The single biggest accelerator in points earning isn't your everyday spending. It's sign-up bonuses. Most premium travel cards offer 60,000 to 100,000 bonus points when you spend a certain amount in the first few months after opening an account. That's often enough for one or two round-trip flights on its own.
What that looks like in real terms
A 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards bonus, transferred to the right airline partner, can be worth a round-trip business class ticket to Europe that would cost $3,000 to $5,000 in cash. The annual fee on the card is usually $95 to $550. The math is not close.
Things to know before chasing bonuses
The spending requirement is usually $3,000–$5,000 in the first three months.
For most people this is achievable just by putting normal expenses on the card: groceries, gas, utilities, subscriptions. You don't need to manufacture spending.
Don't open multiple cards at once.
Space them out by at least 90 days, ideally longer. Too many applications in a short window can ding your credit score temporarily. Chase in particular has an informal rule called the 5/24 rule, where they typically won't approve you if you've opened five or more credit cards across any bank in the last 24 months.
The bonus only works if you pay the balance in full every month.
Interest charges will always outpace the value of the points. This strategy is only financially sound if you treat the card like a debit card and pay it off completely each cycle.
Don't spend money you wouldn't otherwise spend just to hit the bonus.
The goal is to redirect your normal spending through the card, not to manufacture new spending.
The one rule that matters above all others
Never carry a balance. The interest on an unpaid balance will always cost more than the points are worth. If you're not confident you can pay in full every month, hold off until your financial footing is more solid.