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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
'This is a marathon, not a sprint': TPG's Gen Z staff members share credit card tips
Featured image by PANUWAT DANGSUNGNOEN/GETTY IMAGES
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
October 22, 2025 • 8 min read
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Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
The article shares first-person stories from Gen Z staff at TPG about starting their journeys with points and miles for travel.
Contributors describe overcoming initial confusion or intimidation by learning how rewards programs can make travel more affordable.
Advice includes starting with clear travel goals, being patient, and focusing on practical redemptions that fit your needs.
The article highlights the value of researching transfer partners and using award search tools to maximize rewards.
What to consider
Beginner travelers are encouraged to start with cards or programs that align with their travel habits and preferences.
Patience is emphasized, as building a significant points and miles balance takes time and experience.
Flexibility in travel dates and destinations can increase redemption opportunities and overall value.
What you'll miss from the article
Personal tips and real-world strategies from Gen Z travelers on how to efficiently start and grow your points and miles journey.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Generation Z, listen up: If you're a frequent traveler and haven't yet entered the world of points and miles, you're missing out.
Collecting points and miles doesn't have to be complicated, expensive or confusing. Take it from me, a Gen Zer myself, who was initially intimidated by everything other than my cash-back cards. With some research and education, I learned how to maximize points and miles fairly quickly.
Now, my rewards cards are paramount to my travel style.
Here at TPG, many of my fellow Gen Z colleagues have their own unique perspectives on award travel. Let's get to know the staff, how they started their points and miles journeys and the advice they have to share.
Gabrielle Bernardini
Role: Senior points and miles editor (Gen Z by association for her love of TikTok)
I wanted to book an aspirational (aka out of my budget) ski trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I began looking into ways to cut cash costs and opened my first travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, to earn a welcome bonus to book my flight and accommodations.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, during Christmastime. OLIVIA MITTAK/THE POINTS GUY
How did you start your points and miles journey?
I started digging into personal finance during the COVID-19 pandemic while I was stuck at home. I sort of knew about the American Express Platinum Card® already from a little research I'd done in high school, but I didn't know much about the world of points and miles until I discovered a video from a channel called "Yellow Productions" about credit cards that earn them.
I was so fascinated by the idea of "traveling for free," so to speak, since I'd always been discouraged by the significant cost of international plane tickets and hotels. My first credit card was the Petal 2.My second card was my first true foray into points and miles: the Chase Freedom Flex® (see ).
The information for the Petal 2 credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Advice for an award travel beginner
Remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. A lot of seasoned credit card enthusiasts have a lot of cards and thousands or even hundreds of thousands of points and miles. They all spent years getting to that point, so don't get discouraged if all you're able to qualify for right now is a beginner card or a card that doesn't earn transferable rewards. Patience is key!
I started my points and miles journey when I was going to Singapore on what was then the world's longest flight. I had to walk past business class to my economy seat. That was my eye-opening moment, and I immediately started researching how I can fly up front without being rich.
Advice for an award travel beginner
Don't always look for the big, luxurious redemptions. Look at redemptions that work for you, can save you money and are practical. Additionally, don't think you have to save up all your points and miles for one big redemption. Instead, consider smaller, miniature redemptions.
I grew up in a family where credit cards were only used for emergencies, so my interest was piqued when I joined the TPG team. I learned how, without spending any differently, I could earn rewards to travel for free.
Advice for an award travel beginner
I am going to give a couple of tips:
Get a card that best fits what you are trying to achieve, then look at the best card for earning those points or miles. If you value a better hotel over a flight, focus on the cards that have good hotel partners or maybe even a specific cobranded card, if you are already loyal to one brand. If you want a better travel experience, look for cards that offer TSA PreCheck, lounge access or free checked bags.
If you rent, get the Bilt Mastercard®*. It's too good a program, and there's too much money spent on rent each month not to take advantage of the Bilt Rewards program.
On redemptions, start small. It is great if you can make the best redemption on your first try, but sometimes, it's unreasonable to wait until the most opportune time.
When you do have the flexibility to wait, pick multiple destinations and multiple time frames that you are interested in. Keep your search wide versus narrowing it down. There will be vastly more options out there.
*TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
The information for the Bilt Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
While I've always enjoyed traveling and being on the go, I was initially a big fan of cash-back cards. They're simple, and I was too busy in my early 20s to take the time to really learn about points and miles. However, once I educated myself on how much value I could get from carrying travel credit cards — especially those that earn transferable rewards — I was absolutely hooked.
Advice for an award travel beginner
If you're going to collect points and miles, take some time to learn the best ways to redeem them. Research transfer partners and use award search tools, such as Seats.aero, to make the process that much easier. Once you make your first few redemptions, you'll realize it's not that complex to maximize your rewards after all.
Once I dove into award travel, I realized creating a points and miles strategy can be as easy as daydreaming about my next trip. Even when I was new to the world of credit cards, there were still many ways to get started.
I advise taking it slow and considering what matters most to you when you travel. With these tips in mind, you'll be jet-setting in no time.
