✈️ Turn Everyday Spending Into Free Flights

Earning points for award flights is simpler than you might think. By making a few strategic changes to your daily spending habits, you can easily rack up miles and be well on your way to booking free flights.

Step 1: Find a Loyalty Program that Offers Credit Cards

Look into which airline loyalty programs are partnered with banks in the country that you’re located in.

 🇨🇦 In Canada, for example, banks like TD and CIBC offer credit cards affiliated with Air Canada’s Aeroplan program.

🇬🇧 If you’re located in the UK, it would be easier to find credit cards affiliated with British Airways’ Avios program.

🇺🇸 In the United States, you have a wide range of options ranging from major airlines like Delta to budget airlines like Southwest.

Step 2: Choose and Apply for a Card

When choosing a credit card, pay attention to these two factors:

• Earning Rate: How many points you’ll earn per dollar (or your currency unit) spent

• Sign-up Bonus: The number of points you’ll earn after being approved for the card (typically after spending a certain amount - also known as the minimum spending requirement)

Not all cards are built equal - some may come with a high sign-up bonus and low earning rates, while others may have high earning rates and a low sign-up bonus.

There are pros and cons to both, but if you plan to keep the card long-term, opt for one with high earning rates.

Step 3: Be Strategic With Your Spending

Plan your spending strategically around your credit cards. When you first get a new card, focus the majority of your purchases on that card to meet the minimum spending requirement for the sign-up bonus.

After that, be mindful of which cards offer the highest rewards for specific categories. For example, always use a card that earns more points on dining when eating out or purchasing groceries, to ensure that you’re maximizing your rewards with every transaction.

🚨 Additional Notes

• It’s always a good idea to spend some time learning about how credit works and how your credit score is calculated in your country of residence. Even if you’re a frequent flyer, credit cards make earning points a lot easier - that’s why it’s important to monitor your credit and finances regularly to enjoy the benefits of airline loyalty points.

• Check out this article I wrote previously to learn how to earn airline miles without flying ⤵