Travel rewards can seem overwhelming at first—there are so many programs, credit cards, and rules. But it’s actually simpler than it looks, and with a little effort, you can earn free flights, hotel stays, and other perks.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to travel rewards for beginners.

Step 1: Check Your Credit Score

Most travel rewards credit cards require good or excellent credit (FICO 670+). Check your credit score for free with a tool like Credit Karma, Experian, or your credit card issuer. If your score is too low, work on improving it before applying.

Step 2: Choose Your First Travel Rewards Credit Card

Start with a simple, flexible travel rewards card. Avoid cards with annual fees at first, or choose a card with a low fee and great perks.

Great First Cards:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® (flexible points, $95 annual fee, great sign-up bonus)
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (2x miles on everything, $95 annual fee)
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® (no annual fee, 1.5x+ points on everything)
• Amex Blue Cash Preferred® (great for groceries and gas, no annual fee first year)

Tips for Choosing Your First Card:

• Look for a big sign-up bonus
• Choose a card with bonus categories for your spending
• Consider a no-annual-fee card if you’re not sure about fees

Step 3: Earn the Sign-Up Bonus

Once you get your card, meet the spending requirement to earn the sign-up bonus. This is the fastest way to earn a lot of points/miles at first.

Tips for Earning the Bonus:

• Plan your spending in advance
• Put regular bills on the card
• Use the card for all everyday purchases
• Don’t overspend—only spend money you’d spend anyway

Step 4: Join Airline and Hotel Loyalty Programs

Join the loyalty programs for airlines and hotels you use most often. They’re free to join, and you’ll earn points/miles every time you fly or stay.

Programs to Join First:

• Pick 1-2 airlines you fly most often (Delta, United, American, etc.)
• Pick 1-2 hotel chains you stay at most often (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, etc.)

Step 5: Use Shopping and Dining Portals

Start using shopping and dining portals to earn extra points/miles for online shopping and dining. They’re free and easy to use!

Popular Portals for Beginners:

• Chase Ultimate Rewards Shopping
• Capital One Shopping
• Rakuten (earns cash back, which you can use for travel)

Step 6: Redeem Your Rewards for Travel

Once you’ve earned enough points/miles, redeem them for travel! Start with a simple redemption, like a domestic flight or a hotel stay, to get the hang of it.

Tips for Redeeming:

• Book early for the best availability
• Look for saver-level awards (cheaper awards)
• Be flexible with dates and destinations
• Use points/miles for travel (not gift cards or cash back—less value!)

Step 7: Track Your Points and Miles

Use a tool like AwardWallet to track all your points and miles in one place. This helps you keep track of expiration dates and balances.

Step 8: Learn and Expand

As you get comfortable, learn more about travel rewards—look for sweet spots, get more credit cards (slowly!), and work toward elite status.

Beginner Travel Rewards Step	What to Do
Check Credit Score	Make sure you have good/excellent credit
Choose First Card	Pick a simple, flexible card with a good bonus
Earn Sign-Up Bonus	Meet the spending requirement responsibly
Join Airline/Hotel Programs	Join programs for brands you use most
Use Shopping/Dining Portals	Earn extra points/miles for everyday spending
Redeem for Travel	Start simple, like a domestic flight
Track Points	Use a tool like AwardWallet
Learn and Expand	Keep learning and growing your strategy

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

• Overspending to meet bonus requirements
• Applying for too many cards at once
• Redeeming for low-value options (gift cards, cash back)
• Not checking their credit score first

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to travel a lot to earn rewards?

No! You can earn most rewards through everyday spending with a credit card.

Is this safe?

Yes! Just use credit cards responsibly (pay in full every month) and keep your information secure.

Can I start with no travel experience?

Absolutely—this guide is for people with no travel rewards experience!

How long does it take to earn enough for free travel?

With a sign-up bonus, you can earn enough for a free flight or hotel stay in 3-6 months.

Final Thoughts

Travel rewards are a great way to save money on travel and enjoy more comfortable trips. By starting small, choosing the right first card, earning the sign-up bonus, and redeeming for travel, you’ll be a travel rewards pro in no time!