A travel rewards credit card earns points (a.k.a. miles) every time you use the card to make a purchase. These points can be redeemed at a later date to pay for various travel expenses. This may include airfare, hotel stays, car rental fees, excursions, and more. In some cases, your points and miles may also be redeemable for cash or gift cards. To earn points, simply make a purchase using your card. Typically, you'll earn about one point per dollar spent, although several cards provide additional points for spending within certain categories (like travel). Many cards also offer bonus points to new members who meet certain spending requirements.