Hey AwardTrail readers! Want to earn extra points and miles on stuff you're already buying online? Then you NEED to know about shopping portals. These are essentially websites or apps run by airlines, hotels, and credit card companies that give you bonus rewards (think extra miles or points) just for clicking through their link before you shop at your favorite online stores.

Think of it like this: you're going to buy those new shoes from Nike anyway, right? By starting at a shopping portal like United's MileagePlus Shopping or Chase's Ultimate Rewards portal, you could earn several extra miles/points per dollar spent! This guide breaks down the best portals out there, helping you figure out which one gives you the most bang for your buck, depending on which rewards you're chasing.

Why should you care? Because those bonus points add up FAST! They can translate into free flights, hotel stays, or sweet upgrades. It's basically free money (or free travel!) for doing something you were already going to do. So, ditch the guilt from online shopping and start racking up those rewards!