Points & Miles: The Complete Beginner's Guide
New to points and miles? This is your map. We'll cover what they are, how to earn them, what they're worth, and how to turn them into nearly free flights and hotels — with links to deeper guides for every step. Bookmark this page and work through it at your own pace.
1. Start with the basics
Points and miles are rewards you earn from credit cards and loyalty programs that you can redeem for travel. The single most important idea for beginners is that flexible, transferable points (from cards like Chase, Amex, Capital One, Citi, and Bilt) are more valuable than points locked to one airline or hotel.
2. Know what your points are worth
Before redeeming, check the value. Our Points & Miles Valuations page shows the cents-per-point value of every major program, and our free calculators do the math for you in seconds.
3. Pick your points currency (by issuer)
Each bank's points have their own strengths. Here's the full lineup:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards — best all-around, with the unbeatable Hyatt transfer
- Amex Membership Rewards — the most transfer partners
- Capital One miles — the simplest to start with
- Citi ThankYou Points — the underrated route to American AAdvantage
- Bilt Rewards — earn points on rent with no fee
4. Learn the airline programs
5. Learn the hotel programs
- World of Hyatt — the most valuable hotel points
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Hilton Honors
- IHG One Rewards
- Wyndham Rewards
6. Earn faster, then redeem
- Earn more with Rakuten and airline shopping portals
- How welcome bonuses work — your biggest single source of points
- How to book business class with points
- Best destinations to visit on points
The bottom line
Master these six steps and you can fly and stay for a fraction of the cash price. Start by earning a flexible currency like Chase Ultimate Rewards, learn what your points are worth, and redeem through transfer partners for the best value. Ready to go deeper? Browse all our guides.