David Do, a 33-year-old social worker from Florida, has traveled to 33 countries since 2017 using over 1 million credit card points he has accumulated. Do earns $78,000 a year working remotely for a group of primary physicians’ offices. Do keeps track of his 30 credit cards by memory, making mental notes of when annual fees or statements are due.
He said, “I just go by memory and make a mental note of when the annual fee or credit card statement is due.”
Do’s parents, who were Vietnamese refugees, taught him the importance of saving and living frugally. This allowed him to graduate from the University of Central Florida in 2015 with a degree in psychology and only $10,000 in student debt. After a personal tragedy, Do moved back home to West Palm Beach and decided to pursue a master’s degree in social work.
He graduated in 2019 with $40,000 in student loan debt, which he paid off aggressively by early 2020. He then purchased a two-bedroom townhouse in Riviera Beach, Florida, with a $182,000 mortgage and a 3% down payment. Strategically use different credit cards to maximize rewards.
David’s travel with credit card points
He uses a Discover card that offers 5% cash back on dining and a Capital One travel card for plane tickets. In March 2025, his spending included $1,875 on housing and utilities, $950 invested in his 401(k), and various other expenses.
Despite his significant points accumulation, Do remains practical with his spending. He typically flies economy to stretch his points further. “I could redeem for business class, but I can’t sacrifice the points,” he said. Do plans to travel to Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia next.
David Do hopes to achieve financial independence that allows for a more flexible work schedule. With $250,000 already saved in various investment accounts, he is on a path to continue growing his wealth.
My goal right now is to contribute as much as I can to retirement, but also to live a fulfilling life,” Do said. With his flexible job, he is optimistic about balancing both goals.