You could be earning travel points even while not traveling.
Most of us are missing out. The myths around what amount of travel it takes to earn enough points rob the average wanderer from saving on “someday” trips and decadent upgrades. “I don’t travel enough to earn any of that” is the understandable and erroneous response from most people who haven’t embraced the points hustle. The secret is that most of the travel hackers on your social feeds–the ones that make you both want to follow them forever and also hurl your device across the room–earn almost all of their travel rewards doing anything but traveling.
You can too. Whether you have a credit card with a travel company, have any loyalty status, or just go about living your life, your everyday habits will add up to big rewards. Any travel-branded credit cards will earn points for purchases, usually with more earned for a travel purchase. But maybe you don’t use this type of card. Or you do, but you want to earn even more. All you have to do is remember these strategies.
Multiply Points by Shopping Online
If you prefer the comfort of online shopping over brick-and-mortar buys, just a few more clicks will wrack up points on the purchases you are already making. If you have an airline or hotel loyalty program, log in, follow the shopping link listed under ways to earn, and pick your store. The loyalty program automatically links you to that store’s site, and anything you buy sends those points directly to your account with that airline or hotel brand. This little trick will at least double your points; some stores even go up to eight times the boost. You can earn with any credit or debit card.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
While general-purpose credit cards aren’t as strong in this category as they are in the others, Capital One Venture is an exception, offering the same type of “mall” setting as the airline loyalty accounts. Not only does Capital One Venture let you earn even more points than normal, but they also offer extra discounts on your purchases.
Earn Extra Rewards When Dining Out
This one is also ridiculously easy if you have a loyalty program with an airline or hotel. Go into the program’s dining section online and store a credit card or debit card number when prompted. You’re done. Anytime you use that card, whether it’s for coffee, dinner, or a cocktail, you’ll automatically get extra points with certain restaurants. Businesses in these programs are almost always either local chains or stand-alone stores, but you can get points anywhere in the world that partners with the program. Check who participates if you want to maximize points, but don’t be surprised when you get a notification that you just earned one morning from your local coffee shop without even thinking about it.
General-purpose reward cards with solid travel benefits, like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture Rewards, pair with dining options like DoorDash, bumping up your point spin if you use that delivery service other than others. Some will also reimburse all dining at a higher level than other purchases, so choose your card carefully if you eat out often. These extra points can flex to whatever you like, no loyalty or “frequent flyer” account is required.
Stockpile Points Through Other Travel
Planes, trains, rental cars, hotels, cruises—everyone has travel partners. Multiple advantages are just waiting on their reward program sites for those savvy enough to scoop them up, including both saving money and earning more rewards. Partners offer coupons and discount codes. For example, if you’re earning points with your favorite airline, they will also have discounts for their rental car and hotel buddies. As long as all your reservations originate from the rewards program that you want to earn with, each will get you point bonuses. General-purpose reward cards also pair with partners like Lyft and hotel brands periodically to earn a higher rate.
Shop in Stores With Point-Boost Gift Cards
There are a few more steps with this one that might repel those who want to keep it simple. For those that like to purchase in stores, this is your ticket to shopping. Several airlines have an app that lists all the partners in your area that you can shop with to earn a higher rate. For example, United Airlines offers MileagePlus X. Participating partners show up in your area and if you’re making a purchase, you simply buy the gift card on the app for the exact amount you want and then show it to the cashier. Getting mascara at Ulta? A cold brew from Starbucks? Or paint at Home Depot? Just buy the gift card in the amount you owe and instantly redeem it in-store. You’ll multiply your earnings, and cashiers are always intrigued.
The No-Spend Solution for Free Points: Surveys
The only thing you’re spending here is time. The program eRewards invites you to complete consumer surveys and then pick airlines, hotels, or stores to redeem rewards. Fill out your profile thoroughly, and they will pair you with surveys that fit you by emailing you opportunities. Introductory questions will determine if you qualify for a specific survey; you’ll earn a small number of points by doing this step. If you qualify and complete the survey, the reward is significantly larger. This is a great option for those short on cash but playing the long game by building up travel points for a long-dreamed-of-adventure. There is also maximum flexibility with how to cash in your rewards.
Points for Daily Adulting
The range of mundane day-to-day activities that can earn you points is insanely overlooked. You can earn points by doing taxes, buying flowers, getting a mortgage, buying a car, donating to charity, purchasing wine, and staying on top of that electricity bill. Credit card companies are constantly partnering with a variety of vendors, offering either a discount, a points boost, or both. You will earn points for anything you put on travel-related plastic. But if you remember to take the step and simply check before you make any big or recurring purchases, your earning rate will get a steroid boost.