How to Give Back in 2020 Thanks to Points and Miles

Points and Miles Giving – How to Spread Good Vibes Thanks to Our Hobby

This year’s Giving Tuesday is now in our rearview mirror, but of course we can all show that same generosity throughout the Holiday season (and whole year, for that matter).  While traditional charitable giving continues, our points and miles hobby enables us to give in more creative ways.  With just a bit of effort, points and miles giving is a snap!  Since our hobby gives us so much, I’m sharing a few ways we can leverage our points/miles assets and experiences for the benefit of others.

#1.  Share Your Fuel Rewards

I, and many of you, end up earning way more fuel rewards points than we can use in any given month.  The pandemic has led to an even bigger surplus, as well!  I cringe at losing these points, mostly because they are so easy to redeem.  Throughout the month, consider approaching a random stranger at the gas station and offer your extra gas points to him or her.  The simple gesture takes a matter of seconds as you swipe your loyalty card, but the savings to others are undeniable.  This is one of my favorite ways of giving – a quick gesture providing a real benefit based on a personal interaction.

Also, some of you participate in fuel rewards programs which allow redemptions for free groceries.  You can easily redeem for staple items and donate them to a local food bank, charitable organization, or directly to someone in need.

#2.  Provide a (Travel) Gift for Family, Friends, or Strangers

One can easily become jaded in the points and miles hobby.  What was once a delight may have become less special (beware of travel lifestyle creep).  Throughout our selfish lives, it’s easy to forget how foreign the concept or possibility of travel is to many, including our own friends and family.  What we see as a pedestrian event others can appreciate so much more.  Why not surprise family or friends with a free trip?  The possibilities on the high- and low-end are limitless.  Even if you can’t pay for the whole trip with points and miles, you could substantially defray someone’s costs; dreams can still become viable options.

Let’s look at another less obvious angle.  Redeem your rewards currencies for gift cards and treat friends or family to a free meal (or something else).  Maybe you routinely see a less fortunate stranger in front of the coffee shop.  Why not give a coffee shop gift card to that stranger?

#3.  Donating Points/Miles Through Travel Providers

Many airlines and hotels participate in points/miles donation efforts where you can pick the specific charity you would like your rewards currencies donated.  The vast majority of us have seen this option in our online loyalty accounts and promptly scrolled by.  Minimum donation amounts vary, but many options are available starting at 1,000 miles/points or under.  Here are just a few of the major airlines and hotels that participate:

• Alaska
• American
• Delta
• United
• Southwest
• JetBlue
• Hilton
• IHG
• Marriott

#4.  Share Your Knowledge and Expertise

Due to the widespread adoption of rewarding credit cards, many have earned points and miles but don’t know how to use them effectively or efficiently.  Consider helping others with their rewards currencies – show them how to book a room or flight, share tricks you’ve learned, or simply share where you’ve gotten great value.

I’d also like to underscore the importance of encouraging others to find free money and everyday rewards related to their normal habits.  Perhaps a friend or family member has never joined an online shopping portal (or maybe hasn’t ever heard of the concept).  Teach them how to use Rakuten (or your other favorites) to earn easy money.

I encourage you to do so without expecting anything in return (referral bonuses or otherwise).  Of course, if he or she is willing to be referred by you, be upfront with how you benefit.  Remember, helping others takes priority here; any possible benefit to you is secondary.

Sharing your knowledge with others may seem obvious.  However, as advanced hobbyists, what we consider as simple may be a formidable task to others.  Lend a helping hand!

#5.  Use Credits on Others

This option goes into more traditional gift giving but maintains the focus on looking beyond oneself.  We’ve been showered with an abundance of extra credits this year simply for holding cards and paying annual fees.  Here are just a few credits:  Dell, Saks Fifth Avenue, shipping (including USPS), grocery stores, and food delivery.  Those credits can add up to hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars in free gifts for others.  I’m not sure about you, but I met my US stamp needs months ago; ever since, I’ve been buying gifts on USPS.com.  I’ve also found gifts at reasonable amounts at Saks.com, such as Kate Spade paper products and small kitchen items from Le Creuset and Zwilling J.A. Henckels.

Points and Miles Giving – Conclusion

I’m just scraping the surface with the above points and miles giving possibilities.  This hobby provides us with great rewards and possibilities.  Unfortunately, with that sometimes comes unjustifiable entitlement, intentional or not.  I periodically need to remind myself that these assets and knowledge are blessings.  Why not share the joy of these blessings with others?  Anything more you can do now than in the past matters.  How else have you taken part in points and miles giving?

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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