I recently talked to Megan Jones, an editor for Call Center Helper, a magazine focused on the contact center world. We discussed turning Moments of Misery™ (complaints) into Moments of Magic® (positive customer experiences), and she shared a story.
12.01.2024 - 19:19 / thepointsguy.com
When it comes to points and miles, it pays to have an abundance mindset. No matter where your points balances are at the beginning of 2024, you can earn thousands — and even hundreds of thousands — of points this year.
Sound too good to be true? Don't worry. We're here to help you make a plan to get the points and miles you need to book your next dream vacation, no matter what it is.
Here are our top tips for racking up some major miles this year.
The easiest way to get a good stash of points or miles is by earning a welcome bonus on a new card. Often, you can earn more than 100,000 points from one welcome bonus alone.
Right now, for instance, with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, you can earn 170,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends Jan. 17.
Or, if you want to start with a stash of airline miles, you could get the United Club Infinite Card and take advantage of its welcome offer of 90,000 miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening. Either offer is a great way to get a significant points boost by spring.
And, of course, you aren't limited to just one welcome bonus over the course of a year. If you open two or three new cards and meet their welcome bonuses, you'll have a solid stash of rewards to use.
For some ideas, check out our list of this month's best welcome offers.
Beyond earning welcome bonuses, strategically using your credit cards can earn you thousands of points throughout the year. We recommend using a rewards credit card for as many purchases as possible so you're earning whenever you spend.
Most credit cards earn at least 1 point per dollar on all purchases. This means that if you put $25,000 on credit cards this year, you should get at least 25,000 points.
Also, if you have a few cards in your strategy that allow you to maximize your spending, you'll earn much more. For example, if you put your grocery and dining spending on the American Express® Gold Card, you'll earn 4 points per dollar on those purchases (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year at U.S. supermarkets).
If you put your travel spending on the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can earn 3 points per dollar. Also, if you put your non-bonus purchases on a card with a strong, consistent earning rate, like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you can earn more than one mile per dollar on these other purchases as well.
If you split your $25,000 in spending between these three cards, you could earn between 50,000 and 100,000 points over the course of the year.
Obviously, the precise number of points you'll earn on purchases throughout the year will vary widely based on your spending habits, but
I recently talked to Megan Jones, an editor for Call Center Helper, a magazine focused on the contact center world. We discussed turning Moments of Misery™ (complaints) into Moments of Magic® (positive customer experiences), and she shared a story.
Tax season is quickly approaching. If you're looking to maximize the points, miles and cash back you earn while doing your taxes, there are a few things you should consider.
Are you seeking a fresh start? If you’re considering a career change, adopting a different lifestyle, or you’re chasing a lifelong dream, relocation to Northern Europe is a path worth exploring. The region's rich history, approach to lifestyle, and innovative working environments provide a fertile ground for those looking to reinvent themselves.
Embarking on a yearlong journey around the world is a dream scenario for many travelers. However, the logistics of making it happen can be challenging, not least because of the sheer number of flights you would need to book. One way to make the journey a reality is by purchasing an around-the-world flight ticket.
In early March 2022, American Airlines switched from elite qualifying miles, dollars and segments to Loyalty Points as the qualifying metric to earn elite status.
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
I've had quite a multiyear journey with American Airlines. I had given up on its frequent flyer program, quitting in disgust as AAdvantage upped the qualification requirements for Executive Platinum back in 2018 (to $15,000 in spending). That led me into the arms of Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines — at least until the pandemic hit. My Platinum Pro status from 2019 carried over all the way until early 2022, when I dropped back down to the dreaded "member" status.
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If you're interested in earning more rewards on everyday purchases, you might want to start using — or using more frequently — dining rewards programs. While many travelers are familiar with online shopping portals, fewer are familiar with dining rewards programs. In short, dining rewards programs let you earn extra points or miles when you use an enrolled card to pay at select restaurants, bars and clubs.
Compared to a lot of things in the big, complicated world or travel, how to rent a car is pretty straightforward. You book the car, you get the car, you return the car. And barring any unforeseen incidents involving moose in the middle of the road, it's a fairly seamless experience. That said, there are some nuances to car rental that can save you both money and time if you know what you’re doing.