A Credit Card Points Hacker Reveals Their Top 5 Tips

Navigating the complex world of credit card rewards often feels like being at a carnival. You either win the small, cuddly toy every time (hello, tiny statement credits), or you hit the jackpot and snag the giant teddy bear, jet-setting on extravagant adventures across the globe. Ever wondered how the big winners do it?

Lucky for you, I got the scoop from a true maestro of the credit card points game, Ian Agrimis. He's practically a wizard in the realm of turning those little points into big travels, and dished out some prime strategies for anyone ready to graduate from small-time credit rewards to the major leagues of card benefits.

1. Tailor your cards to your spending

One of Agrimis' key strategies is to select credit cards that offer substantial rewards on your most common expenses. He advises choosing cards with at least 2 to 5 points per dollar spent in your top five spending categories.

Whether it's groceries, gas, dining out, travel, or entertainment, having a card that caters specifically to these expenses can dramatically increase the rate at which you earn rewards. This targeted approach ensures that every dollar you spend works harder for you, helping you accumulate points more quickly.

2. Choose transferable points over specific brands

Ian Agrimis advises favoring travel credit cards that offer transferable points over those tied to specific airlines or hotels. Transferable points are more versatile and can often be more valuable. They provide the flexibility to transfer your points to various travel partners, freeing you from the constraints of a single program's reward chart.

This flexibility is key for maximizing point value, allowing you to choose the redemption options that offer the best returns based on your specific travel needs.

3. Open new cards for large purchases

One of Agrimis' smart tactics is to open new credit card accounts when he anticipates significant upcoming expenses. This could be anything from home renovations to purchasing new appliances or even booking a major trip. Why do this?

Many cards offer attractive sign-up bonuses that require you to spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening the account. By timing your application to coincide with planned large purchases, you can meet these thresholds more easily, ensuring you earn big bonuses without disrupting your spending habits.

4. Leverage business spending

For those who run their own businesses or have side hustles, Agrimis suggests taking advantage of business credit cards. These cards often offer higher reward rates on categories typical of business spending, such as office supplies, telecommunications, and travel.

If you separate personal and business expenses and use a business credit card for all business-related purchases, you can tap into higher spending limits and earn rewards more rapidly. This method not only helps keep your finances organized, but also boosts your points potential significantly.

5. Hold points until booking

Lastly, Agrimis advises against transferring your points to airline or hotel loyalty programs prematurely. Instead, it's wise to keep your points in a transferable state until you have a specific redemption in mind.

This strategy prevents you from being tied to fluctuating availability and redemption rates that can diminish the value of your points. By waiting until you can pinpoint an exact flight or hotel stay that offers good value, you ensure that you use your points in the most efficient way possible.

Mastering the art of credit card points isn't about being a financial wizard; it's more like being a strategic ninja with your spending and card choices. With Ian Agrimis' pro tips, you can boost those point earnings to new heights -- think more vacations, cash back, and sweet, sweet perks.

Why settle for less when your everyday spending could be racking up some serious rewards? It's all about choosing the right cards. Get it right, and you could be globetrotting on points alone, mingling with the elite crew who hardly ever touch their bank accounts to see the world.

But one final piece of advice? "Make sure you can pay off your credit card in full every month," said Ian Agrimis. "Otherwise the benefits are null compared to the interest."