Good points above about not getting in over your head when just starting out. The easiest way to get a bunch of points with little effort is with credit card sign up bonuses. Before signing up for a card it helps to know what you are going to use all those points and miles for. Do you travel domestically? Want to go on an international trip? How fancy/comfortable to you want to travel? Knowing the answers to these questions will point you to the path you need to follow.