Should I Maximize Rewards at the Expense of Convenience?
TPG reader Aaron sent me a message on Facebook to ask about how to prioritize earning rewards:
"To what extent would you try to maximize rewards even if it means sacrificing some comfort or convenience in your travel arrangements?"
You have to earn travel rewards before you can spend them, and learning to maximize the points and miles you get from flights, hotel stays and other purchases is an important step. When all else is equal, I go for the airline or hotel that offers me the best return on my spending. However, Aaron brings up a great question: Where do you draw the line for maximizing rewards when your options aren't equal?
Personally, the answer depends on a number of factors like who I'm traveling with, where I'm going and why. I know the incredible value I can get out of points and miles, so I welcome opportunities to earn them quickly — as the saying goes, you can't win if you don't play. I have certainly chosen flights and hotels based on which ones offered the best rewards, and there are a few scenarios where I'm more willing than normal to make sacrifices for the sake of my future travels.
The first is if I need elite credits to earn or maintain upper-tier status. I travel a lot, and having status like AAdvantage Executive Platinum or Starwood Platinum really improves my experience. I've gone on mileage runs and mattress runs to lock down premium benefits; if I can do it by simply flying or staying a little out of my way, it's a no-brainer.
The second scenario is when there's a particularly juicy promotion or bonus. For example, the current Marriott Megabonus offers a free night at a Category 1-5 property after two paid stays. That could entice me to stay with Marriott this spring even if I was already planning to stay elsewhere.
On the other hand, I tend to earn just as much (or more) from credit card sign-up bonuses and spending as I do from actual flights and hotel stays. There's less pressure to maximize my rewards from travel when I can accumulate them quickly in other ways. On a similar note, I don't go too far out of my way to redeem rewards and travel benefits. For example, as much as I love the Amex Centurion Lounges, I probably wouldn't schedule a layover just to hang out there.
Ultimately, you have to decide what makes sense for your situation. If you don't mind checking into a different hotel every few nights to maximize a promotion, then more power to you. Just remember that your time is valuable, and earning extra rewards for the future doesn't do you much good if you can't enjoy the present.
If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
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- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees