Podcasts about amex platinum

Book airfare through credit card portal or direct? Frequent Miler reader Mike wrote in with this question:American Express Platinum cards give you 5x points for direct bookings to airline flights. However, most airlines give you 3x to 5x for using their own co-branded cards for those same flights. Direct bookings give you more options if things go sideways (e.g., flight cancelations that require a rebooking). Or would prefer 8x Chase Sapphire Ultimate Rewards multiplier? If you use Amex or Chase, you have to deal with an online travel agency to re-book replacement flights. Do you prefer Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, over direct bookings versus that airline's own co-branded card, and why?We've been answering a reader or listener question at the end of each Frequent Miler on the Air podcast episode. Now, we've turned the question of the week into its own weekly episode. Tune in every Sunday at 5pm for our Question of the Week podcast. And if you have your own question you'd like to submit, you can send it to mailbag@frequentmiler.com.Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

Spencer sits down with Jen from Wives of the Armed Forces to talk about the real side of deployment no one prepares you for: how to build your support system, spend money without guilt, avoid resentment, and actually come out the other side stronger as a couple and a family. Topics Covered The Two Deployment Mindsets — Grind mode vs. survival mode, and how to figure out which one fits your season Giving Yourself 24 Hours — Why you need to sit in the hard feelings before jumping into action mode Buying Back Your Time — House cleaners, grocery delivery, nannies, and why paid help is sometimes the smartest financial decision you can make Combat Zone Tax Exclusion — How a deployment can increase take-home pay and where that extra money should go Per Diem Conversations — How to have the "how much of this is yours vs. ours" talk before resentment builds up The Slam Clicker Problem — Balancing crew culture and going out with budgeting as a team Leaning on Neighbors — Why asking for help actually builds stronger relationships, and how to get comfortable saying yes Reserve vs. Active Duty Deployment Differences — How the experience differs and how to tap into the broader civilian community for support On-Base Resources — MWR childcare hours for deployed families, on-base playgrounds, and the new children's museum at JBLM Give Parents a Break (GPAB) — $40/month per child in childcare support for families with a deployed service member SGLI and VRED — Making sure life insurance is maxed ($500K) and all documents are copied before departure TRICARE Changes on Activation — How Reserve TRICARE costs drop when a service member activates MLA Database & Credit Card Fee Waivers — Step-by-step: how to check eligibility and apply for annual fee waivers on Amex, Chase, Citi, US Bank, and Bank of America cards SCRA Benefits — How to get annual fees waived on cards opened before active duty, including the Capital One Venture X timing trick The Monthly Money Meeting — Ramit Sethi's approach to keeping finances connected across the distance Lifestyle Inflation — Why income level doesn't determine financial health, and the trap of spending expanding to match earnings Freezer Meal Strategy — How Jen prepped 32 meals for under $2.50 each to avoid convenience food spending during solo parenting Military Spouses as CFO — Reframing the home front role as a financial contribution, not just a sacrifice Resources & Tools Mentioned wivesofthearmedforces.com — Community, blog, and Instagram for military spouses; free deployment checklist available (search "Wives of the Armed Forces deployment checklist") Military OneSource — Benefits, counseling, and support resources for military families care.com — Vetted nanny and caregiver search; free or discounted for military families Walmart Plus — Grocery delivery; Amex Platinum travel credit can cover the membership Rocket Money — Budgeting and spending tracker (Jen's go-to for daily financial check-ins) MLA Database (DMDC) — Search "MLA database single record search" to check eligibility for credit card annual fee waivers militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 — Free Ultimate Military Credit Cards course covering MLA and SCRA fee waivers shop.militarymoneymanual.com — The Military Money Manual book (use code PODCAST for a discount) Books Mentioned Money for Couples by Ramit Sethi — How to have productive money conversations as a team; includes the monthly money meeting framework The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman — Relationship exercises that work great done remotely during deployment Find Jen and the Wives of the Armed Forces community on Instagram and Facebook. Download their free deployment checklist at their website.    Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 22,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free, Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual. Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 22,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free, Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.

