Beginner’s Guide welcome bonuses. Like, stupid fast. You sign up, spend a few grand in a few months on everyday crap (not new spending, just shifting what you’d buy anyway), and get 50k–100k+ miles. That’s often a free domestic round-trip or more. But don’t go wild—banks track how many you open (Chase has that 5/24 rule—if you’ve opened 5+ cards in 24 months, good luck). Start slow, pay off every month (interest kills the hack), and you’re golden.
Pick a Flexible Currency First (Don’t Lock Into One Airline Yet)
Most beginners jump straight to airline co-branded cards (like Delta Amex or United Chase). Big mistake if you’re new. Those lock you in, and if that airline jacks up awards or your plans change, you’re stuck.
Go for transferable points instead. Earn points on cards from Chase, Amex, Capital One, then move them to airlines when you find a good deal. Way more flexible, and transfers often 1:1 so you don’t lose value.
My go-to starter: Chase Sapphire Preferred. $95 fee, but current bonus is around 75k points after $5k spend in 3 months (that’s $750–$1,500+ in flights depending how you use ’em). Earns 5x on travel through Chase portal, 3x dining/streaming/online groceries, 2x other travel. Points transfer to United, Southwest, Hyatt, etc. I still have mine open years later—don’t cancel good cards.
If you want simpler: Capital One Venture Rewards ($95 fee, 2x everywhere, bonuses around 75k miles). Or Venture X if you can swing the $395 (but $300 travel credit makes it feel free).
Pro tip from my screw-ups: Check your credit score first (aim 700+), don’t apply everywhere at once, and read the fine print on bonuses (some exclude certain spends).
Hit That Bonus Without Going Broke
The spend requirement is usually $4k–$5k in 3 months. Easy if you:
- Put all bills/groceries/gas on the card.
- Pay rent/utilities with it if possible (some services add fees, but math it out).
- Buy gift cards at grocery stores (if allowed—Chase sometimes codes them weird).
- Time big purchases (new phone, car insurance, taxes if you owe).
Don’t spend extra just to hit it. That’s how people get in debt. I once timed a kitchen reno payment—hit bonus, paid off next month.
Everyday Ways to Rack Up More Beginner’s Guide (After the Bonus)
Bonuses are the rocket fuel, but ongoing earning keeps the tank full.
- Use the card for everything — Switch to the high-earn categories. My Sapphire gets all dining (3x), gas sometimes goes on a 2x card.
- Shopping portals — Before buying online (Amazon, Walmart, whatever), log into your airline’s portal or Chase/Amex portal first. Extra 1–10 miles per dollar. I forgot this once on a big purchase—left like 5k miles on the table. Still mad.
- Dining programs — Link your card to United MileagePlus Dining or similar. Eat at participating spots, earn bonus miles. We do it for date nights—free miles + free babysitter vibes.
- Flying anyway — Credit flights to your program. Even partners earn miles. Southwest? Fly them, get points fast toward Companion Pass (one person flies free with you—game-changer for families).
- Other sneaky ones — Lyft rides (link to some programs), hotel stays through portals, even buying gift cards.
Stack ’em: Buy through portal with your bonus card. Double dip.
What to Do With the Miles (Quick Wins for Beginners)
Don’t hoard forever—they devalue. Redeem for flights, especially international business class if you’re feeling bougie (huge value). Domestic economy? Often 10k–25k round-trip.
Use tools like seats.aero or ExpertFlyer to find award space. Transfer only when you see seats—transfers are usually instant or quick.
My first redemption Beginner’s Guide : 25k Southwest points for a family trip. Felt like winning the lottery.
The Real Beginner’s GuideTalk Warnings
- Credit score dip from new accounts/applications.
- Annual fees—make sure perks > cost.
- Devaluations happen (airlines raise award prices).
- Don’t pay interest—ever.
- Taxes/fees on awards still cost money.
One embarrassing story: I transferred points to the wrong airline once. Lost a chunk.
Start small: One card, hit bonus, book something cheap. Then build. It’s not overnight rich, but free flights add up fast.
