6 Steps to Get Started With Points and Miles [2024]
So you want to get started in the world of points & miles so you can start redeeming them for some free travel…but where do you start?
Navigating different rewards programs and redemption strategies can be complicated, but if you devote a little time and effort — you can wind up with the sort of points that will give you vacations you couldn’t have even imagined before. You can travel more often, more comfortably, for less money than before.
Table of Contents
1. Choose The Right Rewards Credit Card
Selecting the right rewards card is pivotal as you get started in the world of points and miles. I hear far too often that people have sworn off travel rewards after signing up for a certain card, only to find out those points wouldn’t be especially helpful when planning their dream trip.
Getting the right card, that earns the right points, to help get you where you want to go is half the battle.
When starting out, I highly recommend focusing your efforts on earning flexible points like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards points, as both options can be used with a wide variety of airline and hotel groups — meaning the points can get you just about anywhere in the world!
Not sure which credit card is right for you? Then request a free card consultation and I’ll match you with a card best suited for your travel goals and spending habits.
2. Use Your New Card for All of Your Expenses
Now that you’ve got your new card, you’ll want to use it as often as you can (especially on purchases that fall within its bonus categories) so that you can watch the points pile up towards your next trip. Be sure you’re just using it for purchases you were planning to make anyway, and avoid overspending just for the sake of points.
You should also be paying your card off in full each and every month. Contrary to popular belief, there are ZERO advantages to leaving a balance (even a small one) on your card each month. Any interest that you pay just takes away from the value you’re earning in points.
3. Sign Up for Every Airline and Hotel Loyalty Program You Use
Put simply, if you’re flying with any airline, or staying with any hotel group, you should 100% be signed up for their loyalty program.
If you neglect to sign up for a loyalty account you’ll lose out on both any points you could have earned for the trip, plus any credit you might have earned towards the program’s elite status. All loyalty programs are 100% free to join, so there is no reason not to sign up and start earning rewards!
4. Use Shopping Portals and Dining Programs
Shopping portals and dining programs allow you to earn extra points for products you were already planning to buy, and at restaurants you were already planning to dine with. Better yet, these points come in addition to the points you’ll earn when paying with your rewards card.
Once again, both shopping portals and dining programs are completely free to use so there is no reason not to do so. Currently, there are 14 different travel-related shopping portals and 10 dining programs to choose from.
5. Register for Promotions
Airlines, hotels, rental car companies, etc., regularly run promotions that can say you money, or earn you more points, on each purchase. Always be on the lookout for promotions and make sure to register for each that you qualify for — even if you have no plans to use it. Sometimes plans change, for better or worse, so you never know when a promotion might come in handy!
6. Keep Track of Your Miles and Points Balances
Once you start earning points and miles with a handful of different programs it can be difficult to keep tabs on each one. Use a service like Award Wallet that will store all of your point balances in one easy-to-use interface so you never forget about the points you have with any given program.
Final Thoughts
If there is one thing to take away here, it is that you should take every opportunity to earn as many points as possible if your want to earn free travel. From rewards credit cards, to loyalty programs, to shopping portals, your goal should be to never pass up on the chance to earn some points or miles. Day after day, month after month, these extra points can add up to huge travel savings!
