🌟 Easy Ways to Earn Points (No New Credit Cards Needed!)
My Easy Ways to Earn Points - Strategies I Use
Simple strategies anyone can use — even on a busy schedule.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to travel more, but I don’t want another credit card,” this post is for you. The truth is: you can earn a surprising amount of points and miles without opening a single new card. These are the exact strategies I use every day — and they work for beginners, families, and anyone who wants to earn passively.
Let’s dive in.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through a link and make a purchase, I get a small commission at no cost to you. (PS: I only recommend things I really use)
🛍️ 1. Use Shopping Portals for Everyday Purchases
My February 2026 Rakuten payout
Shopping portals are one of the easiest ways to earn points without changing your budget. You shop online like normal — Target, Walmart, Old Navy, Sephora, Best Buy — and earn extra points or cashback just for clicking through a portal first.
You can earn:
Airline miles
Hotel points
Cashback
Or even Membership Rewards (through Rakuten, this is my personal favorite)
Pro tip: Add the browser extension so you never miss an earning opportunity.
🍽️ 2. Join Dining Rewards Programs
If you eat out even occasionally, this is free points on autopilot.
How it works:
Link your existing credit or debit card
Eat at participating restaurants
Earn points automatically
You don’t have to check in, scan anything, or remember a code. It’s truly “set it and forget it.”
We don’t eat out much, but my kids in college do. I set these up on my cards years ago, and all of a sudden I am getting extra points thanks to these dining rewards programs
⛽ 3. Earn Points Through Fuel Rewards
Gas is one of those unavoidable expenses — so why not earn something back?
Many programs offer:
Cents off per gallon
Bonus points for filling up
Extra rewards for linking your grocery store loyalty card
If you’re already driving kids to school, sports, and activities, this one adds up fast.
Our Kroger offers Fuel Rewards, and we save so much on gas thanks to this program
🏨 4. Take Advantage of Hotel & Airline Promos
You don’t need to be a frequent traveler to benefit from promotions.
Examples include:
Double points
Bonus miles for a single flight
Extra points for downloading an app
Points for completing simple tasks (yes, really)
These promos run all year long — and they’re often stackable with other earning methods.
Make sure you sign up for emails. I recently received an offer from Hyatt for 5000 points to add an authorized user to my account. An easy 5000 points for addding my son Tanner to my account.
Easy Bonus Points
💵 5. Convert Cashback Into Points
If you prefer cashback cards, you can still turn that into travel.
Some programs let you:
Cash out and use the money to offset travel
Transfer cashback into points (depending on the bank)
Stack cashback with portal earnings for double value
This is a great option for beginners who want flexibility.
I used my Capital One Venture Cash back to offset the costs of my Alaska cruise - Big savings Princess Cruise Alaska
📝 6. Do Only the Worthwhile Surveys
Most survey sites are a waste of time — but a few offer solid points for minimal effort.
Stick to:
Airline survey partners
Hotel survey partners
Programs that give bonus points for your first survey
These won’t replace your main earning strategies, but they’re a nice little boost.
🧰 7. Use Passive Earning Tools (Like CardPointers)
Tools like CardPointers help you earn more without thinking about it.
They can:
Remind you which card to use
Track your offers
Alert you to bonus categories
Help you avoid missing out on points
This is one of my favorite “mom hacks” because it keeps everything organized for you.
About the Author
Julie is a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, a resource for families who want to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. She shares practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences to help you maximize every dollar. Stay connected — follow Julie on Facebook for fresh travel tips and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning together.
Let’s Travel Hack Together
If you enjoy learning how we travel as a family using points, miles, and smart credit card strategies, I’d love for you to follow along:
