Going with Points

Start simple

This issue is targeted toward my points-and-miles skeptical readers. If you're already deep in the points game, do me a solid and forward this to a friend or loved one sitting on the sidelines.

If you're curious about how points and miles work for travel, here's my advice for how to get started.

Start simple.

It only takes three steps.

Step 1:

Pick one travel credit card that earns transferable points. My advice: Start with a card that has a low annual fee (my picks are below), as this makes it easier to get started.

Step 2:

Use that new card to make a pre-planned purchase to earn the card's signup bonus. Then, pay off the expense by the statement due date.

This could be anything from a big-ticket item, such as a new appliance, to a series of purchases, like back-to-school shopping for the kids.

The main point is that it's an expense you already planned for. We're trying to avoid any extra spending to earn the card's bonus. No shopping sprees here.

Step 3:

Finally-it might sound obvious-but after you get the bonus, use it.

No need to make the perfect the enemy of the good here. I wouldn't stress too much whether you're getting a good deal for your points.

The goal for your first time is to experience the magic of points, and you do that by redeeming them for travel.

Everyone remembers their first time, right?

Bonus tip: Join Going Premium or Elite, and we'll send you actual deals you can book with your points. Many of the roundtrip, international flight deals we send for less than the amount of one card's signup bonus.

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Starter card recommendations

The following cards each have annual fees under $100 and earn transferable points.

Card A: The best beginner card, in my opinion, because it has the best transfer partners and access to great travel protections.
Card B: Another solid option. It earns 2x miles per dollar regardless, making it super easy to use. Also comes with a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Card C: I'd start with 1 or 2 above, but this one earns bonus points on gas and groceries, which is helpful if you spend in those areas. Plus, its points now transfer to a major US airline. (I can't mention the name due to compliance rules, but if interested, please click through.)

Check out our picks

I would not start with any co-branded airline or hotel card, because that locks you into one program.

Member travel question

"Do points or miles expire?"

We just talked about beginnings; now, let's talk about endings.

In general, your credit card points don't expire as long as you keep your account open.

If you were to cancel or close a card, your points would expire. In this case, you'd want to use your points before closing the account. You could book a trip, or even transfer the points out to an airline or hotel partner you'd likely use in the future.

There's one big exception: If you have another card that earns the same family of rewards. For example, if I were to close a card because I think the annual fee is too high, but I also have a no-annual-fee option that earns the same kind of points and allows me to transfer points to partners, I would still be able to use the points.

Among airline loyalty programs, American AAdvantage miles and British Airways Avios expire 24 or 36 months after inactivity, respectively. The same applies to Hilton and World of Hyatt hotel points.

To prevent them from expiring, you need to have some sort of account activity. That can be as simple as booking a flight with your loyalty number, enrolling in their dining rewards program, or making a purchase through their shopping portal.

With expert:

Kurt Adams

Kurt Adams is the Points and Miles Expert for the Going travel app. As a personal finance expert with a deep understanding of credit card rewards and frequent flier programs, Kurt helps consumers navigate the intersection of money and travel. A graduate of Princeton, he lives in New York.

A disclaimer about card names:

Due to the quirks of credit card compliance, we are sometimes not allowed to use the actual names of cards or certain banks in emails. This means we have to resort to using more generic language when talking about some credit cards.

We know this can be confusing or frustrating, but we encourage you to click through to our site, where we can name and talk more candidly about the cards and their benefits. While we are bound by the rules of credit card compliance, our mission will always be to put our readers first and help you travel better for less.

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