Easy Ways to Earn Points on Everyday Spending
One of the biggest myths about points and miles is that you need to spend a ton of money to earn free travel. Not true. The real secret? Earning points on the spending you’re already doing — groceries, gas, dining, Amazon, Target runs, kids’ activities, and everything in between.
Our Family in Italy thanks to these strategies
If you’re a busy parent or someone who just wants to travel smarter without overthinking it, this guide breaks down the easiest ways to earn points on everyday spending. No complicated spreadsheets. No extreme couponing. Just simple strategies that add up fast.
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⭐ Start With the Right Credit Card
The fastest way to earn points is by using a travel credit card for your everyday purchases. You don’t need a wallet full of cards — just one or two that match your spending habits.
What to Look For
A strong welcome bonus
Bonus categories you actually use
Flexible points (Chase, Amex, Capital One)
Travel protections
No foreign transaction fees
Great Everyday Cards
My dad and Son in London thank to Great Everyday Cards (see list to the left)
Chase Sapphire Preferred - Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve - Benefits Chase Sapphire Reserve
Capital One Venture - Capital One Venture Card
Amex Gold (amazing for groceries + dining) - **Currently do not have this card
Pro tip: Put every possible expense on your card — then pay it off in full each month. No interest, all upside.
🛒 1. Groceries: Your Biggest Points Machine
If you’re feeding a family, groceries are probably one of your largest monthly expenses — which makes them a goldmine for earning points.
How to Maximize Grocery Spending
Use a card that earns bonus points at supermarkets
Stack with grocery store gift cards (Target, Amazon, gas, restaurants)
Use shopping portals for grocery delivery (Instacart, Walmart, Target)
Best Cards for Groceries
Amex Gold (4x points at U.S. supermarkets)
Amex Everyday Blue (cash back card) - Best Credit card for Groceries
Citi Strata Premier (3x points at Supermarkets and a lower annual fee than the Gold)
👉Personally, I kept the Amex Gold card in my wallet for years, but the annual fee became too high for me. I switched to the Amex Every Day Blue and the Citi Strata Premier for all my grocery shopping.
🍽️ 2. Dining Out & Takeout
Whether it’s date night, Chick‑fil‑A after soccer practice, or DoorDash on a busy weeknight, dining is an easy category to maximize.
How to Earn More
Use a card with dining bonuses
Link your card to airline dining programs
Best Cards for Dining
Chase Sapphire Preferred (3x dining)
Amex Gold (4x dining)
Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x dining + travel protections)
🛍️ 3. Online Shopping Portals (The Easiest Win)
Before you buy anything online — clothes, gifts, school supplies, home goods — check a shopping portal.
How It Works
You click through a portal → shop as normal → earn extra points or cash back.
Best Portals
Rakuten (earns Amex points!)
Chase Shopping Portal
Capital One Shopping
Airline portals (AA, Delta, United)
Pro Tip
Always compare portal payouts. Sometimes the difference is huge. I compare on Cashback Monitor.
⛽ 4. Gas, Transportation & Commuting
Even if you don’t drive much, gas and transportation add up.
Ways to Earn More
Use a card with gas bonuses
Buy gas gift cards at grocery stores (earn grocery bonuses!)
Use apps like Upside for extra cash back
Best Cards for Gas
Chase Freedom Flex (rotating 5x categories)
Citi Strata Premier - 3x on gas
🎁 5. Gift Cards (Your Secret Weapon)
Gift cards are one of the most underrated ways to earn points.
How to Use Them
Buy gift cards at grocery stores to earn grocery bonuses
Stock up on cards for places you shop anyway (Target, Amazon, Starbucks)
Use them for holiday shopping, birthdays, and kids’ activities
This is one of the easiest ways to hit minimum spend on a new card.
📦 6. Amazon, Target & Everyday Retailers
You can earn points on all your everyday shopping — you just need the right setup.
Amazon
Use a card with strong everyday earning
Shop through Rakuten when available
Buy Amazon gift cards at grocery stores for bonus points
Target
Buy Target gift cards at grocery stores
Use portals for Target.com
Stack with Target Circle deals
✈️ 7. Travel You’re Already Booking
Flights, hotels, rental cars, Ubers, Lyfts — these are easy wins.
How to Maximize
Always book travel with a travel card
Use airline and hotel loyalty programs
Stack with portals when possible
Best Cards for Travel
Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x travel)
Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x travel)
Capital One Venture (2x on everything)
🎰 8. Casino & Cruise Offers (Your Signature Strategy!)
How to Earn
Use casino offers to book discounted or free cruises
Stack with credit card points for flights + hotels
Use onboard spending to hit minimum spend
This is one of the most powerful ways families can travel for less.
🧾 9. Bills, Subscriptions & Monthly Expenses
Don’t forget the boring stuff — it all earns points.
Put These on Your Card
Streaming services
Phone bill
Internet
Utilities (if allowed)
Insurance
Kids’ activities
Gym memberships
If it accepts a credit card, it should be earning you points.
💡 10. Use One Card for Everything (Until You’re Ready to Level Up)
If you’re a beginner, don’t overcomplicate it.
Pick one great card → put everything on it → pay it off monthly.
Once you’re comfortable, you can add a second card to maximize categories.
🎉 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend more money to earn more points — you just need to be intentional with the spending you’re already doing. Groceries, dining, gas, Amazon, Target, travel, bills… it all adds up fast when you’re earning the right points.
Start simple, stay consistent, and watch your points grow.
About the Author
Me and my husband in Portugal
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.
