Earn More Miles This Thanksgiving

 We’ve got a lot to be thankful for in this hobby. We’ve got an awesome hobby that isn’t just fun but also productive, allowing us to travel the world for pennies on the dollar. Let’s remember that this Thanksgiving…while also ensuring we make the most of our spending this holiday. Chances are, you’re going to spend quite a chunk of cash on meals as well as retail shopping on Thanksgiving. Make the most out of it by maximizing your purchases in these categories:

 

Dining.

The biggest expense this thanksgiving is food. Whether you’re roasting your own turkey or dining at your favorite restaurant, make sure you get the most out of your purchase by using the right rewards credit card. My personal recommendation for dining out would be the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which earns 3 points per $1 spent.

While you’re at it, be sure to register your card with a dining rewards program for easy bonus points. My favorite? Southwest Dining Rewards, which can be used to accrue free flights faster thanks to Southwest’s fare-based redemption program. Here are some other credit cards to considering using for the dining category bonus:

• Blue Cash Preferred from American Express– 6% cash back on the first $6,000 spent per year on dining (1% after)
• Premier Rewards Gold Card from Express–  2 points per $1
• Hilton HHonors Surpass Card from American Express  –  6 points per $1
• Chase Freedom  –  5% cash back/5 points per $1 (during select quarters)
• SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card from American Express – 3% cash back on dining and other categories the first $50,000 per year.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve – 3 points per $1 on travel
• Citi Prestige – 2 points per $1 on dining and entertainment
• Chase Sapphire Preferred –  2 points per $1
• Hyatt Credit Card – 2 points per $1 (at participating Hyatt restaurants only)
• IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card –  2 points per $1

 

If you’re planning on a home-cooked meal, there are lots of credit cards offering up to 6 points per $1 on grocery spending. It’s also worth noting that the Chase Freedom is offering 5% cash back at Walmart this quarter (on up to $1,500). This can come in handy for maximizing grocery purchases as well as Black Friday deals. If you don’t have a Chase Freedom card, you’ll want to considering using one of these credit cards for bonus points on grocery spending:

• Blue Cash Preferred from American Express – 6% cash back on the first $6,000 spent
• Hilton HHonors Surpass Card from American Express – 6 points per $1
• Blue Cash Preferred from American Express– 6% cash back on the first $6,000 spent per year at grocery stores (1% after)
• Premier Rewards Gold Card from Express–  2 points per $1
• Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard – 2 points per $1
• IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card – 2 points per $1

 

Retail Purchases

After emerging from a food coma, chances are you’re going to head out for a night of shopping. I personally try to avoid Black Friday, but I know some people do it for fun. If you’re heading out for some post-Thanksgiving shopping, consider using one of the following cards to maximize your purchases:

• SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card from American Express – 5% cash back at office supply stores.
• Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature Card – 5 points per $1 everywhere
• Blue Cash Preferred from American Express– 3% cash back (select department stores)
• Hilton HHonors Surpass Card from American Express – 3 points per $1
• Discover It Miles Card – 3 miles per $1 spent on everywhere during the first year
• Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card – 2 points per $1 spent on the first $50,000 spent per calendar year
• Barclay Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard – 2 miles per $1 spent everywhere
• Chase Freedom Unlimited – 1.5 points per $1 spent everywhere

 

iBotta Mobile App

Another way to generate some extra cash this Thanksgiving? Use the iBotta app to scan your receipts and get extra cash on select purchases. There’s even a “Any Item” option that offers $0.25 – $0.50 for scanning a receipt, regardless of what item was purchased. This may not seem significant at first. But that’s really the minimum you can earn through iBotta, and considering how much people spend on Thanksgiving, the cash back (especially on grocery items) can really add up.

Thanksgiving is almost here, which means we’re all in for a major point haul! I’d love to get some tips from you. How are you maximizing rewards and cash back this Thanksgiving?