Use rewards points to save like a pro: the ultimate guide

Who doesn’t love the idea of getting free stuff just for shopping, traveling, or paying bills? Whether it’s earning free flights, cashback, or discounts on everyday purchases, rewards points can seriously boost your buying power. But you have to know how to use them to max advantage. Navigating rewards programs can feel like a maze, with points, miles, cashback, and perks piling up fast, and it’s sometimes a little complicated to figure out how to redeem them.

Don’t let those rewards go to waste! Here are some ways you can maximize your rewards points like a pro, from earning them faster to redeeming them for the best possible value.

1. Choose the right rewards program for you

Not all rewards programs are created equal, and the key to using points like a pro starts with choosing a program that matches your spending habits and goals. There are three main types of rewards programs:

• Cashback

This is the simplest type because it’s just what it sounds like: you earn a percentage of what you spend back as cash, usually between 1-5%. It’s great if you want flexibility—you can use them to pay down your bill, redeem for a statement credit, or just transfer the cash to your bank account.

• Travel rewards

With travel programs, you earn points or miles that you can redeem for flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. These programs can be really valuable if you’re a frequent traveler or want to save big on your next vacation.

• Store-specific rewards

Some cards or programs are tied to specific stores or brands. These might give you higher points or discounts on purchases at that specific store, but that’s usually the only place you can use your rewards points.

Brigit tip: Think about how you spend money. If you travel often, a travel rewards program might be most useful to you. If you just want a simple way to earn back cash on groceries, gas, or daily expenses, cashback is the way to go.

2. Understand point valuations

Not all points are equal! One of the biggest mistakes you can make is assuming all points have equal value. Travel points, for example, can vary a lot depending on how you redeem them. 10,000 points might get you a $100 gift card, but those same points could also be worth $150 or more if you redeem them for flights.

Point value example:

• 10,000 points redeemed for a $100 gift card = 1 cent per point
• 10,000 points redeemed for a flight worth $150 = 1.5 cents per point

Brigit tip: Use your rewards program’s travel portal or partner airlines to see how far your points can stretch. In most cases, using them for travel (especially for flights) will give you more value than redeeming points for statement credits or gift cards.

3. Know how to earn points faster

Want to rack up rewards faster? Here are a few tricks for boosting your points-earning potential:

• Sign-up bonuses: Many credit cards offer huge sign-up bonuses when you meet a spending threshold within the first few months. For example, you might earn 50,000 points for spending $3,000 in the first three months—enough for a free flight or maybe even 2!

• Maximize category bonuses: Most rewards programs offer extra points in specific categories. For example, you might earn 3x points on travel and dining or 5% cashback on categories like groceries, gas, or streaming services. Make sure to use the right card for each purchase to maximize your rewards.

• Use shopping portals: Many rewards programs have online shopping portals where you can earn extra points by clicking through their site to make purchases. It’s an easy way to earn 2x, 5x, or even 10x points for things you were already planning to buy.

• Link loyalty programs: Many travel rewards cards allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs. By linking your accounts, you can pool points together and earn free flights or stays faster.

Brigit tip: Set up autopay with your rewards card for recurring bills, like 

utilities or streaming services to make sure you’re earning points on every possible purchase.

4. Be strategic about your redemptions

You’ve earned all those points—now how do you get the most value when spending them? Here are a few strategies for maximizing your rewards:

• Focus on travel redemptions: If you want to stretch your points the furthest, redeem them for travel.

• Use points during high-cost travel times: Airline tickets and hotels are often the most expensive during holidays and peak travel seasons. Redeeming points for these times can help you avoid paying inflated prices, making your points worth more.

• Look for transfer bonuses: Some programs offer transfer bonuses when you move your points to a partner airline or hotel program. For example, a 30% transfer bonus could turn your 10,000 points into 13,000 miles, allowing you to book flights or rooms that might otherwise be out of reach.

Brigit tip: Don’t use your points for things like gift cards or merchandise. These usually offer the worst conversion rate for your points, often valuing them at less than 1 cent per point. Save your points for travel or cashback for maximum benefit.

5. Leverage your credit card perks

Beyond just earning points, many rewards credit cards come with additional perks that can save you money and make your life easier. Here’s what to look out for:

• Travel insurance: Many travel rewards cards include travel insurance, which can cover you for trip cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies while you’re away.
• No foreign transaction fees: If you travel internationally, make sure your card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees (usually 1-3% of each purchase).
• Airport lounge access: Premium travel rewards cards often come with free or discounted access to airport lounges, where you can get free food, drinks, and a quiet space to relax before your flight.
• Extended warranties and purchase protection: Some cards offer extra protection on purchases, including extended warranties or refunds on items if they get lost, damaged, or stolen.

Brigit tip: Always read the fine print! While these perks can save you hundreds of dollars, it’s important to understand the conditions and limitations of each benefit.

6. Stay organized

With multiple rewards cards, category bonuses, and redemption options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. To make the most of your points, you need a system for keeping track of your spending, points balances, and card benefits.

• Use a points-tracking app: Apps like AwardWallet or Points.com help you keep track of all your rewards programs in one place, showing you your points balance and letting you know when points are about to expire.
• Keep a spreadsheet: If you’re serious about optimizing your rewards, it’s helpful to use a spreadsheet to track your spending across different cards. You can track which card offers the best rewards for each category and maximize your points-earning potential.

Brigit tip: Set reminders for important dates, like when your credit card’s annual fee is due or when a limited-time bonus offer expires. That way, you won’t miss out on any extra savings or perks.