Best Ways to Accumulate Airline Miles Without Flying

When people think about earning airline miles, the first image that comes to mind is getting on a plane. But what many travelers don’t realize is that the best ways to accumulate airline miles often have nothing to do with flying. In fact, some of the most serious mileage collectors rarely step on a plane — and yet they earn hundreds of thousands of miles every year.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just getting started, this guide will show you how to earn airline miles without flying, using strategies that are available to anyone with a bit of planning and smart financial habits.

Why It’s Smart to Earn Miles Without Flying

Flying is no longer the most efficient way to earn miles. Airline programs have shifted to revenue-based earning, where the number of miles earned from a ticket depends on how much you spend — not how far you fly.

Example:
A $150 domestic flight may earn you only 500–700 miles, which isn’t enough for a meaningful redemption.

Compare that to:

• A credit card welcome bonus worth 50,000–100,000 miles
• A single shopping portal promotion worth 5,000 miles
• A points transfer during a 100% bonus promo

That’s why building a non-flight mileage strategy is essential.

1. Credit Card Welcome Bonuses

One of the fastest and most powerful ways to accumulate airline miles is through credit card welcome bonuses.

Example:

• A credit card might offer 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 in 3 months.
• These miles can be worth over $1,000 in travel.

Some cards are co-branded with airlines (like American Airlines or Delta), while others earn flexible points that can be transferred to multiple airlines.

Best Practices:

• Compare welcome offers before applying.
• Make sure you can meet the minimum spend requirement.
• Apply when bonuses are at their highest (some reach 100,000+).

2. Everyday Spending on the Right Credit Cards

Once you have the right card, use it for everyday expenses:

• Groceries
• Gas
• Dining
• Travel
• Subscriptions

Many cards offer bonus categories, such as:

• 3x miles at supermarkets
• 2x miles at gas stations
• 5x on travel bookings

Over time, these regular purchases can earn tens of thousands of miles annually.

3. Shopping Through Airline Portals

Most major airlines operate online shopping portals. When you click through these portals before making a purchase from your favorite stores (Amazon, Apple, Nike, etc.), you earn bonus miles.

Example:

• A store offers 5 miles per dollar spent through the American Airlines portal.
• A $200 purchase = 1,000 miles earned (plus credit card points).

Some promotions go as high as 15–20 miles per dollar during holidays or limited-time offers.

4. Dining Rewards Programs

Many airline programs have partnered with restaurant networks in the U.S. and abroad. By registering your credit card, you automatically earn miles every time you dine at a participating restaurant.

Examples:

• MileagePlus Dining (United)
• AAdvantage Dining (American Airlines)
• Delta SkyMiles Dining

You can earn 3–5 miles per dollar spent, with bonuses for joining and writing reviews.

5. Sign Up for Surveys and Partner Promotions

Some airlines partner with market research companies and other brands to offer miles for surveys, subscriptions, or trials.

Examples:

• Miles for Opinions lets you earn 50–200 miles per completed survey.
• Magazines, newspapers, and wine clubs often offer 1,000–5,000 miles to try a subscription.

While these don’t yield massive amounts, they’re easy wins for consistent earners.

6. Hotel Stays and Car Rentals

Even if you’re not flying, your hotel and car rental choices can earn you miles.

You can:

• Book directly with hotel brands that partner with airlines (e.g., Marriott → United)
• Choose to earn airline miles instead of hotel points
• Rent cars with companies that offer airline miles (Avis, Hertz, Budget)

Some promotions offer bonus miles for booking multiple nights or rentals.

7. Utility and Subscription Payments

Depending on where you live, some utilities (gas, electric, internet, mobile phone) allow payments via credit card. If your card earns airline miles, these recurring charges become automated mileage machines.

Same applies to:

• Netflix
• Spotify
• Cloud storage
• Streaming platforms

Just remember to use your rewards card — not your debit card.

8. Buy Miles (But Be Cautious)

Airlines frequently sell miles at discounted rates or with large bonuses (e.g., “Buy miles with 100% bonus”).

While this can be useful in specific situations, it’s not a good long-term strategy unless:

• You’re topping off your account for a redemption.
• You’ve found award space and the math checks out.

Avoid speculative purchases — miles can expire or devalue.

9. Transfer from Bank Loyalty Programs

In Brazil, platforms like Livelo, Esfera, Iupp, and Átomos allow you to earn flexible points that can be transferred to multiple airline partners.

In the U.S., Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Points serve the same purpose.

Watch for transfer bonuses (20% to 100%) to increase value dramatically.

10. Referral Bonuses and Authorized Users

Some credit cards offer referral bonuses when you recommend the card to friends or family.

• Example: Get 15,000 miles per successful referral (limit varies).

You can also add authorized users to your account — their spending will earn miles for you, not them.

Just be sure they’re responsible spenders.

11. Pay Rent, Taxes, and Tuition via Third-Party Services

Several platforms allow you to pay rent, tuition, or even taxes with a credit card (for a small fee).

Examples:

• Plastiq (U.S.)
• Zapay, Ame, and others (Brazil)

If the miles earned exceed the fee paid — especially when meeting a welcome bonus — this can be worth it.

12. Join Airline Loyalty Clubs

Some programs offer paid subscription clubs that provide:

• Monthly mile bonuses
• Discounts on award redemptions
• Priority customer service
• Exclusive partner offers

Example:

• Clube Smiles offers up to 20,000 miles/month depending on your plan, plus transfer bonuses.

These clubs can be profitable if you redeem miles frequently.

13. Book Travel for Others

If you manage travel for family, coworkers, or even clients, use your account and credit card to book travel on their behalf.

You’ll earn the miles for:

• The purchase (credit card)
• Bonus offers and promotions
• Any extra partner rewards

Just remember that the person flying earns the flight miles, but you still gain everything else.

14. Take Advantage of Mileage Multipliers

Some airlines offer Mileage Multipliers at checkout or post-flight.

Example:

• Buy 5x miles for your flight for $50

Not always a good deal — but occasionally, these offers give cheaper miles than buying directly.

Always calculate:

• Total cost / miles offered = cost per mile
• Compare to real redemption value (aim for under $0.015)

Final Thoughts: Consistent Strategy Wins

The secret to earning lots of airline miles without flying is consistency.
When you build a system — using the right cards, shopping portals, dining programs, and transfers — the miles add up quickly.

Over a year, even modest earners can accumulate 100,000+ miles just through:

• A couple of credit card bonuses
• Shopping during promotions
• Paying bills smartly

And that’s enough for:

• A round-trip to Europe in economy
• A business class ticket to South America
• Multiple domestic round-trips in the U.S. or Brazil

You don’t need to fly to fly.
With the right strategy, your daily life becomes your loyalty engine.