Traveling can be an expensive endeavor, but with the right strategies, you can significantly offset your costs through travel rewards. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, earning travel rewards can make your trips more affordable and enjoyable. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to maximize your travel rewards and make the most of your credit card purchases.

How to Earn Travel Rewards

There are multiple ways to earn travel rewards that you can use to redeem for your next trip. One of the most popular methods is to use a rewards credit card. When you combine the use of your card with other strategies, you’ll earn rewards even faster. Here’s how:

1. Earn With a Rewards Credit Card

Using a travel rewards credit card is a simple and effective way to earn rewards on purchases you’d make anyway. Here’s how they work:

• For every purchase you make with your card, you earn a specific number of points or miles you can cash in to pay for travel expenses.
• Different cards have different reward structures, and many offer bonus points or miles for certain types of purchases, such as dining out or groceries.
• Many cards also offer welcome bonuses that allow you to rack up tens of thousands of points or miles when you meet a minimum spending requirement within a few months of opening the card.

Travel cards can be used to earn airline, hotel, and general travel rewards. As you’d expect, airline miles offered by airline-specific travel cards can be redeemed for flights, but you may also be able to redeem them for hotel stays, cruises, spa packages, and other experiences, as well as gift cards and merchandise. However, you usually get the most bang for your buck when you cash them in to cover airfare. The same is true for hotel points earned using hotel loyalty credit cards. Points earned from general travel rewards cards may offer more value across brands because they’re not linked to a specific provider.

While a travel credit card is a quick and easy way to earn travel rewards, it’s only worth it if you use the card wisely. Consider using it only for purchases you’d make anyway and can pay off each month. By paying your balance in full and on time, you’ll avoid late fees and interest that can wipe out the value of the points you earned. Making on-time payments is also a key component to maintaining a good credit score.

2. Earn With Shopping Portals

Some airlines, hotel chains, and credit card issuers have shopping portals that work like an online mall with links to major retailers. Shopping through an online portal is an easy way to boost your rewards. When you make a purchase through one, you earn points or miles on eligible purchases―on top of the rewards you earn for using your credit card to pay.

When you make a purchase using the retailer’s link in a shopping portal, your account will be credited with the points or miles you earned.

3. Earn by Flying or Staying at a Hotel

You can earn travel rewards even if you don’t have a rewards credit card by signing up for airline and hotel rewards programs. Once you’re a member, you’ll earn miles or points on eligible flights or hotel stays. Plus, you’ll receive notifications about promotions that may allow you to earn bonus rewards.

Want to boost your rewards even more? Use a hotel or airline rewards credit card to pay for your flights or hotel stays. You’ll often earn more for every dollar you spend with the brand than you will on other purchases. It’s an easy and effective way to grow your rewards balance quickly.

FAQs

Miles vs. Points: What’s the Difference?

Miles and points are both types of travel rewards, but they are typically associated with different types of programs. Miles are usually earned through airline loyalty programs and can be redeemed for flights, while points are often earned through hotel loyalty programs and can be redeemed for hotel stays. Some general travel rewards credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for a variety of travel expenses, including flights, hotel stays, and more.

How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

Choosing the best travel credit card depends on your travel habits and preferences. Consider factors such as the types of rewards offered, the value of the rewards, the annual fee, and any additional perks or benefits. It’s also important to consider the card’s interest rate and any fees associated with it. Compare different cards to find the one that best suits your needs.

How to Redeem Travel Rewards

Redeeming travel rewards varies depending on the program and the type of rewards you’ve earned. Generally, you can redeem your rewards through the program’s website or app. Some programs allow you to transfer your rewards to other loyalty programs, while others offer a variety of redemption options, including flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Be sure to read the program’s terms and conditions to understand how to maximize the value of your rewards.

The Bottom Line

One of the quickest ways to earn travel rewards is by using a credit card to make purchases you’d already be making. Combining the use of your card with other strategies allows you to maximize your rewards opportunities. You can keep track of how your credit card usage is affecting your credit score by requesting your FICO® Score for free from Experian.

At O1ne Mortgage, we understand the importance of making the most of your financial decisions. If you’re looking for expert advice on mortgages and financial planning, don’t hesitate to call us at 213-732-3074. Our team of experienced loan officers is here to help you navigate the complexities of mortgage services and find the best solutions for your needs.