Moving across the country feels like a financial hurdle, but it can surprisingly become a treasure trove of rewards. The sheer volume of spending – from moving services to a completely new home setup – presents a unique opportunity to amass points, miles, and substantial cash back.
Imagine transforming a typically expensive life transition into a points-earning engine. By strategically pairing your current credit cards with a select few new ones boasting generous welcome bonuses, you can unlock significant travel perks or simply recoup a portion of your moving costs.
The first step is understanding your existing cards. Which one delivers the most rewards for restaurants and groceries – essential during the chaos of a move? Cards offering 4 points per dollar in these categories can quickly add up with frequent takeout and grocery runs.
Don’t overlook the power of flat-rate cards. For purchases that don’t fall into bonus categories – like moving supplies, furniture, and appliances – a card offering 2% cash back or 2 miles per dollar ensures you’re maximizing every expense.
If your move involves travel, prioritize cards that reward travel spending. Hotel stays and flights become opportunities to accumulate bonus points, and don’t forget to explore using existing points to offset overnight accommodations along your route. Even a small redemption can save significant money.
Beyond points, consider the added benefits. Purchase protection and extended warranties offered by many cards can provide peace of mind when investing in big-ticket items like appliances or televisions.
Your biggest monthly expense – rent or a mortgage – often goes unrewarded. The Bilt Mastercard offers a groundbreaking solution, allowing renters to earn points on rent payments and, soon, homeowners to earn rewards on their mortgage. This transforms a fixed cost into a valuable source of points.
A cross-country move is the perfect time to pursue a lucrative welcome bonus. Large, unavoidable expenses make it easy to meet minimum spending requirements, often unlocking hundreds or even thousands of dollars in value.
Strategic timing is key. If you anticipate a flurry of purchases – furniture, appliances, travel – stagger your new card applications to ensure each set of spending fulfills a different welcome offer, maximizing your rewards.
One recent mover leveraged this strategy to earn over 200,000 points and miles. By strategically using different cards for various expenses, they secured a 100,000-mile bonus and are well on their way to another, ultimately funding a future trip to Europe.
Don’t stop at credit card rewards. Airline shopping portals, cash-back portals, and targeted card offers can provide an extra layer of savings. Retailers frequently featured on these platforms – Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy – are ideal for moving-related purchases.
Organization is crucial. Track your moving expenses in a spreadsheet, categorize purchases to ensure you’re using the right card, and save all receipts. This meticulous approach guarantees you capture every possible reward.
With careful planning, your move can be more than just a logistical challenge; it can be a financial win. By combining existing cards, strategically opening new ones, and utilizing shopping portals, you can transform a costly transition into a wealth of rewards.
