{"id":22,"date":"2026-02-27T23:50:01","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T23:50:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?page_id=22"},"modified":"2026-04-08T13:07:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T13:07:26","slug":"start-here","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/start-here\/","title":{"rendered":"Start Here: Points and Miles 101"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"remark\"><em>AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/blog\/advertiser-disclosure\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Advertisers<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve probably heard someone say they flew to Europe \u201con points.\u201d Or maybe you\u2019ve seen posts claiming you can save thousands of dollars a year on travel.<\/p>\n<p>It sounds amazing, but what does it actually mean? And how do you do it yourself?<\/p>\n<p>AwardWallet is here to help. This guide breaks down what points and miles are, how they work, and how to start using them to travel for less. And when you\u2019re ready to keep track of everything you earn along the way, we can help with that, too.<\/p>\n<p>Our goal is to make this a helpful, easy-to-understand resource. While we offer in-depth articles that explore nearly every aspect of points and miles, this guide focuses on the basics. We\u2019ll keep things simple and give you the essentials you need to get started.<\/p>\n<p>Below, we\u2019ll outline exactly what this article covers so you know what to expect.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#What_Makes_Points_and_Miles_So_Powerful\">What Makes Points and Miles So Powerful<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Make_Sure_You8217re_Ready\">Make Sure You're Ready<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Know_your_credit_score\">Know your credit score<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Establish_healthy_budgeting_habits\">Establish healthy budgeting habits<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Who_Shouldnt_Get_Into_Points_and_Miles\">Who Shouldn\u2019t Get Into Points and Miles?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#The_Basics_What_are_points_and_miles\">The Basics \u2014 What are points and miles?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Airline_and_hotel_points\">Airline and hotel points<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Transferable_bank_points\">Transferable bank points<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Fixed-value_rewards\">Fixed-value rewards<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_To_Start_Earning_Points_and_Miles\">How To Start Earning Points and Miles<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Choosing_your_first_rewards_card\">Choosing your first rewards card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Our_favorite_beginner_cards\">Our favorite beginner cards<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Co-branded_cards\">Co-branded cards<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#The_Basic_Framework\">The Basic Framework<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Is_opening_multiple_cards_risky\">Is opening multiple cards risky?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_To_Use_Your_Points\">How To Use Your Points<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Cashing_out_points\">Cashing out points<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Booking_travel_in_the_bank_portal\">Booking travel in the bank portal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Transferring_to_travel_partners\">Transferring to travel partners<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Using_AwardWallet\">Using AwardWallet<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Other_Things_To_Know\">Other Things To Know<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"What_Makes_Points_and_Miles_So_Powerful\">What Makes Points and Miles So Powerful<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>What makes points and miles so powerful is that they change the math of travel. Instead of paying full price for flights and hotels, you use rewards earned from everyday spending to drastically reduce \u2014 or sometimes eliminate \u2014 those costs. Over time, that changes how you think about travel. Instead of every trip hinging on the cash price, you have options.<\/p>\n<p>For some, that means finally taking a dream trip, visiting the place their family once called home, seeing loved ones more often, or even having a cushion when unexpected travel comes up.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Make_Sure_You8217re_Ready\">Make Sure You're Ready<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Before diving in, you'll want to make sure your foundation is solid.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Know_your_credit_score\">Know your credit score<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When considering applying for your first rewards card, you should have a clear understanding of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/free-credit-score-check\/\" rel=\"noopener\">your credit score<\/a>. Most travel rewards cards require good to excellent credit. Generally, that means a score in the mid-600s or higher, while premium cards often require a score in the 700s.<\/p>\n<p>If your credit score needs improvement, you'll want to focus on that first. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/how-is-credit-score-calculated\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Building strong credit habits<\/a> takes time, but it sets the foundation for long-term success with rewards cards.<\/p>\n<p>And if you\u2019re unsure where you stand or want help improving your score, explore our guides on understanding, improving, and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/tips-managing-credit-score\/\" rel=\"noopener\">managing your credit score<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_120107\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-120107 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Andrea-Piacquadio-Pexels-credit-card-family-featured-300x240.png\" alt=\"a student looks at a computer to learn about credit cards with a grandfather\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Andrea-Piacquadio-Pexels-credit-card-family-featured-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Andrea-Piacquadio-Pexels-credit-card-family-featured-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Andrea-Piacquadio-Pexels-credit-card-family-featured-325x260.png 325w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Andrea-Piacquadio-Pexels-credit-card-family-featured.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Andrea Piacquadio\/Pexels<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Establish_healthy_budgeting_habits\">Establish healthy budgeting habits<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Healthy budgeting habits matter just as much as a strong credit score. Before opening a new card, you should understand how much money comes in and goes out each month. The goal is to shift existing, everyday spending onto a rewards card \u2014 not to spend more just to earn points.