Mike FriedmanIt’s that time of year again, when your kids start begging you for the latest in electronics and the Christmas decorations come out for sale right after Halloween. Yes, it’s holiday shopping and points and miles for shopping.
It’s also the time of year when you should remember Rule #2 in our Eight Rules of Points and Miles: Never buy anything online without getting something back. And this is the time of year to do it, since shopping portals are offering added bonuses to look their way.
Points and Miles for Shopping: How It Works
Earning extra points and miles for shopping online is easy. Virtually every travel provider offers you the ability to shop through special links on their sites. The merchants give the airline/hotel/casino a commission, which they then pass on to you in the form of points.
For example, let’s say that you’re buying electronics at Best Buy. You can go straight to their website or you can access the site by way of Delta’s shopping portal. Not only will you get your credit card points for your purchase but Delta will also thank you by giving you one mile per dollar spent. Not bad for a couple of extra clicks.
It’s not just Delta, of course. Most other travel companies have similar offerings, including American, Southwest or even Caesars. Heck, United will give you 30 miles per dollar spent just for ordering some flowers (Here’s a hint, at least as when it comes to purchasing flowers for miles: Don’t.).
Rule #2 in our eight rules of points and miles: Never, ever buy anything online without getting a discount or rebate.
SAVE BIG!
Everything You Need to Know – Cash Back Shopping Portals
But Cash Is Even Better…
One aspect of the travel game that has always surprised me is that more people don’t take advantage of shopping portals that offer straight cash rebates. We spend a fair amount of time talking about cash back shopping portals, which are even easier to use than the airline portals because they’re designed better and usually pay better. They’re worth a look, regardless of the time of year, since it’s essentially free cash back.
