Revolutionizing Your Journey: Travel With Points & Miles

How I’ve Earned 2M+ Points Paying Payroll With a Credit Card Using Zil Money (Ep. 117)

Mar 11, 2026

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In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke breaks down one of the most talked about strategies in the points and miles community: running payroll through a credit card using platforms like Zil Money.

DeAndre explains how payroll by credit card works, why it became popular among business owners, and what has changed in 2025. He walks through the mechanics of the process, including how payments are processed, how fees are charged, and how those fees factor into the overall points earning strategy.

The episode focuses heavily on the math behind the strategy. DeAndre explains how earning points on both payroll spend and transaction fees can dramatically increase rewards, especially when using high earning business cards. He also shares his personal recommendations for credit cards that work well with this approach, including the Chase Ink Business Preferred.

Listeners also get a deeper look into the financial and accounting side of the strategy. DeAndre discusses how payroll processing fees should be categorized, how business owners should think about profitability, and why understanding the true value of points is essential before attempting this approach.

The episode closes with insights into current challenges, platform changes, and emerging tools that may reshape payroll by credit card strategies in the future.

Key Highlights:

Payroll via credit cards: Business owners can process payroll with credit cards to earn significant points.
Zil Money platform: Zil Money is one of the primary platforms for credit card payroll.
Points on transaction fees: Rewards can be earned not only on payroll but also on processing fees.
Understanding the math: The value of points earned must exceed the cost of the processing fees.
Recommended credit cards: The Chase Ink Business Preferred stands out as a strong option for this strategy.
Splitting payroll spend: Using multiple cards can maximize bonus categories and reward potential.
Accounting matters: Payroll fees should be categorized correctly in business accounting systems.
Strategy changes in 2025: Platform adjustments and processing rules have changed how this method works.
Risk and responsibility: Business owners must monitor fees, limits, and processing reliability.
Community insights: Shared knowledge in the points community helps refine strategies and avoid mistakes.

Resources:

Interested in Financial Planning?

Truicity Wealth Management

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
Travel Freely
Point.me
FlightConnections.com
Thrifty Traveler Premium
LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn:

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