20,000 Dollars, 4 Cards, 400,000 Points. Spencer Reese of the Military Money Manual podcast sits down with Taryn from The Military Travelers to break down how military families can turn PCS moving expenses into free travel — without spending a single extra dollar. From sign-up bonuses to Hyatt Globalist status, this episode is packed with practical strategies for the upcoming PCS season. Topics Covered PCS Season Spending Strategy — Why PCS moves generate $10,000–$20,000+ in spendable expenses and how to redirect that spend to hit credit card sign-up bonuses GTC vs. Personal Cards — The frustrating reality of the Government Travel Card and why (for most branches) personal cards make more sense Branch-Specific Rules — Important caveats for Navy families and other branches regarding on-post lodging forms and card usage policies The Math of Points — Why putting PCS spend on one existing card (like the Amex Platinum at 1X) leaves massive value on the table compared to opening new cards Business Cards for Military Families — How a PPM qualifies you as a sole proprietor, why business cards don't hit your personal credit report, and how the Chase 5/24 rule makes them essential for bigger families Current Elevated Offers — Hot cards highlighted: Chase Sapphire Reserve (150K points), Atmos Summit (100K points + 3X on foreign transactions), United Club, Marriott Brilliant, Hilton Aspire, and Delta Reserve TLE Maximization — Using all 21 days of Temporary Lodging Expense, loyalty numbers, and stacking hotel promos during your move Hyatt Globalist Corporate Challenge — How a .mil email address unlocks Globalist status after 20 nights in 90 days (valid through February 2028) Multiple Cards Strategy — Holding multiple Hilton Aspires and Chase Sapphire Reserves, and the tip to align annual free night certificate expiration dates Military Spouse Eligibility — A reminder that spouses are fully eligible for annual fee waivers under MLA/SCRA Resources Mentioned The Military Travelers — themilitarytravelers.com | Facebook Group: "The Military Travelers" | Instagram: @themilitarytravelers Travel Freely (travelfreely.net) — Zach's beginner's guide to business cards and sole proprietor applications IRS EIN Application — Free Employer Identification Number at irs.gov (2-minute online form) Hyatt Globalist Corporate Challenge — Search "Hyatt Globalist Corporate Challenge" and enroll with a .mil email Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 22,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free, Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 Military Money Manual may receive compensation from JPMC. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.

Emirates wird teurer, Amex schraubt den Lounge-Gastzugang zurück und Miles & More macht Prämienflüge komplexer – alle wichtigen Meilengame-News aus dem Mai 2026 kompakt auf den Punkt gebracht. Plus: der beste Flying Blue Deal dieses Monats und warum Condor-Fans jetzt handeln sollten. Ich zeige dir in meinem kostenlosen Workshop, wie du optimal ins Meilengame einsteigst, um auch endlich Business Class zum Economy-Preis zu fliegen: https://www.travel-insider.de/meilengame-workshop ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ► Gratis US-Kreditkarten Workshop: https://www.travel-insider.de/us-kreditkarten-webinar ► Instagram: https://www.travel-insider.de/insta ► Viele weitere Informationen & verschiedene Deals findest du auf meiner Website: https://www.travel-insider.de ► Hier kannst du den kostenlosen Upgrade-Report downloaden https://www.travel-insider.de/upgrade-report ► Podcast: https://www.travel-insider.de/podcast ► Feedback und Fragen an podcast@travel-insider.de ▬ Über diesen Kanal ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Mit Dominik, dem "Travel-Insider", bekannt aus GALILEO (PRO 7), hast du genau den richtigen Kanal für mehr Komfort und Luxus beim Reisen gefunden. Erfahre hier auch, warum es auch für Dich Sinn macht, endlich Business Class zu fliegen und dabei nur den Economy-Preis zu bezahlen. Dann bist du hier genau richtig! Ich, Dominik Reichert, biete dir wöchentlich neuen Input und neue Tipps, um deine Reisen auf das nächste Level zu bringen. ▬ Noch mehr Videos ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ► Alle Videos von "Travel-Insider": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSjv8FRKjOQfCXmxNEwrQLg ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Tune in to see the breakdown of all the AMEX platinum credits, the points system and the strategy behind this card. The Amex Platinum annual fee to $895 — and everyone has an opinion about it. In this episode, Megan does the full deep dive — every credit, every perk, the real math — plus how she's personally used the Fine Hotels + Resorts program to book Enchantment Resort in Sedona and The Cloister at Sea Island. If you've been wondering whether this card belongs in your wallet, this episode is your answer.Resources: AMEX PlatinumAMEX GoldChase Sapphire ReserveTravel Points Academy

