Points and Miles for Beginners: Family Edition
So you’ve heard about points and miles, and you’re wondering if it’s really possible to fly your whole family to Hawaii without selling a kidney or taking out a second mortgage. Good news: it’s very doable—even on a regular salary. The trick is understanding a few basics, picking the right tools, and, yes, being a little organized. Here’s what I wish someone had told me when my family first started collecting travel rewards.
Why Bother with Points and Miles?
Let’s get real: family travel is expensive. Four plane tickets, a week in a hotel, maybe a rental car. Suddenly, that “quick getaway” is a solid $3,000–$5,000. Points and miles can cut that by 60–90%—sometimes more.
But it’s not magic. You’ll need a game plan, some math, and a willingness to open a couple of new credit cards (responsibly!).
Before our first big trip using points, I was skeptical. But when four round-trip tickets to California cost us $44 total, my wife started calling me “the family CFO.”
Step 1: Know the Main Players
There are three main currencies in travel rewards:
- Airline miles (like United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles)
- Hotel points (like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors)
- Flexible points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles)
Flexible points are the MVPs for families. You can transfer them to airlines or hotels, giving you options when plans change (which, let’s be honest, they will).
Example:
With 90,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can get:
- Four round-trip tickets from Charlotte to Denver on Southwest (usually $1,200+)
- Three nights at a Hyatt Regency (usually $800+ total)
The Family Points System: Simple Math
Let’s break down what it takes for a typical family trip. Assume you’re a family of four, aiming for a domestic round-trip flight and five hotel nights. Here’s the math:
| Expense | Cash Price | Points/Miles Needed | Points Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Flights | $1,600 | ~80,000 | Southwest Rapid Rewards |
| 5 Hotel Nights | $1,000 | ~60,000 | Hyatt Points |
Total: 140,000 points/miles vs. $2,600 cash.
Getting that many points may sound daunting, but with the right sign-up bonuses, you can get there in 3–6 months—without spending more than you normally would.
Step 2: Pick the Right Cards (and Be Strategic)
Here’s the honest lowdown: most points come from welcome bonuses, not from daily purchases. Families can multiply rewards by having both adults apply for cards (if you both have good credit).
My top picks for beginners:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred (60,000–80,000 point bonus, transfers to airlines and hotels)
- Chase Ink Business Cash (for side hustlers, 75,000 bonus points)
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus (50,000+ bonus miles, great for domestic family trips)
One year, my wife and I each got a Chase Sapphire Preferred. We hit the minimum spend with our regular bills, groceries, and a couple of Amazon orders. Three months later, we had enough for four flights to Orlando—plus a few nights at a Hyatt.
Checklist: Getting Started in 15 Minutes
- Check your credit score (aim for 700+)
- List out your monthly expenses (bills, groceries, etc.)
- Pick one travel card with a strong bonus
- Set up autopay to never miss a payment
- Track your spending to hit the bonus (but don’t buy extra stuff just to get points!)
- When the first bonus posts, consider a second card (for you or your partner)
- Sign up for airline/hotel loyalty accounts
How to Avoid the Common Pitfalls
Don’t carry a balance. The interest wipes out any benefits, fast.
Don’t open too many cards at once. Chase, for example, has a “5/24 rule”—if you’ve opened 5+ cards in 24 months, you’re out of luck for their best cards.
Don’t hoard points for years. Programs devalue over time. Use them within 1–2 years if possible.
Pro tip: Set calendar reminders for annual fees and bonus deadlines. I’ve dodged a few “surprise” fees this way.
Family Logistics: Who Gets the Points?
Most programs let you book for anyone. Keep it simple: have one person collect points and book for the family, or split cards between partners and pool when needed.
For Southwest, you can even earn a Companion Pass—one person flies free with you for up to two years. (We saved $1,200 with this trick last year.)
Tools and Links I Actually Use
- AwardHacker – Find the best point deals across airlines and hotels.
- Travel Freely – Free tool to track sign-up bonuses and annual fees.
- The Points Guy – Good for news and deep dives, but beware: they love luxury travel.
- Doctor of Credit – Best for up-to-date credit card offers.
Quick Reference Table: Popular Family Cards
| Card | Bonus | Annual Fee | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 60–80k points | $95 | Flights, hotels (transfers) |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus | 50–75k points | $69 | Domestic flights |
| Hilton Honors Surpass | 130k+ points | $150 | Hotel stays |
| Chase Ink Business Cash | 75k points | $0 | Side hustle, business spend |
Final Thoughts: Keep It Fun, Not Stressful
Don’t let the points world overwhelm you. Start with one card, keep your goals simple (like one trip to the beach, not around-the-world in first class), and build from there. You don’t have to become an expert—but a little planning can mean a lot more travel (and memories) for your family.
And hey, if you score a suite upgrade and your kids think you’re a rockstar, that’s just a bonus.
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