TPG Readers’ Best Tips for Maximizing Points and Miles
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
TPG reader Adele K. recently asked our TPG Lounge members for some advice about how she could take her points-and-miles game to the next level.
"I get the impression that most people on here travel a lot for work and that’s the secret. What about people who aren’t traveling for work? How do you move beyond just an occasional perk? My family of four travels every month or two — generally on Southwest — and we usually stay in Airbnbs or whatever hotel can offer us a one-bedroom suite for a reasonable price. We have points with Hilton, Marriott, United Airlines and the Chase Sapphire Reserve. What else should we be doing?" — Adele K.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite answers. (Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity).
Take Advantage of Shopping Portals
This isn't the first time our TPG Lounge members have mentioned their love of shopping portals, and it likely won't be the last. Here's how they're using them to make the most of every online purchase when it comes to earning points and miles.
"My husband travels for work a fair amount, but I definitely supplement our points and miles balances with portals. I buy everything from them and it adds up. I earn about 60,000 points per year with them. One helpful tip is to check different stores for the item you want. For example, I was going to buy UGGs from Macy's for five miles per dollar but they also sell them at Saks Fifth Avenue for 20 miles per dollar. That makes a $160 purchase go really far, miles-wise. I also order Target pick-up orders through the portals. Get into a few simple habits and you'll see a measurable balance over time. The hardest part was getting into the habit of going to the portal to link to the shopping site. It's all very straightforward, just takes a minute of entering the store/website name in the search field." — Devi L.
"Cashbackmonitor.com is useful for seeing which portal gives what. I often check that if I know I'll be making a purchase from one of the commonly offered sites, like eBay, eBags or Sak's Fifth Avenue for that Platinum credit. I believe Ebates is the largest, but TopCashBack and BeFrugal are others that I've used as well." — Kevin L.
"Other options for [earning more points through] Southwest Rapid Rewards are Rapid Rewards Shopping and Rapid Rewards Dining, which give you extra points for going through the portal. We bought some desks from Office Depot and got a lot of points for the purchase. Last year, we added nearly 2,000 points for shopping and from the bonuses Southwest offers several times a year." — Joy K.H.
Stick to a Strategy
Several TPG Lounge members wrote in with specific tactics they employ — like using a second cardholder to help make Platinum status and staying loyal to a certain hotel chain — to ensure they score the most points and miles possible every time.
"My Mom is the second cardholder on my Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card so between the two households, we can spend the $40,000 per year to get Diamond status. [The status and card get us] a free weekend night and lots of free breakfasts, among other perks, especially if you can plan a five-night stay to get the fifth night free. It’s at least one good vacation every year for free, which we often take together." — Lara C.
"I am been travel hacking since I was 15 and have over 25 years of experience. I have never had a job that included a lot of travel. Flexible points programs are going to be your most worthwhile place to focus. Start building a good base of Chase Ultimate Rewards, then move on to Amex Membership Rewards and finally Citi ThankYou points. The Blue Business®️ Plus Credit Card from American Express is a true hero card with two MR points per dollar on everything*. It is my main everyday spend card now and the Chase Freedom Unlimited has taken a back seat to it. The Platinum Card® from American Express is good if you get targeted for the 100,000 points [available through the CardMatch Tool. Offer subject to change at anytime]." — Megan H.
"Pick a single hotel chain and stay loyal. Always monitor for deals like double points or certain stay counts for free nights and register them all. There are always other games with credit cards but that one tactic is key." — Jeff B.
*on the first $50,000 spend on purchases per calendar year; then 1x
Spend Money Strategically
When it comes to earning points and miles, having a plan is key. Whether it's automatically billing expenses to certain cards, paying attention to sign-up bonuses or checking airline partner award charts, our TPG Lounge readers have done it all.
"Putting all your spending on The Chase Trifecta [the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited] should give you enough points and miles to get free vacations every year. Add a nice sign-up bonus here and there and get your spouse cards as well and you should have plenty. Put all your bills on cards, use the shopping portals when it makes sense and sign up for mile bonuses through restaurants." — Constantin R.
"Don't forget about 'spent money.' That is, make sure you auto-bill any utilities that don't charge fees, insurance, sports, school stuff, lawn care, car care and other recurring expenses that you are going to spend money on anyway through the cards and get those points." — Jeremy E.
"I rarely travel for work and hit Delta Platinum Medallion last year. Knowing the rules and using them to your advantage is a big part of it — for example, using Delta's partner earning chart can be very useful for SkyTeam flyers when traveling internationally. Also, every little bit counts. Cards with no annual fee or whose benefits more than cover the annual fee can be very useful, then you can use their earning multipliers to make the most of each purchase. Shopping portals can be your friend, especially now that you can earn Amex MR points through Ebates. Of course, credit card sign-up bonuses and referral bonuses can be very helpful as well." — Ross B.
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.