9 Proven Ways to Earn More Miles & Points in 2025: Expert Insights and Real-World Strategies

Sophie Carter

Travel rewards programs like airline miles, hotel points, and credit card bonuses have become a game-changer for savvy travelers. By strategically earning and redeeming these rewards, you can unlock free flights, luxury stays, and more without breaking the bank. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective methods to maximize your miles and points in 2025, based on expert insights and real-world strategies.

1. Leverage Credit Cards with Transferable Points

The foundation of earning miles and points lies in using the right credit cards. Cards from American Express, Chase, Citi, and Capital One often earn points that can be transferred to airlines, hotels, or even cashback. For example:

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3x points on travel and 2x on dining.
  • Citi AAdvantage provides 2x points on purchases and 1.5x on travel.
  • Bilt Rewards (no annual fee) lets you earn 1 point per dollar on rent payments, turning your biggest monthly expense into a reward.

Pro Tip: Always check transfer ratios and eligibility. Some transfers aren’t instant, and not all points are transferable to airline/hotel partners.

2. Leverage Shopping & Dining Portals

Airlines and hotels partner with retailers and restaurants to let you earn extra miles or points on everyday purchases. For example:

How to Use It: Log into your airline or hotel’s portal, browse participating stores/restaurants, and pay with your rewards-linked card.

3. Buy a Slightly More Expensive Ticket

While budget flights are tempting, they often earn fewer miles. Opt for higher booking classes (e.g., Business vs. Economy) to maximize mileage. For instance:

  • A Business class ticket on Delta might earn 50% more miles than an Economy one.
  • Revenue-based programs like American Airlines award miles based on your ticket price, so upgrading to a higher fare can yield significant rewards.

Check the Rules: Always verify how your frequent flyer program calculates miles (distance-based vs. revenue-based).

4. Credit Car Rentals to Frequent Flyer Programs

If you must rent a car, redirect those payments to your frequent flyer account. For example:

  • Alaska Airlines partners with Lyft (now transitioning to Uber) to earn miles on rides.
  • Marriott Bonvoy allows you to earn points on car rental bookings.

Avoid Hidden Fees: Use a credit card that doesn’t charge rental car fees, like the Bilt Rewards card.

5. Participate in Miles & Points Promotions

Airlines and hotels frequently run promotions like bonus miles, free upgrades, or points for signing up. For example:

  • Delta’s 10,000 Miles for $100 promotion.
  • Marriott Bonvoy’s 10,000 Points for $50 offer.

Stay Updated: Sign up for newsletters or follow brands like Points Path for exclusive deals.

6. Stay at Hotels with Elite Status

Elite status in hotel programs like Marriott Bonvoy or World of Hyatt earns you bonus points and perks like free nights. For example:

  • Marriott’s Gold Elite members earn 25% more points on stays.
  • World of Hyatt’s Diamond Elite members get 25% bonus points and free nights.

Pro Tip: Use premium credit cards like Capital One Venture X to earn hotel points and elite status automatically.

7. Combine Family Accounts for Redemptions

Many programs allow you to link accounts with family members. For example:

  • If you and your spouse split miles, you can combine balances to redeem a ticket.
  • Delta and American Airlines now support family accounts for shared redemptions.

Check Availability: Not all programs offer this, but more are adopting the feature.

8. Buy Miles/Points on Sale

Airline and hotel programs occasionally sell miles or points at discounts. For example:

  • Delta might offer 200% bonus points on a limited-time purchase.
  • Marriott Bonvoy might sell points for $100 per 10,000 points.

Be Cautious: Always check if points are posted instantly and verify redemption rules.

9. Use Bank Accounts for Miles

Some banks reward account holders for maintaining balances or using debit cards. For example:

  • Bank of America offers 1,000 points for a $100 deposit in a checking account.
  • Capital One provides 1,000 points for a $500 deposit in a savings account.

Limitations: These rewards are small compared to credit cards but can add up over time.

Final Tips for Success

  • Track Your Earnings: Use apps like MileIQ or Mint to monitor your progress.
  • Prioritize High-Yield Methods: Focus on credit cards, shopping portals, and promotions first.
  • Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt as programs change (e.g., Delta’s shift to Uber for rides).

Conclusion
Earning miles and points requires a mix of strategy, patience, and smart spending. By combining credit cards, promotions, and partnerships, you can turn everyday expenses into free travel. Whether you’re booking a last-minute getaway or planning a long-haul trip, these methods will help you maximize your rewards. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your miles grow—your next adventure is just a few points away!

Ready to fly for free? Start earning today with the right tools and mindset.

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