Ever looked at your credit card and thought, “Could this actually take me somewhere?”
Spoiler: it can — and it has for me, many times over.
From $22 roundtrip tickets to New York, to nearly free luxury hotel stays in Europe, I’ve learned how to turn everyday purchases into unforgettable travel memories. If you’re wondering how points and miles work, or where to even begin — you’re in the right place.
Here’s how to start turning your credit card into a boarding pass.
💳 What Are Points & Miles?
Let’s break it down real quick:
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Points are earned through spending on certain credit cards and can usually be redeemed for travel, cash back, or gifts.
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Miles are often tied to airline loyalty programs and can be used to book flights.
Think of them as travel currency that you earn without actually traveling — just by spending smart.
Some credit cards offer flexible points that can be transferred to multiple airlines or hotels, which gives you way more options and value. (These are my favorite kind, by the way.)
🌍 Why Use Points & Miles for Travel?
Here’s what makes this so powerful:
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💸 Free or nearly free flights and hotel stays
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💼 Luxury experiences without the luxury price
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✨ Access to travel perks like airport lounges, upgrades & early boarding
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🛍️ Earn rewards on purchases you’re already making
Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy, a weekend in NYC, or a relaxing beach vacation, you can use points to get there cheaper—or even free.
🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Get Started
1️⃣ Know Your Travel Goals
Do you dream of flying business class to Europe? Or do you prefer quick weekend getaways?
Your travel style will help you decide which cards to start with and which points you should focus on.
2️⃣ Check Your Credit Score
Most travel credit cards require a good score (around 700+).
👉 If you’re not there yet, no worries! Work on paying down debts and making on-time payments. You’ll get there.
3️⃣ Choose the Right Credit Card
Not all cards are created equal. Look for:
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A strong welcome bonus (like 60,000+ points for spending a set amount)
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No foreign transaction fees
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Points that can be transferred to airlines or hotels
You don’t need 10 credit cards to start — just one good one can change your travel game.
4️⃣ Use Your Card for Everyday Purchases
Groceries. Gas. Streaming services. Cell phone bills.
If you’re already spending the money, why not earn travel rewards from it?
⚠️ Key Rule: Always pay off your balance in full each month. Travel isn’t worth it if you’re paying interest.
5️⃣ Stack Your Rewards
To supercharge your earnings:
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Use bonus categories (e.g., 3x on dining or 5x on travel)
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Shop through online portals to earn extra points
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Sign up for airline dining programs
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Refer friends for bonus points
It adds up faster than you think!
6️⃣ Redeem Smart
When it comes time to use your points, go for maximum value.
Booking flights through transfer partners or airline programs often gives you 2–3x more value than redeeming through a travel portal or for cash back.
🎯 Example: Instead of using 60,000 points for $600 in cash, those same points could book you a $1,200 international flight.
🔥 Pro Tips to Level Up
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✅ Set up autopay so you never miss a due date
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✅ Track your points with apps like AwardWallet or CardPointers
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✅ Use multiple cards strategically once you’re comfortable
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✅ Stay updated on limited-time offers and promos
Bottom Line: Your Wallet Is a Travel Tool
This isn’t just about racking up points — it’s about opening the door to experiences you didn’t think you could afford. That Paris trip? That Caribbean cruise? That spontaneous getaway? All of it is possible.
And the best part? You don’t have to spend more — you just have to spend smarter.
So next time you swipe your card, ask yourself:
Am I earning points that will take me somewhere amazing?
