How to Build Miles Quickly with your Airline Rewards Card

If you’ve taken the time to apply for an airline rewards card, you no doubt are interested in earning some free air travel. Free airfare can help you save hundreds of dollars on your trip. But to earn the most that you can you’ll need to do some research and plan your airline rewards card purchases wisely.

Most airline rewards cards work in the same basic way. When you make a purchase on your card, you will earn bonus points that can later be exchanged for free miles and other travel related expenses. The key in racking up bonus points is in using your card in the right way.

No matter what type of card you pick, be sure you know what types of purchases will earn you miles. Certain cards only offer bonus points for purchases at specific stores, or types of stores. For example, an American Express card gives you double points for all purchases made at grocery stores, home improvement stores, post offices and drug stores.

Make it a habit of checking regularly with your credit card company’s website to find out about new offers on bonus points. Many companies will offer double or triple points for purchases made within a specific time period. You can make purchases on your card that you would have already been making anyway, and earn more miles and other goodies. Your monthly credit card statement will also have details on special bonus point offers.

Plan your purchases with your airline rewards card to get the maximum benefit of the bonus points. Find out if your card gives points for booking flights online, renting from certain car companies or staying a specific hotels when you travel.

Earning bonus points with your card is easy if you know how to maximize the power of your purchases. It won’t take much effort to double or even triple your bonus points with your airline rewards card, and that will get you one step closer to having a free vacation.