You’ve seen the Instagram reels of people flying business class or staying at dreamy resorts for nearly nothing—but how are they actually pulling this off? It’s not magic, and it’s not a scam. The secret is using credit card points and miles strategically, and you can start too—even if you're brand new to the game.

Let’s break down the most important first steps to getting started.

Step 1: Understand the Power of Welcome Offers

The fastest way to earn big chunks of points is through Welcome Offers. These are offers from banks that give you tens of thousands of points just for opening a credit card and spending a certain amount in the first few months. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Card often offers 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months—enough for a roundtrip flight or multiple hotel nights.

Step 2: Only Play If You Can Pay In Full

This is the most important rule in the points world: never carry a balance. If you’re paying interest, you’re canceling out the benefits of the points. Use your credit cards like a debit card—only spend what you can pay off in full each month. This hobby only works when it’s done responsibly.

Step 3: Start With a Transferable Points Card

While there are tons of great cards, a smart place for beginners is a card that earns transferable points, like our favorite for busy families, the American Express Gold Card. These points can be moved to airline and hotel travel partners for much more value than simple cashback. This flexibility is key to booking luxury travel for pennies on the dollar.

Step 4: Velocity Matters

Before you go wild applying for cards, know that banks do take into account how many cards you've opened in the past 6-24 months, depending on the bank. Often business cards DO NOT count in that number. Many people choose to open a mix of personal and business cards, if they have an applicable business or side gig.

Step 5: Use Points Portals and Play with a Partner

There are even more ways to boost your earnings, like using free shopping portals like Rakuten and playing the points & miles game as Player 1 and Player 2 with your spouse or travel buddy. One person signs up for a card, refers the other, and both earn massive points. Over time, this can result in hundreds of thousands of points.

Want Personalized Help?

Feeling overwhelmed? Reach out to us via email: wonderlandonpoints@gmail.com We’ll help answer your questions and get you on the way to reaching your travel goals—whether that’s beach resorts, Europe, or just free flights to see family! Be sure to tune into the Wonderland On Points Podcast to stay in the know and get lots of travel tips for planning epic adventures. Wonderland On Points is available wherever you get your podcasts!

Start now. Dream later. Fly sooner.
Because using points isn’t just for “those people” anymore—it’s for you, too. Here are some of the best credit card options to get you started.

Where to Start with Points & Miles: A Beginner’s Guide

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