Moving is inherently expensive, but it also presents a prime opportunity to earn substantial credit card rewards. From moving services and travel to furniture and everyday essentials, significant spending can be leveraged to accumulate points, miles, and cash back. By strategically combining existing cards with new ones offering generous welcome bonuses, you can transform a costly transition into a rewards-generating powerhouse.
Leveraging Existing Cards for Optimal Earnings
The first step is identifying which of your current credit cards offers the highest rewards for specific spending categories. For instance, the American Express® Gold Card can yield 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants—ideal for frequent takeout and grocery runs during a move.
Flat-rate cards are equally valuable for purchases that don’t fall into bonus categories. The Citi Double Cash® Card provides 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when buying, 1% when paying), while the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers 2 miles per dollar spent on everyday expenses. These cards ensure you maximize rewards on moving supplies, furniture, and appliances, which often don’t qualify for specialized bonuses.
If your move involves travel, prioritize cards that reward travel spending. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is excellent for hotel and Airbnb stays, and its annual hotel statement credit through Chase Travel℠ can offset additional costs. Redeeming points for overnight stays along your route can also provide savings; for example, redeeming 8,000 points for a $250 hotel stay.
Many cards also offer purchase protection and extended warranties, which are particularly beneficial for major purchases like appliances and electronics. Staying aware of rotating or limited-time bonus categories—such as those for home improvement stores or gas stations—can further optimize your earnings.
The Bilt Mastercard: Turning Rent into Rewards
Your largest monthly expense, whether rent or a mortgage, can now earn rewards thanks to the Bilt Mastercard. While new applications are paused until February 2026, the card allows renters to earn points on rent payments with no transaction fees, converting a traditionally unrewarded bill into valuable Bilt Rewards Points. These points can be transferred to Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards, World of Hyatt, and other loyalty programs.
Starting in February 2026, the updated Bilt Mastercard 2.0 will extend this benefit to homeowners by allowing points accrual on eligible mortgage payments. This makes the card a game-changer for both renters and homeowners looking to maximize rewards on their largest recurring expense.
Strategic Application of New Cards for Welcome Bonuses
A cross-country move is the ideal time to capitalize on lucrative welcome bonuses, often worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Time your applications strategically to ensure each set of purchases fulfills a different welcome offer instead of overlapping.
For example, initial moving expenses—hotel stays, gas, furniture—can be used to meet the requirements for a high-value bonus, such as the 100,000-mile offer on the United Quest℠ Card, which TPG valuations currently rate at $1,300. Following that, shift new purchases to another card, like the Capital One Venture X, which is currently offering its best welcome bonus since 2021, worth $1,850 when transferred to partner airlines or hotels.
Stacking Rewards: Portals, Offers, and More
Maximize your earnings by using airline shopping portals (United MileagePlus Shopping, American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping), cash-back portals (Rakuten), and targeted card offers (Amex Offers, Chase Offers, Citi Merchant Offers). Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Target, Wayfair, and Macy’s frequently participate in these programs, providing additional points or cash back on top of your credit card rewards.
Staying Organized: Tracking and Documentation
Effective organization is crucial. Track all moving-related purchases in a spreadsheet to ensure they count toward welcome bonuses. Be mindful of bonus categories—home improvement, general purchases, travel—to maximize your rewards. Keep receipts for all expenses, as they may be required to verify eligibility for welcome offers or reimbursements.
In conclusion, strategic credit card utilization can transform the financial burden of moving into a significant rewards-earning opportunity. By combining existing cards, timing new applications, and stacking offers, you can accumulate thousands of points and miles, turning what could be a financial strain into a travel win.