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Who_Shouldnt_Get_Into_Points_and_Miles\">Who Shouldn\u2019t Get Into Points and Miles?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are some instances where getting into the points and miles world may not be a great option \u2014 at least not for now.<\/p>\n<p>You may want to hold off at the moment if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You\u2019re carrying high-interest credit card debt<\/li>\n<li>You regularly pay interest on your balances<\/li>\n<li>You struggle with overspending<\/li>\n<li>You don\u2019t yet have a clear monthly budget<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Rewards only make sense when you\u2019re paying your balance in full each month. Interest rates on rewards cards are often high enough to wipe out the value of any points you earn and then some.<\/p>\n<p>Once you\u2019re consistently paying balances in full and have a handle on your spending, you\u2019ll be in a much better position to make rewards work for you \u2014 instead of against you.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"The_Basics_What_are_points_and_miles\">The Basics \u2014 What are points and miles?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>\u201cPoints\u201d and \u201cmiles&#8221; function as a kind of travel currency that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel expenses. These rewards are earned through:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Credit card <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/sign-up-bonus\/\" rel=\"noopener\">sign-up bonuses<\/a> and spending<\/li>\n<li>Airline flights<\/li>\n<li>Hotel stays<\/li>\n<li>Shopping portals and promotions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Airline programs typically use \u201cmiles.\u201d Credit card and hotel programs often use \u201cpoints.\u201d Functionally, they serve a similar purpose: they can be redeemed for travel. There are two helpful ways to think about rewards:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Who issues them (an airline, a hotel, or a bank)<\/li>\n<li>How they work (fixed value or flexible)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Let\u2019s start with who issues them.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Airline_and_hotel_points\">Airline and hotel points<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>These are tied to a specific loyalty program. For example, Delta SkyMiles can be used to book flights through Delta, and World of Hyatt points can be used for Hyatt hotel stays. You generally redeem them within that airline or hotel\u2019s ecosystem, with limited transfer options.<\/p>\n<p>The value of these rewards depends on that program\u2019s award pricing system.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Transferable_bank_points\">Transferable bank points<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>These generally come from major credit card issuers and can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners. And because you can transfer these points to different travel partners, they give you more booking options.<\/p>\n<p>The major transferable programs are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">American Express Membership Rewards<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt Rewards<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One Rewards<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase Ultimate Rewards<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Citi ThankYou Rewards<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are also smaller or niche transferable programs, such as <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/brex-rewards-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Brex Rewards<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/travel\/rove-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Rove Miles<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/marriott-bonvoy\/marriott-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Marriott Bonvoy<\/a> points can be transferred to dozens of airline partners. While Marriott is a hotel loyalty program rather than a bank-issued currency, its broad airline partnerships make it one of the more flexible hotel rewards programs.<\/p>\n<p>Now, let\u2019s talk about how rewards behave.<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/marriott-bonvoy\/marriott-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Fixed-value_rewards\">Fixed-value rewards<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some credit card rewards function like cash. These are often redeemed at a set rate \u2014 commonly around 1 cent per point \u2014 toward travel purchases or statement credits. In this case, the number of points required is directly tied to the cash price.<\/p>\n<p>Fixed-value rewards are simple and predictable, but they usually don\u2019t offer the same upside potential as transferable rewards.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_245027\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/400\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-245027 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/woman-checking-phone.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of a woman checking her phone with a lap top open\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><center><em>Credit: Matthew Henry, Brust<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"How_To_Start_Earning_Points_and_Miles\">How To Start Earning Points and Miles<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve committed to earning points and miles, the next question is how to earn enough to actually use them. You can build rewards slowly through flights, hotel stays, and everyday spending. But most beginners accumulate a meaningful balance much faster through credit card welcome bonuses.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Choosing_your_first_rewards_card\">Choosing your first rewards card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Before jumping into the step-by-step process, it helps to understand what makes a strong beginner card.<\/p>\n<p>For most people, the best first option earns flexible rewards that can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners. That flexibility gives you more redemption options and makes it easier to learn how points and miles work without being locked into one program.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll also want to consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The size of the welcome bonus<\/li>\n<li>The minimum spending requirement<\/li>\n<li>The annual fee<\/li>\n<li>Ongoing earning rates in categories where you already spend<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"Our_favorite_beginner_cards\">Our favorite beginner cards<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now that you know how the process works, let's go over a couple of our favorite beginner cards.