These days you can earn frequent flier miles with just about any purchase, from phone calls to investments. Now, you can even earn air miles by buying or selling a home or taking out a home loan. Here’s a sampling.
In 1996, American Airlines introduced the first home-loan-linked program for AAdvantage members (800-852-9744). With it, travelers can earn 1,000 miles for every $10,000 borrowed from national lenders and real estate companies. One AAdvantage mile is also earned for every dollar of mortgage interest owed.
United’s Mileage Plus (800-717-5330) members earn “Residential Rewards” when buying, selling or remodeling a home through North American Mortgage Co., Countrywide Home Loans and PMP Relocation Services. Members receive 12,000 miles for a $75,000$99,000 transaction, and up to 120,000 miles for a $500,000 deal.
With TWA’s Aviators frequent flier program (800-654-5409), register with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate before buying or selling and earn 10,000-40,000 miles, depending on home sale purchase price.
Delta’s SkyMiles HouseMiles program members (800-7590306) earn 1,000 miles for every $10,000 borrowed from North American Mortgage Co., and 2,500 miles by taking out a home equity line of credit.
Continental OnePass (800-732-7391) members earn miles for using Prudential Referral Services, a nationwide real estate referral agency. The minimum purchase price of $50,000-$99,999 earns 12,500 miles. Home sales and purchases of $500,000 or greater can earn 125,000 miles.
