The Ultimate Points & Miles Quick Start Guide
Are you eager to dive into the world of earning and using credit card points for deeply discounted travel but don't know where to begin? This step-by-step guide will provide you with all the essential details to get started, along with helpful resources to turn your travel dreams into reality. But first, let me share a quick story about how this guide came to be:
When Bryan and I got engaged, we dreamed of an extravagant honeymoon but didn't have the budget to match. Despite researching flight and hotel options, we couldn’t find the luxurious experience we wanted within our budget.
Then we discovered the power of credit card points. Although I had used points before, I knew I wasn't maximizing their potential. With about a year to plan our honeymoon, we decided to get serious about earning and using points to save money. After extensive research and countless hours searching for flights and hotels bookable with points, we managed to save over $10,000 on our honeymoon by opening just two credit cards, using them for our daily expenses and some wedding costs, and booking our flights.
The best part? You can do the same for your vacation without all the research because I've compiled everything you need into this quick start guide!
So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Step 1: Determine Your Travel Goals
Before diving into the world of credit card points, it's crucial to outline your travel goals. Consider the following questions:
Where do you want to go?
When do you plan to travel?
What type of travel experience are you looking for (luxury, budget, etc.)?
Having clear travel goals will help you determine the exact number of points you need and identify the credit cards that will be most beneficial for your plans. This clarity also enables you to spot the best deals and act quickly when they become available.
Step 2: Calculate the Points You Need
Use a free website like PointsYeah to figure out how many points you’ll need for your trip. PointsYeah can help you:
Determine the number of points required for the flights that you want.
Identify which credit card points will get you those flights (ie. Chase, American Express, etc etc).
Step 3: Identify the Best Credit Cards
Once you know the type and number of points you need, look for credit cards that will help you earn those points. Start by checking out my guides on the Top Credit Cards for Beginners and Top Credit Cards for Everyday Spending. These resources will provide detailed information on cards that offer great welcome bonuses and rewards, and help you choose the best one to fit your needs.
Step 4: Choose a Credit Card with a Great Welcome Bonus
Select a credit card that offers a welcome bonus large enough to help you reach your points goal. Consider cards that have:
High welcome bonuses (e.g., 50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months).
Points that align with your travel goals (e.g., transferable points to airlines or hotel chains you plan to use).
Head to my Top Credit Card Picks page to see my favorite travel rewards credit cards for beginners with the best welcome bonuses on the market!
Step 5: Apply for the Credit Card
Once you’ve chosen the right card, go ahead and apply. Most applications can be completed online, and you’ll typically receive a decision within minutes.
Step 6: Meet the Minimum Spend Requirement
As soon as you receive the card, start working toward the minimum spend requirement to get that welcome bonus! Here’s how:
Use the card for all your daily expenses (groceries, gas, dining out).
Charge any large upcoming expenses to the card (car repairs, medical bills, etc.).
Consider timing your card application to align with any upcoming large expenses. Additionally, pre-paying upcoming bills can be a smart strategy to meet that minimum spend quickly (if it fits within your budget!)
Step 7: Receive Your Points
Once you meet the minimum spend requirement, the points will be credited to your account. This could happen as early as one month after hitting the required spend.
Step 8: Start Planning Your Trip
The best time to start looking for international flights with points is 10-12 months before your travel date. This means the ideal time to open a card is around 12 months before you plan to travel. However, you can adjust this timeline to fit your schedule and budget, as there are always exceptions to this suggested timeline.
Step 9: Transfer Your Points
Once you've earned your points and are ready to book your flight, visit the airline's website from your original search. Create a free account on the airline's website and verify that the flight is still available.
If the flight is available and you have enough points, transfer your points from your credit card account to your airline account. For detailed instructions on how to do this and a comprehensive list of which credit card points transfer to which airline loyalty programs, make sure to check out my free guide!
Final Tips
Monitor your spending to ensure you meet the minimum spend requirement without overspending.
Always pay your credit card bill in full every month to maintain or even improve your credit score.
Take advantage of additional card benefits like travel insurance, travel credits, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees. These perks can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Regularly check for transfer bonuses, promotions, and special offers to maximize your points.
I'm thrilled about all the opportunities credit card points will unlock for you! Best of luck on this journey, and happy travels!