6 habits to earn airline rewards points

With travel prices on the rise, credit cards that rack up airline points are the best way to score super cheap, even free, flights. Stop leaving money on the table and follow these six simple habits to earn points toward your next flight.

Habit 1 — The double dip strategy

Earn twice on the same purchase when you shop your favorite brand by going through an airline’s shopping portal, instead of buying directly from the retailer’s site.

Most airlines have shopping portals. " All you have to do is click through the portal before you shop or install the browser extension, and you're on your way to earning points from the comfort of your desk," writes the Points Guy.

The Math: You can even earn triple points on your purchase from the credit card company, the retailer and the airline. Choose a credit card that offers rewards points for purchases and airline miles. Shop with retailers that offer rewards programs.

Before you can start earning points or miles, you need to sign up for your chosen airline's loyalty program. Just refer to an updated list of airline mile valuations to choose your preferred airline.

Habit 2 — Use your credit card for everyday purchases

One of the fastest ways to accrue points is to pay for everyday purchases and recurring bills with your airline rewards credit card. That way, you can earn airline miles quickly on everyday purchases you would have to make anyway.

Remember, you won't be able to earn airline miles on cash and debit purchases. For this strategy to work, make sure you choose a card with a generous airline miles rewards plan.

Pro tip: For this strategy to be the most cost saving, you must pay off the entire balance of your card every month. Rolling over your balance into the next month plus interest is a sure-fire way to lose money.

Plan long term: And if your bucket list trip isn't this year, you may want to consider a card that doesn't allow airline points to expire and doesn't charge an annual fee.

Habit 3 — Know your points

Stop using the wrong card: Not every dollar spent is equal. On many credit cards, money spent in some categories, such as groceries, dining and gas, earns 3x or even 5x more than other purchases.

A good strategy to maximize points is to dedicate a card to the big point earning expenses. One way to do this is to use a single card for entertainment and other fun purchases, and another for spending on everyday items. Choose two cards that offer the best point value.

Habit 4 — The sign-up bonus sprint

Here is one of the fastest ways to earn 50,000 miles! Take advantage of sign-up bonuses that allow you to earn a huge lump sum of airline points for meeting a set spending minimum within the first three months of opening your card.

It’s easier to earn 60,000 points from a new card than an old card. Choose a card that offers the most points for the lowest spending threshold possible.

Timing the spend: The best way to tap into signing up bonuses is timing major purchases to your three-month term. Those big-ticket items really bring in the points!

Habit 5 — Pooling points and family sharing

Two heads (and accounts) are better than one: Take advantage of cards that allow families to share airline miles or bank points that can convert to miles.

Pooling points super-charge the speed at which points are earned because everyone can contribute their spending. Reach the reward flight threshold months earlier than going it alone. It’s a great idea for family vacations!

Habit 6 — Never pay with points, unless …

Protect your point value: If you have easily transferable credit card points, be sure to use them on flights and hotels. Spending points on shopping and dining is a sure-fire way to derail your progress toward earning a reward flight.

Fly or bust: Credit card points are almost always worth 2x–3x more

when used for flights or hotel stays than for anything else.

Consider packing travel insurance before your next low-cost flight

You worked hard to earn your airline points and spend wisely. Now, protecting your financial investment with travel insurance can be valuable. You never know when a travel snag will happen.

Let’s say you’re diagnosed with the flu just days before your flight, hit with fever and chills—and your doctor advises you not to travel. You booked a non-refundable stay at a resort. Travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits may make the difference between losing money or postponing it for a better time.

If your trip is cancelled or interrupted midway for a covered reason, an Allianz Global Assistance Travel Insurance plan with trip cancellation benefits reimburses certain non-refundable expenses, up to the total cost of your trip.

Get a quote travel insurance today to see how we can help you travel with peace of mind.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Allianz Global Assistance is not responsible for the use of external websites or the content or accuracy of external website information.