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005147&type=3&subid=0d16a5a937367dd73b357e2e51e338dd8&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>):<\/strong> This card wins our award for <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-beginners-rewards-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">the best beginner card<\/a>. It currently offers a solid welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, an annual fee of $95, and the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/travel\/types-of-rewards-points\/\" rel=\"noopener\">points are flexible<\/a> and very easy to use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"2061159\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/7e0262fd-5b61-413b-8b01-c8feec5b1d04.png\" alt=\"Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card\" width=\"150\"\/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card' data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005147&type=3&subid=0d16a5a937367dd73b357e2e51e338dd8&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$95<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">Our <a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/best-beginners-rewards-card\/\">#1 recommended beginners rewards card<\/a> featuring a 75,000-point signup bonus after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This card comes with great benefits and earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/li><li>Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel&#x2120;, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases<\/li><li>Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel&#x2120;<\/li><li>10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.<\/li><li>Count on Trip Cancellation\/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.<\/li><li>Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12\/31\/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.<\/li><li>Member FDIC<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>5X points on Lyft rides through September 2027<\/li>\r\n<li>5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel\u2120<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on eligible streaming services<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)<\/li>\r\n<li>2X points on all other travel<\/li>\r\n<li>1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/SapphirePreferred\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-5-25e9a7549b#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"3006151\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-COV\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card<\/a>:<\/strong> This card is <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/venture-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">another great beginner option<\/a>. This card currently offers 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening and has an annual fee of $95. The rewards are flexible, giving you the option to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/redeem-venture-miles-travel-purchases\/\" rel=\"noopener\">offset travel purchases<\/a> or <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/capital-one-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">transfer to 22 airline and hotel partners<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"3006151\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/dfed8cb4-d376-4c8b-aed4-1997afa3d66a.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card\" class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a data-ccid=\"3006151\" class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card' href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-COV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$95<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">Following the revamp of Capital One's rewards program and the addition of airline transfer partners, the Capital One Venture has catapulted into our list of top travel rewards cards. The ability to earn at least 2X miles on every purchase provides a decent return on spending. Plus the card offers some great perks.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><ul><li>Earn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening<\/li>\r\n<li>5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles on all other purchase<\/li>\r\n<li>Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre\u2714<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> (up to $120)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>No foreign transaction fees<\/li>\r\n \t<li>$95 annual fee<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>5X miles per dollar on purchases through Capital One Entertainment <\/li>\r\n<li>5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per dollar on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/Venture\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-5-25e9a7549b#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<p>We highly recommend one of these two cards as your first travel rewards card. From there, your strategy can expand based on your goals and spending habits.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-credit-card-offers\/\" rel=\"noopener\">AwardWallet's Top Credit Card Offers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-mid-tier-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The Best Midtier Rewards Cards for Every Wallet<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-cards-for-bonus-spending-categories\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The Best Rewards Cards for Every Spending Category<\/a><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-credit-cards-online-shopping\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-everyday-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Best Rewards Cards for Everyday Purchases<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-business-credit-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Best Small Business Credit Card Offers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-credit-card-strategy\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Why We Recommend Starting With Chase Credit Cards<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Co-branded_cards\">Co-branded cards<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Additionally, if you're loyal to a particular airline or hotel chain, then you will most likely want their co-branded rewards credit card. These are cards from a credit card issuer \u2014 like Chase or Citi \u2014 that earn points or miles in a specific program, such as Delta Air Lines SkyMiles. Here's our roundup of cards for each program:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/hilton-honors\/earn-points-you-can-transfer-to-hilton\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Hilton Honors<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/ihg-one-rewards\/ihg-credit-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">IHG One Rewards<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/marriott-bonvoy\/marriott-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Marriott