The beginners guide to airline shopping portals: How to earn bonus points and miles
Editor's Note
Newcomers to the points and miles world often think that the only way to earn loyalty with an airline is by flying frequently or using a cobranded airline credit card.
There are many other ways to earn points and miles, and one of the easiest is through online shopping portals. Shopping portals reward you with points and miles (and status, in some cases) without having to leave your home.
Shopping portals boost your points and miles balance alongside flying and credit card earnings and offer the opportunity to double or even triple dip. While there are shopping portals that offer cash back and hotel points, this article will focus specifically on airline shopping portals.
Related: Airline and hotel dining rewards programs: Which is best for you?
What are online shopping portals?
Online shopping portals allow you to earn bonus points and miles by shopping at various online retailers. These rewards are in addition to the points or miles you would normally earn by paying for the purchase with a rewards credit card.
The points and miles can accumulate whether you’re making small purchases like ordering photos or significant ones like buying a new MacBook Air. One practical example is when ordering everyday necessities such as contacts. American AAdvantage eShopping, for example, is offering 4 miles per dollar spent at 1-800-Contacts.
Say you’re spending $500 a year on contacts. Here’s what you could be earning:
- $500 at 2 miles per dollar spent on everyday spending with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card equals 1,000 Capital One miles (worth $18.50 based on TPG’s July 2024 valuations).
- $500 at 4 miles per dollar spent on 1-800-Contacts through the American Airlines shopping portal equals 2,000 AAdvantage miles (worth $31 based on TPG’s valuations), which also count as Loyalty Points to help you reach your next status tier.
Now, you’ve racked up 3,000 miles by saving time and preordering your contacts.
How to use airline shopping portals
Here’s how to optimize your purchases through these portals to maximize your earnings.
Step 1: Pick an airline
All major airlines have shopping portals available, so choosing an airline you frequently fly with is important. You can refer to our latest valuations for the most valuable airline miles. Also, as mentioned, American AAdvantage eShopping purchases earn status-qualifying Loyalty Points, as well as redeemable miles.
Most carriers only credit redeemable points or miles for shopping portal purchases, so you might want to go with American to earn AAdvantage elite status.
Here are some of the more popular airline shopping portals:
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Shopping: Earn bonus miles at over 1,100 retailers.
- American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping: Earn bonus miles at over 1,200 sites.
- British Airways Avios eStore: Earn bonus Avios with over 1,100 brands.
- Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Shopping: Earn bonus miles at over 1,000 stores.
- JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping: Earn bonus points at 900-plus stores, and shop inflight for bonus points at Amazon.
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Shopping: Earn bonus points at more than 1,100 retailers.
- United Airlines MileagePlus Shopping: Earn bonus miles at over 1,100 stores.
Step 2: Sign up for the airline’s loyalty program
Before earning points or miles, you must have an account with your chosen airline. Setting up an account is a straightforward and crucial step in the process. Once you do that, you can then log into the shopping portal with your loyalty account credentials.
Step 3: Shop through the link
To earn points or miles on a purchase, start at your preferred portal and search for the merchant where you want to shop.
Clicking on a merchant's name will take you to its page within the shopping portal, where you can see more details about the rewards offered (they change frequently) and any discounts available. Then click "Shop now" to head to the merchant's site and make your purchase.
Step 4: Download the browser extension (if you want)
Shopping portal extensions are browser add-ons or plug-ins that allow users to easily activate rewards while shopping online. By downloading the plug-in, you will be notified with a pop-up if a site you’re shopping on offers points or miles. All you have to do is click “Activate.”
These extensions often provide a more seamless shopping experience, allowing users to take advantage of bonus offers and earn rewards while making online purchases without having to visit the shopping portal first.
Whether you use an extension or go directly through the portal, it can take several weeks for the points or miles to be credited to your frequent flyer account, depending on the portal.
Tips and reminders
Here are some important things to remember when using shopping portals:
- If using a plug-in, activate the points or miles when prompted to ensure you don’t miss out on earning them.
- When going through a shopping portal site, click the provided link and purchase on the opened page. Avoid navigating away and returning later, as it may deactivate the bonus.
- Enable cookies in your browser for the retailer’s site. This will allow the portal to track your purchases and award bonuses accordingly.
- Only use promotions or promo codes found on the portal, as using others may make the purchase ineligible for bonus points or miles.
- Consider using a shopping portal aggregator like Cashback Monitor to compare earning rates across different portals. This lets you quickly determine which portal offers the best return for the specific merchant you are shopping with.
These tips can help maximize your rewards and ensure a smooth shopping experience through shopping portals.
Bottom line
Online shopping portals are an easy way for all types of travelers and online shoppers to increase their points and miles. You can start earning bonus rewards without needing credit card approval. If you have a travel rewards credit card, it’s a perfect chance to double dip and maximize your rewards.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.