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Debit Cards That Actually Earn Rewards? Yes, Please!
Published on January 3, 2026, 2:07 AM

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Heads up, award travelers! There are new debit cards popping up that let you earn United miles or Southwest points on your everyday spending. Now, I know what you're thinking: debit cards and rewards don't usually go together. But these new options could be a game-changer, especially if you have big expenses where credit cards just don't cut it.

Think about tuition payments, for example. Many schools charge a fee to use a credit card, which can wipe out any rewards you might earn. With these debit cards, you can potentially earn miles or points without those pesky fees. It's like finding a loophole in the rewards system!

The big question is, does it actually make sense? You'll want to crunch the numbers and compare the rewards you'd earn against any potential fees associated with the debit card itself. But for those large, fee-ridden expenses, this could be a surprisingly rewarding strategy. Definitely worth checking out if you're a United or Southwest loyalist!

Why This Matters for Your Strategy

News in the points-and-miles world moves fast, and promotional changes often have a short window. If this announcement affects a card or program you hold, log into your awardtrail dashboard to check your current benefit usage, bonus progress, and whether a transfer or redemption makes sense right now — before terms change.

As a general rule: transfer points only when you have a specific redemption in mind — transfers are almost always one-way and non-reversible. If you're unsure of the value, check our redemption guides before acting.

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