Bonus Points

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Step 1: Get an Account with AwardWallet (FREE)

If you're looking to keep track of your points, miles, and other loyalty currency, create an AwardWallet account. We track over 650 different programs!

Step 2: Check Your Credit Scores (FREE)

We like Credit Karma and Credit Scorecard from Discover, but there are additional ways to check your credit score for free. You want your credit scores over 700 at all times. Need help? Check out our tips for managing your credit score

Step 3: Sign Up for Loyalty Programs (FREE)

It's free to sign up for airline or hotel loyalty programs. If you plan on accruing miles or points in any program, you will need to be a member. Sign up and then add the programs to your AwardWallet account for easy tracking. Here are the most popular ones we see in AwardWallet.

Airlines:

Hotels:

Step 4: Apply for Rewarding Credit Cards

Once you know that your credit score is good to excellent, you can apply for travel credit cards that meet your travel needs.

Earning points that transfer to different travel programs is an excellent way to start. You can receive transferable points with the following rewards programs: Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards. Below are credit cards that receive points in each program.

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Related: Why We Recommend Starting With Chase Credit Cards

American Express Membership Rewards

Citi ThankYou Points

Capital One Miles

If you're loyal to a particular airline or hotel chain, then you will most likely want their co-branded rewards credit card. Here's our full list of travel credit cards:  Airlines | Hotels | Small Business

Step 5: Receive Miles & Points on Every Purchase

Use your rewards credit card responsibly to receive miles and points on every purchase you make. Many rewards cards will give you multiple points per $1 spent on certain categories. For example, the Sapphire Preferred earns 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (2X on other travel); 3X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out; 3X points on streaming services; 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs); and 1X on all other purchases.

If you're shopping online, you can receive multiple points per $1 by going through online shopping portals.

Also, don't forget to sign up for dining programs, so you can double your earning for dining out. There's also usually a signup bonus for just joining and dining your first time at an in-network restaurant. You can sign up for the major dining programs below:

Step 6: Have a Plan & Know How to Redeem Your Miles

Follow the AwardWallet blog for the best tips and techniques on how to use your miles and points. We recommend several articles for learning more: