The Simple Way to Start Using Points & Miles for Travel

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.

Feeling Overwhelmed by Points and Miles? You’re Not Alone

If you’ve ever thought, "How in the world are people taking free vacations with credit card points?"—while also feeling completely overwhelmed by the idea—you’re in good company. I hear from moms all the time who are eager to travel more but don’t know how to get started with points.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to learn everything at once. Think of it like couponing. Some people just clip a few and save a little, while others walk out with a full cart for almost nothing. You get to decide how deep you want to go.

But no matter what, the easiest first step is always the same: start by earning points through a credit card welcome bonus. And yes, it really is that simple.

How This Works in 4 Easy Steps

1. Open a credit card that offers a strong welcome bonus.

2. Use that card for everyday expenses—groceries, gas, bills—until you meet the minimum spend requirement.

3. Watch those points roll in. This is the fun part!

4. Redeem for free travel—whether that’s a flight, hotel, or even an all-inclusive family resort.

That’s the whole system. No complicated formulas, just a smart way to shift your spending so it starts working for you.

If you want a step-by-step walkthrough, you’ll love my Beginner’s Guide to Points & Miles. It breaks it all down with examples and tips.

Worried About Your Credit Score?

This is probably the number one question I get—and it’s such a valid one. But the truth is, when you pay your credit card off in full every month, your credit score can actually improve over time. I explain how this works (and why it’s totally doable) inside my beginner guide.

Start Small and Build From There

You don’t have to be a travel pro to make this work. Even if you only earn one welcome bonus a year, that can cover a nearly free vacation for your family. And if you want to dive deeper? You can layer in more cards, learn about transferable points, and start unlocking even more travel opportunities.

I keep a list of my favorite beginner-friendly cards right here if you want to explore your options.

Let’s Keep This Going

Still have questions or not sure where to start? Come say hi on Instagram , join the conversation in our private Facebook group, or join my weekly newsletter here. I share family-friendly trip ideas, current deals, and simple strategies to get the most from your points.

Whether you’re ready to earn your first bonus or just curious about how it all works, I’m here to help you make travel more doable—and more fun—for your family.

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.

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.