What are credit card miles and how do you earn them?

Staying at home for nearly two years has got many people itching to travel again once it’s safe to do so.

But did you know there’s a way to do so for free? It may seem too good to be true, but that’s exactly what credit card miles rewards can do for you.

What are credit card miles?

A mile in a credit card is a reward given by Philippine credit card companies every time you use your credit card.

How do credit card miles work?

Just like rewards points and cashbacks, credit card miles are earned simply by using the credit card. You earn one mile for every specific amount of pesos spent. This amount varies on the card issuer and card type.

These miles can then be redeemed for various travel-related rewards, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, upgrades, baggage fees, and other travel expenses. The value of your miles can vary depending on the airline or hotel partner, the redemption method, and the current redemption rates.

How to earn miles using a credit card

Earning miles is a simple and effective way to save money with a credit card. Unlike the frequent flyer program where you need to fly frequently to earn miles, you don’t need to do that with credit card miles. You can earn miles just for using your card. Here is how you can earn miles.

Choose a credit card with travel rewards

Look for cards that offer airline miles or hotel points, as these are the most common types of travel rewards. Consider factors like the annual fee, minimum spending requirements, and the value of each mile when selecting a card.

Use your card for everyday purchases

The more you spend using your credit card, the more miles you'll earn. You don’t even need to think about where to use your credit card. Every swipe counts towards your miles! Try to use your card for as many purchases as possible, from groceries and gas to dining and entertainment.

Not every credit card will offer miles as a rewards program, though, so make sure to check with your credit card issuer first.

What types of credit cards can earn miles?

Many credit cards offer miles as a reward for spending. Here are some common types of credit cards that can earn miles:

• Travel credit cards: These cards are designed to offer travel rewards, including miles. They often have higher annual fees but may offer additional benefits, such as lounge access or travel insurance. For instance, the Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa offers one mile for every PHP 17 spent on your credit card. Once you’ve earned enough miles, you can redeem them for an award seat on one of the credit card issuer’s partner airlines.
  
• General-purpose credit cards: Many general-purpose credit cards, such as the Femme Visa Vantage Visa, Toyota Mastercard Vantage Mastercard, Rewards Plus Visa Titanium Mastercard, and the Femme Signature Visa Platinum Mastercard also offer miles as a reward option. These cards typically have lower annual fees but may have fewer travel-related benefits.
  
• Co-branded credit cards: These cards are issued in partnership with airlines, hotels, or other travel companies. They often offer bonus miles for spending with the partner company.

How to use credit card miles for flights

Think of miles as money you can use to pay for your ticket. The number of miles needed to book a flight is dictated by the airline, not the card issuer. Not every destination is priced the same way, as farther destinations will cost you more miles, so take this into consideration when dealing with your finances before a trip.

Rates also vary depending on the season and ticket you have, whether it’s coach or business class.

You’ll need anywhere between 12,000 to 40,000 miles for a roundtrip flight. If you don’t have enough miles saved up, not to worry. You can buy additional miles at a discounted rate using your credit card! Consider the value of your miles when redeeming them for travel rewards. Sometimes, it may be more beneficial to redeem your miles for premium seats or upgrades rather than simply using them for basic flights or hotel stays.

Many credit card miles have expiration dates, so be sure to redeem them before they expire. Some cards offer the option to extend the expiration date by using your card for a minimum amount of spending.

Should you start using your credit card miles to book flights?

Yes! Miles is a great way to maximize your credit card as it lets you travel at a discounted rate or even for free. They don’t expire and have no minimum redemption amount, so you don’t have to worry about using your miles all at once.

Make sure to check your card to see if it offers miles as a rewards program. If so, check how many miles you’ve accumulated so far.