How to Earn Air Miles with Your Credit Card

Credit cards offering air miles are an excellent way to make your travel dreams affordable and rewarding. By using the right credit card strategically, you can accumulate miles for flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to earn air miles effectively with your credit card.

What Are Air Miles?

Air miles are reward points you earn by spending on credit cards, which can be redeemed for flight tickets, cabin upgrades, hotel stays, or travel experiences. Many credit cards partner with airlines or travel programs to provide these benefits, making them perfect for frequent flyers.

Ways to Earn Air Miles with Your Credit Card

1. Spending on Everyday Purchases
   Use your credit card for everyday expenses like groceries, fuel, dining, and utility payments. Each transaction earns points that can later be converted into air miles.

Example: The HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card offers 5 reward points for every ?150 spent, which can be converted into air miles.

2. Travel and Airline Purchases
   Earn bonus miles by booking flights, hotels, or car rentals through your card’s airline or travel partners.

Example: The Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card offers accelerated miles when booking with Vistara airlines.

3. Welcome Bonuses
   Many travel credit cards offer hefty welcome bonuses in the form of air miles when you meet spending criteria within the first 90 days of issuance.

Example: The SBI Card ELITE offers a welcome bonus of up to 15,000 air miles.

4. Reward Multipliers on Partner Platforms
   Partner merchants or travel portals often provide additional miles for transactions. For example, booking a flight via a partnered travel website may earn double or triple the miles.
5. Renewal Benefits
   Some credit cards reward you with air miles upon paying the annual renewal fee.

Example: The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offers renewal benefits in the form of air miles.

6. Converting Reward Points to Air Miles
   Accumulated reward points from your spending can often be converted to air miles. Ensure you check the conversion ratio offered by your credit card issuer.
7. Special Promotions
   Keep an eye on special offers, such as bonus miles during festivals, holidays, or on specific transactions like booking international flights.

Tips to Maximize Air Miles

• Always pay with your air miles credit card for travel-related expenses.
• Choose a card that aligns with your preferred airline or travel habits.
• Avoid letting air miles expire; redeem them before the deadline.
• Track your miles using your credit card's mobile app or dashboard.

FAQs About Earning Air Miles

1. Which credit card is best for earning air miles?
   Cards like HDFC Diners Club Black and Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Card are excellent for earning air miles.
2. How can I convert reward points into air miles?
   Log in to your credit card's online portal or app and follow the instructions under the rewards redemption section.
3. Do air miles have an expiry date?
   Yes, most air miles have an expiry period, usually ranging from 1 to 3 years. Check with your credit card provider for specific details.
4. Can I use air miles for international travel?
   Absolutely! Air miles can be redeemed for international flights, upgrades, and even hotel stays.
5. Are air miles credit cards suitable for infrequent travelers?
   If you travel occasionally, choose a credit card with flexible reward redemption options beyond just air miles.
6. What is a good conversion rate for air miles?
   A conversion rate of 1 reward point = 1 air mile is considered good, but rates vary across credit card issuers.
7. Can I earn air miles on supplementary cards?
   Yes, transactions on supplementary cards are usually combined with the primary cardholder’s account to earn air miles.