What is 10x Travel? The basics

10x travel is essentially a hobby centering around 2 things:

1) Earn as many points & miles as possible

2) Redeem those points & miles for maximum travel savings

The vision: By using certain credit cards for your regular purchases, you can earn cash back, frequent flyer miles, reward points and/or travel bonuses, you can not only travel for free, but earn additional points while traveling.

Getting Started: The best place to start is with a travel credit card. The most widely known programs are Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou points. These all have transferable points/miles which allow the most flexible travel options.

Frequent Flyer Programs are a key part of the 10x Travel method. Signup is always easy and free. Nearly every airline has a program like this now which will allow you to earn future flights simply by flying with them. Sign up for many so you earn no matter how you fly.

Points vs Miles: Points are usually assigned by credit cards or banks and can be used in various ways, miles are typically only for travel and limited to use for a particular airline or hotel. Remember that miles typically do not refer to an actual mile distance.

Once you have a travel credit card, the best ways of earning points are

*Credit Card Sign-up bonuses

*Shopping Portals

*Dining Programs

*Flying

*Buying or Transferring Miles

*Card Referrals + Other Promotions

Not sure which card to get? Here are the 6 most important factors to compare:

1. Sign-Up Bonus - Rewards for new members
2. Spending Rewards - Rewards for certain categories
3. Annual Fee - Cost of card
4. Minimum Spend - Required amount
5. Card Affiliation - Brand specific card
6. Bonuses 

Remember: The 10x travel method is only truly effective when if you're earning travel rewards without increasing the amount of money you spend. Some ways you can earn rewards with everyday purchases are: Plastiq, buying gift cards and automatic bill pay with your travel card.

Shopping portals are another great way to earn travel points. Buying through your travel cards' shopping portal (instead of directly with the vendor) can earn extra bonus points. cashbackmonitor.com tracks which shopping portals offer the best rewards.

Bottom line: By signing up for travel credit cards as well as frequent flyer programs, you can earn travel rewards on your usual spending. Eventually you can earn so many travel points, you'll be earning rewards for using the discounted or free travel points you've been rewarded.