I love the game of points and miles, but like most games, it’s so much better with two!
When I first started earning points back in 2015, I was happy to go it alone.
My partner wasn’t very interested and I didn’t realize how much more powerful our strategy could be with two instead of one.
But after some free hotel nights and almost free flights, it became apparent that if we wanted to take full advantage of this strategy it was time to team up!
This approach is often referred to as the P2 strategy.
By teaming up, we unlocked a strategy that allowed us to earn double the travel rewards in half the time with minimal extra effort.
If you’re playing the travel rewards game solo, you’re leaving points on the table.
It may not always be easy to convince someone else to get into this hobby, but if you do, having a P2 can be a total game changer (pun intended).
In this post, I’ll teach you about what it means to play points and miles with a P2, how to get your P2 on board, and a strategy that will help you double your points in half the time.
Let’s do this!
What Is a Player Two or P2?
If you’re a gamer, you know what P2 means.
Player Two (or P2) is where you and a partner—typically a spouse, significant other, or family member—team up to maximize your points and miles.
By working together, you can strategically manage credit card applications, spending, and point redemptions to double the rewards you earn without doubling the effort.
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What’s the Strategy?
One of the biggest benefits of having a P2 is the ability to coordinate your card applications.
Each person staggers their credit card applications to maximize the number of lucrative welcome bonuses that they can earn.
For example, one person could apply for a travel card this month, and the other person could wait a few months to apply for the same card or another high-value one.
This way, you’re always working toward a new bonus, but you aren’t overwhelming your finances with minimum spending requirements all at once.
You get double the sign-up bonuses, more points from everyday spending, and the flexibility to share the rewards—all without doubling your workload.
As a team, you can combine your points and redeem them for joint travel expenses, like flights and hotel stays.
And you don’t need to limit yourself to a P2.
You can have a P3, P4, or however many you want. Just make sure you’re all on the same page about your strategy for earning and redeeming.
If your other players have their own agenda, you’re not on the same team.
Earn Referral Bonuses
Many credit card issuers, like Chase and American Express, offer extra points or miles when you refer someone else to apply for their credit card.
For example: Let’s say that I open the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and earn the welcome bonus which is currently 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
That’s 60,000 points. Awesome!
Now, that we have 60,000 bonus points – I can turn around and refer my P2 to open the same credit card on their own.
I’ll earn 10,000 referral bonus points plus my P2 will earn the welcome bonus for opening the credit card on their own.
That’s a total of 130,000 bonus points.
Isn’t that better than only 60,000 bonus points?
Sometimes you need to hold the same credit card, but other times you may just need a credit card in the same family. It depends on the credit card company, so do some research.
Maximizing Benefits
Not only can you coordinate spending better to hit a minimum spend, but you can also diversify more easily.
For example, my husband has the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
It earns a different type of flexible points currency, plus it gives us complimentary airport lounge access, and frees me up to get other credit cards with different benefits.
Combine Points for Bigger Redemptions
Once you’ve earned your points, you can combine them for bigger and better redemptions.
Some programs, like Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, allow you to pool points with a member of your household, making it easier to save up for those big-ticket redemptions, such as business class flights or luxury hotel stays.
By working together, you can reach those redemption goals faster and enjoy premium travel experiences without paying full price.
Staying Under the 5/24 Rule
If you’re familiar with the 5/24 rule, having a P2 is a strategic advantage.
Your credit card applications are completely separate so as you alternate credit card applications you can help keep each other under 5/24.
It’s like tag-teaming your way to more rewards without worrying about getting blocked by the rule!
Tips for Getting your P2 onboard
Now that you know about the P2 strategy the biggest hurdle is getting them onboard!
In points and miles, it’s very common to start with just one person who’s really into it and another who is just along for the ride.
I’ve met many people who have a very reluctant partner or someone who simply refuses for whatever reason and its a struggle because they know how many points they are leaving on the table.
You’re not alone!
Show Them the Value
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how many times you tell them something it won’t resonate until they see it with their own eyes.
It is usually better to show than to tell.
It wasn’t until we stayed at a luxury hotel for 3 nights and paid $0 that my P2 started to see that there was something to this points and miles thing.
Start Small
It’s ok if they are not ready for those amazing credit cards everyone else is applying for.
Ignore the FOMO!
Don’t throw them into the deep end, they can start with just one no-annual-fee credit card that can still offer good rewards.
Focus on a Shared Travel Goal
Get them excited by focusing on a specific trip you both want to take.
Show how using points and miles can make that trip more affordable or even free.
Having a clear travel goal often motivates people to get involved.
Keep it Simple
If they’re hesitant because they think the process is too complicated, reassure them that you’ll handle the logistics.
Your P2 doesn’t need to understand every little thing about your strategy.
I give my husband the high-level strategy and just tell him what we’re doing next. He doesn’t care to know about the nitty gritty and I’m happy to steer the ship!
I keep track of our spending, monitor deadlines, and take care of the research, and he just focuses on using the card responsibly.
Explain How It Won’t Affect Their Credit
The number one reason for a reluctant P2 is the fear of how it will affect their credit score.
Maybe they’ve had some bad luck with credit cards in the past or maybe they just don’t believe that credit cards are safe.
Either way, they probably don’t know how their credit score works.
Explain that using credit cards responsibly (paying on time and keeping balances low) will actually help their credit score, not hurt it.
Before getting into points and miles, my credit score never broke 800. Now it’s consistently between 830-840 with 850 being the highest.
So, if that’s a worry for them, showing that a P2 strategy can be a positive for their financial health may ease concerns.
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Things to Consider
While the P2 strategy is a great way to double your rewards, there are a few things to keep in mind, and make sure you check out my post about the do’s and don’ts for when you’re approved for a new travel rewards credit card.
Overspending: One of the biggest risks with working toward multiple sign-up bonuses is always overspending.
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to hit minimum spend requirements, but remember that any rewards earned can be offset if you’re carrying balances and paying interest.
The key is to use your credit cards for purchases you’d make anyway—groceries, bills, gas—and to always pay off your balance in full each month.
Tracking Multiple Cards: When you’re managing two sets of credit cards, it’s easy to lose track of application dates, annual fees, or when your rewards might expire.
With two people applying for cards, staying organized is crucial. I use a suite of travel award apps to keep everything organized and on track.
You can track things like:
- Application dates
- Minimum spend deadlines
- Annual fees and when they’ll hit
- When sign-up bonuses are earned
- Reward expiration dates
By keeping a close eye on these details, you’ll avoid any nasty surprises—like missing a bonus deadline or letting rewards expire.
The more organized you are, the more successful you’ll be at maximizing your points and miles!
Bottom Line
Having a P2 can significantly amplify your ability to earn and redeem travel rewards so you can reach your travel goals faster and with less effort.
By working together, you can double sign-up bonuses, share spending responsibilities, and pool points for larger redemptions like luxury flights or hotel stays.
So, if you don’t have a P2 or you’re struggling to get yours totally onboard – don’t give up!
It took my P2 several years of not only telling him why this strategy would work, but actually showing him the benefits.
I was patient and with this strategy, we’ve been able to unlock incredible travel experiences together.
Teamwork makes the dream work in the points and miles game!
Looking for more resources? Check out these posts!
- How to earn Points and Miles with Business Credit Cards
- Why credit card annual fees are worth it
- Can you book an Airbnb with points and miles?
- 7 Incredible Resorts You Can Book with Points
- 8 Points and Miles Myths Debunked
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