How to Earn Miles Without Flying Using Your Credit Card
/
How to Earn Miles Without Flying Using Your Credit Card
Introduction
Ever dreamed of getting free flights using the miles you earn from everyday spending—even without setting foot in an airport? It’s possible! For first-time credit card users in the Philippines, this guide will show you how to earn and maximize airline miles simply by swiping, unlocking amazing rewards whether or not you travel right now.
What Are Airline Miles and Why They’re Useful
Airline Miles are loyalty points you earn through your credit card spending.
These miles can be redeemed for free flights, seat upgrades, or even hotel stays.
Even without flying, you can still earn miles from groceries, bills, subscriptions, and more.
Top Ways to Earn Miles Without Flying
1. Use a Card with High Miles-to-Spend Conversion
Choose cards that give you a lot of miles relative to your spending:
Credit Card
Miles per Spend
BPI Visa Signature
1 mile per ₱25 spend
Citi PremierMiles
1 mile per ₱30 spend
Metrobank Travel Platinum
1 mile per ₱25 spend
These cards let you rack up miles faster when spent strategically.
2. Focus Spending on Bonus Categories
Most cards offer bonus miles for certain categories like dining, groceries, or e-commerce. Always check your card’s bonus category—this could double your earnings instantly.
3. Convert Rewards Points to Miles
Some cards give general rewards points that you can convert into airline miles via the bank or airline loyalty program. This gives flexibility and expands your options.
4. Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses
Many cards offer big miles bonuses for meeting minimum spend within the first 1–2 months. Watch for these promos—just pay your balance in full to enjoy free miles.
5. Use Partner Offers for Extra Miles
Banks often team up with hotels, merchants, or airlines for double miles promos during specific periods. Take advantage of those for faster accumulation.
Practical Example: How It Works
Let’s say you pick the BPI Visa Signature card:
Spend ₱20,000 monthly on groceries, bills, and online shopping.
Earns: ₱20,000 ÷ 25 = 800 miles per month.
In a year, that’s 9,600 miles, enough for a domestic round-trip flight.
Managing Your Spend and Savings
Your rewards are only valuable if you’re not paying interest. Use this to plan your budget:
It helps estimate interest, monthly payments, and how fast your miles will add up—so you can plan wisely and avoid unnecessary fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake
Why It Hurts
Using a non-mile rewards card
Slower travel rewards
Not paying in full
High interest can exceed miles value
Letting miles expire
Many loyalty programs expire after 2–3 years
Ignoring promo details
Missed opportunities for bonus miles
TL;DR: Quick Summary
Use a credit card with fast miles conversion.
Focus spending on categories with bonus miles.
Use sign-up and partner promos to boost miles.
Always pay your balance in full to avoid wiping out your rewards.
