Moving around the country is expensive, but if you’re strategic, it can also be one of the best opportunities to earn a lots of points, miles and rewards. Between moving services, travel, furniture, appliances, and all the little essentials you need to get settled in, your expenses can add up quickly. The plus side is that this means you can earn serious travel rewards or cash back by charging these purchases to the right credit cards.
By combining your current cards with one or two new ones that offer great welcome bonusescan turn what is usually a costly transition into a never-ending source of points.
Here’s how to maximize credit card rewards the next time you move.
Related: Moving abroad? This is what you should do with your credit cards
Maximize current cards during your move
The first step is to know which of your existing cards generate the most rewards for each type of spending. Cards like American Express® Gold Card can offer 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants around the world and supermarkets in the US, which is perfect for takeout and grocery purchases that tend to increase during a move.
Meanwhile, general cards with fixed earning rates are also beneficial, especially for purchases that don’t fit neatly into other bonus categories. For example, flat rate cards like Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees), which offers 2% cash back on purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay), and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – which offers 2 miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases – are ideal for general purchases like moving supplies, furniture and appliances. These types of purchases don’t fall into common bonus categories, so a card that earns 2 points or miles per dollar spent on any type of purchase ensures you get the most out of your spending.
If your move requires hotel stays or flights, be sure to put those expenses on a card that earns travel bonus points. My Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) was my go-to during my recent move to the West Coast, which included multiple hotel and Airbnb stays. I also used the card $50 annual hotel statement credit through Chase Travel℠ to offset part of a hotel stay.
If you’re staying overnight along your route, it’s worth checking if points and miles can cover some of those costs. I redeemed 8,000 points for an overnight stay in South Dakota during my road trip; It wasn’t the flashiest trade, but it saved me from paying $250 out of pocket.
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Many cards also offer purchase protection and extended warranties that can be especially helpful when purchasing big-ticket items like appliances or televisions.
Lastly, keep an eye out for rotating or limited-time bonus categories. Some cards offer high earnings for purchases made at home improvement stores or gas stations or for other major purchases. By choosing the right card for each type of expense, you can ensure that every dollar you spend during your move works a little harder for you.
Related: Why the best points redemptions are sometimes the most practical
Maximize Rent or Mortgage Payments: Earn Points with the Bilt Card
Your housing payment (whether rent or mortgage) is probably your largest ongoing monthly expense. While the Bilt Mastercard® has paused new applications until February 2026, it’s still worth keeping on your radar if you’re planning to move next year.
With the current version of the card, renters can earn points on rent with no transaction fees, turning a normally worthless bill into valuable one. Bilt Rewards Needles. These can then be transferred to Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards, Hyatt World and other popular loyalty programs.
Even more notable: Starting in February 2026, the updated version Bilt Mastercard 2.0 will allow cardholders to earn points on eligible mortgage payments. That means renters and homeowners alike will be able to turn a large monthly bill into ongoing rewards.
Related: Should you pay rent with Bilt? We calculate the numbers
Use new cards to unlock great welcome bonuses
A cross-country move is one of the best times to look for a lucrative welcome bonus. Large, unavoidable expenses can easily help you meet your goals. minimum spending requirements on new cards. They are often worth hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars.
To get the most out of it, make sure Schedule your applications strategically. If you know you’ll be purchasing furniture, appliances, decor, and booking travel in quick succession, consider staggering new card openings so each set of purchases can fulfill a different welcome offer instead of overlapping on a single card.
Related: The best welcome bonuses for credit cards currently available
How I turned my move into over 200,000 points and miles
When I moved across the country, I used this strategy to my advantage. I put my early moving expenses, including hotel stays, gas and furniture purchases, toward the 100,000-mile welcome bonus on my United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees). According to TPG from December 2025 ratingsthose miles are worth $1,300.
With that bonus secured, I traded in new purchases to fulfill the welcome offer on my Venture X Cardwhich currently offers its the best welcome offer since 2021. Between furniture, kitchen appliances, a TV, and other essentials, I’m constantly working toward the 100,000 mile bonus. This bonus is worth $1,850 when you transfer your miles to any of Capital One Hotel and Airline Partnersaccording to TPG from December 2025 ratings. I had been eyeing this card for a while, and the combination of a strong offer and high spend made now the perfect time to apply.
By timing my requests and aligning my spending with each card’s requirements, I’ll earn over 200,000 points and miles from my move alone. I plan to use those rewards for a trip to Europe next spring, turning what could have been a financial hit into a big win for the trip.
Related: 15 Cards Currently Offering Welcome Bonuses of 100,000 Points or More
Use shopping portals and cumulative offers to boost your profits
One of the most overlooked ways to earn moving expense rewards is to use airline shopping portalscash back portals and specific card offers.
When purchasing moving-related items such as furniture, decor, and electronics, check to see if you can earn rewards through:
By combining these offers with your credit card rewards, you can significantly increase your points and miles balances. Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Target, Wayfair, and Macy’s regularly appear on portals or offer card-tied deals, making them perfect for moving-related purchases.
Related: Earn points, miles or cash back: How to make the most of online shopping portals for your purchases
Tips to organize your expenses
- Track everything– Create a spreadsheet to separate moving-related purchases and make sure they count toward welcome bonuses.
- Know your categories: Keep an eye out for bonus categories like home improvement, general shopping, and travel. Using the right card for the right category can maximize your points and miles.
- Save receipts: Keep documentation for all expenses. You may need this to confirm eligibility for welcome offers or rebates.
Related: How to Track Your Progress Toward a Credit Card Welcome Bonus
In a nutshell
With a little planning and strategy, your cross-country move can bring you considerable rewards. By combining your existing cards with new cards that offer welcome bonuses, you can turn major moving expenses into thousands of points and miles.
Track your spending, plan ahead, and take advantage of every opportunity—your next move could pay off in more ways than one.
