Traveling on a budget has never been easier or more accessible. Thanks to the sharing economy, opportunities to work or volunteer abroad, and the hunt for cheap flights, travel is affordable even with the price hikes due to the pandemic. But there’s a secret weapon to make your travel even cheaper: points and miles.
I’ve been using this strategy for years, and it’s earned me countless free flights and hotel stays. If you’re not doing it, you’re missing out on saving a lot of money on your travels!
So, what are points and miles? They’re rewards you earn by signing up for travel credit cards and collecting credit card points, hotel points, or airline miles. You can then redeem these for free flights, hotel stays, transportation, and more.
It might seem overwhelming at first with all the different programs and credit cards out there. But don’t worry, it’s simpler than it looks. By adjusting how you pay for everyday things like groceries, gas, and dining out, you can start earning points and miles towards free travel today.
Here’s a basic guide to get you started:
Step 1: Define your goals
What do you want to achieve with your points and miles? Are you saving for a big family trip, or do you just want the occasional free flight or hotel stay? Maybe you’re after a first-class upgrade, or you’re a frequent flyer who wants perks like lounge access and free upgrades. There’s no wrong answer, so take some time to think about it. Your goals will help you choose the right cards and spending strategies.
Step 2: Get a travel credit card
Once you know your goals, you can start looking for a credit card. Remember, you can’t collect points and miles without one. While many cards are free, the best ones usually have an annual fee. Make sure you’re getting more value from the card than the fee.
Step 3: Earn the welcome bonus
Most cards offer a welcome bonus if you spend a certain amount within the first few months. These bonuses can be huge, often equal to the cost of a round-trip flight. Make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement to earn the bonus.
Step 4: Maximize your category spending
Most travel credit cards offer category bonuses. That means you might get 2, 3, or even 10 points for every dollar you spend in certain categories. To maximize your points, always use the right card for each purchase.
Step 5: Redeem your points and miles
Now it’s time to cash in your points and make your travel dreams come true! Depending on your spending and financial situation, you might have saved up enough in just a few months, or it might have taken you a couple of years. Either way, it’s time to reap the rewards!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-Americans collect points and miles?
Yes! While the US has the best travel cards, many other countries have similar cards too, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and most of Europe.
Do I need to pay off my bill every month if I want to do this?
Yes. Credit cards charge huge interest fees, which will eat up whatever small benefit you get from the points.
Can you collect miles even if you have bad credit?
Yes! You’ll likely need to start slow, with a card that doesn’t have amazing perks. However, over time, you can build your credit up as long as you’re paying off your bill every month.
Does opening a new card hurt my credit rating?
Opening or closing a lot of credit cards at once can hurt your credit. However, applying for a few credit cards over a period of time won’t ruin your score.
Collecting points and miles might seem intimidating, but it’s really just about being smart with your spending. Get a card, earn the welcome offer, maximize your points, and then do it all over again! Eventually, you’ll reach your goal and get to enjoy some awesome travel perks!
