Startup Rove Helps Gen Z Earn Airline Miles Without a Credit Card
San Francisco, CA — At just 22 years old, Max Morganroth, founder of Rove, is making it easier for Gen Z to travel the world—no credit card needed. Inspired by his own experiences travel-hacking across 30 countries during a semester abroad, Morganroth launched Rove to help young people earn airline miles without the traditional barrier of a strong credit score.
While frequent flyer programs often rely on credit card partnerships to generate revenue, Rove is disrupting the model. Instead of pushing plastic, it partners with over 7,000 online merchants and major airlines like Qatar Airways, Air France-KLM, and Finnair to reward users with miles for everyday purchases made via a Google Chrome extension or Rove’s hotel booking platform.
Rove’s Business Model: Think Honey Meets Airline Miles
Rove makes money through affiliate marketing, similar to cashback platforms like Rakuten or Honey, but instead of giving cash, Rove converts earnings into airline miles—which often offer more value when redeemed smartly.
Morganroth says a $1,000 hotel stay booked through Rove can potentially earn enough miles for a round-trip flight to Europe. Hotels often offer high commissions (up to 40%), and Rove passes its entire commission back to the user in miles.
Global Reach, Gen Z Focus
Rove emerged from the Y Combinator Winter 2024 batch, securing $2 million in funding from top investors including General Catalyst and Soma Capital. The startup has already partnered with 11 global airlines and supports flight bookings across 140 carriers, thanks to airline alliance transfer agreements.
The app is open to anyone, but it’s especially tailored for Gen Z, a group Morganroth says is eager to explore the world but lacks access to elite credit cards.
“You don’t need to wait until you’re 28 with a $700 credit card fee. Just install a Chrome extension or book a hotel, and you’re earning miles,” Morganroth said
How It Works
- Shop online using the Rove browser extension to earn miles
- Book hotels via Rove’s platform for larger rewards
- Combine Rove miles with credit card or airline points (if available)
- Redeem miles through Rove’s flight portal for best-value award travel
The Future of Travel Rewards?
Rove’s success shows how loyalty programs can evolve beyond credit cards, opening up premium travel to young and underbanked users. By merging affiliate commerce with airline partnerships, Rove is reshaping how a generation earns and uses travel rewards.
