Credit cards (and earning their welcome bonuses) are at the top of our list when it comes to easy ways to earn points and miles. Beyond that, we hope you’re shopping through an online shopping portal like Rakuten to earn even more cash back or rewards points on your online purchases.
But you may have overlooked one of the simplest ways to earn points and miles: linking a rewards program in some of your favorite apps. If so, now is the time to grab your phone and make sure you’ve connected your accounts to earn rewards for multiple programs when you make a coffee run or call a ride-hailing service.
Link Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks accounts
In late 2022, Delta Air Lines and Starbucks announced their partnership, allowing customers to link their rewards accounts so they could earn Delta SkyMiles alongside Starbucks Star Rewards and double Starbucks Stars on days when flying with Delta.
Previously, you could earn miles for every dollar spent at Starbucks. However, the program changed June 12. Now, you’ll only earn miles when you reload at least $25 into your Starbucks app.
The number of miles you’ll earn depends on the amount you reload, but you can earn as many as 2 miles per dollar when your accounts are linked.
Don’t expect a free flight from a coffee order, but this is an easy way to squeeze even more rewards from your coffee habit — especially as we enter into pumpkin spice season.
And, of course, be sure to use a card that offers a nice bonus on dining purchases.
Related: The best credit cards to use at Starbucks
Earn points and miles with Lyft
On your Lyft app, you may think you’re already maximizing your earning potential by setting an eligible Chase card as your automatic payment method. But if you haven’t chosen a travel rewards program to link, you still leave rewards on the table.
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From the app menu, select “Rewards.”
You can connect your Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan or Bilt Rewards account from there.
Note that different types of rides earn different reward amounts on your linked account, so be sure to check out Lyft’s description of each program’s earning potential before deciding which one to link to.
Pro tip: Consider Bilt Rewards. This is often the most valuable partner since you can earn 2 Bilt Points for every dollar spent and transfer them to various partners (including Hyatt) at a 1:1 ratio.
Related: Stack these offers to maximize your next Lyft ride
Link your Uber and Marriott Bonvoy accounts
In addition to taking advantage of your Amex Uber credits, ensure you’ve linked your Marriott Bonvoy account to your Uber account.
From your app’s menu, select “Partner Rewards.”
You’ll see your Uber credits from your Amex card(s) at the top. Then, if you haven’t connected your Marriott Bonvoy account already, click below to enter your account information.
Once your accounts are connected, you’ll start earning Marriott points on qualifying Uber transactions.
For both Uber and Lyft, consider adding a card that offers a bonus on travel purchases. One particularly great option is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases on your new card in the first three months of account opening. With it, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel — including ride-hailing services — on top of your linked account earnings.
Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you
Bottom line
Ensure you’re taking advantage of opportunities to double dip rewards, including by linking partner programs through the apps you use regularly, when you spend. And while you’re at it, become the friend who volunteers to make the Starbucks run or order the Uber or Lyft. Bonus rewards await.
