How to Use Online Shopping Portals to Earn More Points
Turn everyday purchases into free travel—without spending a penny more.
As a travel hack mom, I’m always looking for ways to stretch our budget and earn more points without extra effort. One of the easiest (and most overlooked) strategies? Shopping portals. These magical little tools let you earn bonus points and miles just by clicking through before you shop online. I have been using shopping portals like Rakuten for years!
Just a heads-up: some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It’s one of the ways I keep this blog running and full of travel hacks!
💰Want to give Rakuten a try? Use my referral link, and we both get a bonus
What Is a Shopping Portal?
A shopping portal is a website run by an airline, bank, or cashback program that gives you extra rewards when you start your online shopping there. You’ll still shop at your favorite stores—Target, Macy’s, Sephora, Walmart—but you’ll earn bonus points or miles on top of what your credit card already gives you. I love getting more points on things I am buying already.
How It Works (Step-by-Step)
Pick a portal: Use sites like Rakuten, Chase Ultimate Rewards, or airline portals like AAdvantage eShopping.
Search for your store: Type in the retailer you want (e.g., Kohl’s, Best Buy).
Click through the portal: This tracks your purchase.
Shop as usual: Use your travel rewards credit card at checkout.
Earn bonus points: These show up in your portal account within days or weeks.
Want to compare cash back opportunities before making a purchase? I use Cash Back Monitor.
Pro Tips for Moms
Stack rewards: Use a shopping portal + a rewards credit card + a credit card offer
Bookmark your favorite portals so you never forget to click through.
Use browser extensions like Rakuten’s to get reminders while shopping. This ensures you don’t leave points behind!
Check bonus offers—some portals offer 10x or more during holidays or back-to-school season.
Ready to Earn More?
Start with Rakuten or your airline’s portal and try it on your next online purchase. You’ll be surprised how fast those points add up—especially when you’re shopping for a family.
👉 Explore our Credit Card Strategy Hub 👉 Learn the Lingo in Our Travel Hacking Glossary
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:
