The Smartest Ways to Earn Credit Card Points Fast

Earning credit card points can be a fantastic way to save money on travel, experiences, and more. But if you want to rack up points quickly, you need to be strategic. In this article, we’ll explore some of the smartest ways to earn credit card points fast, including tips on how to combine Chase points for maximum value.

 

Sign Up for New Cards with Lucrative Bonuses

One of the quickest ways to earn a large number of points is by signing up for new credit cards that offer generous sign-up bonuses. Many cards will offer 50,000 points or more just for meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months.

Look for cards that align with your spending habits and travel goals. Be sure to read the fine print and understand any annual fees or other terms before applying.

 

Maximize Your Everyday Spending

To really boost your point earnings, use your credit card for as many of your everyday purchases as possible. This includes groceries, gas, dining out, and online shopping.

Some cards offer bonus points for specific categories, like travel or dining. Choose cards that reward you the most for the categories where you spend the most.

 

Take Advantage of Online Shopping Portals

Many credit card issuers have online shopping portals where you can earn bonus points for purchases made through their links. Before making an online purchase, check to see if your card issuer has a shopping portal and if the retailer is included.

You can often earn several extra points per dollar spent, which can really add up over time. Plus, you’ll still earn the regular points on your card for the purchase.

 

Refer Friends and Family

Some credit cards offer referral bonuses when you refer a friend or family member and they get approved for the card. These bonuses can range from a few thousand points to over 20,000 points, depending on the card.

Just be sure your friend or family member understands the terms and is comfortable with the responsibility of a new credit card before referring them.

 

Utilize Credit Card Perks and Benefits

Many credit cards come with additional perks and benefits that can help you earn more points. For example, some cards offer a free hotel night each year, which can be worth tens of thousands of points.

Other cards may offer free checked bags, priority boarding, or lounge access when flying. Taking advantage of these benefits not only makes your travel experience better, but can also save you money and earn you more points in the process.

 

Combine Points from Multiple Cards

If you have multiple credit cards that earn the same type of points, consider combining them into one account. This is especially useful for travel partners like airlines or hotels, where you may need a certain number of points for a free flight or stay.

For example, if you have multiple Chase credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, you can easily transfer points between accounts. This allows you to pool your points together for a bigger redemption. Learning how to combine Chase points can help you get the most value out of your rewards.

 

Be Smart with Redemptions

Finally, be smart about how you redeem your hard-earned points. While it can be tempting to use points for cash back or gift cards, you’ll often get the most value by redeeming for travel.

Many credit card issuers have travel portals where you can book flights, hotels, and more using your points. You may also be able to transfer points to airline or hotel partners for even better value.

Before redeeming, do some research to understand the value of your points and the best ways to use them for your specific travel goals.

Earning credit card points fast takes some strategy and effort, but it can pay off big in free travel and experiences. By signing up for new cards with big bonuses, maximizing your everyday spending, taking advantage of shopping portals and card benefits, and being smart with redemptions, you can quickly rack up a hefty point balance. And don’t forget the value in learning how to combine points across cards for even bigger rewards.