 TITLE: How to Earn Credit Card Points Fast CONTENT: Hit Your Intro Bonus\n--------------------\nOne of the best ways to earn a lot of credit card points fast is to score an introductory bonus, also known as a sign-up bonus. An intro bonus can be anything from tens of thousands of points or miles for award travel to hundreds of dollars in cash back.\nTo earn an introductory bonus, you usually have to meet certain spending requirements. That might be as much as hundreds or thousands of dollars in purchases within a set period of time, like three to six months.\nFor example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is currently offering new applicants 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points as its intro bonus. But to earn them, you've got to spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. If you don't hit that number, you don't get the bonus points.\nIntroductory bonuses can also vary widely, even for the same card, depending on when you apply. Be sure to read the fine print carefully and make sure you can meet any conditions while still spending responsibly and paying off your balances on time each month. Otherwise, you might be on the hook for interest charges and late fees that will wipe out the value of any points you earn.\nSpend Your Money Strategically\n------------------------------\nTo earn rewards points quickly, think about the kinds of purchases you make each month so you can use the credit cards that will earn you most points or miles for them.\n### Pay Attention to Bonus Categories\nWhile many rewards credit cards earn 1 point or mile per dollar on most purchases, some earn bonus points when you use them to buy things at specific categories of merchants, such as gas stations or grocery stores. By using these cards at the right places, you can double, triple or multiply your earning even faster.\n### Use a Combination of Cards\nCombining a few different rewards credit cards with bonus categories that do not overlap can help you earn bonus points or miles on nearly every single purchase you make.\nFor example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals and 5 points on air travel booked through Ultimate Rewards (after earning your annual $300 travel credit), and 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining. It earns 1 point per dollar on almost everything else. By contrast, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns 12 bonus points per dollar on purchases directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. It earns 6 bonus points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations; and 3 points per dollar on everything else. So by using the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card for airfare, general travel and dining, and the Hilton card for Hilton stays, groceries and gas, you could have a winning combo to rake in both Ultimate Rewards points (which are transferable to several airline and hotel loyalty programs) and Hilton Honors points at a pretty good clip.\nUse Your Cards for Everyday Purchases\n-------------------------------------\nAside from maximizing bonus categories, you can earn rewards points even faster simply by using your cards for most of your everyday purchases rather than just occasional buys or large items. A point or mile per dollar here and there adds up quicker than you think.\nUsing a credit card rather than cash or a debit card is not only a great way to accrue rewards faster, but some credit cards offer protections for purchases you make in case something is lost or stolen. Using a card responsibly is also a great way to build your credit history and improve your credit score.\nHow to Use Your Card Responsibly\n--------------------------------\nBefore you whip out your card for every purchase, no matter the price, keep in mind that the rewards you earn will only be worthwhile if you use your card responsibly and are able to make payments on time and in full every month. Not doing could result in late fees and interest charges that will cost much more than the value of any rewards points you earn. Not only that, but over-utilizing your card and amassing a balance that's near your credit limit will be a red flag for lenders. Carrying a high balance can lower your credit score and prevent you from taking advantage of other lucrative credit card offers in the future.\nThe key to earning credit card points fast is to find a card that fits your financial habits and racks up bonus points or miles on the kinds of purchases you make the most, and by spending responsibly on day-to-day expenses. By finding a card that offers bonus-earning opportunities and other benefits you can take advantage of, you can start accruing rewards points faster than you think. You can find personalized credit card options through Experian CreditMatchTM to help you maximize your earning. END