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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.
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How you can maximize credit cards for a cross-country move
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
December 14, 2025 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Quick summary
A cross-country move can be a prime opportunity to accumulate significant travel rewards or cash back by strategically using credit cards.
Pairing your current cards with new ones offering large welcome bonuses can help maximize rewards from moving-related expenses like travel, furniture and appliances.
Selecting the right card for each purchase category—such as travel, supermarkets or general spending—ensures optimal rewards on every dollar spent.
Using shopping portals and stackable offers from airlines or retailers can further boost your points and miles during your move.
What to consider
Carefully track all moving-related purchases to ensure they count toward any welcome bonuses and bonus categories.
Rotating or limited-time bonus categories may offer elevated rewards for purchases at home improvement stores, gas stations or other relevant merchants.
Some cards provide purchase protection and extended warranties, which can be valuable for big-ticket items bought during a move.
What you'll miss from the article
Step-by-step tactics for timing new card applications and stacking offers to maximize rewards from every aspect of your move.
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.
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.
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 (up to $50,000 on purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 on purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), 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.
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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 ) 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 $100 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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 (no longer available) on my United Quest℠ Card. 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. Between furniture, kitchen appliances, a TV and other essentials, I’m steadily working toward the 100,000-mile bonus (no longer available). 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 it 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.
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.
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.
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.
