Level 2 Lesson 8 of 10

Shopping Portals and Dining Programs

Easy extra points on purchases you're already making. Low effort, real rewards.

📖 5 min read•Beginner

What Are Shopping Portals?

Shopping portals are websites that give you bonus points or miles when you click through them before making online purchases. You still shop at the same stores, pay the same prices, and use your normal credit card—you just earn extra.

The major programs all have them:

How It Works

  1. Go to the shopping portal (e.g., United Shopping)
  2. Search for the store you want (e.g., Apple, Nike, Macy's)
  3. Click through the portal link
  4. Shop and purchase as normal
  5. Earn bonus miles (e.g., 3 miles per dollar)

These stack with your credit card rewards. If you earn 3x on your card plus 3 miles/dollar from the portal, that's 6 total.

Popular Stores and Typical Rates

Rates vary by portal and change frequently. Always check multiple portals before big purchases.

Dining Programs

Similar concept for restaurants. Link your credit card to a dining program, eat at participating restaurants, and earn bonus miles.

Most programs offer 3-5 miles per dollar at thousands of restaurants. Points post automatically after you pay with your linked card—no clicking through required.

Browser Extensions

Tools like Rakuten's browser extension will alert you when you're on a site that offers bonus points. This helps you never miss an opportunity.

Stacking Strategy

For maximum earning: Credit card bonus category + Shopping portal + Store's own loyalty program. A purchase at Sephora could earn you 4x Amex points + 5 miles from the portal + Beauty Insider points.

Key Takeaways

Previous
Next: Understanding Annual Fees