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The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

When I first started learning how to travel with points, I remember feeling completely lost. I’d heard of families flying to Hawaii for pennies and booking dreamy resorts with “just points,” but every time I looked into it, I ended up with 18 tabs open and zero clarity. I knew it was possible, I just couldn’t figure out how.

So, I really dove in. Now I love to educate others on how to do it too! My Beginner’s Guide is a great place for you to start, where things will be a whole lot more clear for you than they were for me. I promise—this can get a whole lot easier.

The cards you open first really matter. If I could go back, I’d choose differently. And that’s why I always share this one tip:

Start with cards that earn flexible points.

Not store cards. Not airline cards. Not cash back.

Flexible points are the most powerful because they give you options. You can transfer them to airline or hotel partners, or you can book travel directly. Some even let you erase Airbnb stays, rental cars, or Disney tickets.

And the best part? These cards often come with huge welcome bonuses.

If I Were Starting Today…

Right now, one of my favorite flexible-points cards is offering 100,000 points. Just that single bonus can cover:

• Four nights at a beachfront resort in Hawaii

• A week in a castle Airbnb in Scotland

• An all-inclusive family trip to Mexico

• Flights and hotel for a Disneyland vacation

• Tickets to Universal through a travel portal

Yes—one bonus can do all that. These are REAL examples.

That’s why I always recommend starting with cards that earn flexible travel rewards. The right card can open the door to multiple types of trips—not just one airline or one hotel chain.

What to Look For in a Beginner Card

When moms ask me where to start, I look at three groups of cards:

• One is easy to use and comes with great travel protections (this is the one I wish I’d started with).

• Another has a premium version that includes lounge access for the whole family and even lets you cover Airbnb stays.

• And the third transfers to brands like Delta, Hilton, and Marriott—with frequent transfer bonuses that make your points go even further.

Want to know which ones I’m talking about? Here’s my favorite list for beginners.

Real-Life 100k Point Redemptions

A big number sounds nice, but here’s what you can actually do with 100,000 points:

• 4-6 roundtrip flights to Hawaii

• 6 nights at a family friendly hotel exploring Japan

• All-inclusive family resort in the Dominican Republic

A Tip You’ll Thank Me for Later

If you’re just starting out, my biggest advice?

Don’t chase every deal.
Start with a flexible-points card that gives you options. If you’re curious, these are the cards I always keep in my wallet.

Still overwhelmed? My guide on how to choose the best card for your family breaks it all down in simple terms. Once you have gotten your feet wet, I can also teach you how to redeem your points.

Want to cover family travel with points? Check out my favorite beginner cards to get started.

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Editorial Disclosure:
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

Advertiser Disclosure:
The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.