10 Simple Ways to Quickly Earn Airline and Hotel Points & Miles

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Are you eager to boost your airline and hotel miles and points without having to constantly travel? In this article, I’ll walk you through 10 simple ways to accumulate those valuable rewards. While we’ll use Marriott Bonvoy as an example to illustrate these techniques, keep in mind that you can adapt them to various loyalty programs, enabling you to unlock exciting travel opportunities.

10 Simple Ways to Quickly Earn Airline and Hotel Miles & Points

1. Unlock Rewards: Join a Loyalty Program Today!

Let’s kick things off with the fundamental step: signing up for a loyalty program. Imagine you frequently stay at Marriott hotels. By becoming a member of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, you open the door to earning Marriott Bonvoy points. As part of an ongoing promotion, you’ll instantly receive a generous welcome bonus of 2,500 points when you join. It’s a fantastic head start toward accumulating more miles and points.

2. Get a Co-Branded Credit Card

For a substantial mileage boost, consider getting a co-branded credit card associated with your preferred loyalty program, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card. After your application is approved, you may be offered a sign-up deal: Earn three free nights, each valued up to 50,000 points, after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening. This not only adds value to your Marriott Bonvoy points but also sets you on the path to memorable stays.

3. Take Advantage of Credit Card Welcome Bonuses

In addition to your loyalty co-branded card, don’t miss the opportunity to explore general travel credit cards. For instance, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card often provides a substantial welcome bonus in terms of points or miles. This sign-up bonus, in this case, amounts to a decent 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, earned by spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months. These points can be redeemed for complimentary hotel stays at Marriott properties, significantly elevating your Marriott Bonvoy points balance.

4. Stay at Hotels in Partner Programs

To earn points and miles, look for hotels and airlines connected to your preferred loyalty programs. For instance, with Marriott Bonvoy, staying at their hotels gets you 500 bonus United MileagePlus miles. Flying with United also earns you 750 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points. Just remember to register to qualify for these promotions!

5. Rent Cars from Partner Agencies

When renting a car, choose a rental agency that’s affiliated with your loyalty program. Simply provide your loyalty program number when making the reservation, and you’ll earn bonus points or miles, enhancing your rewards balance. For example, Hertz is a partner of Marriott Bonvoy.

6. Participate in Surveys and Promotions

Participating in surveys and promotions can be a rewarding way to earn points and miles while engaging with your favorite loyalty programs. Many loyalty programs, including Marriott Bonvoy and various airline rewards programs, frequently offer surveys, contests, and promotional activities that allow you to accumulate extra points and miles. To get started, keep an eye on newsletters and emails from your chosen programs. They often contain links to surveys or promotional campaigns. This method may seem slow, and indeed, it doesn’t offer a lot and consume some time. As a result, some people might not find it particularly attractive. Nevertheless, it’s an available option for those who are interested.

7. Refer a Friend

Many travel credit cards offer a significant number of points or miles for referring to a friend. This is an excellent way to introduce your friends and family to the world of points and miles while benefiting from referral bonuses. Just make sure to use your unique referral link to be credited for approved referrals.

8. Pay Your Taxes

Earning points or miles with your taxes can help ease the financial burden. If you owe taxes, using a new travel credit card can allow you to benefit from the sign-up bonus while giving yourself some time to settle your balance. Be sure to check the terms and conditions and ensure that the rewards you earn outweigh any credit card processing fees. For those expecting a tax refund, loyalty programs often partner with tax preparation systems, offering deals annually.

9. Dine Out

Earning miles and points isn’t limited to credit card spending and tax payments alone. You can also boost your rewards by participating in dining programs that offer miles/points every time you dine at partner restaurants. Many loyalty programs, like Marriott Bonvoy, have dining programs where you can link your credit card and earn bonus points for every dollar spent at eligible eateries. It’s a seamless way to accumulate additional rewards while indulging in your favorite meals.

10. Charitable Donations

Your generosity can also be rewarding in terms of travel miles and points. Many credit card programs offer the opportunity to earn miles through charitable donations. By using your travel rewards credit card to contribute to your favorite charitable organizations, you can accumulate miles for each dollar donated. It’s a meaningful way to give back while simultaneously boosting your travel rewards balance. Additionally, some loyalty programs may even partner with specific charities, allowing you to contribute directly to causes you care about while earning extra miles as a bonus for your goodwill. So, whether you’re supporting a local charity or a global cause, consider using your credit card to make a difference while earning miles for your next adventure.

Now that you’ve got these 10 simple ways to earn airline and hotel miles and points, you’re on a journey to make your travel dreams come true. Don’t forget to check the terms and conditions of your preferred loyalty programs to make the most of these strategies. Safe and rewarding travels!

New to earning miles and points? Read my tips on how to collect them effortlessly [link]. I’ve got a beginner’s guide to credit card points and miles to help you start. If your credit card is declined or pending, don’t stress—it’s not over. Check this [link] for basics on the credit card application process and what to do with a reconsideration line. Explore my list of sweet spots to make the most of your miles and points. Enjoy your points and miles journe

Disclaimer: I’ve used Marriott here as an example solely for the purpose of providing clarity to our readers. This article is neither sponsored nor paid, and I am not affiliated with any of the mentioned programs at the time of writing.