💰 How to Earn More Points in Multiplayer Mode

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If you’re playing the points and miles game solo, you’re definitely leaving rewards on the table. Bringing in a partner (your Player 2) or even your kids, parents, or friends (your P3s) will unlock a whole new level of earning potential. Between referrals, doubling welcome offers, and splitting loyalty programs, playing the game as a team can easily double or even triple your rewards.

However, things can also get messy fast if you don’t have a plan. So here are some dos and don’ts for making it all work. 

I also dive deep into this topic on Ep #249 with Kai, who earned a total of $40,000 and 5 million points with his partner in 2024. 

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✅ Dos: How to Win in Multiplayer Mode

These are the habits, systems, and strategies that make playing the points game as a team both efficient and rewarding, which help you earn more without doubling the effort.

👥 Treat Player 2 as a Multiplier, Not a Clone

The biggest benefit of having a Player 2 is the ability to open more cards, earn more bonuses, and stack referral points. You can each grab a welcome bonus and earn referral points by referring each other; it’s the closest thing to compounding in the points game.

In our setup at home, I usually focus on flexible currencies like Chase and Amex since I’m the one juggling transfers and redemptions. My wife handles hotel programs like Hyatt and Marriott because she’s more likely to remember which property has free breakfast or late checkout. It keeps things organized, diversifies our points, and helps us reach elite status faster without overlapping efforts.

🛠 Use Tools to Simplify 

Managing multiple players means juggling logins, passwords, spending goals, and two-factor authentication codes. It can get complicated fast. The right tools make it more manageable. 

• Password manager like 1Password to share logins safely
• Monarch Money or Copilot Money (free 2 months with code HACKS2) to track spending and balances
• CardPointers (get 30% off here or 50% for ATH members) to sync all card-linked offers in one place
• Apple Shortcuts to automate forwarding 2FA texts
• Tello or Google Voice to get a second number for codes

💬 Create an Effective Communication System

You can’t manage multiple players effectively without clear communication. Create a shared spreadsheet or note that tracks open cards, deadlines, and offers. Always let your partner know before opening or closing any cards, and frame decisions in terms of the value, saying “this call gets us $1,000 in bonuses” makes it easier to motivate your Player 2 than rattling off card details. It’s not just about tracking, but it’s also about keeping everyone on the same page and aligned on goals.

🌐 Build or Join a Community

The best players in this game don’t operate alone. They’re connected to a community that shares strategies, referrals, and lessons learned. Whether it’s our All the Hacks membership, Kai’s Daily Churn community or Reddit’s r/churning or being part of a network, it helps you stay ahead of the game. You’ll pick up creative ways to scale referrals, uncover new offers, and avoid costly mistakes that solo players often make.

❌ Dont's: What to Avoid in Multiplayer Mode

Avoid these common mistakes that can slow you down, cause unnecessary stress, or leave valuable points (and goodwill) on the table.

🚫 Don't Add Authorized Users Without a Plan

Adding your partner as an authorized user might seem convenient, but it can backfire. Authorized user accounts often count toward Chase’s 5/24 rule, which limits how many cards you can open. Unless there’s a clear benefit, like earning extra loyalty points or helping meet a spending requirement, it’s better to keep profiles separate and focus on new signups. That’s where the real value lies.

🙅‍♂️ Don't Assume Player 2 Wants to Go “All In”

Not everyone wants to manage a spreadsheet of offers or chase every referral. Have an honest conversation early on about how involved your Player 2 (or more) wants to be. Some will want to know every detail; others just want the free flights and upgrades. Either approach can work as long as you’re aligned.

And just to be clear: opening cards in someone else’s name without permission isn’t just bad form, it’s illegal. If you’re managing accounts for someone else, consider a limited power of attorney for transparency and protection.

🔄 Don't Over-Optimize Every Purchase

I’ve been guilty of asking my wife, “Did you check Cashback Monitor?” whenever she's bought something online. At some point, you have to let the small stuff go. Missing $2 in cash back isn’t the end of the world.

I recommend keeping Rakuten running in your browser for the easy wins and focusing your energy on the bigger opportunities like referral bonuses, limited-time offers, or high-value redemptions. Remember that the goal is progress, not perfection.

🧾 Don’t Forget About Taxes

Referral bonuses are great, but they also count as taxable income. If you’ve earned a lot of Amex referrals, expect multiple 1099s, sometimes one per card. It’s not a huge issue, but keeping good records and setting aside a little for taxes will save you a ton of stress when April rolls around.

❤️ Don’t Ignore the Emotional Side

This game can be fun, but it can also cause friction if one person is doing all the work. Be patient when your partner forgets to click a portal or misses a deal, because the reality is that it happens. You’re building systems together, not running a business. Sometimes you have to choose between being right and being chill, and Kai suggests always choosing to be chill.

💭 Final Thoughts

Playing the points game with multiple players is one of the best ways to take your strategy to the next level. With the right systems, communication, and mindset, you can easily double or triple your rewards and also make the process enjoyable for everyone involved. By tackling the logistics head-on and staying thoughtful about both the tactical and emotional sides, you’ll be able to harness the power of multiple players to earn millions of points, stress-free.

Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.