When you earn your reward points you want to make sure that you get the most out of them and don’t potentially leave any on the table. There are so many different ways that people are leaving points on the table – and we don’t even realize that we are doing it. To make sure that you are getting the most out of your reward points, these are some things that you should look out for:
You Aren’t Utilizing Credit Cards Properly
Credit cards are the main way we spend money – few people are carrying cash these days. Making your credit cards work for you is a fantastic way to earn those points. Choosing the right way to spend your money, the right cards to put it on, and even the right cards to sign up for can make a difference.
If you spend more money at grocery stores, make sure to sign up for a card that gives you the most points back for that. Or for going to certain hotels. Or for going out to eat. There are cards that give you more points for almost any activity that you can do.
Spending Requirements
One thing you do have to notice is that each card has a spending requirement to get certain bonuses. Make sure to track your own spending so that you can see if you are going to get any of those bonuses. If you aren’t anywhere close, it might not be worth your while to spend all that extra money. However, if you have only a small percentage to go, you might want to find a way to get there.
Online Shopping
One of the best opportunities to make your miles work for you is to get them through online shopping. Hundreds of stores that are on virtual shopping malls – stores that you already shop at – offer points through airline programs. You will earn a different number of miles for each dollar that you spend at stores like Target, Gap, Old Navy, and more.
If you already spend money online, this is an easy way to shop and spend money without adding more burden to your bank account. Sometimes specific shops will work with specific airlines for even more of a benefit.
No matter what you do, make sure that you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to using your airline miles. Make sure you aren’t leaving anything on the table!
