{"id":257140,"date":"2023-02-23T09:00:58","date_gmt":"2023-02-23T14:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=257140"},"modified":"2025-07-14T08:31:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T12:31:16","slug":"points-and-miles-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/points-and-miles-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Points & Miles Mistakes to Avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Rows<\/p>\n

I\u2019m a huge fan of collecting points and miles<\/a>. It’s transformed my travels and saved me lots of money over the years. By signing up for travel credit cards, you can collect points and miles that you can cash in for free flights, flight upgrades, hotel stays, and more \u2014 all without any extra spending. In short, it’s a way to get more for less.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve enjoyed countless free upgrades, free flights, free hotel stays, and other perks \u2014 all without any extra spending. Collecting points and miles has helped open the world to me, so I\u2019m a huge advocate for it, as I\u2019ve seen what a difference it\u2019s made in my travels.<\/p>\n

Through the many years I’ve been writing about the subject, I\u2019ve seen tons of newbies make countless mistakes \u2014 mistakes that impact their ability to travel for free.<\/p>\n

Here are the biggest points and miles mistakes that I see people making so that you can avoid them, save your points and miles, and make your travel dollar go further:<\/p>\n

1. Not Starting at All <\/h3>\n

When I ask most people why they don\u2019t collect points and miles, they just shrug their shoulders and say, \u201cI don\u2019t know. Seems hard, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

The biggest reason that people don\u2019t start is that they think it\u2019s too complicated, it\u2019s only for people who travel often (or are big spenders), or that it\u2019s a scam<\/a>. <\/p>\n

But side-stepping the points-and-miles game entirely is the biggest mistake you could make. It\u2019s akin to saying no to free money. If you pay off your credit card each month, you\u2019re losing out if you aren\u2019t earning points and miles, which are simply perks that you get for being smart about your spending. Just start. (Not sure how? This post goes into great detail on how to do so<\/a>!)
\n <\/p>\n

2. Not Having a Goal<\/h3>\n

\"Nomadic
\nBefore you sign up for your first card, the most important thing to do is make a goal. Think about the trip you want to take, where you want to stay, and how you want to get there. Then get the travel credit cards<\/a> that will help you get there. <\/p>\n

Without making a goal, you\u2019ll have no idea what card (or cards) are best for you, as each offers different benefits that will fit different lifestyles, budgets, and travel goals. <\/p>\n

Remember: there is no perfect card. There is only the perfect card for you<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Are you interested in loyalty to a brand, free rewards, or avoiding fees? Do you want free flights and\/or hotel stays? Is elite status the most important perk for you? <\/p>\n

If you just want points to spend wherever you choose, get cards with transferable points (Chase, Capital One<\/a>, Bilt<\/a>, Citi, and American Express all issue these kinds of cards) because you can use these points with a variety of travel companies. They each have their own rewards programs and points that can be transferred to multiple airlines or hotel partners or used to book travel directly through their own travel portal websites.<\/p>\n

Determine your goal(s) and then find the cards that match it\/them, as well as your spending habits.
\n <\/p>\n

3. Not Getting Cards with an Annual Fee <\/h3>\n

\"The
\nWhen it comes to choosing a travel credit card<\/a>, many people balk at high credit card fees, which can sometimes be hundreds of dollars per year. Surely the credit card companies are just taking your money, right?<\/p>\n

Not exactly. <\/p>\n

While it\u2019s true that you\u2019ll have to decide whether cards with higher fees are worth it for you, cards with annual fees are usually much better than no-fee cards: they offer more value, better bonus categories (so you can accumulate points faster), and other perks, such as better travel protection and access to special offers. For me, even the cards with the highest annual fees are worth it<\/a>, as I have saved more money on travel than I have ever spent on fees.<\/p>\n

But you don\u2019t have to go for the cards with the highest annual fees right off the bat. There are many \u201cstarter\u201d cards that waive the fee the first year, and after that are just $95 per year. That way, you can see whether it\u2019s worth it to you. Here’s a list of my favorite cards<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you really don\u2019t want to pay an annual fee but still want to get in on the game, the Bilt Mastercard\u00ae<\/a> is my favorite no annual fee card<\/a>. This game-changing card is the only card that lets you earn points by paying your rent (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year), plus 3x points on dining and 2x points on travel. It offers solid travel protections too. If you’re just starting out (and pay rent), this is a must-have card. You just have to use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points (see all Rewards & Benefits here<\/a>). <\/p>\n

Additionally, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card<\/a> is also a great no fee card to consider.
\n <\/p>\n

4. Not Meeting Signup Bonuses <\/h3>\n

The best travel cards<\/a> offer a sizable introductory offer, also called \u201cwelcome offers\u201d or \u201csign-up bonuses.\u201d This is when you earn many points at once by spending a certain amount of money within a certain time period after opening your account (e.g., spending $3,000 in the first three months might earn you 60,000 points). <\/p>\n

These welcome offers are how I earn one million points each year<\/a>. They\u2019re super important, as they jump-start your account and immediately get you closer to a free flight or hotel stay. Sometimes these offers are even big enough to get you a free flight right off the bat!<\/p>\n

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not taking advantage of these bonuses. Again, it\u2019s like leaving money on the table (I hope you\u2019re seeing a pattern here). <\/p>\n

With that in mind, only apply for cards if you can meet their minimum spending requirements for the welcome bonus with your normal spending. If you are spending more money than you usually do just to get these points, then the points are no longer free. Only spend what you normally would and not a penny more.<\/p>\n

If you find yourself close to reaching a sign-up bonus but are still falling short, these are some things you can do:<\/p>\n