How to earn over 300,000 points in 2025
Editor's Note
When it comes to points and miles, it pays to have an abundance mindset. No matter where your points balances are at the beginning of 2025, you can earn thousands — and even hundreds of thousands — of points this year.
Sound too good to be true? Don't worry. We're here to help you make a plan to get the points and miles you need to book your next dream vacation, no matter what it is.
Here are our top tips for racking up some major miles this year.
Earning points and miles
Welcome bonuses
The easiest way to get a good stash of points or miles is by earning a welcome bonus on a new card. Often, you can earn more than 100,000 points from one welcome bonus alone.
Right now, for instance, with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, you can earn 155,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. There is an annual fee of $150 (see rates and fees).
Or, if you want to start with a stash of airline miles, you could get the United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees) and take advantage of its welcome offer of 80,000 miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
And, of course, you aren't limited to just one welcome bonus over the course of a year. If you open two or three new cards and meet their welcome bonuses, you'll have a solid stash of rewards to use.
For some ideas, check out our list of this month's best welcome offers.
Spending
Beyond earning welcome bonuses, strategically using your credit cards can earn you thousands of points throughout the year. We recommend using a rewards credit card for as many purchases as possible so you're earning whenever you spend.
Most credit cards earn at least 1 point per dollar on all purchases. This means that if you put $25,000 on credit cards this year, you should get at least 25,000 points.
Also, if you have a few cards in your strategy that allow you to maximize your spending, you'll earn much more. For example, if you put your grocery and dining spending on the American Express® Gold Card, you'll earn 4 points per dollar on those purchases (on up to $25,000 in spending at U.S. supermarkets and up to $50,000 in spending at restaurants worldwide, then 1 point per dollar).
If you put your travel spending on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), you can earn 8 points per dollar spent on purchases through Chase Travel℠, and 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct. Also, if you put your nonbonus purchases on a card with a strong, consistent earning rate, like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you can earn more than one mile per dollar on these other purchases as well.
If you split your $25,000 in spending between these three cards, you could earn between 50,000 and 100,000 points over the course of the year.
Obviously, the precise number of points you'll earn on purchases throughout the year will vary widely based on your spending habits, but creating a strategy that maximizes your spending can earn you a staggering amount of rewards this year.
Shopping portals
Shopping portals are less glamorous than big, shiny welcome bonuses, but using them is an easy way to increase your rewards earnings this year. By purchasing through a shopping portal when you shop online, you'll earn extra rewards on top of what you earn by paying with a credit card.
One of our favorite portals, Rakuten, allows you to earn your rewards in the form of cash-back or American Express Membership Rewards points. Often, you'll earn an additional 2% back (or 2 points per dollar) on your purchase, but you'll find larger earning rates for different stores that change daily. During Black Friday, I was able to earn a whopping 15 Membership Rewards points per dollar on my purchases at some stores — on top of the rewards I earned on my credit card.
If you spend $5,000 online through shopping portals this year, you'll likely earn an additional 5,000 to 75,000 points by the time we ring in 2026.
Related: How to maximize shopping portals
Set your goal
Identify the types of rewards you want
Of course, it helps to have a plan before you set out to earn hundreds of thousands of points this year. Keep in mind that rewards currencies have different values, so the type of rewards you earn matters as much as the number of points in your balance.
Take a moment to consider your reward goals for the year. If there's a specific trip you want to go on, choose the type of rewards you want to earn to make that trip a reality and use that goal to drive your plan. If, however, you just want to have some rewards stashed away for when a trip strikes your fancy, focus on earning transferable rewards for maximum flexibility.
Make a credit card strategy tailored to your goal
Once you've settled on your goal, it's time to make a plan. Look at your current credit card portfolio and identify any holes you can fill with your next credit card. For instance, if you already have a hotel cobranded credit card, you might want to go for a card that earns transferable rewards next. Or, if you have a card with a solid flat earning rate for your general purchases, you might want to get a card that earns bonus points in one of your highest spending categories.
Focus on one card you want to get next and jot down some ideas of what you might want to add later in the year. If you're adding a transferable rewards card first, you'll likely want to watch for a good welcome offer on a cobranded airline or hotel card later in the year. (Don't worry — we'll keep you posted.)
Treat yourself
Of course, earning credit card rewards is only fun if you can turn them into something you want.
Whether your next trip is to the Maldives or Walt Disney World, you can use your rewards to make your travel dream a reality.
Bottom line
With the right strategy in place, you can easily earn hundreds of thousands of points in 2025. Set your goal for the year, and then get to work earning welcome bonuses and maximizing your spending to earn the rewards you want. If you play your cards right, 2025 can be your most rewarding year yet.
Related reading:
- How to choose your 2025 card strategy
- Maximize your rewards in 2025
- Award trips you should book now
- Our 2025 credit card predictions
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Surpass, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.