Many people think you have to choose: either earn cash back and keep things simple, or go all-in on transferable points and max every redemption. But once you really got into this points world—planning trips like our family vacation to Cancun that would’ve cost over $14,000 out of pocket—you realize it’s not ALWAYS about getting the absolute most value out of your points. You just have to know when each option makes the most sense.

If you’ve spent any time in the points and miles world, you’ve probably heard that transferring points to travel partners usually gets you the best value—and that’s true. But as a mom booking travel for a whole family, I know that maximizing every cent per point doesn’t always work out in real life. Sometimes, using points to erase travel purchases or book through a travel portal actually makes more sense.

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. Upgrade, Downgrade, or Sign Up for a Welcome Bonus? It’s always smart to look for ways to stretch the budget and make smart financial choices. Whether it’s […]

With so many shopping portals available, it’s important to know which one provides the best benefits for your family. Two of the best ways to earn extra points on everyday spending are Rakuten and Capital One Offers—but they work differently. If your goal is to maximize travel rewards, here’s what you need to know.

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 […]

  Why Transferable Points Are the Key to Better Redemptions Ever feel like you’re constantly earning airline miles but never have enough to actually book a flight? You’re not alone. That’s because most airlines and hotels use dynamic pricing, meaning they can charge as many points as they want for any given day. One week […]

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. When we first decided to travel more as a family, I kept hearing people say they were using points to fly and stay in hotels for almost […]

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. The Airport Stress No One Talks About Getting through airport security with kids can feel like an Olympic sport. Between juggling snacks, backpacks, and emotional meltdowns, the […]

Planning Family Vacations Made Easy Planning family vacations can be hard. Timing, money, simplicity, and destination are all key considerations. The card_name is an ideal travel card for moms and families who want to make it easy. The benefits for this card are truly insane, so read on to find out why the card_name stands […]

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. When I Realized Premium Travel Cards Were Worth It Last fall, we had a layover in Dallas that could’ve been a total disaster. The kids were cranky, […]