Jason Steele hasn't paid for a flight or hotel in 20 years — and he has a family of five. In this episode, the credit card expert, Card Con founder, and author of Travel for Free breaks down exactly how military service members can build a sustainable points and miles strategy, avoid the money traps that sink young service members, and why the best f Spencer Reese sits down with Jason — a freelance credit card expert, founder of Card Con, and author of Travel for Free — to talk travel hacking, military credit card benefits, and building a sustainable points strategy. Topics Discussed How Jason got into Points & Miles consulting — after years of writing about award travel, people kept asking him to just tell them what to do; he turned that demand into a consulting practice What makes a great consultation client — financially responsible, pays statement balances in full, has some flexibility with cards, and is genuinely excited about travel Sustainable travel hacking over a military career — opening one card per year per spouse = up to 40 cards over a 20-year career with no annual fees and millions of points American Express and military fee waivers — Amex tends to be the most accessible issuer for young active duty members; Jason's own daughter (USAF Academy cadet) was immediately approved for the Platinum card The biggest financial mistake young service members make — buying too much car too early; the Hellcat in the parking lot vs. the Corolla driven by the commander Brokerage accounts vs. credit card rewards — a brief nod to the value of flexibility in personal finance, mirroring themes from other episodes Managing multiple credit cards — auto pay, spreadsheets, and apps like Card Pointers; focus on big-win credits first (Chase Sapphire Reserve $300 travel credit, Hilton free night certs) before chasing $7 Dunkin credits Amex Platinum airline credit hack — buy refundable Southwest tickets under $100, cancel within 24 hours; the credit triggers and the refund posts Redeeming points for others — using miles to fly family members to visit you overseas; points can be redeemed in anyone's name at no extra cost Best sweet spots mentioned — ANA (All Nippon Airways) miles for business class to Japan and Africa; United Polaris via Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer; Southwest companion pass Jason's book, Travel for Free — written for beginner to intermediate award travelers; includes personal stories, client case studies, and travel "recipes" (reusable booking frameworks for common trip types) The "how much would you travel if it were free?" question — Jason's framing for why this hobby is worth building Resources Mentioned JasonSteele.com https://jasonsteele.com— book a free 50-minute award travel consultation; link to Travel for Free Travel for Free: How to Use Points and Miles to See the World — available on Amazon Card Con https://jasonsteele.com— Jason's annual conference for credit card media professionals Card Pointers https://cardpointers.com/military— app for tracking credit card benefits and coupon book credits (military discount available) Chicago Seminars & Frequent Travel University — large conventions for award travel enthusiasts Slick Deals, Nav, SoFi — outlets where Jason currently publishes points valuations and credit card content Military Money Manual Podcast Ep. 217 — Jared Mausi flying his mom to Rome in business class using points Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 22,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free, Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/ https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/ Military Money Manual may receive compensation from JPMC. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain. Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.

We break down a simple way to think about travel insurance so we stop guessing and start choosing coverage that matches the trip. We also share what happened on our Thailand trip and how our annual policy reimbursed a missing-bag wardrobe and an unexpected ER visit.• thinking in four layers: health insurance, credit card coverage, standalone policy, evacuation membership• deciding when travel insurance matters more for international trips than domestic• credit card travel protections and the need to pay with the right card to activate coverage• what Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Venture X and Bilt coverage can look like at a high level• why we use an Allianz annual family plan and what it covers• when cancel for any reason can be worth the upgrade• evacuation options like Medjet and what they do differently• Thailand claim walkthrough, what we submitted, and what we would document next timeplease send me a DM on Instagram.

