Using points and miles can significantly reduce travel expenses, but not everyone has equal access to earning them. Travel rewards credit cards are one of the most straightforward means to accumulate rewards through everyday spending; however, obtaining these cards often requires a credit score of 740 or higher. Additionally, individuals burdened with credit card debt may hesitate to acquire a rewards card due to the typically high-interest rates associated with them.
The good news is that it’s possible to earn travel rewards without relying on a credit card. Here are some effective and relatively simple methods to accumulate travel rewards if credit cards aren’t an option right now.
1. Enroll in airline dining programs
If you frequently dine out and wish to accumulate airline miles, consider joining the dining programs offered by airlines such as Delta SkyMiles, Southwest Rapid Rewards, and American AAdvantage. These airline dining clubs allow you to earn miles just by registering and dining at selected restaurants. You might even receive sign-up bonuses of up to 3,000 miles for dining at a few qualifying locations within your first month.
These dining clubs come with no fees, so if you plan to eat out, it makes sense to take advantage of them. At a minimum, explore what restaurants are available in these programs for the airlines you use. (See also: Comprehensive Guide to Airline Dining Rewards Programs)
2. Make purchases via airline shopping portals
If online shopping is part of your routine, ensure you make purchases through airline shopping portals each time. Airlines like United, Alaska, American, and Southwest offer these portals, granting bonus miles for every dollar spent.
All it takes is logging into your account and clicking through to the retailer’s website before shopping. You’re not limited to credit card payments; alternative methods like PayPal or debit cards are also accepted. (See also: Utilizing Airline Shopping Portals to Maximize Rewards)
3. Sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs
Joining loyalty programs of airlines and hotels that you often use is essential, particularly when booking paid travel. By providing your loyalty number during hotel or airline reservations, you can earn points or miles for the travel you undertake.
Your earning potential through paid travel varies with each airline or hotel’s earning structure. For instance, Southwest Rapid Rewards offers six points per $1 spent on their basic Wanna Get Away fares, while their Business Select fares yield 12 miles per $1. Delta SkyMiles awards basic members five miles per $1 spent on Delta-marketed flights.
4. Utilize booking portals for hotel stays and rentals
When planning travel, consider how you can gain extra travel rewards with your expenses. Airlines often partner with hotel chains and rental car services, providing miles when you book your travel via their official sites.
Many loyalty programs even present bonus rewards for vacation packages or cruises, so it’s wise to review potential earnings before making travel arrangements online. For example, booking a cruise through American AAdvantage Cruises can yield up to 10,000 bonus miles.
5. Explore PointsHound.com and RocketMiles.com
Check out PointsHound and RocketMiles, as both platforms reward you with airline miles for qualifying hotel bookings.
With PointsHound, you could earn up to 10,000 miles on selected hotel stays from a selection of over 300,000 hotels and resorts across the globe. You can also choose from popular airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, and more.
6. Participate in online surveys
Many airlines allow their loyal customers to earn miles by completing online surveys. While the mileage earned may be modest, it’s still better than nothing. If you have some spare time, spending a few hours on easy surveys can add a few hundred airline miles to your account.
Here are some prominent airline survey platforms worth exploring.
7. Keep an eye on special promotions
Stay vigilant for special offers from your preferred airline and hotel loyalty programs. Promotions might include opportunities to earn bonus miles for activities such as sharing a post on social media or making specific purchases.
To stay informed about promotions, sign up for email updates from favorite travel brands and follow them on social media. This way, you’ll be alerted to opportunities for easy bonus miles that can accumulate over time.
The bottom line
If obtaining a credit card isn’t an option for you at the moment, it doesn’t mean that earning travel rewards is out of reach. As highlighted above, numerous strategies exist to help you accumulate points and miles, provided you are willing to invest some effort. Remember, the rewards go to those who actively seek them, so start working towards earning those bonuses today.
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