Points & Miles
The Beginning’s Guide to Earning Points and Mile
Travel is not always cheap and I will be honest, even $50 a day can add up fast in amazing places like Italy, Portugal, or Vietnam.
Since I started traveling full-time nine years ago, travel credit cards have been my secret weapon. They’ve helped me snag round-trip flights, score upgrades to business class, and stay in some of the world’s most amazing hotels all without completely breaking the bank. With so many travel credit cards out there, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which one actually works for you. On top of that, you have to consider things like annual fees, rewards programs, and how to get the most points from your everyday purchases. Do not worry I have done the research, and I am here to make it simple.
Emirates Business Class Lounge
Establish Your Travel Goals
Before you start collecting points, think about what you actually want to do with them. Do you dream of flying business class in luxury, or would you rather take two budget-friendly trips in coach? Having a clear goal makes it easier to stay focused, plan your strategy, and use your points in a way that helps you achieve exactly what you set out to do.
Helpful Tip:
If you are serious about travel, I can recommend How to Win at Travel by Brian Kelly, the founder of The Points Guy, enough. This book has taught me pretty much everything I know about traveling smarter from maximizing airline and credit card points to planning unforgettable itineraries. It is a must read for anyone looking to make the most of their trips without breaking the bank.
Sign Up for Airline Loyalty Programs
One of the simplest ways to start earning rewards for your travel is by signing up for airline loyalty programs. Even if you do not fly often, creating accounts with the airlines you use most can rack up points over time, especially when combined with credit card rewards or partner airlines. Loyalty programs also often come with perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to exclusive promotions small benefits that can make a big difference in your travel experience. The key is to stay consistent, track your points, and use them strategically to get the most value out of every flight.
Choose the Right Credit Card
When it comes to travel rewards, choosing the right credit card can make a huge difference. The best card for you really depends on your travel style, spending habits, and how hands on you want to be with points. Here is a quick breakdown of some of my personal favorites and who they are best for:
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card:
This is one of my top recommendations for beginners. It offers fantastic overall value and flexible points that transfer to leading airline and hotel partners. You can also redeem points easily through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards portal, which makes it simple if you do not want to overthink strategy. It’s a solid, well-rounded card for travelers who want flexibility without complexity.
American Express Gold Card:
If you love dining out or consider yourself a foodie, this card is a standout. You will earn 4X points at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets, plus 3X on flights. It also comes with Uber and dining credits, which can really add up. It is a great everyday card that rewards you for spending in categories most of us already use.
Chase Freedom Unlimited:
If you prefer something straightforward, this is an easy cash-back option. You will earn 3% back on dining and drugstores and 1.5% on everything else. It is simple, practical, and pairs especially well with other Chase cards if you want to maximize rewards later.
Chase Sapphire Reserve:
For frequent travelers, this one is a powerhouse. With Priority Pass lounge access, a $300 annual travel credit, and additional travel perks, it is designed for those who are constantly on the go. The annual fee is higher, but if you take full advantage of the benefits, the value can easily outweigh the cost.
At the end of the day, the “best” card is the one that fits your lifestyle. Think about how often you travel, what you spend the most on, and how involved you want to be in maximizing points. Once you find the right match, your everyday spending can start working toward your next adventure.
Earn Points on Everyday Purchases
One of the easiest ways to rack up points? Use your travel credit card for everything. Groceries, gas, flights, coffee runs it all adds up. As long as you pay your balance off in full each month (this is key!), you can earn valuable rewards without paying a cent in interest.
Here is one of my favorite strategies: double-dip whenever possible. Many airline and hotel programs have shopping and dining portals that reward you with extra points just for clicking through their links before making a purchase. On top of that, you’ll still earn your regular credit card rewards for every dollar spent.
A lot of major airline and hotel loyalty programs also offer dining programs where you can register your credit card and automatically earn bonus miles at participating restaurants. It’s one of those small, effortless habits that can seriously boost your points balance over time.
Earn Extra Points with Online Shopping
Before you head straight to Amazon or your favorite online store, take a quick detour through an airline or hotel shopping portal. It only takes a minute, and it can earn you serious bonus points.
When you click through one of these mileage portals before making a purchase, you will earn points or miles for every dollar spent.
The best part? You are still shopping on the exact same website you would have used anyway. The only difference is that by accessing it through the portal, you unlock extra rewards on top of the points you will earn from paying with your credit card.
Many credit card issuers also have their own shopping portals where you can earn valuable transferable points. In this case, you will need to log into your account, click through the retailer from the portal, and pay with an eligible card linked to that issuer.
For example, if you log into your Chase account and shop through their portal offering 4x points at Bloomingdale’s, you’ll earn those bonus Ultimate Rewards points plus the regular rewards your card gives you on purchases. It’s one of the easiest ways to stack rewards without spending an extra dollar.
How to Redeem Travel Points
Earning points is exciting but redeeming them wisely is where the real magic happens. Accumulating points is only half the journey. Knowing how to use them strategically is what turns everyday spending into unforgettable trips.
Before you book anything, take a little time to understand the rewards program you are using. Every program works a bit differently, and everyone has different travel goals. But at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: getting the absolute most value out of our points and miles.
One simple trick I always use is calculating the value of my points before redeeming them. Just divide the cash price of a flight or hotel by the number of points required. The higher the value per point, the better the redemption. It is a quick way to make sure you are getting a good deal instead of wasting hard-earned rewards.
As a general rule, I avoid redeeming points for cash back. You will almost always get more value by transferring your points to airline or hotel partners and booking directly. And if you are using certain premium travel cards, you may even get boosted value when booking through their travel portal. A little strategy goes a long way and that’s how you turn points into premium experiences.