In today's episode, we'll talk about Amex Platinum shutting down paths for earning Delta airline fee credits, Google Hotels adding price drop alerts, and all the many paths that still exist for free cruises in 2026.Main Event: Cruising for freeGiant Mailbag(01:07) - Greg gets corrected about Bilt point accelerator vs Rent Day...Crazy Thing: Capital One Shopping(03:27) - Capital One brings Gmail to a crawlRead more about the unfortunate Capital One slow gmail issue hereBonvoyed: Amex Airline Fee Reimbursements(08:48) - Delta tricks are deadRead our resource for Amex airline fee credits and what still worksAwards, Points, and More(13:15) - Google Hotels adds price tracking(17:02) - Melio (pay bills with credit card)Learn more about Melio here(19:01) - Chase Travel℠ Points Boost increased to 2.5cpp for a few select propertiesRead more about Chase Travel℠ Points Boost increase here(21:21) - Guide to booking Preferred Hotels with points (Updated)Find our updated resource for booking Preferred Hotels online here(25:24) - Tools for finding point-bookable events (auctions and buy it now)Visit the discover tools Pointsevents.com and Pointauctions.comMain Event: Cruising for free(29:33) - Learn more about cruising for free in 2026 here(30:44) - There are three main options for free cruises in 2026(31:08) - Land-based casino loyalty programs & matches(36:26) - Why do casino elite statuses matter for free cruises?(49:00) - Cruise line direct match opportunities for “free” cruises(1:07:09) - Gambling on board might yield a free cruiseSubscribe and FollowVisit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie YoderMentioned in this episode:Visit FrequentMiler.com Did you know that Frequent Miller is also a website? At frequentMiller.com, you'll find all the latest deals, news about points, miles, and rewarding credit cards, the single best, Best Credit Cards page on the web, guides to all popular rewards programs, and many other terrific resources. If you'd like to get our posts sent to your email, go to frequentMiller.com/subscribe and sign up for free. https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

Macht American Express das wirklich? Lohnt sich die Kreditkarte dann noch? Ich zeige dir in meinem kostenlosen Workshop, wie du optimal ins Meilengame einsteigst, um auch endlich Business Class zum Economy-Preis zu fliegen: https://www.travel-insider.de/meilengame-workshop?utm_source=PodcastAmexLHlounge ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬  ► Gratis US-Kreditkarten Workshop: https://www.travel-insider.de/us-kreditkarten-webinar ► Instagram: https://www.travel-insider.de/insta ► Viele weitere Informationen & verschiedene Deals findest du auf meiner Website: https://www.travel-insider.de ► Hier kannst du den kostenlosen Upgrade-Report downloaden https://www.travel-insider.de/upgrade-report ► Podcast: https://www.travel-insider.de/podcast ► Feedback und Fragen an podcast@travel-insider.de ▬ Über diesen Kanal ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Mit Dominik, dem "Travel-Insider", bekannt aus GALILEO (PRO 7), hast du genau den richtigen Kanal für mehr Komfort und Luxus beim Reisen gefunden. Erfahre hier auch, warum es auch für Dich Sinn macht, endlich Business Class zu fliegen und dabei nur den Economy-Preis zu bezahlen. Dann bist du hier genau richtig! Ich, Dominik Reichert, biete dir wöchentlich neuen Input und neue Tipps, um deine Reisen auf das nächste Level zu bringen. ▬ Noch mehr Videos ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ► Alle Videos von "Travel-Insider": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSjv8FRKjOQfCXmxNEwrQLg ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Planning a trip to London? Join us as we share insider tips from our 8th visit to London together, including our experience at Hoxton Southwark hotel, guided tours of the City of London and Changing of the Guards, the IFS Cloud Cable Car in Greenwich, and how to navigate London like a local. Learn about using AMEX Platinum credits, the Go City Pass, flying through Southend Airport, and essential London travel planning tips. Perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned London travelers alike. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get our Complete Guide to London Here Learn more about the Hoxton Southwark Hotel and other Hoxton Hotels in London (we highly recommend them) Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee ☕️ More Resources & Links: Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources Don't waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay Hotels in London: - Hoxton Southwark review and booking tips - How to use AMEX Platinum hotel credits London Tours: - Go City Pass London review - See the Sights London - City of London walking tour - See the Sights London - Changing of the Guards tour - Best times to visit Buckingham Palace **London Attractions:- IFS Cloud Cable Car Greenwich - Borough Market chocolate strawberries - City of London historical sites London Travel Tips: - London itinerary planning guide - London weather and packing tips - Opening times and last entry for London attractions - Alternative London airports - Southend Airport guide Resources: - Complete London itinerary: sunshinetravelers.com/london - Changing of the Guard schedule: Royal Household official website - Contact us: sunshinetravelers.com

