Rove makes it easier than ever to earn airline miles without needing a credit card. For Gen Z travelers dreaming of global adventures, this startup offers a fresh path into the world of travel rewards.
The idea began with Max Morganroth, who managed to visit 30 countries while still a college student. He flew mostly in business class, using miles he earned through strategic credit card use. But he quickly realized most of his peers couldn’t do the same. Many were either too young to qualify or didn’t have the time to optimize rewards programs.
That insight inspired Morganroth to rethink how people earn airline miles. While studying abroad, he noticed that in Hong Kong, consumers could earn Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles just by shopping, saving, or even selling property. There, airline miles worked like a second currency—accessible to almost anyone.
Morganroth saw an opportunity to bring that model to the U.S. He wanted to help young people earn airline miles through everyday spending—not exclusive credit cards. After graduation, he teamed up with Harvard dropout Arhan Chhabra to build Rove, a startup that creates a universal airline loyalty program.
Rove launched with support from Y Combinator and raised $2 million from General Catalyst, Soma Capital, and others. The team locked in partnerships with 11 major airlines, including Qatar Airways, Air France-KLM, and Finnair—deals that had previously been reserved for banks.
Instead of relying on card fees, Rove partners with 7,000+ retailers. Users install a Chrome extension that turns shopping into miles through affiliate marketing. Like Rakuten or Honey, Rove earns a commission—but it gives all of that value back to the user in the form of miles. That’s how users can earn airline miles every time they shop online.
Hotel bookings also play a big role. Some hotels pay up to 40% commission for referrals. Rove shares those commissions directly with users as miles. For example, a $1,000 hotel stay can net enough miles for a round-trip flight to Europe.
Users can combine miles earned from shopping, hotel stays, and even credit card rewards. When they’re ready to fly, Rove’s booking portal helps them find the best flight deals using airline partner networks. Even though Rove has deals with only 11 airlines, users can book flights on over 140 carriers thanks to global alliances.
What sets Rove apart is how accessible it is. Anyone can use it, but it’s built with Gen Z in mind. This generation wants to travel more than any other—but lacks access to traditional rewards tools. Rove offers a no-barrier way to earn airline miles without annual fees or credit history.
Morganroth believes that tools like Rove are reshaping who gets to fly. “You shouldn’t need perfect credit and a $700 card fee to travel the world,” he said. “With Rove, you can just install a Chrome extension, shop or book your hotel, and you’re in.”