Bonvoy<\/a><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/american-aadvantage\/american-airlines-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/world-of-hyatt\/chase-hyatt-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">World of Hyatt<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/american-aadvantage\/american-airlines-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">American Airlines AAdvantage<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/delta-skymiles\/delta-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Delta Air Lines SkyMiles<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United Airlines MileagePlus<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"The_Basic_Framework\">The Basic Framework<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once you understand the mechanics, the process becomes repeatable. Here\u2019s the framework:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Step one:\u00a0<\/strong>Open a new credit card with a strong <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-credit-card-offers\/\" rel=\"noopener\">sign-up bonus<\/a>, also called a welcome offer. A typical offer might look like: &#8220;Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Step two: <\/strong>Shift your regular spending to the card. Use it for expenses you were already planning like groceries, gas, utilities, childcare, streaming services, and other everyday costs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Step three:<\/strong> Meet the minimum <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/how-to-meet-minimum-spend-requirements\/\" rel=\"noopener\">spending requirements<\/a> responsibly. The goal isn\u2019t to spend more. It\u2019s to route existing expenses through the new card and earn the bonus.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Step four:<\/strong> Use the points to book travel! Once the bonus posts, you can begin booking flights, hotels, or other travel using your rewards.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Step five:<\/strong> After you\u2019ve redeemed and understand how the process works, you can consider applying for another card \u2014 spacing applications appropriately and staying within issuer rules.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"Is_opening_multiple_cards_risky\">Is opening multiple cards risky?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s a common concern.<\/p>\n<p>When managed responsibly, opening new credit cards does not automatically harm your credit. In fact, additional cards can increase your total available credit, which may improve your utilization ratio over time.<\/p>\n<p>When managed responsibly, many people maintain strong credit scores while earning significant rewards.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/credit-card-strategy\/\" rel=\"noopener\">A Beginner's Guide To Building a Credit Card Application Strategy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_144841\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-144841 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Artem-Podrez-Pexels-woman-with-credit-card-featured-300x240.png\" alt=\"a woman in a hijab holds a cell phone and credit card\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Artem-Podrez-Pexels-woman-with-credit-card-featured-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Artem-Podrez-Pexels-woman-with-credit-card-featured-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Artem-Podrez-Pexels-woman-with-credit-card-featured-325x260.png 325w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Artem-Podrez-Pexels-woman-with-credit-card-featured.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Artem Podrez\/Pexels<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"How_To_Use_Your_Points\">How To Use Your Points<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Broadly speaking, you can redeem rewards in one of three ways, each with its own tradeoff:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Redeem at a fixed value<\/li>\n<li>Book travel through a bank portal<\/li>\n<li>Transfer points to airline or hotel partners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"Cashing_out_points\">Cashing out points<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The simplest option is to redeem points as a statement credit toward travel purchases. In this case, points typically function like cash and are often worth around 1 cent each, though sometimes less.<\/p>\n<p>Honestly, this is our least favorite way to use points since the value is typically lower than what you can otherwise get. However, it can be a good option for covering certain travel expenses that aren't as easily covered with points. This could mean redeeming to offset something like car rentals, cruises, or theme park tickets.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/maximize-fixed-value-points-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">How To Maximize Fixed-Value Points and Miles<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Booking_travel_in_the_bank_portal\">Booking travel in the bank portal<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most major credit card issuers operate their own travel portals. When you book through these platforms, your points usually function like cash, and the number of points required is tied closely to the ticket\u2019s price.<\/p>\n<p>For example, when you use the <a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Sapphire Preferred<\/a> to book travel through Chase Travel\u2120, your points are worth a standard rate of 1 cent each, but could be worth more, depending on your specific redemption.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_245028\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/286\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-245028 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chase-Travel-Portal.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of the Chase Travel Portal\" width=\"750\" height=\"286\" \/><center><em>The Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal. Credit: Chase<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Here's our guide on how to use the portals for each major card issuer:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-travel-portal\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-travel\/\" rel=\"noopener\">American Express Travel Portal<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/citi-travel-portal\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Citi Travel Portal<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/capital-one-travel-portal\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One Travel Portal<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"Transferring_to_travel_partners\">Transferring to travel partners<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Finally, you can transfer your points to various travel partners.<\/p>\n<p>Converting points to airline and hotel partners requires a bit more knowledge \u2014 and sometimes more effort \u2014 than cashing them out. But it\u2019s our favorite way to redeem rewards because it often unlocks the most value.