We're sharing the best restaurants in San Diego—from waterfront dining and rooftop hotspots to must-visit local favorites. As locals and former residents, we break down where to eat, what to order, and which spots are perfect for date nights, happy hour, and special occasions. Plus, we cover how to maximize dining credits from cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and Amex Gold to save money while traveling or dining out. Whether you're planning a trip or just looking for your next meal, this guide has you covered.More resources to help our San Diego trip planning:Fun tours and things to do in San Diego via our curated Viator list1 Day San Diego Itinerary3 Day San Diego Itinerary Recommend San Diego hotels: The Westgate Hotel downtown for its amazing rooftop pool, The Lafayette Swim Club & Bungalows in North Park for its beautiful decor, fun bar and restaurants, and amazing pool, and Pacific Terrace Hotel in Pacific Beach to be front and center on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach.Get a great flight deal to San Diego with alerts from Thrifty Traveler Premium, use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.—---------------------------------------Shop: Trip Itineraries ⁠& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!

Go to https://surfshark.com/mtm or use code MTM at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Description In this episode, Shawn and Mark break down a string of Amex Platinum changes — Saks credit going away, Centurion Lounge guest access tightening, Uber VIP disappearing — plus an honest look at the Citi Strata Premier revamp survey and the best offer ever on a no-fee Amex card. Mark is also freshly back from Bermuda and gives a teaser on what happened before the full recap next week. What we cover: Saks Fifth Avenue Amex Platinum credit ending July 1st and what might replace it Amex Business Platinum ChatGPT $300 credit — and whether it's actually useful Centurion Lounge same-flight guest rule starting July 8th Uber VIP ending May 7th and the broader Lyft vs Uber rideshare debate Citi Strata Premier revamp survey — two versions, which is better, and what they shouldn't touch Uber acquiring Black Lane and what it means for Citi credits Blue Business Plus 75K offer with no lifetime language — best ever Episode Guide: 0:00 - Welcome to MTM Travel 0:22 - Mark's Bermuda trip preview and Saks credit ending 5:11 - Amex Business Platinum ChatGPT credit 7:58 - Centurion Lounge same-flight guest rule change 11:19 - Uber VIP going away and the Lyft vs Uber debate 15:10 - Citi Strata Premier revamp survey — what to keep and what not to touch 19:56 - Uber buying Black Lane and Citi credit implications 23:15 - Blue Business Plus 75K — best ever offer with no lifetime language ✈️ Track your travel credit cards for free

