How To Earn Frequent Flyer Points

June 25th, 2010

When making the decision on what credit card to open for earning frequent flyer points there are a few factors you want to take into consideration. For accumulating frequent flyer points, the way this is done is by making purchases on your credit card.

Each time you use your card, you will be earning frequent flyer points. The more money you spend on your credit card the faster you will start accumulating frequent flyer points.

Earning Points

One important thing to remember is that not all transactions count toward earning frequent flyer points. If you use your credit card for cash advances, those will not help in accumulating frequent flyer points. In fact, when you use your credit card for cash advances you will end up paying much more in fees for the transaction than it is worth.

The other thing that will not count towards earning points is doing a balance transfer. So if you open a credit card that allows for earning frequent flyer points and hope that transferring your balance from another credit card onto the new credit card will earn you points, you are wrong.

The thing to remember is that only purchases count towards earning points. You also want to make sure you understand the terms and conditions of earning points. Some credit card companies establish limits to the amount of points you can earn.

One of the most important things to understand when opening a credit card to earn frequent flyer points is how the points are accumulated. Typically, each dollar you spend earns you a certain amount of points. Different credit cards have different terms for earning points. Most credit cards earn one frequent flyer point per one dollar spent.

Some earn two points per dollar spent and some earn less, say one point for every two dollars spent. Before you open a credit card, look at these numbers to determine if you will be spending enough to make it worth it. Often times, credit card companies will offer specials. They may offer a special period where you earn double points, or even triple points.

You may even earn more points by shopping at specific retailers. Make sure to understand how you are earning your points so you do not get into a situation where you have a credit card that is not useful to you. You do not want to be stuck with a hefty credit card bill and no points that you can use.

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