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Points and miles don’t have to be complicated or overwhelming.

But there are mistakes you could make. Avoid these missteps, and you’ll be in the clear. 

I don’t care how many points search tools you consult: If you’re dead set on traveling on a specific date, you are going to spend a lot more. 

If you’re willing to look at dates a few days before and after your target date, you open up some wiggle room, and you might find a better deal to where you want to go.

Airline partnerships are like carpools: One airline drives, but it transports passengers from other airlines. 

In award travel, airline partnerships allow you to book a flight on one airline using a partner’s miles. It often lowers the cost of your award ticket. Many airlines, such as Air Canada Aeroplan, offer award tickets on partner airlines at lower rates than tickets booked for flying their own metal. 

And airline partnerships open up more options. Don’t have enough American AAdvantage miles to fly cross-country? American is in a partnership with British Airways. So if you have a card that earns British Airways Avios (and literally every credit card point transfers to Avios), you could search on British Airways, find an American-operated flight for your desired route, and book it with Avios. 

Transferring points to an airline or hotel partner is a one-way street. Once it’s done, it’s done. You cannot reverse it. 

That’s why you should only transfer your credit card points when you plan to book a flight. First check award availability and see how many points you need, then transfer.

This one might sound controversial, but to be clear, I’m not advocating opening new cards carelessly or without a plan. 

What I am saying is you should strategically open to cards to earn signup bonuses.

Signup bonuses are the single greatest way to accumulate large amounts of points in a short amount of time. No matter how diligent you are at making sure you use a card that earns 3x here and 2x there, it’s not going to move the needle as much as a new card’s bonus.

Here are some great options now.

Your wallet holds multiple cards. One spot should belong to a card that earns more than 1x point per dollar. While you’ve got cards that reward extra points in categories like dining, groceries, gas, or travel, this card should be your go-to for expenses that don’t fit into those categories. (I’m talking pet supplies, charitable giving, even utilities.)

Here are a bunch of great options. Make your choice depending on what type of points currency you want to earn.

If your card comes with a coupon book of statement credits (like these), choosing not to redeem them is leaving money on the table. These credits are baked into your annual fee, so ignoring them is throwing money away. 

Now, if you have to go to great lengths to redeem one, maybe let it slide. But if you find you're not using most of your credits, it may be time to consider downgrading or switching products. Just know your options before you decide to cancel.

I had to include it. If you don't pay your card’s statement balance in full by the due date, you’ll accrue interest, which negates the value of any points earned. That’s hustling backward.

With expert:

Kurt Adams

Kurt Adams is the Points and Miles Expert for the Going travel app. As a personal finance expert with a deep understanding of credit card rewards and frequent flier programs, Kurt helps consumers navigate the intersection of money and travel. A graduate of Princeton, he lives in New York.