Points 101
How to Earn Points
Six ways points actually accumulate, from card spending to dining programs, ranked by how much they move the needle.
Credit card spending
The fastest path. Premium cards earn 3–10× on travel, dining, and groceries. Sign-up bonuses alone — often 60,000–100,000 points — can cover a round-trip business class ticket.
Actually flying
Miles earned per flight depend on the airline, fare class, and your elite status. Premium cabins and full-fare economy earn the most. Business travel is a goldmine.
Shopping portals
Airlines and banks run online shopping portals (Chase, United, Delta, etc.) where clicking through to retailers like Apple, Nike, or Best Buy earns bonus miles on purchases you'd make anyway.
Hotel stays
Booking directly with hotel chains earns points and qualifies you for elite status benefits: free breakfast, room upgrades, late checkout. Co-branded hotel cards accelerate earning dramatically.
Dining programs
American, Delta, and United all have dining programs that earn miles for eating at enrolled restaurants — no card swipe required beyond registering once.
Referrals & offers
Referring friends to card applications earns large bonuses. Amex Offers and Chase Offers add statement credits on targeted spending — free money if you're already spending there.