Aug. 25, 2026 • 14 min read Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Whether you're a novice or a full-on expert, there are key tenets to follow if you want to successfully navigate the world of credit card rewards.
As the saying goes, "Everyone makes mistakes," and the points and miles game is no exception. Even seasoned pros can slip up, resulting in missed rewards, lower credit scores or extra money out of pocket.
Here are my 10 "commandments" for travel credit cards to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes cardholders make.
Pay your balance in full It avoids interest charges that negate the value of your rewards. Don't miss a payment You may incur a late fee, and it may impact your credit score. Don't rush to cancel a card It could lower your credit score. Don't lose your rewards Canceling a card may nullify your rewards. Don't let your rewards expire You may let hundreds of dollars in value go to waste. Don't miss out on a welcome bonus You could sacrifice thousands of dollars in value by misunderstanding the timeline or what does (and doesn't) count as eligible spending. Maximize category bonuses Aligning your card(s) to your spending habits allows you to make the most of every dollar you spend. Don't ignore cards with annual fees You could be missing out on valuable benefits and rewards. Pursue retention bonuses A card issuer could offer you a compelling reason to not cancel a card. Avoid foreign transaction fees You can avoid extra charges of up to 3% on every purchase outside the U.S. Let's dig into each of these in greater depth — though please share your own favorite rules in the comments below.
Related: 5 things to check before applying for your next credit card
Keeping a balance is a cardinal sin when it comes to credit cards.
Unfortunately, I know several people who treat credit limits like free money, spending at will without any clear plan to pay down the balance. Aside from being a surefire way to wreck your credit score (and hurt your ability to open cards or obtain a mortgage or other loan in the future), this behavior will also cost you money .
Rewards credit cards can carry high interest rates — although a few offer a 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for an introductory period — so running up a balance and not paying it off every month will negate the value of any points or miles you earn.
Put simply, always pay your balance in full and on time every single month.
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Whether you have one credit card or 20 , always spend within your means and stay organized . I use an Excel spreadsheet to project my bank account balance for at least three months, so I…