<\/p>\n<p>When you book travel through a bank portal, your points function like cash. The number of points required is directly tied to the cash price of the flight or hotel. As prices rise, the number of points required increases as well.<\/p>\n<p>Transferring points to an airline or hotel partner means you are no longer booking at a cash-based price. Instead, you are booking using that program\u2019s award pricing, which is often not directly tied to the cash cost of the stay. This difference is what creates opportunities for significantly higher value. When you redeem your points through transfer partners, you can potentially get double, triple, or even quadruple the cash-out value.<\/p>\n<p>This is why we often recommend starting with flexible rewards cards like the <a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Sapphire Preferred<\/a> or <a data-ccid=\"3006151\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/venture-card\/\">Capital One Venture<\/a> \u2014 they allow you to transfer points to multiple airline and hotel programs.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_245026\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/517\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-245026 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Grand-Hyatt-Kauai.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of the Grand Hyatt Kauai\" width=\"600\" height=\"517\" \/><center><em>Grand Hyatt Kauai Photo Credit: Brie Bash, AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>For example, a standard award night at the Grand Hyatt Kauai can cost 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night, while the same room may cost $900 or more when booked with cash.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase Ultimate Rewards points<\/a> transfer to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 40,000 Ultimate Rewards points could cover that stay. If you redeemed those same points through Chase Travel at 1 cent per point, you\u2019d need roughly 90,000 points to offset the $900 cash price.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Using_AwardWallet\">Using AwardWallet<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As you begin earning rewards, staying organized becomes just as important as earning them. That's where <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/\" rel=\"noopener\">AwardWallet<\/a> comes in. We help you track over 650 different loyalty programs through our free platform. Check out how to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/features\/how-to-track-points-using-awardwallet\/\" rel=\"noopener\">use AwardWallet to track your rewards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, we track more than just hotel and airline programs. We also <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/features\/track-free-night-awards-using-awardwallet\/\" rel=\"noopener\">track free night awards, upgrades, and other perks<\/a>. You can even get a reminder when it's time to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/features\/awardwallet-now-tracks-passports\/\" rel=\"noopener\">renew your passport<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, you can sign up for a daily email with recent AwardWallet Blog articles by <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/features\/customize-your-awardwallet-blog-notifications\/\" rel=\"noopener\">customizing your notifications<\/a>. That way, you won't miss out on the latest news, card offers, and more.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_151183\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/450\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-151183 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Ryan-Smith-and-wife-in-ANA-first-class-before-takeoff-300x225.webp\" alt=\"Ryan Smith and wife in ANA first class before takeoff\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Ryan-Smith-and-wife-in-ANA-first-class-before-takeoff-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Ryan-Smith-and-wife-in-ANA-first-class-before-takeoff-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Ryan-Smith-and-wife-in-ANA-first-class-before-takeoff-276x207.webp 276w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Ryan-Smith-and-wife-in-ANA-first-class-before-takeoff-476x357.webp 476w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Ryan-Smith-and-wife-in-ANA-first-class-before-takeoff.webp 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Before take-off in ANA's new first-class seats. Credit: Ryan Smith\/AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Other_Things_To_Know\">Other Things To Know<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>We know that we've given you a ton of information here today. So instead of adding anything further, we'll leave you with some articles that might be helpful if you'd like to keep reading and learning:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/rewards-card-application-rules\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-credit-card-benefits\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Credit Card Benefits Every Traveler Should Know About<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/long-term-credit-card-strategy\/\" rel=\"noopener\">How To Plan a Long-Term Credit Card Strategy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/how-to-get-a-business-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">How To Get a Business Credit Card in 3 Steps<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/beginners-guide-award-flights\/\" rel=\"noopener\">How To Book an Award Flight<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The world of points and miles is vast, but it does not have to feel overwhelming. Learning the basics is an important first step, and you have already done that here. From there, it is simply a matter of jumping in. Get your finances in order, open your first card, begin earning points, and decide how you want to use them.<\/p>\n<p>As a reminder, we all choose different ways to use our points. The goal is for them to help <em>you<\/em> accomplish <em>your<\/em> travel goals. We at AwardWallet are dedicated to helping you achieve those goals.<\/p>\n<p>And yes, we're sure you have questions. Our Facebook group <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/awardtravel101\" rel=\"noopener\">Award Travel 101<\/a> is a great place to ask them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here&#8217;s our complete list of Advertisers. &nbsp; You\u2019ve probably heard someone say they flew to Europe \u201con points.\u201d Or maybe you\u2019ve seen posts claiming you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":245031,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"coauthors":[36392,36466],"class_list":["post-22","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/70"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22"}],"version-history":[{"count":96,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":249531,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22\/revisions\/249531"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/245031"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=22"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}