Our show is best watched on YouTube:https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/AmexPlatinumIs the Amex Platinum still worth it? We do a deep dive into the card refresh, share the secret to triggering elevated welcome offers, and reveal our personal strategy for maximizing every benefit to ensure the card pays for itself.Thank you to Chad from www.youtube.com/@OfficialChadsMoneyMinutes for joining us as a guest co-host!Learn about points and miles in our Elevate course and community:https://letsgettothepoints.com/elevateBook Private Transport in 100+ Countries with Kiwitaxi:https://kiwitaxi.com/?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=cpm&utm_campaign=letsgettothepointsUse Code: LGTTP5 for 5% off all ridesCheck out Kiwitaxi:https://youtube.com/@kiwitaxi_com?si=aQTYH8fu8BUB4BrECredit Card Links: https://www.letsgettothepoints.com/Rakuten:https://www.rakuten.com/r/MITCHH229?eeid=44971Sign up for our newsletter:https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/JoinOurEmailWebsite: https://www.letsgettothepoints.com/Email: letsgettothepoints@gmail.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/letsgettothepoints/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@letsgettothepointsEXCLUSIVE TRAVEL DISCOUNT CODES:https://letsgettothepoints.com/tools/Seats.aero: Award Flight Search EngineUse Code: LETSGETPRO for $20 off the first yearhttps://seats.aero/Sign up for Award Email Notifications from Straight To The PointsUse Code: LGTTP20 for 20% off the annual planhttps://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/StToThePointsTravel Freely: The FREE site we use to stay organized and track our 5/24 statushttps://my.travelfreely.com/signup?bref=lgwCardPointers: Save Money and Maximize Your Spend Bonuseshttps://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/CardPointersMaxMyPoint: Hotel Rewards CheckerUse Code: LGTTP for 20% off the first year of your Platinum Subscription https://maxmypoint.comON TODAY'S SHOW:0:00 Intro1:21 American Express Platinum Card3:35 How to Get Elevated Bonuses16:11 Is the Annual Fee Worth It?19:30 How We're Using the Amex Platinum Credits52:54 Private Transportation with Kiwitaxi54:41 Other Amex Platinum CreditsLISTEN TO US ON THE GO: Apple Podcast: https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/ApplePodcastSpotify:https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/SpotifyThank you for supporting our Channel! See you every Friday with a new episode!Support this podcast: https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/SupportUsDisclaimer: The content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Advertiser Disclosure:This video may contain links through which we are compensated when you click on or are approved for offers. The information in this video was not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Offers are current only at the time of the video publishing date and may have changed by the time you watch it.Let's Get To The Points is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CardRatings. Let's Get To The Points and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. The content of this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

30+ premium credit cards—including the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve—without paying a single dollar in annual fees? Spencer Reese breaks down exactly how active duty service members, Guard/Reserve on orders, and military spouses can access over $10,000 in annual fee waivers through the Military Lending Act (MLA) and SCRA. Recorded on Veterans Day, this episode is packed with tactical strategies for building wealth while traveling the world in luxury. Summary Spencer Reese joins Ross from Itinerary Boss for a comprehensive breakdown of military credit card benefits. Spencer explains the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), revealing how active duty members and military spouses can access premium cards like the $895 Amex Platinum with zero annual fees. The conversation covers optimal credit card sequencing, what happens when you transition from active duty to veteran status, how to leverage OCONUS assignments for incredible award travel, hotel status strategies, and Spencer's personal redemption stories including luxury stays in Dubai and business class flights around the world. Spencer also addresses common misconceptions about credit cards, shares tracking tools and automation tips, and explains why most military families are "stepping over dollars to pick up pennies" by not taking advantage of these benefits. Key Topics & Questions Covered Understanding Military Credit Card Benefits The Legal Foundation Eligible Cards & Annual Fee Savings Multiple Cards Strategy Credit Card Sequencing Strategy Building Your Foundation Optimal Application Order Why Order Matters Maximizing Credit Card Benefits Annual Recurring Credits Per Card Stacking Strategy Example International Usage Transitioning from Active Duty to Veteran What Happens to Your Cards Chase Timeline American Express Timeline Downgrade Strategy Travel Redemption Strategies OCONUS Assignment Advantages Spencer's Success Stories Hotel Status Strategy Common Mistakes & Misconceptions Biggest Mistakes Military Families Make Stopping at one card - Missing thousands in benefits Opening Amex Platinum first - Should start with Chase Using wrong card for purchases - Groceries on Platinum instead of Gold Fear of credit cards - Dave Ramsey's influence Not checking MLA database first - Missing automatic waivers Buying too much car - #1 financial mistake Spencer sees Ignoring hotel status cards - Missing upgrade opportunities Dave Ramsey Debate Credit Score Myths Tools & Automation Tracking Apps & Software Card Pointers - Credit optimization MaxRewards - Best card for each purchase Travel Freely - Track card opening dates, 5/24 status Use Your Credits - Find Resy restaurants with e-gift cards Spreadsheet method - Spencer's preferred approach Automation Tips Batching Strategy Hotel & Airline Status Hotel Status Cards Why Hotel Status Matters Hyatt Globalist Priority Resources & Links Mentioned Military Benefits Resources MLA Database - Check your Military Lending Act eligibility SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) DOD MWR Libby App - Free ebook/audiobook access to Spencer's book Credit Card Tools Card Pointers - Credit card optimization app MaxRewards - Best card selector Travel Freely - Card tracking for 5/24 status Use Your Credits - Find Resy restaurants with e-gift cards United Travel Bank - Trigger airline credits Key Tactical Takeaways Immediate Actions (This Week) Verify MLA eligibility at mla.dmdc.osd.mil (print PDF for records) Check credit score - Need 720+ for premium cards Open Chase Freedom or Freedom Unlimited if no Chase relationship Set up automatic payments on all existing cards Calculate current annual fee savings if already have cards Short Term (This Month) Apply for Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred (check welcome bonuses) Open Amex Green → Start the Amex family progression Verify military status on existing accounts Set up recurring digital entertainment credits Create spreadsheet to track cards and credits Medium Term (This Quarter) Add Amex Gold after 90 days from Green Apply for hotel status cards (Hilton Aspire, Marriott Brilliant) Set quarterly reminders for Resy credits Purchase United Travel Bank in January for airline credits Book TDY/deployment hotels to build status Long Term (This Year) Add Amex Platinum after Amex Gold established Upgrade Freedom to CSR after 12 months (if desired) Build toward hotel Globalist status with Hyatt Plan OCONUS travel using points from home airport Prepare transition strategy if separating Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 20,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/ https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/ Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. Want to be confident with your TSP investing? Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.

