When it comes to earning credit card rewards, there are tons of ways to maximize every dollar you spend. Taking advantage of credit card sign-up bonuses and registering for every promotion can be a fun challenge for some, while others may find it overwhelming.
If you’re in the latter group, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to spend a lot of time to earn a lot of points. In fact, you can put the majority of your point-earning activities on autopilot and still generate substantial rewards. Here are seven low-effort ways to earn more rewards with your credit card.
1. Get a credit card that offers elevated earnings
Credit card bonus categories are key to earning rewards beyond a welcome bonus. However, it takes some effort to track the various bonuses and remember to use the right card on different purchases. So if you want to earn rewards easily, just get a credit card that earns more than 1 point for every dollar you spend on all purchases.
2. Set all your bills to autopay via your credit card
Setting up autopay for your monthly bills is an easy way to earn more rewards. You can’t get out of expenses like utilities, cell phone bills and insurance premiums. Plus, these are likely factored into your monthly budget already. So why not set them to auto-pay with your favorite travel rewards card? That way, you rack up rewards every month without having to lift a finger.
3. Add an authorized user to your credit card
Adding an authorized user to your credit card allows you to increase the number of points you’re earning without taking on additional unnecessary spending. You can add a spouse, family member or trusted household member to your credit card and earn rewards on their purchases.
4. Pay taxes with your credit card
Tax season is just around the corner, presenting another low-effort way to earn rewards. You can pay your taxes with a credit card for a fee of 1.85%
5. Use dining rewards programs
Earning points and miles through a dining rewards program is straightforward. Virtually every major airline and hotel program has an affiliated dining rewards program. All you do is sign up for these programs, register your credit card and then use that card when you dine at participating restaurants. You’ll automatically earn up to 8 points per dollar spent, in addition to the rewards from your credit card.
6. Earn rewards on Uber and Lyft rides
Ride share apps like Lyft and Uber are commonplace for many urbanites. But beyond just earning credit card points on these rides, you can also earn bonus rewards when you link a participating travel partner to either of these services.For instance, Marriott partners with Uber to award 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar on all premium Uber rides. This includes Uber XL, Uber Black, Uber SUV and Uber Comfort rides. You can also earn 6 points per dollar when you order Uber Eats delivery to a Marriott hotel, and 2 points per dollar when you order food to another address. Just note that Uber Eats orders must be $25 or more to qualify, and you can only earn on rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S.
7. Shopping portals and apps
If you’re already shopping online, using an online shopping portal is fast, convenient, and rewarding. Before you go to the website of your favorite retailer, simply visit a shopping portal first, click on the link to that merchant, and you’ll earn extra points for every dollar you spend.
