You’ve mastered the art of using your credit card to earn points on every purchase. You know which card to use for dining, and which one to use at the grocery store.
But what if you could earn even more on those purchases with just one extra click?
Many savvy rewards enthusiasts use a secret weapon to accelerate their earnings: shopping portals.
This guide will demystify this powerful, yet simple, strategy. You’ll learn how to “double-dip” by stacking shopping portal rewards with your credit card’s bonus categories, turning your everyday online spending into a goldmine of points, miles, or cash back. You don’t need to be a complex “travel hacker” to do this—just a resourceful shopper.
What are Shopping Portals? The Digital Bridge to Rewards
Think of a shopping portal as a digital bridge between you and your favorite online stores. Instead of typing a store’s URL directly into your browser, you start at the shopping portal’s website or app.
From there, you click a special link that redirects you to the retailer’s site.
Because the portal referred you, it earns a commission from the retailer, and it shares a portion of that commission with you in the form of extra rewards.
This is all based on a common marketing practice called affiliate marketing. When you click that link, a tracking cookie is placed in your browser that tells the retailer you came from the shopping portal.
This is how the portal knows to credit you with the bonus rewards.
The “Double-Dip” Formula: A Simple, Two-Part Process
The beauty of this strategy is that it’s incredibly simple. You are essentially getting two sets of rewards for one purchase.
Step 1: Start at the Portal
- Log in to your preferred shopping portal. This could be a credit card-specific one (like Chase’s Shop Through Chase) or a standalone one (like Rakuten).
- Search for the online store where you want to shop.
- Click the link that says something like “Shop Now” or “Earn X Points/Cash Back.” This will redirect you to the retailer’s website.
Step 2: Use the Right Card
- Once you’re on the retailer’s website, shop as you normally would. Add items to your cart.
- When you check out, use the credit card that earns the highest rewards in that category. For example, if you’re shopping for groceries online, use the card that gives you bonus points on supermarket spending.
This simple process “stacks” your rewards. You get the bonus from the shopping portal plus the standard rewards from your credit card.
The Best Portals & Stacking Opportunities
- Credit Card Portals:
- Chase’s Shop Through Chase: Only available to cardholders with a Chase Freedom, Sapphire, or Ink card. It offers bonus Ultimate Rewards points at hundreds of retailers. This is a powerful way to double-dip within the same rewards ecosystem.
- Cash Back & Points Portals:
- Rakuten: One of the most popular and straightforward portals. It offers cash back at over 3,500 stores, but a key benefit for Amex cardholders is the option to earn Amex Membership Rewards points instead of cash back. This allows you to stack a Rakuten bonus with your Amex card’s bonus categories and Amex Offers.
Liam’s Insight: “My favorite stacking combo is using Rakuten to earn Amex points, because it allows me to combine an Amex Offer (like ‘$20 off a $100 purchase at XYZ store’) with a bonus from the portal and the points I earn from my Amex card. It’s a fantastic, low-effort way to save money and earn valuable points all at once.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the Click-Through: The system won’t work if you don’t start at the portal and click the link. If you visit the store directly, you won’t get the bonus.
- Using the Wrong Coupon Codes: Some portals have rules about which coupon codes can be used. If you use a code not provided or approved by the portal, your bonus may be invalidated.
- Ignoring the Fine Print: Read the offer’s terms. Some items, like gift cards, may be excluded from earning bonus rewards.
- Closing the Tab: Don’t close the new tab that opens after you click the link. If you do, the tracking session may be lost and you won’t get your bonus.
Your New Secret Weapon
You are already a smart shopper. Now, with the “double-dip” strategy, you are a strategic one. By adding a single, extra step to your online shopping routine, you can accelerate your rewards earning and move closer to your next travel goal.
This simple, elegant hack is one of the most effective ways to get more value out of every dollar you spend.
Ready to put this strategy into action? Check out our detailed guides to popular rewards programs to see which shopping portals are available to you.
Start with your next online purchase—it’s the easiest and most rewarding way to begin.
WalletAware shares education, not individualized financial advice. Always confirm current terms on the issuer’s site before applying.