Shifting throughout the nation is pricey, however in the event you’re strategic, it can be top-of-the-line alternatives to earn an enormous stash of factors, miles and rewards. Between transferring providers, journey, furnishings, home equipment and all of the small necessities you’ll want to get settled, your spending can add up quick. On the brilliant facet, this implies you’ll be able to earn vital journey rewards or money again by charging these purchases to the appropriate bank cards.
By pairing your present playing cards with one or two new ones providing giant welcome bonuses, you’ll be able to flip what’s often a expensive transition right into a factors incomes powerhouse.
Right here’s the right way to maximize bank card rewards the following time you progress.
Associated: Shifting overseas? Right here’s what to do along with your bank cards
Maximizing present playing cards throughout your transfer
Step one is realizing which of your present playing cards earns probably the most rewards for every sort 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 helpful, 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 affords 2% money again on purchases (1% once you purchase and 1% once you pay) — and the Capital One Enterprise X Rewards Credit score Card — which affords 2 miles per greenback spent on on a regular basis purchases — are perfect for basic purchases like transferring provides, furnishings and home equipment. Most of these purchases do not fall beneath frequent bonus classes, so a card that earns 2 factors or miles per greenback spent on any sort 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 well-liked® 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 way of Chase Journey℠ to offset a part of a resort keep.
For those who’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, but it surely 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 objects like home equipment or TVs.
Lastly, regulate rotating or limited-time bonus classes. Some playing cards supply elevated earnings for purchases made at house enchancment shops or fuel stations or for different giant purchases. By selecting the best card for every sort of expense, you can also make positive each greenback you spend throughout your transfer works a bit more durable for you.
Associated: Why the most effective level redemptions are typically probably the most sensible
Maximize hire or mortgage funds — earn factors with the Bilt card
Your housing fee (whether or not hire or a mortgage) is probably going your largest ongoing month-to-month expense. Whereas the Bilt Mastercard® has paused new purposes till February 2026, it’s nonetheless price retaining in your radar in the event 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 usually earns nothing into beneficial Bilt Rewards Factors. These can then be transferred to Alaska Airways Atmos Rewards, World of Hyatt and different widespread loyalty applications.
Much more notable: Beginning in February 2026, the refreshed Bilt Mastercard 2.0 will enable cardholders to earn factors on eligible mortgage funds. Meaning each renters and owners will be capable to flip a serious 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 without doubt one of the greatest occasions to go after a profitable welcome bonus. Massive, unavoidable bills can simply enable you meet the minimal spending necessities on new playing cards. They’re usually price tons of (if not hundreds) of {dollars}.
To take advantage of it, remember to time your purposes 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 special welcome supply as a substitute of overlapping on one card.
Associated: The very best bank card welcome bonuses at present accessible
How I turned my transfer into over 200,000 factors and miles
After I moved throughout the nation, I used this technique to my benefit. I put early transferring bills, together with resort stays and fuel and furnishings purchases, towards incomes the 100,000-mile welcome bonus on my United Quest℠ Card (see charges and charges). In response to 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 greatest 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 once 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 mix of a robust supply and excessive spending made now the proper second to use.
By timing my purposes and aligning my spending with every card’s necessities, I’ll earn effectively 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 might 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 purchasing portals and stackable affords to supercharge your earnings
Some of the missed methods to earn rewards on transferring bills is utilizing airline purchasing portals, cash-back portals and focused card affords.
When buying moving-related objects like furnishings, decor and electronics, verify whether or not you’ll be able to earn rewards by way of:
By stacking these affords along with your bank card rewards, you’ll be able to considerably increase your factors and miles balances. Retailers like House Depot, Lowe’s, Finest Purchase, Goal, Wayfair and Macy’s commonly seem on portals or supply card-linked offers, making them excellent for moving-related purchases.
Associated: Earn factors, miles or money again: Learn how to maximize on-line purchasing portals in your purchases
Suggestions for organizing your spending
- Monitor every part: Create a spreadsheet to separate moving-related purchases, and guarantee they depend towards welcome bonuses.
- Know your classes: Keep watch over bonus classes like house enchancment, basic purchases and journey. Utilizing the appropriate card for the appropriate class can maximize your factors and miles.
- Preserve receipts: Save documentation for all bills. You could want it to substantiate eligibility for welcome affords or for reimbursements.
Associated: Learn how to 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 present playing cards with new playing cards providing welcome bonuses, you’ll be able to flip main transferring bills into hundreds of factors and miles.
Monitor your spending, plan forward and benefit from each alternative — your subsequent transfer might repay in additional methods than one.
Associated: How to decide on the most effective bank card for you
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