While we are recommending the use of points for travel, we certainly don’t claim to be experts. We have been happy using an Airline branded credit card, but after readding and learning more, we thought we would try a card with transferable points. With each of there is a fee that we rationalize, but added the beneftis.
We have been spoiled (usually) by the airport lounges, especially during a long layover. They have some drawbacks – un-thethered kids running around, speaker-phone conversations – but it’s more comfortable and so easy to rationalize when you compare the cost of food.
Some of the lounges have better food than others, but we are willing to suffer through whatever is offered. Actually most of it is fine. And after a few of the free beverages, everything is just hunky-dory.
And speaking of points, some do emphasize the point that many people are not really loyal flyers. In fact, you never have to set a foot in a plane to earn points.
Enjoy these suggestions for trying the points game.
1. Start With ONE Beginner Travel Card
Choose a card with:
- No foreign transaction fees
- A strong sign‑up bonus
- Simple earning categories
- Free checked luggage (this is HUGE for travelers who always connect)
Why free luggage matters:
If you pay $35–$50 per checked bag each direction, and you fly even twice a year, that’s $140–$200 saved. Most annual fees are $95–$150. The luggage benefit alone can outweigh the fee.
And if you always connect through a major airport, checked luggage is almost unavoidable — so the benefit becomes even more valuable.
⭐ 2. Earn Points Without Flying
You earn points from everyday life:
- Groceries
- Prescriptions
- Gas
- Streaming services
- Utility bills
- Cell phone bills
- Dining
- Online shopping
If you put your normal spending on the card, you’ll earn enough points for:
- A domestic flight every year
- Or a big chunk of an international flight
- Or a hotel night in Italy
No extra spending required.
⭐ 3. Use Airline Shopping Portals
This is the secret most travelers never learn.
You earn extra miles by shopping through:
- American Airlines eShopping
- United MileagePlus Shopping
- Delta SkyMiles Shopping
- Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping
You buy the same things you already buy — but earn miles on top.
Examples:
- Macy’s
- Kohl’s
- Walgreens
- Sephora
- Home Depot
- Best Buy
- Etsy
- Chewy
- Apple
- Target (through partner stores)
This can earn thousands of miles per year without flying.
⭐ 4. Use Dining Rewards Programs
Link your card once. Eat normally. Earn miles automatically.
Programs include:
- AAdvantage Dining
- MileagePlus Dining
- SkyMiles Dining
- Alaska Mileage Dining
⭐ 5. Stack Bonuses
You can earn:
- Points from your credit card
- Miles from the airline portal
- Cashback from Rakuten (or convert Rakuten cashback into Amex points)
Stacking = faster earning.
⭐ 6. Use Your Card’s Travel Portal
Many cards offer:
- Bonus points for booking flights
- Bonus points for booking hotels
- Bonus points for rental cars
- Bonus points for tours
This can double or triple your earning.
⭐ 7. Redeem Points Wisely
Best redemptions:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Upgrades
- Lounge access
- Travel credits
Worst redemptions:
- Gift cards
- Merchandise
- “Cash back” conversions
- Statement credits
⭐ 8. Protect Your Spoons With Points
Use points to reduce fatigue:
- Nonstop flights
- Better flight times
- Airport lounges
- Hotels near transit
- Accessible rooms
- Upgrades for mobility comfort
Points aren’t just money — they’re energy protection.
⭐ 9. Track Your Points
Use:
- A simple notebook
- A spreadsheet
- A notes app
- A free points tracker website
You don’t need anything fancy.
⭐ 10. Don’t Chase Every Program
Pick:
- ONE airline
- ONE hotel chain
- ONE credit card
Consistency earns faster.
⭐11. Follow point experts and subscribe to Newsletters
These are just a few and this is not an endorsement.. Do a search and find one that you like.
- The Points Guy
- Thrifty Traveler
- MilesTalk
- PointsYeah