Credit cards (and their welcome bonuses) top our list of easy ways to earn points and miles. Apart from this, we want you to shop through online shopping portals like Rakuten to get more cash back or rewards on your online purchases.
But you may be overlooking one of the easiest ways to earn points and miles: linking rewards programs in some of your favorite apps. If so, now’s the time to pick up your phone and make sure you’ve connected your accounts to earn rewards on multiple programs while you grab a coffee or call a ride-hailing service.
Link your Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks accounts
The Delta Air Lines and Starbucks partnership allows customers to link their rewards accounts to not only earn Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Stars, but also earn double Starbucks Stars on days they fly with Delta.
Previously, you could earn miles for every $1 you spent at Starbucks, but that changes in 2024. Now, you can only earn miles by reloading at least $25 in the Starbucks app.
The number of miles you’ll earn depends on how much you top up, but you can earn up to 2 miles per $1 when your accounts are linked.
Don’t expect to get a free flight with your coffee order, but it’s an easy way to get more bang for your buck from your coffee habit.
Of course, be sure to use a card that offers great rewards on dining purchases.
RELATED: The Best Credit Cards to Use at Starbucks
Earn points and miles with Lyft
On your Lyft app, you might think you’ve maximized your earning potential by setting up your eligible Chase card as an automatic payment method. But if you don’t select a travel rewards program to link to, you’ll forfeit your rewards.
Reward your inbox with the TPG daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers and get breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive offers from TPG experts
You can connect your United MileagePlus, Hilton Honors, Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards or Bilt Rewards account under Ride and Earn on the home screen of the app.
Note that different types of rides earn different amounts of rewards on your linked account, so be sure to review Lyft’s description of each plan’s earning potential before deciding which program to link to.
Pro tip: Consider Bilt. This is typically the most valuable partner, as you earn 2 Bilt Reward Points per $1 spent and transfer them to various partners (including Hyatt) at a 1:1 ratio.
RELATED: The new Bilt 2.0 card has arrived: How to earn points on rent, mortgages, and more
Earn points and miles with Uber
In addition to leveraging your American Express Uber Points, there are two other ways you can maximize your Uber purchases. You can link your Marriott Bonvoy or Delta SkyMiles accounts to earn Marriott points or Delta miles on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders.
From your Uber profile, select Partner Rewards.
You’ll see Uber points at the top for any American Express cards you have. Then, scroll down to connect your Marriott or Delta account. Each program has a different revenue structure, so before making your choice, check out Uber’s guidelines for Delta and Marriott International and consider which type of rewards will be more valuable to you. (You can always change it later.)
Once you connect your account, you’ll start earning points or miles on eligible Uber transactions, including rides and food delivery.
For Uber and Lyft, consider adding a card that offers rewards on travel purchases. A particularly good choice is Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see Rates and Fees), you’ll receive a welcome bonus of 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $5,000 on your new card within the first three months of account opening. With it, you’ll earn 2 points for every dollar you spend on travel, including ride-hailing services, in addition to earnings from linked accounts.
Related: Use Uber or Lyft often? These are the best credit cards for you
bottom line
Make sure you take advantage of double rewards opportunities, including linking partner programs through the apps you regularly use when spending. While you’re at it, be the friend who volunteers to let Starbucks run or order an Uber or Lyft. Bonus rewards await.
