I’ve been at this points and miles thing for over 20 years — and even started my own site (or blog, at the time, if we’re being honest) less than a year after Brian launched The Points Guy. My main goal when I launched Mommy Points 14 years ago — and in the seven years since joining TPG — was to be a voice for sharing that truly anyone can “win” at points and miles to unlock travel dreams they didn’t even know they could dream.
Yes, we’re going to talk about rewards credit cards, because for the last several decades, this is how everyday folks who aren’t road warriors traveling weekly on company dimes can rack up enough rewards to make a difference.
It’s great if you can maximize your everyday spending with cards that earn multiple points per dollar spent in the categories you use the most (looking at you, American Express® Gold Card, with your 4-points-per-dollar categories). It’s also great if you use shopping portals like Rakuten and rack up miles for all your online purchases. But you don’t have to do any of that.
Even if you just focus on getting a couple of big welcome bonuses a year that are worth $1,000 or more in travel, you’re on the right track. And don’t worry, we’ll be sure to holler when those don’t-miss offers come along — especially in our free daily newsletter.
Pro tip: Once you open a card and earn a big bonus, see if you can refer a partner or travel buddy to do the same and get a referral bonus for your efforts.
No. 2: Learn the basics of using your miles — without studying
No, you don’t have to read 5,000-word guides to maximizing award charts like you needed to back when Brian and I started this fun hobby.
Pro tip: Bookmark and periodically check our guide to transfer bonuses to maximize your points when it is time to book your award.
No. 3: Follow these 10 commandments — plus 1 more ‘rule’
There are 10 commandments of rewards credit cards, and to truly win at all this, you do have to follow them all — the good news is they are easy to follow. Think: Don’t rack up interest (use a low-interest card or good balance transfer offer if you find yourself in that spot), don’t pay annual fees forever on cards you aren’t benefiting from, know what a retention bonus is and when to ask for one, etc.
But my own additional “rule” is to use your points and miles for any trip that sounds great to you and don’t look back. Domestic flights to visit family, trips to Orlando, business-class flights around the world and a bougie oceanfront Hawaiian resort booked on points are all trips I’ve taken, and all were worth every point and mile — regardless of how the “redemption value” math worked out.
Go make memories instead of just staring at big point balances. You can always get another bonus to replenish your account.
My book came out this week, and to say I’m humbled by the response would be an understatement. By the end of the week, it was the #5 book on Amazon, which is just beyond my wildest dreams. Thanks to everyone who purchased it and those who came out to the book tour events. You can still purchase it at your favorite local shop, as an ebook or audio-narrated by me. I’ll be back to penning this weekly soon.
Until then … safe travels.
BK
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