Points and Miles 101: A Super Simple Guide
If you’ve ever wondered how people seem to fly for free, upgrade to suites, or take dream vacations without draining their bank account, here’s the secret: points and miles. They’re not magic, and they’re definitely not just for frequent flyers. They’re simply rewards you can earn from everyday spending — and when you understand how they work, you unlock travel you never thought possible. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and our family has taken amazing trips thanks to this hobby to London, Munich, Paris, and more, all on points and miles. We rarely pay for travel, so almost all the points we have earned are from credit card points and shopping portals.
Our family in Munich 2019
This guide breaks it down in the simplest way possible so you can start earning smarter today.
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)
🤔 New to points and miles? I’ve got answers to your most common questions. Read the FAQ → Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Points & Miles?
Think of points and miles as a currency. You earn them from:
Credit card spending
Airline loyalty programs
Hotel loyalty programs
Shopping portals
Dining programs
Then you redeem them for things like:
Flights
Hotels
Cruises
Upgrades
Even cash back or gift cards
They’re basically a rebate system — but instead of getting a few dollars back, you get travel worth hundreds or thousands.
Why Points & Miles Matter
Points and miles matter because they help you travel more for less. A few reasons they’re so powerful:
They stretch your travel budget. A $600 flight might cost only 15,000 miles.
They unlock premium experiences. Business class, suites, lounge access — all without paying cash prices.
They reward your normal spending. You don’t have to buy anything extra.
They compound over time. A few smart habits add up fast.
Most people leave free travel on the table simply because they don’t understand how the system works. Once you do, everything changes.
How to Earn Points Without Changing Your Lifestyle
This is the part most beginners get wrong — you don’t need to spend more money. You just need to earn smarter on the spending you already do. I think it is important to add here that I pay my credit cards off each month.
1. Use the Right Credit Card for Everyday Purchases
You’re already buying groceries, gas, and household items. Put those purchases on a rewards card and you’re earning points automatically.
Look for cards that offer:
Bonus categories (like dining, groceries, travel)
A strong welcome bonus
Flexible points you can transfer to airlines and hotels
I break down the real cards I use to maximize points in miles - Best Points Credit Cards for Travel
2. Stack Deals When You Shop
You can earn:
Credit card points
Shopping portal points
Store rewards
Cashback
…all from the same purchase. No extra spending — just smarter routing.
I break down my stacking strategy - How to Stack Credit Card Rewards in 2026 (Beginner‑Friendly Guide)
Before you check out online, run your purchase through a shopping portal. It’s the easiest way to earn extra points without changing anything.I personally love Rakuten - Sign Up for Rakuten
3. Join Airline & Hotel Loyalty Programs
They’re free, and you earn miles or points every time you travel. Even one flight or one hotel stay adds to your stash. We signed up our kids as soon as they started flying. I even used my son’s Delta miles to fly me to New York City one year. I believe in starting them young!
4. Use Dining Rewards Programs
Link your credit card once, dine at participating restaurants, and earn extra points automatically.
5. Take Advantage of Bonuses
Airlines, hotels, and credit cards run promos all the time. A quick check before you book or shop can mean thousands of extra points.
Tools I Personally Use
Shopping portals - Rakuten
Cashback apps - Cardpointers
Award search tools - Point.me
Travel gear - Amazon Essentials
The Secret: Consistency Beats Complexity
You don’t need to memorize charts or chase every promo. Just set up a simple system:
Use one or two rewards cards for all spending
Stack deals when you shop online
Join loyalty programs for the brands you already use
Keep an eye out for easy bonuses
Do that, and you’ll be shocked at how quickly your points grow.
I personally love Chase Ultimate Rewards thanks to their transfer partners, including Hyatt & Southwest. Learn more about Transfer Partners Credit Card Transfer Partners
What I’d Do First If I Were You
I’ve been doing this for 20 years. I want to make this as easy as possible for you! Anyone can do this!
If I were starting from scratch, here’s exactly what I’d do:
1. Pick one beginner‑friendly rewards card
2. Run all online shopping through a portal
3. Join the airline/hotel programs I already use
4. Link my card to a dining rewards program
5. Track my points in one place
If you want help choosing your first card or figuring out the best way to earn points based on your lifestyle, join my free Facebook group — we break it all down in a super friendly, no‑judgment space.
What You Can Do With Your Points
This is where the fun begins.
Points can get you:
Free flights
Free hotel nights
Upgrades to nicer rooms or cabins
Discounted cruises
Travel perks like lounge access or priority boarding
Even a beginner can earn enough for a free domestic flight within a few months — without spending a dollar more than usual. Pick a card with a good sign-up bonus, meet the minimum spend and you will be traveling on points in no time!
New to Points and Miles? Check out my favorite cards for beginners:
Best Credit Cards for Family Travel
Final Thoughts
Points and miles don’t have to be complicated. They’re simply a smarter way to use the money you already spend. Once you understand the basics, you’ll start seeing opportunities everywhere — and your future trips will cost a whole lot less.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, explore more guides on No Point Left Behind and start stacking your way to your next adventure. Check out my Ultimate Beginner Guide - Beginner Travel Hacking for Moms and join my Facebook group to learn more. You don’t have to do this alone!
