The Beginners guide from thepointsguy.com features a step by step basis in achieving a proper and financially prudent flight experience while learning all the secrets about accumulating reward points and miles. The first step emphasizes signing up for one or more loyalty programs based off your (the consumers) travel habits and preferences. An example would be if you usually stay at Hilton properties regarding work related trips, it makes sense registering for the honors program as loyalty. Signing up for loyalty programs is usually free and hassle free so that plays in your favor. The second step entails joining an online mileage manager, a system that tracks all your points and miles–since you cannot sacrifice keeping track of all your account balances for the sake of the difficulty involved in doing so–this makes it that much easier. The third step is choosing the right credit cards. Every major bank has a variety of different cards to choose from, each serving its own purpose. Not all cards are accessible to everyone however as more exclusive cards with bigger bonuses and rewards typically require good credit standing, history and even the ability to purchase them. The fourth step is the maximize your purchases. This means that you have to pay off all your credit expenses every month and as soon as possible or else the interest paid would belie out any points accrued. Use cash as a last resort and truly examine the fees and interest behind all credit cards possible. The fifth and most delicious step is to sign up for dining programs–as I know you’re getting hungry just reading this. The beauty behind dining programs is their ability to earn rewards both for paying with credit and through points or miles bonus offered at a participating restaurant–pretty much double dipping. In fact, many air and hotel chains offer dining programs as part of their loyalty programs. A simple restaurant meal may grant you 3 air miles per every dollar spent. The sixth step is to use online shopping portals, because yes, you can also get rewards for buying yourself rewards. So next time you shop at Bloomingdales, make sure you activate your chase shopping portal to earn 4x ultimate rewards points. The seventh tip is to stay to date with deals and tips from all over the world and every resource possible. The eighth step, and once you’ve been in the game enough, consider earning elite status. It’s a major fact behind a successful reward points and miles strategy, and getting enhanced customer service and quality upgrades as well as bonuses in points and miles earned makes it sound that much better. There are different levels of “elite” per every program. Platinum at Delta Medallion can entail different benefits than Executive Platinum from American AAdvantage. The higher level of “elite”, the greater the benefits. The ninth step is to know how to redeem travel rewards to truly get the bang for your buck after accruing all those reward points and miles. The tenth and final step is setting a goal and achieving it. Focus on the reward points, save money and most importantly enjoy the process.
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