Travel has made a strong comeback in 2025—and so has the demand for smarter, more affordable ways to explore the world. One of the best tools? A credit card that earns travel miles.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your dream vacation, using your credit card to accumulate miles can unlock free flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. Here’s how to do it effectively and strategically.
What Are Travel Miles?
Travel miles (or airline miles/points) are rewards you earn through purchases made with specific credit cards. These miles can be redeemed for:
- Free or discounted flights
- Seat upgrades
- Hotel stays
- Car rentals
- Lounge access
There are two main types of travel credit cards:
- Co-branded airline cards: Linked to a specific airline (e.g., Delta, American Airlines)
- Flexible travel cards: Offer points that transfer to multiple airlines/hotels (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards)
Step-by-Step: How to Earn Miles With Your Credit Card
1. Choose the Right Travel Rewards Card
The first and most important step is selecting a credit card that aligns with your travel goals. Consider:
- Airline partnerships
- Redemption options
- Transfer flexibility
- Sign-up bonuses
- Annual fees and foreign transaction fees
Top Cards in 2025:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Capital One Venture Rewards
- Amex Gold Card
- Citi Premier®
- United℠ Explorer Card
2. Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses
Most travel cards offer a welcome bonus if you spend a certain amount within the first few months. This can range from 40,000 to 100,000+ miles—enough for one or two round-trip flights.
Tip: Time your application with planned expenses to meet the minimum spending threshold easily.
3. Use Your Card for Everyday Purchases
To accumulate miles consistently, use your travel card for:
- Groceries
- Gas
- Dining
- Subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify)
- Phone and utility bills
Many cards offer bonus miles for specific categories like travel or restaurants—use them strategically.
4. Book Travel Through Your Card’s Portal
Some credit cards offer extra miles when you book flights, hotels, or rental cars through their travel portal.
Example: Chase Sapphire Preferred gives 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
5. Refer Friends
Referral programs can boost your miles quickly. Most cards offer 10,000–20,000 miles for every friend you refer who gets approved.
6. Watch for Limited-Time Offers
Credit card companies often launch promotions or bonus categories (e.g., 10x points on dining for three months). Keep an eye on your card’s app or email notifications.
Tips to Maximize Your Miles
✔️ Pay Off Your Balance Monthly
Never carry a balance just to earn miles. Interest charges will cancel out your rewards.
✔️ Combine Points With Travel Partners
Use transfer partners to get more value. For example, transferring Amex points to ANA or Chase points to Hyatt often gives better redemption rates.
✔️ Avoid Redemption for Merchandise
Using points for merchandise or gift cards offers poor value—save your miles for flights or hotel stays.
✔️ Track Your Miles
Use apps or spreadsheets to monitor how many miles you’ve earned, where they’re stored, and when they expire.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Using the wrong card for purchases: Match your spending to your card’s bonus categories.
- Letting miles expire: Always be aware of expiration dates.
- Overspending to earn miles: Stay within your budget.
- Using miles for low-value redemptions: Aim for at least 1.2–2 cents per mile in value.
Ideal Cards for Mile Hunters in 2025
| Card | Best For | Notable Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | Flexibility & transfer partners | 5x travel, 3x dining, 25% bonus via portal |
| Amex Gold | Food & everyday spending | 4x groceries, 4x restaurants, transfer options |
| Capital One Venture | Flat-rate rewards | 2x miles on everything, transfer to 15+ partners |
| Citi Premier | Bonus categories | 3x travel, gas, dining, hotel |
| United Explorer Card | Airline loyalty | Free checked bag, priority boarding, 2x miles |
Final Thoughts
Using your credit card to earn travel miles in 2025 is a smart and effective strategy to make travel more accessible and rewarding. With the right card, habits, and redemptions, you can fly for free, stay at luxury hotels, or enjoy airport lounges without spending extra.
Choose the right card, pay it off monthly, and let your everyday purchases bring you closer to your next adventure.