If you’ve ever looked at a $1,200 plane ticket and thought, “Yeah . . . maybe next year,” welcome to the club. Travel isn’t cheap, but having a stockpile of credit card points and miles  can change that completely. It’s not just about saving money (though, let’s be honest, that part is pretty incredible). It’s about unlocking freedom, flexibility, and a little luxury without the guilt. And of course it’s also about all the memories you can make!

Here’s why stockpiling those points is like building your own magic travel fund:

 

1. Spontaneous Getaways? Yes, Please.

Let’s say you spot a flash sale to Paris or your best friend suddenly wants to elope in Costa Rica. When you’ve got points saved up, you don’t have to say no just because your wallet says so. I remember being in Utah at Alex’s once and looking at the snow. We lamented that we weren’t in Hawaii. Then I said, “Wait, we have a stockpile of points and miles!” Two weeks later, we were in Maui!

 

 

2. Emergency Travel = Zero Panic

Family emergency? Cancelled flights? Life doesn’t always give us notice, but having a stockpile of points means you’ve got a backup plan. Have you ever had a family emergency and needed to travel to help someone sick or go to a funeral? Those last-minute trips can be super expensive but having a stockpile of reward points enables you to be anywhere, any time that you have to.

I remember when my daughter in London was moving and I was able to volunteer to come to help her because I had points. This would not have happened if I had had to pay for the ticket but having points and miles allowed me to come to the rescue!

Alex and Jess experienced cancelled flights on our Travel Mom Squad trip to Spain. Having that stockpile of points came in clutch for rebooking flights!

 

 

3. Stretch Those Points, Not Your Wallet

A five-star hotel in the Maldives might cost $1,000 a night—but you could stay there using points instead. Business-class seats to London? Why not, if you’re paying in miles? Having a stockpile of points can help you travel in style, or at least, travel more often.

 

 

4. Snag the Deals When They Drop

Airlines and hotel programs love throwing limited-time offers at us—25% transfer bonuses, off-peak award pricing, discounted redemptions. But those promos are useless unless you already have points ready to go. A little prep can equal a big payoff. 

While we don’t recommend taking advantage of transfer bonuses without a plan for using those points, I do fly Virgin Atlantic a lot to visit my daughter in London. Having that stockpile of points meant that transferring them during a whopping 40% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic was an easy decision and stretched my points further.

 

 

5. Giving Travel as a Gift Feels Amazing

Do you know what’s better than booking a first-class flight? Booking one for your parents, your partner, or a friend who really needs a break. Points let you be generous without breaking the bank. I regularly plan travel with my daughters and being able to “pick up the tab” with my points is amazing.

 

 

6. Fulfill a Passion

Travel has always been my passion—and I know I’m not alone in that. But let’s be real: it’s not a cheap hobby. For most people, the idea of jet-setting around the world, flying in business class, or staying in five-star hotels feels completely out of reach. It certainly would be out of reach for me without points and miles.

By learning how to earn and use credit card points strategically, I’ve unlocked a level of travel I never thought possible. I’ve flown in business and first class for a fraction of the cost, stayed in luxurious hotels and even suites, and visited places I once only dreamed of. And the best part? I’ve done it all while spending far less than most people would imagine.

Building a stash of points has completely changed the way I travel. These days, the question isn’t if I can go somewhere—it’s just where to next?

 

 

7. Making Family Memories

One of my favorite quotes is, “You can always make money—you can’t always make memories.” And honestly, that sums up exactly why I value having a stockpile of credit card points so much.

For me, the greatest perk of collecting rewards points isn’t the luxury or the upgrades—it’s the freedom to create memories. Because of this points stash, I’ve shared unforgettable trips with my husband, my daughters, my sister, my friends . . . moments we wouldn’t have had without this hobby.

Since many of my family members are also stockpiling points and miles, we’ve been able to meet up in places we probably wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. Those shared adventures are truly priceless. There’s nothing like flipping through photos from our trips and being instantly transported back to the laughter and the experiences we had together.

 

 

How to Build a Stockpile of Credit Card Points and Miles

If you want to travel more and spend less, building a solid stash of credit card points is the key. It might sound overwhelming at first, but with a few smart habits, you can grow your balance fast—without drastically changing how you spend. Here’s how to make it happen:

Chase the Welcome Offer
The biggest leaps in your points balance come from welcome offers. These are the fastest way to grow your points stash. Once you’re close to meeting the spend on one card, start planning your next one. Timing is everything! Don’t forget to track your minimum spend deadlines carefully, so you don’t miss out. 

Never Use Cash or Debit
If you’re still paying for anything with cash or a debit card, stop! Every purchase is a missed opportunity for points. Even if you’re not working toward a welcome bonus at the moment, use a rewards card for everything—every swipe adds up.

Use the Right Card for the Job
When you’re not focused on earning a welcome bonus, it’s time to optimize your everyday spending. Use cards that earn more points in key categories like groceries, dining, gas, or travel. This strategy helps you keep earning at a faster pace year-round. For example, use one card for restaurants, another for travel, and a third for groceries—depending on which card earns the most in each category. You might want to use the CardPointers app.

Be Strategic with Redemptions
One of the smartest ways to keep your points balance high? Be selective about how you use them. I personally avoid using points for flights that cost under $200—I’d rather pay cash and save my stash for more expensive redemptions, like international flights or luxury hotels.

 

 

Bottom Line

Having a stockpile of credit card points and miles allows me to say “yes” more often—to spontaneous getaways, milestone celebrations, and being there when it counts. Whether it’s me or a loved one who’s itching to go somewhere, I love knowing it’s always an option—thanks to credit card points and miles!

 

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