How to Apply for a Credit Card: Understand the Approval Criteria
Have you ever wondered why some people manage to travel practically for free several times a year? Many of them have discovered the secret of earning miles using the right credit card. Meanwhile, others continue to spend on credit without gaining any real advantage.
In fact, most consumers don't know that they can turn their day-to-day expenses into airline tickets, class upgrades and even free accommodation. This is because choosing any card without understanding the benefits can be a real waste of money and opportunities.
So if you're in the habit of using a credit card but don't see any return, you're missing out on incredible advantages. The problem is that there are dozens of cards on the market and, without guidance, it's easy to make the wrong choice.
In this article, we'll show you how to earn miles efficiently and reveal which is the best credit card to boost your points accumulation. Get ready to transform your relationship with your credit card and take the first steps towards your next free trip!
Before revealing the best credit card for earning milesIt's essential to understand how this system really works. Many people believe that miles only come from airline tickets, but that's only part of the story.
First of all, miles are points accumulated from credit card spendingThese can be converted into airline tickets or products in loyalty programs. The main programs in Brazil are: Smiles (Gol), TudoAzul (Azul), Latam Pass (Latam) e Livelo.
These points are earned as you make purchases. For every dollar (or real) you spend, the issuing bank converts this amount into points. You can then transfer them to the loyalty program of your choice, according to the card's policy.
Although the terms are often used synonymously, there is a difference: points are accumulated on the credit cardwhile the miles are the credits obtained in loyalty programs after transferring these points.
In other words, you earn points on the cardtransfer to a program (such as Smiles) and then you have miles available for issuing tickets or other benefits.
Of course, the more you use your card (consciously), the more points you generate. But it's not enough to spend - you have to choose a card with a good conversion ratea reliable program that offers transfer bonuses, annual fee waivers and partnerships with airlines.
Now that you understand how the system works, let's get down to business: which is the best card for earning miles? The answer may vary depending on your consumption profile, but below we have listed the main highlights of the market in 2025.
Despite being a supermarket card, it is highly recommended by experienced millennials. Why? It scores based on the real, not the dollarThis guarantees much greater accumulation than other cards.
This is one of the favorites of miles specialists and one of the highest scoring cards on the market.
If you often travel abroad, Santander cards in partnership with American Airlines are an excellent option. In addition Santander Unlimited Visa Infinite offers a good accumulation rate.
Ideal for those who already fly with Azul. The card has exclusive advantages for issuing tickets.
Now that you know the best cards, it's time to learn how to maximize mileage accrual with some practical strategies. After all, there's no point in having the ideal card if you don't take advantage of all the opportunities to generate extra points.
Many banks have own platforms for accumulating and transferring pointssuch as:
These programs often offer promotions of up to 100% bonus points transfer for airlines. Keep an eye out for these campaigns to double your miles!
There are apps such as PicPay, RecargaPay and Mercado Pago which allow you to pay bills with your credit card (with fees). This can be advantageous if the aim is to accumulate more points, especially when paying high amounts such as rent, VAT or school fees.
Companies such as Smiles, Latam Pass and TudoAzul offer monthly points clubswhich guarantee exclusive bonuses and special conditions for issues and transfers. Despite the monthly cost, the return is often worth it.
In a nutshell, there is no single ideal card for all profilesbut the one that best suits your spending routine. For those who spend a lot in reais, the Pão de Açúcar Itaucard is second to none. For more demanding profiles who travel frequently, the BRB Dux and Santander Unlimited deliver the greatest benefits.
What's more, the key is not just the card itself, but how you use all the resources available: loyalty programs, transfer promotions, bill payments and points clubs.
So if you really want to earning miles strategically and efficientlyIf you're looking for a new card, start right now by reviewing your current card and analyzing the options that best suit your lifestyle. A good choice today could mean an incredible trip in the future - without spending anything more than you already do on a daily basis!
Take advantage of these tips and start your journey to travel more and pay less!
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