Whether you travel frequently or book flights every now and then, having a credit card that earns you miles can be a helpful addition to your wallet. But how do you use those miles you’ve earned? Keep reading to learn how credit card miles work and how to find the right rewards card for you.
How do you earn credit card miles?
Credit card miles are earned by making purchases with a general travel rewards credit card or a credit card co-branded with an airline, hotel or other affiliated partner.
You’ll generally earn a set number of miles for every dollar you spend, although every card has different rules. Some cards, for example, may offer additional miles for spending categories such as groceries, dining out or gas. Other cards may offer miles as a sign-up bonus when you’re approved for the card and spend a certain number of dollars within a given period.
Once you’ve earned credit card miles, you can redeem them for awards with a card issuer’s or an airline’s rewards program.
What credit cards let you earn miles?
Airline credit cards: Co-branded airline cards, like the Citi®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, typically let you earn miles.
Hotel credit cards: Co-branded hotel cards allow you to earn points or miles you can redeem for travel and more.
Travel credit cards: General travel credit cards that aren’t co-branded let you earn points or miles you can redeem for flights and other travel. These cards may come with access to a travel portal, which can mean access to a wide variety of options.
How can you redeem credit card miles?
Depending on the card, you can redeem miles across various categories, including flights, seat upgrades, in-flight purchases and hotel bookings. Remember that each card works differently and may have its own rules for how and when you can redeem your miles, so research your card’s benefits and restrictions before you sign up.
Note that a credit card co-branded with an airline rewards program may only allow you to redeem miles for award travel with that airline or its affiliated partners.
How many miles do you need for a flight?
The number of miles needed for a flight depends on several factors, including the frequent flyer program, route and travel dates. Longer routes, for example, tend to require more miles than shorter flights.
Find the right travel rewards credit card
When considering your options for a travel rewards credit card, think about what’s most important to you. Is it earning a specific number of miles on daily purchases? Is it the potential extra perks and rewards that come with earning miles?
If you often fly the same airline, consider getting a co-branded airline credit card, like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® or the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard®. That way, you can take advantage of the miles you earn and other travel-related perks the card offers.
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.