What if you could have SIX Chase Sapphire Reserve cards—each with zero annual fees—while maxing your TSP and living an incredible life of travel? Air Force Captain Jared Mataitusi reveals exactly how he and his wife stack premium credit cards, earn elite status, fly family to Europe for free, and still save aggressively toward financial independence. This is the ultimate military financial strategy you've been waiting for. Jared shares how he went from credit card float in college to managing 32 cards with his wife, earning six-figure travel benefits annually while maintaining a high savings rate. The conversation covers upgrading Freedom cards to multiple Sapphire Reserves, using deployment sprints to accelerate wealth, flying family overseas on points, TSP automation strategies, and how military service is a "cheat code" to financial independence when approached intentionally. Key Topics & Questions Covered Credit Card Strategy Building Wealth on Active Duty Travel & Lifestyle Military Life & Financial Independence Philosophy & Mindset Resources & Links Mentioned Jared's Content: The Military Miler Podcast https://militarymiler.com/ Military Travel Rewards  https://militarytravelrewards.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/military_miler Credit Card Tools: Chase Sapphire Reserve & Freedom card upgrade strategy Amex Platinum multiple card strategy United Travel Bank for airline credits StubHub credit usage internationally Budgeting & Tracking: YNAB (You Need A Budget) https://www.ynab.com/ Monarch Money https://www.monarch.com/ Net worth tracking tools (Kubera, Google Sheets) https://www.kubera.com/ Books & Concepts: The Motivation Myth by Darren Hardy Die With Zero by Bill Perkins The Second Mountain by David Brooks Dave Ramsey's debt snowball method Morgan Housel on moving goalposts TSP & Investing: Military Money Manual TSP Course https://militarymoneymanual.com/tsp LADS Method: Low-cost, Automated, Diversified, Simple Financial Order of Operations (Military Version) Other Resources: Reddit Military Finance community https://www.reddit.com/r/MilitaryFinance/ Jesse Mecham (YNAB founder) on lifestyle creep Ramit Sethi: "No prize for living a smaller life" Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 20,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/ https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/ Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. Want to be confident with your TSP investing? Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.

