your Trusted Travel Advisor

Unlocking Travel Rewards Since 2015

About Ben Komenkul

Ben's Big Deal is more than just a business—it's a passion project fueled by a decade of travel experience. With top-tier status earned through American Airlines and Hyatt, Ben brings unparalleled expertise to the world of points and miles. His dedication to maximizing benefits and finding exclusive deals has made him a respected figure in the travel community. As a sought-after speaker and avid contributor across various platforms, Ben is committed to sharing his insights and helping others achieve their travel goals.

  • Top-tier status with American Airlines and Hyatt

  • Recognized speaker at industry events

Travel Expert and Industry Contributor

Featured on Inside Edition and NerdWallet

Discover Ben Komenkul's extensive contributions to the travel industry. As a respected contributor to numerous travel blogs and personal finance platforms, including Deal Mommy, Boarding Area, Dads who fly Solo, and Bald Thoughts, Ben's insights have reached a wide audience. Recognized as one of the top 150 travel experts, he also moderates several online travel communities, including FBZ Elite. Recently chosen as a speaker at Frequent Traveler University, Ben continues to share his expertise and passion for travel with audiences worldwide.

Unlocking the World of Travel Since 2017

Ben’s Big Deal: Your Ultimate Travel Companion

Experience the evolution of Ben’s Big Deal—an innovative platform curated by travel expert Ben Komenkul. Established in 2017, Ben’s Big Deal offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-scale travel concierge services, personalized credit sequencing improvement advice, a Hotel Master Class, credit card sequencing, and points and miles coaching. With over 12 years of business travel experience and a degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California, Ben brings unparalleled expertise to every aspect of your travel journey. From corporate travel advice to expense management and leveraging credit card loyalty programs, Ben ensures you can fly for pennies and enjoy luxurious stays worldwide.

Countries Ben has Visited with His Family

Embark on Exciting Adventures Across the Globe

  • Bahamas

  • Israel

  • Portugal

  • Vietnam

  • Canada

  • Italy

  • Spain

  • France

  • Japan

  • Switzerland

  • China

  • Mexico

  • Thailand

BBD's Best Credit Cards

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Best Credit Card for Beginners (No Annual Fee)

If you’re new to earning and redeeming travel points, start with a great travel card that offers:

A generous welcome bonus

Primary rental car protection

Better earnings for daily spending than cashback cards

Superior purchase protection

No foreign transaction fees

Trip delay protection

Best Credit Card for Small Business

My biggest mistake was not realizing how valuable business credit cards are for travel goals.

Any small business can qualify, including selling on Facebook Marketplace, driving for Uber, or any non-W-2 income.

Business cards have higher initial spend thresholds but offer great welcome bonuses and lucrative points-earning categories. Let me show you my favorite cards.

Best Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access

Tired of paying $7 for water at the airport or want a free meal before your flight?

As a business traveler, lounge access has saved me thousands on airport food and drinks. The right premium credit card can feed you and your kids for free, significantly lowering your travel costs. I save at least $100 every time my family and I use a lounge. Let me share my favorite cards with you.

Best No Annual Fee Credit Card

Not all travel credit cards require an annual fee.

This starter card lets you earn points for Hyatt, Marriott, IHG Hotels, United, and Southwest Airlines. It also offers primary rental car protection, no foreign transaction fees, travel delay protection, business class flights, and rent payments with no fee.

Best Airline Credit Cards

Some of my favorite airlines offer co-branded credit cards with elite perks like:

Free checked bags

More discounted award seats

Free companion tickets

Airport lounge access

These cards are best for frequent travelers or a specific airline strategy. I recommend collecting transferable points from bank or loyalty programs first. If you have a specific airline goal, these cards offer great perks.

Best Credit Card for Beginners (No Annual Fee)

I love earning extra points with hotel co-branded credit cards. Their perks include:

Free night certificates for renewing the card

Elite night credits for status

Automatic elite status

Extra points

Before applying, consider flexible bank programs.

Bens Featured Articles

Find out what Ben can do for you. To schedule a consultation, call Ben at 213-516-5261.

Your premier destination for unlocking the secrets of travel rewards and maximizing your adventures with expert guidance and exclusive insights.

Contact Information

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Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Sunday Closed

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