How a 22-Year-Old’s App is Helping Gen Z Earn Airline Miles—No Credit Card Needed!

Have you ever dreamed of booking a flight using airline miles—but realized you didn’t have the credit card (or credit score) to make it happen? If you’re part of Gen Z, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s a new app on the scene that might just change the travel game for young adults.

Meet Rove, a brand-new app designed to help Gen Z earn airline miles without owning or using a credit card. Launched by 22-year-old founder Sahil Mehta, Rove is already turning heads. So what’s the big deal—and how does it work?

Why Airline Miles Have Always Been Tricky for Gen Z

Earning airline miles usually means signing up for a credit card with some hefty terms—and if you’ve just turned 18 or 21, the idea of using credit responsibly can be a bit overwhelming. Plus, younger folks are less likely to get approved for the commonly promoted travel credit cards due to limited credit history.

In short: Gen Z wants to travel, but traditional travel rewards don’t work in their favor. That’s where Rove hopes to change things.

So, What Exactly Is Rove?

Rove is a mobile app that connects directly to your bank account or debit card, tracking your everyday purchases and converting them into airline miles.

Think of it like this: Instead of earning points through a credit card, you earn miles just by living your life—grabbing coffee, buying groceries, shopping online, or even paying rent.

Sounds simple, right?

Here’s How It Works:

• Download the Rove app (available on iOS).
• Sign up and securely connect your existing debit card or bank account.
• Set up your Rove account with your desired airline loyalty program.
• Start making everyday purchases—Rove handles the rest.

The more you spend on your day-to-day, the more miles you rack up. It’s like getting rewarded for adulting!

Who’s Behind Rove?

This innovative new platform is the brainchild of Sahil Mehta, a 22-year-old Indian-American entrepreneur with a deep passion for aviation. After spending years obsessed with flying and travel, Mehta realized just how tough it was for someone like him—or his peers—to access the world of travel rewards.

Instead of waiting for a solution, he built one. Backed by investors like Accel and top aviation CEOs, Mehta is now leading a growing team at Rove to rethink how young Americans move around the world.

Why Rove is Perfect for Gen Z

Besides the fact that it skips the credit card requirement, Rove appeals to Gen Z for a few clear reasons:

• No Credit Card Required: Just link your bank account or debit card to start earning.
• Budget-Friendly: You’re not borrowing money—you’re using money you already have.
• Rewarding Everyday Spending: Whether it’s a $5 coffee or an online purchase, it counts.
• Control and Transparency: See your progress and miles earned in real time.
• Eco-Friendly and Mobile-First: The app is sleek, intuitive, and made for digital natives.

In other words, Rove speaks Gen Z’s language—with no gimmicks or fine print.

How Many Airline Partners Are Onboard?

As of the initial launch, Rove has partnered with around 25 airlines, most of which operate in the U.S. If you’re collecting loyalty miles with major players like United, Alaska Airlines, or American, chances are you’re already covered.

They’re even working on bringing in more partners to allow international travel redemptions and broader integration.

Wondering if your favorite airline is on the list? Chances are good, and the list keeps growing.

Is Rove Safe to Use?

Absolutely. Security is a top priority for Rove. The app uses the same kind of bank-level encryption commonly adopted by fintech tools like Plaid and Chime.

Rove doesn’t store your banking login details, and it can’t move or touch your money. So, while it monitors your spending to calculate miles, it can’t spend on your behalf. You’re always in the driver’s seat.

What’s the Catch?

Here’s the thing: Unlike credit cards that offer rewards for free, Rove has a subscription-based model. For now, users can expect to pay either a monthly or annual fee (exact pricing to be finalized). But, in exchange, you’re getting access to a simple way to earn miles with zero risk of going into debt.

It’s also worth noting that as Rove grows, more rewards and extras—like exclusive travel deals—could be added to the platform.

Early Users Are Already Reaping the Benefits

Take Mia, a 21-year-old college student from California. She started using Rove a month ago and has already earned over 3,000 miles from her routine spending—like food deliveries, team lunches, and even paying for textbooks. “I never thought I’d be able to afford a trip using miles,” she said. “Now, I’m planning a weekend getaway without touching a credit card.”

The Bigger Picture: Redefining Travel Rewards

Rove isn’t just about points—it’s about accessibility. In a world where credit cards traditionally ruled the skies, this app levels the playing field for a generation that’s doing things differently.

Whether you’re a Gen Zer just starting out, or you’ve sworn off credit cards altogether, Rove proves that travel rewards don’t have to come at the expense of your financial well-being.

Ready to Fly Without the Plastic?

If traveling smarter sounds like your thing, Rove might become your new go-to. While it’s still early days for the app, the buzz around it is well earned—and many believe it’s just the beginning of a travel revolution.

Download the Rove app today and get ready to turn everyday spending into your next adventure. No credit card? No problem!

Final Thoughts

It’s exciting to see how innovation can change everyday life—and in this case, completely flip the script on how we view airline miles. Whether you’re saving for a dream trip to Europe or just looking to visit family out of state, having a way to earn miles without debt is a game-changer.

So, are you ready to Rove?

Let us know in the comments—where would you fly if money (or miles) wasn’t a barrier?