TPG readers' best advice for someone just starting out with points and miles
We recently asked our TPG Lounge readers to share the best piece of advice they would give to someone who is just getting started with points and miles. Here’s a look at some of our favorite answers. (Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity).
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Do your homework first and don't rush into it
Like anything else in life, it helps to take your time and learn how things work before diving head first into a new thing, especially such a complicated hobby as points and miles.
“Take one hour to figure out which cards will earn you the most points on the stuff you already buy, and armed with that knowledge, apply for a card with the highest sign-up bonus when you're about to make a big purchase — moving, home goods, holiday gift buying or travel, etc. — to ensure you meet the minimum spend without having to spend more money than usual.” — Wallace C.
"Before everything else, check your credit and understand how credit scores work. People sometimes start applying for lots of cards and their scores drop or they don’t understand why they are declined when they have opened six cards in three months and have good credit." — Kim S.
"Keep one point currency until you learn more of the in and outs of this hobby. Focus on maximizing your earnings first. Maximizing your redemptions is a whole other ballgame. The more effort you put into learning this system, the more you will get out of it. Don't expect to master it overnight." — Bao C.N.
Related: The top 6 mistakes every points and miles beginner makes
Have a strategy in mind
Perhaps the most important advice of all is to have a goal for how you want to make the most of your points and miles. That way, you can strategize the most effective way to reach it.
"Where do you want to go? What's the least amount of points you need to get there? Familiarize yourself with transfer partners, alliances and where to book what, then open the credit card that will let you accumulate said points fastest." — Giselle A.P.
"I’d say focus on transferable points and benefits you will use. If you have an airline you have to fly, get their credit card though whichever bank you prefer and always really focus on fees and benefits. Having [a certain] airline card that you fly with a lot can be better than status (unless you are top status) for seat fees, baggage fees and boarding privileges." — Kellie C.
"Start with an end goal in mind. Mine was a premium-cabin flight from Chicago to India next summer (one-way only since I had an American Airlines bump voucher for the return trip). From there, I was able to figure out which airline offered the best product on that route (Lufthansa), how to book (by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United) and set a hard target goal of how many points I needed." — Ethan S.
"Cards and currencies are a whole lot more powerful when used in a system, don't just look at a single card but how it will fit in with your portfolio and strategy. Also, diversify, as one can never have too many options." — Felipe D.L.
"Although there are plenty of great and accurate valuations out there, something is only worth what you are willing to pay for it. If a first-class ticket is $10,000 but you would never ever pay that much for a ticket, then your valuation of the points price is inflated. If you only would ever book economy tickets, do a little math yourself and figure out what your points are usually worth to you. Then base all of your decisions on your own valuation." — Jack G.
"1. Don't do anything until you lurk here for at least a month. 2. Choose your airline alliances and hotel families wisely. Jumping in without fully thinking through your choices can set your journey back a year or more. 3. Know what your employer will allow you to do to earn miles and points. Can you use your personal credit card for business travel, thereby greatly increasing your ability to earn? And, if so, what's the expense reimbursement policy? 4. Ask questions while you're lurking and don't be afraid to challenge assumptions or guidance. Everybody has their own motivations for playing this game, so the more questions you ask, the more likely you'll be able to make the game work best for you. 5. Finally, don't be loyal to a fault. The programs have little to no loyalty to you so don't be afraid to 'date somebody new' for a while." — Mike C.
Related: The ultimate guide to credit card pairings
Always pay off your credit card balance
Several TPG Lounge members reiterated the importance of paying off your credit card balance each month to avoid interest and other unnecessary fees.
"Never ever ever ever leave a balance on your card. Pay it off in full every month, no exceptions." — Evan C.
"I use the “'If the money isn’t in the bank, don’t buy it” approach. If you aren’t using credit cards, you’re leaving money (points) on the table and that’s such a waste. I simply monitor every purchase I make on my card and never have any balance at the end of the month. It’s not a game for the faint of heart or the financially irresponsible, but it’s a game many can play if they want to put the work in." — Kayla J.
Related: The best starter travel rewards cards
Relish in your success
TPG reader Logan W. provided a thoughtful and reflective response, reminding us to treasure the free flights and hotels you earn as you go no matter what it takes to get there.
"Accept that you'll one day wake up, look in the mirror and not recognize yourself anymore. Your days and dollars will be consumed with finding ways to game the system. But that mirror you're looking into is on a plane and that sleep you woke up from was in a first-class suite over the ocean. You paid nothing for the ticket and probably nothing for the five-star hotel you're checking into when you land. Life is sweet." — Logan W.
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.