I use Evreward and Rakuten to earn extra rewards when shopping online. Just this week, Saks Fifth Avenue was offering 11 points per dollar spent through Rakuten (which I get back as American Express Membership Rewards points), and because I paid with my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, I also earned 2 miles per dollar spent.
I use my Capital One Venture X for all major spending because it earns 2 miles per dollar on everything and offers purchase protection and extended warranties. The card also has a great perk — lounge access. I can’t wait for more Capital One lounges to open; the ones that are already open are gorgeous, not crowded, and kind of everything I think a credit card lounge should be.
I’d love to see Capital One add more transfer bonuses and transfer partners, but overall, it’s a great program. The current welcome offer from the Venture X is 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
If you want a card with a lower annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option that still gives you the ability to earn 2 miles per dollar on purchases, making it a great card for transferable points and travel rewards.
How I earn 4 points per dollar
This time of year, I like to entertain family and friends, so for all of my grocery shopping and holiday meal prep, my Amex Gold Card is my go-to card because I earn 4 points per dollar on any U.S. supermarket purchases*. Don’t like to cook at home? You’ll also earn 4 points per dollar for dining out.
The current Amex Gold welcome offer is 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first six months of card membership. According to TPG’s latest valuations, that offer is worth $1,200.
Bilt has Rent Day rewards on the first of every month, which means double points, so you’ll earn 6 points per dollar spent on dining, 4 points per dollar spent on travel and 2 points per dollar spent on other purchases (excluding rent payments). So, I usually wait until the first of the month to book a few upcoming trips using my no-annual-fee Bilt Mastercard. (Full disclosure: I am a Bilt adviser and investor.)
I hope these tips help you maximize your points and miles earnings over the upcoming holiday season.
Have a great weekend,
BK
* U.S. supermarket purchases earn 4 points per dollar on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point per dollar.
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