Here’s an Easy Way to Earn American Airlines Miles Without Spending Money

Earning miles through airline loyalty programs is an excellent strategy to make travel more affordable. If you're an American Airlines loyalist, don't forget to join the AAdvantage program so you can earn miles to redeem for future American flights.

Below, I'll share an easy way to earn American Airlines miles without spending money on plane tickets.

American Airlines fliers have several ways to earn miles

Once you become an AAdvantage member, there are many ways to earn miles with the airline. The most common way to earn miles is by flying with American Airlines or partner airlines. Another way to earn miles is to book with an American Airlines travel partner like Avis, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

If you like shopping online, you can earn miles through the AAdvantage eShopping portal. American Airlines also offers its AAdvantage Dining program, where you can earn rewards when you spend money at restaurants. Many fliers also earn miles by opening one of the best American Airlines credit cards and spending money with their cards.

You can earn AAdvantage miles without spending money

Are you looking for a way to earn American Airline miles without spending money? You can earn AAdvantage miles by sharing your opinion through the Miles for Opinions program. The available surveys vary depending on your demographics, but you can earn miles by sharing your thoughts about your shopping habits, employment, and auto insurance preferences.

Each survey shows an estimated time for how long it will take to complete and how many miles you can earn. Keep in mind that the miles listed are the maximum amount of miles you can earn. You may earn less than the maximum amount listed. For example, you will only earn 3 miles if you start a survey but are disqualified based on your answers. How much you can earn varies, too. For example, I see a home and family survey in my account that's estimated to take 10 minutes and it earns up to 40 AAdvantage miles.

After signing up and completing your first survey, you'll get 250 bonus miles. Miles are transferred to your AAdvantage account within four to six weeks. While this method of earning miles won't get you rich, it could be a fun way to get a miles boost if you're short of your redemption goals and only need a few miles. But keep in mind that it takes time to answer surveys.

Make travel cheaper by using travel credit cards

If you're working to reach important personal finance goals, you may be looking for additional ways to make travel cheaper so you can still prioritize travel. Using a travel rewards credit card, you can earn points, miles, and cash back that can be redeemed for free travel. You're missing out if you're not yet using rewards credit cards like this as part of your financial strategy.

Here are two credit card options you may want to consider:

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: With the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, you'll enjoy a $0 annual fee the first year and $99 per year after that. You'll earn 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 on gas station, restaurant, and eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage mile per $1 on other purchases. Plus, you and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation can each get one free checked bag on domestic itineraries when flying with American Airlines.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: If you're not loyal to American Airlines and prefer a general travel card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is a solid option. It has a $95 annual fee and a generous welcome offer. With this card in your wallet, you'll earn 3 points per $1 on dining purchases and select streaming services, 2 points per $1 on travel purchases, and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. If you book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, you'll earn 5 miles per $1 on your travel spending.

Apply now for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Earning miles is a relatively simple way to help make travel cheaper. In addition to the cards mentioned above, there are more travel rewards and airline credit card options. For more inspiration, check out our list of the best travel rewards credit cards.