Transferring throughout the nation is pricey, however in case you’re strategic, it may also be probably the greatest alternatives to earn a large stash of factors, miles and rewards. Between transferring providers, journey, furnishings, home equipment and all of the small necessities you might want to get settled, your spending can add up quick. On the brilliant aspect, this implies you may earn important journey rewards or money again by charging these purchases to the best bank cards.
By pairing your present playing cards with one or two new ones providing massive welcome bonuses, you may flip what’s often a expensive transition right into a factors incomes powerhouse.
Right here’s the way to maximize bank card rewards the subsequent time you progress.
Associated: Transferring overseas? Right here’s what to do along with your bank cards
Maximizing present playing cards throughout your transfer
Step one is figuring out which of your current playing cards earns probably the most rewards for every kind of spending. Playing cards just like the American Specific® Gold Card can supply 4 factors per greenback spent at eating places worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, which is ideal for the takeout meals and grocery runs that are inclined to spike throughout a transfer.
In the meantime, catchall playing cards with mounted incomes charges are additionally useful, particularly for purchases that don’t match neatly into different bonus classes. For instance, flat-rate playing cards just like the Citi Double Money® Card (see charges and charges) — which presents 2% money again on purchases (1% while you purchase and 1% while you pay) — and the Capital One Enterprise X Rewards Credit score Card — which presents 2 miles per greenback spent on on a regular basis purchases — are perfect for common purchases like transferring provides, furnishings and home equipment. These kind of purchases do not fall beneath frequent bonus classes, so a card that earns 2 factors or miles per greenback spent on any kind of buy ensures you get probably the most out of your spending.
In case your transfer requires resort stays or flights, ensure you’re placing these bills on a card that earns bonus factors on journey. My Chase Sapphire Most popular® Card (see charges and charges) was my go-to throughout my latest transfer to the West Coast, which included a number of resort and Airbnb stays. I additionally used the cardboard’s $50 annual resort assertion credit score by Chase Journey℠ to offset a part of a resort keep.
Should you’re staying in a single day alongside your route, it’s price checking whether or not factors and miles can cowl a few of these prices. I redeemed 8,000 factors for a one-night keep in South Dakota throughout my highway journey — not the flashiest redemption, nevertheless it saved me from paying $250 out of pocket.
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Many playing cards additionally supply buy safety and prolonged warranties that may be particularly useful when shopping for big-ticket gadgets like home equipment or TVs.
Lastly, control rotating or limited-time bonus classes. Some playing cards supply elevated earnings for purchases made at house enchancment shops or gasoline stations or for different massive purchases. By selecting the best card for every kind of expense, you can also make certain each greenback you spend throughout your transfer works somewhat more durable for you.
Associated: Why one of the best level redemptions are typically probably the most sensible
Maximize hire or mortgage funds — earn factors with the Bilt card
Your housing cost (whether or not hire or a mortgage) is probably going your greatest ongoing month-to-month expense. Whereas the Bilt Mastercard® has paused new functions till February 2026, it’s nonetheless price retaining in your radar in case you’re planning a transfer within the coming 12 months.
Beneath the present model of the cardboard, renters can earn factors on hire with no transaction charges, turning a invoice that sometimes earns nothing into invaluable Bilt Rewards Factors. These can then be transferred to Alaska Airways Atmos Rewards, World of Hyatt and different well-liked loyalty packages.
Much more notable: Beginning in February 2026, the refreshed Bilt Mastercard 2.0 will permit cardholders to earn factors on eligible mortgage funds. Meaning each renters and householders will be capable to flip a significant month-to-month invoice into ongoing rewards.
Associated: Must you pay your hire with Bilt? We crunch the numbers
Utilizing new playing cards to unlock huge welcome bonuses
A cross-country transfer is likely one of the finest instances to go after a profitable welcome bonus. Giant, unavoidable bills can simply enable you to meet the minimal spending necessities on new playing cards. They’re typically price a whole bunch (if not 1000’s) of {dollars}.
To benefit from it, you should definitely time your functions strategically. If you recognize you’ll be shopping for furnishings, home equipment and decor and reserving journey in fast succession, take into account staggering new card openings so every set of purchases can fulfill a unique welcome supply as a substitute of overlapping on one card.
Associated: One of the best bank card welcome bonuses at present accessible
How I turned my transfer into over 200,000 factors and miles
Once I moved throughout the nation, I used this technique to my benefit. I put early transferring bills, together with resort stays and gasoline and furnishings purchases, towards incomes the 100,000-mile welcome bonus on my United Quest℠ Card (see charges and charges). In line with TPG’s December 2025 valuations, these miles are price $1,300.
With that bonus secured, I shifted new purchases to fulfill the welcome supply on my Enterprise X card, which is at present providing its finest welcome supply since 2021. Between furnishings, kitchen home equipment, a TV and different necessities, I’m steadily working towards the 100,000-mile bonus. This bonus is price $1,850 while you switch your miles to any of Capital One’s resort and airline companions, per TPG’s December 2025 valuations. I’d been eyeing this card for some time, and the mixture of a robust supply and excessive spending made now the right second to use.
By timing my functions and aligning my spending with every card’s necessities, I’ll earn properly over 200,000 factors and miles from my transfer alone. I plan to make use of these rewards for a visit to Europe subsequent spring, turning what may have been a monetary hit into an enormous journey win.
Associated: 15 playing cards at present providing welcome bonuses of 100,000 factors or extra
Use procuring portals and stackable presents to supercharge your earnings
One of the crucial missed methods to earn rewards on transferring bills is utilizing airline procuring portals, cash-back portals and focused card presents.
When buying moving-related gadgets like furnishings, decor and electronics, verify whether or not you may earn rewards by:
By stacking these presents along with your bank card rewards, you may considerably enhance your factors and miles balances. Retailers like Dwelling Depot, Lowe’s, Finest Purchase, Goal, Wayfair and Macy’s frequently seem on portals or supply card-linked offers, making them good for moving-related purchases.
Associated: Earn factors, miles or money again: How you can maximize on-line procuring portals on your purchases
Suggestions for organizing your spending
- Monitor every little thing: Create a spreadsheet to separate moving-related purchases, and guarantee they depend towards welcome bonuses.
- Know your classes: Regulate bonus classes like house enchancment, common purchases and journey. Utilizing the best card for the best class can maximize your factors and miles.
- Hold receipts: Save documentation for all bills. Chances are you’ll want it to verify eligibility for welcome presents or for reimbursements.
Associated: How you can monitor your progress towards a bank card welcome bonus
Backside line
With a little bit of planning and technique, your cross-country transfer can internet you a large quantity of rewards. By combining your current playing cards with new playing cards providing welcome bonuses, you may flip main transferring bills into 1000’s of factors and miles.
Monitor your spending, plan forward and reap the benefits of each alternative — your subsequent transfer may repay in additional methods than one.
Associated: How to decide on one of the best bank card for you
