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I remember when I finally talked my husband into earning points and miles alongside me. Before that, I worked the hobby on my own and paid for as much of our travel as possible with rewards. Finally convincing him to become my “Player 2” changed everything. It more than doubled our earning and redemption capacity while adding his organizational strengths to the process (read: He made a spreadsheet).
Today's post will define the term “Player 2” and suggest ways to involve others in your points and miles hobby.
Player 2 Defined
The term “Player 2” typically refers to someone who earns points and miles alongside you and shares your travel rewards and goals. Player 2 can refer to a friend, family member, or any adult with whom you'll be earning and using points.
There's no reason to stop at Player 2. If you're earning and using points for travel with more than two adults, those are your players 3, 4, 5, etc. For example: In our house, our teenagers are authorized users on some of our credit cards. That means they're helping the family earn points for travel. Meanwhile, they're building credit and tracking expenses — and we know they always have access to funds when they need them.
Related: How Teenagers Can Earn Points and Miles.
How To Involve Your Player 2 in Your Points and Miles Hobby
Staying organized and earning points and miles together
The day my husband made a points and miles spreadsheet was the day we leveled up. Now, we have a way to track each credit card, all the associated dates, the benefits of the card, and more. You don't have to rely on spreadsheets, however. Let other tools take the guesswork out of organization. Whatever you do, make sure that together you're responsibly tracking all your credit cards' annual fees, benefits, and points and miles.
Adding Player 2 as an authorized user
It's tempting to add each other as authorized users when you open a new card. While it makes it easier for both players to use the same card, it's generally not a great idea. For one thing, some cards charge a fee to add authorized users. Additionally, authorized user cards may impact your 5/24 status with Chase. Try to add each other sparingly and strategically. One exception might be if there's a specific carry-over benefit you're seeking (like Priority Pass airport lounge access). When a card is more than two years old, adding your Player 2 as an authorized user will have less of an impact on their credit report as they apply for their own credit cards.
Tip: Instead of relying on authorized user cards for sharing, simply put the card in your Player 2's digital wallet.
Working strategically with a Player 2
Working alongside a Player 2 enhances your ability to earn and redeem points in multiple ways. For instance, Chase will stop issuing credit cards to any individual who has opened five or more credit cards across all banks in the past 24 months, based on what's showing on your credit report. If you've felt limited by that rule, having a player 2 can really help out. If an elevated credit card bonus pops up and one of you is ineligible, the other person might be eligible for the bonus. If so, they can step in and apply for the card with the promotional bonus.
Another helpful aspect: It's important not to open too many credit cards too fast. Banks don't like to see too many credit inquiries on your report. That's another reason having a player 2 comes in handy. If you're both opening credit cards, you can alternate, so that neither one of you is opening too many cards in a row or too many in a short period.
Related: Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions
Earning extra bonuses by referring Player 2
When my husband joined me in points and miles, he didn't just double our earnings through his efforts. We also started referring each other to credit cards and earning referral bonuses in the process. Referral offers vary by card and bank and can change from time to time. You should always check the fine print for the card you're referring. Here are a couple of popular referral programs:
One way to use referrals strategically is when earning the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass. An individual can open two credit cards and earn a Southwest Airlines companion pass. With multiple players, however, you can open three cards between the two of you, and, factoring in the referral bonuses, earn two passes. That's great if you need to book travel for more than just two people.
In addition, we've doubled our referral capacity. We don't just refer each other to credit cards; we refer our friends and family. Banks put limits on how many referral bonuses one can earn annually, so having multiple players increases the number of people you can refer and earn bonuses from.
Sharing and pooling points with a Player 2
A significant benefit that comes with a Player 2 is simply access to more points and miles for travel. Sometimes, you and your Player 2 will want to combine points to book expensive redemptions, work toward status, utilize orphaned points, or preserve points or miles associated with a card you want close. Some programs charge fees to transfer points or restrict points pooling to those within the same household. These rules vary by bank and loyalty program, so check the fine print and proceed accordingly. Use the following resources as a general guide to pooling points in different programs:
- Which Rewards Programs Let You Pool Points and Miles for Free?
- How Families Can Work Together To Pool Points and Miles
Convincing someone to become your Player 2
Everyone enters points and miles from a different starting point. Some might have no experience or even a negative experience with credit cards. My husband wasn't raised in a family that used credit cards at all, while my family of origin used them responsibly. It was natural that I'd feel comfortable using them before he did. Over time, he saw that I was responsibly earning points, keeping cards paid off, and paying for travel costs with points. Ultimately, that convinced him to become my Player 2.
Related: How To Create a Travel Rewards Credit Card Strategy for Families
Final Thoughts
As long as everyone is organized and responsible, adding a Player 2 in points and miles can greatly improve your experience with award travel. Your strategy may become a little more complex, but you'll likely more than double your points and miles earnings — and you'll benefit from having multiple strengths and points of view in the long run.
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