How you can maximize credit cards for a cross-country move
Moving across the country is expensive, but if you’re strategic, it can also be one of the best opportunities to earn a huge stash of points, miles and rewards. Between moving services, travel, furniture, appliances and all the small essentials you need to get settled, your spending can add up fast. On the bright side, this means you can earn significant travel rewards or cash back by charging these purchases to the right credit cards.
By pairing your current cards with one or two new ones offering large welcome bonuses, you can turn what’s usually a costly transition into a points earning powerhouse.
Here’s how to maximize credit card rewards the next time you move.
Related: Moving abroad? Here’s what to do with your credit cards
Maximizing current cards during your move
The first step is knowing which of your existing cards earns the most rewards for each type of spending. Cards like the American Express® Gold Card can offer 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, which is perfect for the takeout meals and grocery runs that tend to spike during a move.
Meanwhile, catchall cards with fixed earning rates are also beneficial, especially for purchases that don’t fit neatly into other bonus categories. For example, flat-rate cards like the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) — which offers 2% cash back on purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay) — and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — which offers 2 miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases — are ideal for general purchases like moving supplies, furniture and appliances. These types of purchases don't fall under common bonus categories, so a card that earns 2 points or miles per dollar spent on any type of purchase ensures you get the most from your spending.
If your move requires hotel stays or flights, make sure you’re putting those expenses on a card that earns bonus points on travel. My Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) was my go-to during my recent move to the West Coast, which included multiple hotel and Airbnb stays. I also used the card’s $50 annual hotel statement credit through Chase Travel℠ to offset part of a hotel stay.
If you’re staying overnight along your route, it’s worth checking whether points and miles can cover some of those costs. I redeemed 8,000 points for a one-night stay in South Dakota during my road trip — not the flashiest redemption, but it saved me from paying $250 out of pocket.
Many cards also offer purchase protection and extended warranties that can be especially helpful when buying big-ticket items like appliances or TVs.
Finally, keep an eye on rotating or limited-time bonus categories. Some cards offer elevated earnings for purchases made at home improvement stores or gas stations or for other large purchases. By choosing the right card for each type of expense, you can make sure every dollar you spend during your move works a little harder for you.
Related: Why the best point redemptions are sometimes the most practical
Maximize rent or mortgage payments — earn points with the Bilt card
Your housing payment (whether rent or a mortgage) is likely your biggest ongoing monthly expense. While the Bilt Mastercard® has paused new applications until February 2026, it’s still worth keeping on your radar if you’re planning a move in the coming year.
Under the current version of the card, renters can earn points on rent with no transaction fees, turning a bill that typically earns nothing into valuable Bilt Rewards Points. These can then be transferred to Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards, World of Hyatt and other popular loyalty programs.
Even more notable: Starting in February 2026, the refreshed Bilt Mastercard 2.0 will allow cardholders to earn points on eligible mortgage payments. That means both renters and homeowners will be able to turn a major monthly bill into ongoing rewards.
Related: Should you pay your rent with Bilt? We crunch the numbers
Using new cards to unlock big welcome bonuses
A cross-country move is one of the best times to go after a lucrative welcome bonus. Large, unavoidable expenses can easily help you meet the minimum spending requirements on new cards. They're often worth hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars.
To make the most of it, be sure to time your applications strategically. If you know you’ll be buying furniture, appliances and decor and booking travel in quick succession, consider staggering new card openings so each set of purchases can fulfill a different welcome offer instead of overlapping on one card.
Related: The best credit card welcome bonuses currently available
How I turned my move into over 200,000 points and miles
When I moved across the country, I used this strategy to my advantage. I put early moving expenses, including hotel stays and gas and furniture purchases, toward earning the 100,000-mile welcome bonus on my United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees). According to TPG’s December 2025 valuations, those miles are worth $1,300.
With that bonus secured, I shifted new purchases to meet the welcome offer on my Venture X card, which is currently offering its best welcome offer since 2021. Between furniture, kitchen appliances, a TV and other essentials, I’m steadily working toward the 100,000-mile bonus. This bonus is worth $1,850 when you transfer your miles to any of Capital One's hotel and airline partners, per TPG's December 2025 valuations. I’d been eyeing this card for a while, and the combination of a strong offer and high spending made now the perfect moment to apply.
By timing my applications and aligning my spending with each card’s requirements, I’ll earn well over 200,000 points and miles from my move alone. I plan to use those rewards for a trip to Europe next spring, turning what could have been a financial hit into a huge travel win.
Related: 15 cards currently offering welcome bonuses of 100,000 points or more
Use shopping portals and stackable offers to supercharge your earnings
One of the most overlooked ways to earn rewards on moving expenses is using airline shopping portals, cash-back portals and targeted card offers.
When purchasing moving-related items like furniture, decor and electronics, check whether you can earn rewards through:
- Airline shopping portals like United MileagePlus Shopping or American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping
- Rakuten, which can earn Bilt Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards points instead of cash back
- Amex Offers, Chase Offers and Citi Merchant Offers, which often include discounts for home improvement stores, furniture retailers, appliance stores and big-box chains
By stacking these offers with your credit card rewards, you can significantly boost your points and miles balances. Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Target, Wayfair and Macy’s regularly appear on portals or offer card-linked deals, making them perfect for moving-related purchases.
Related: Earn points, miles or cash back: How to maximize online shopping portals for your purchases
Tips for organizing your spending
- Track everything: Create a spreadsheet to separate moving-related purchases, and ensure they count toward welcome bonuses.
- Know your categories: Keep an eye on bonus categories like home improvement, general purchases and travel. Using the right card for the right category can maximize your points and miles.
- Keep receipts: Save documentation for all expenses. You may need it to confirm eligibility for welcome offers or for reimbursements.
Related: How to track your progress toward a credit card welcome bonus
Bottom line
With a bit of planning and strategy, your cross-country move can net you a sizable amount of rewards. By combining your existing cards with new cards offering welcome bonuses, you can turn major moving expenses into thousands of points and miles.
Track your spending, plan ahead and take advantage of every opportunity — your next move could pay off in more ways than one.