Want to Travel for (Almost) Free? Here’s How to Get Started with Points & Miles
I still remember the first time I heard about traveling for almost free by using credit card points and miles. It sounded like magic - and honestly, a little overwhelming at first. But once I dove in and learned how it all worked, I realized this is the gift that keeps on giving!
If you’re just starting out and wondering, “How in the world do I make this work for me?” - this post is for you!
1: Rewire your brain
The biggest mindset shift: stop using your debit card. Credit cards are the key to earning travel rewards - and when used responsibly, they’re way more secure and rewarding than a debit card ever will be.
You’re not spending more money, you’re just running your usual spending through the right credit card and earning points while you do it.
2: Choose the right first card
We always recommend starting with the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It has a generous welcome bonus (usually somewhere between 60,000-75,000 points), flexible redemption options, and is perfect for beginners. Chase Ultimate Rewards are incredibly valuable and can be used for flights, hotels, or transferred to travel partners like Hyatt (our personal favorite way to use ours).
3: Earn the bonus, rinse and repeat
To unlock the welcome bonus for any new card, you’ll need to meet a minimum spend requirement, e.g. spend $4,000 in three months. Put all of your purchases on that one card until you reach the minimum spend, then apply for your next card.
The general rule of thumb is to apply for a new card every three months or so (or longer if you need more time to meet the minimum spend).
Another key tip is don’t add your spouse as an authorized user. Instead, once you finish earning your bonus, refer your spouse to the same card. If they apply using your referral link, you’ll earn a referral bonus and your spouse earns their own welcome offer too. Double the points with pretty much the same amount of effort. And if you don’t have a spouse, you can easily follow this same plan with a friend, parent, sibling, etc.
4: Pay your bills in full
This one is non-negotiable. If you’re paying credit card interest, the rewards just aren’t worth it. Always pay your balance in full each month, and only spend what you already have.
Conclusion
Getting started can feel like a lot, but it truly becomes second nature. And the payoff is so worth it: amazing trips, unforgettable experiences, and big savings.
For more info, don’t forget to grab our free intro guide, which breaks it all down even more and is the perfect first step if you’re ready to learn.
And if you want more personalized help, I offer 1:1 strategy sessions whether you’re brand new or already deep in the game and want help picking your next card or mapping out your next trip.
Happy travels and thanks for reading!
❤️ Liz
Friendly reminder: We are not financial advisers, we are simply sharing our method and approach with you. Of course, it's important to use credit cards responsibly. Pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, and never spend more than you can afford just to earn rewards.
