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!
My dad, my son and me in Norway thanks to points and miles!
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 an Online Shopping Portal?
An online shopping portal is a website that gives you bonus points, miles, or cashback when you click through their link before making a purchase. You still shop at the same stores you normally would — Target, Walmart, Sephora, Home Depot, Nike, and hundreds more — but you earn extra rewards for starting at the portal.
Think of it as a “middle step” that boosts your rewards without changing your routine.
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.
Best Online Shopping Portals for Earning Points & Miles
Here are the most popular and beginner‑friendly portals:
⭐ Rakuten
Earn Amex Membership Rewards or cashback. This is the easiest way to earn flexible points on everyday purchases.
⭐ Chase Ultimate Rewards Shopping
Great for Chase cardholders. Earn extra points that can be transferred to Hyatt, United, Southwest, and more.
⭐ Airline Shopping Portals
Perfect when you want to build miles for a specific program:
AAdvantage eShopping
United MileagePlus Shopping
Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping
Delta SkyMiles Shopping
⭐ Capital One Shopping
Earn cashback and get automatic coupon codes at checkout.
How to Compare Cashback Rates (The Secret Weapon)
Before you shop, check CashBackMonitor to see which portal is offering the highest payout. Sometimes Rakuten pays more. Sometimes an airline portal wins. Sometimes Chase is the best.
This one step can double — or even triple — your rewards.
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Portal Earnings
Always start at a portal before you shop
Stack with credit card rewards for double earning
Use browser extensions so you never forget
Watch for seasonal bonuses (Back‑to‑School, Black Friday, holidays)
Check for new‑member bonuses — Rakuten often offers $30–$40 to start
These small habits add up fast.
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
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.
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