Spencer Reese welcomes Amy and Taryn, two of the three military spouses behind the booming Military Travelers Facebook Group, 25,000 members strong! Together, they debunk four major myths about military credit cards and share how military families can unlock thousands of dollars in travel perks—without falling into debt. Whether you're brand new to award travel or a seasoned cardholder looking to optimize your benefits, this episode is packed with practical, real-life strategies that can help you fly business class for almost free, book luxury hotel stays, and even score $18K+ in annual perks—all while building excellent credit. Main Topics Covered: The Origin of the Military Travelers Facebook Group How a chance basement conversation turned into a movement for military spouses The viral growth of the group from a few neighbors to 25K+ members Debunking the 4 Biggest Military Credit Card Myths Myth: Only active duty service members get annual fee waivers Truth: Military spouses can get their own fee-waived cards Difference between being an authorized user and having your own account Myth: One card is enough to earn free trips Why relying on just one card (like Amex Platinum) limits your rewards How strategic "welcome bonus" stacking earns 10x more points Myth: Opening many credit cards means you're in debt Using credit cards like a debit card: no debt, no interest, all rewards Real stories of people earning big while maintaining $0 balances Myth: Opening multiple cards hurts your credit How smart credit use improves your score (700–800+) Breaking down the credit score formula for military families Getting Started: Best First Cards for Military Spouses Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred explained Building credit as a non-U.S. citizen military spouse Maximizing Military Perks (Even Beyond Travel) Earning and tracking $18K+ in annual card benefits Tips for using credits for everyday needs like holidays, gifts, and subscriptions Managing Multiple Cards Without Overwhelm Tools: Travel Freely app (with military mode) Systematizing applications for P1/P2 (you and your spouse) How to know which card to open next Key Questions Answered: How can military spouses get credit cards without income? What counts as household income on credit applications? How do military benefits apply to foreign spouses? Is it really worth it to open more than one card? Can credit card usage hurt my credit score or lead to debt? How do I track and manage multiple cards without going crazy? Resources & Mentions: Military Money Manual Ultimate Military Credit Card Course Military Travelers Facebook Group  Travel Freely App – Card tracking tool with military mode Military Travelers' Beginner's Guide and Next Steps Guide Episode 112 with Travel Freely Founder Zach Hood Budget Apps Mentioned: YNAB (You Need a Budget) Connect with the Guests: Instagram: @themilitarytravelers Website & Blog: TheMilitaryTravelers.com Enjoying the Show? Please consider rating and reviewing the podcast to help other military families discover these valuable insights and perks.   Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 20,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/ https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/ Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. Want to be confident with your TSP investing? Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.

How many credit cards is too many? Are premium travel cards actually worth those eye-popping annual fees? And what should you do when a card in your wallet stops pulling its weight? This week, Jean Chatzky is joined once again by money expert Vivian Tu for a listener mailbag all about credit cards, points, and smart strategies for getting real value, without paying unnecessary fees or interest. Together, they break down: How to decide if high-end travel cards like Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve are actually worth the cost The smartest way to evaluate card perks — from lounge access to travel protections — in real dollar terms When it makes sense to downgrade a credit card How to use points efficiently without spending hours comparison shopping What to say if you call your credit card company to ask for a lower interest rate How to switch cards while protecting your credit score and account history

In this week's Just the Tip, we're breaking down whether the Amex Platinum Card is actually worth its $895 annual fee. We walk through the benefits, credits, points-earning potential, and personalized welcome offers, including how we've used real credits for flights, luxury hotels, lounges, and everyday perks. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly who this card is (and isn't) for, how to check your own offer without hurting your credit, and whether the Amex Platinum fits your travel style and spending habits.If you are interested in applying for the American Express Platinum Card, be sure to use this link—---------------------------------------Shop: Trip Itineraries ⁠& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!

In this episode, we dive into the essential tools that make finding airline and hotel redemptions in the points and miles world so much easier. We break down beginner-friendly search tools like PointsYeah as well as options for more experienced travelers, and explain why double-checking award availability is crucial to avoid disappointment.We also share our favorite hotel search tools, like MaxFHR.com for Amex Platinum users, and highlight organizational apps like CardPointers to help you stay on top of offers and track your rewards. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your points and miles game, this episode gives you the tools to travel smarter, save more, and make the most of every redemption.Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!)Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

Shawn's InKind referral - https://app.inkind.com/refer/4FJZRGUZ Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we take a look back at our favorite deals from 2025 and how they apply in the new year. From AA transfers to monster bonuses, what did we love and what do we hope for in 2026. We also discuss: our New Year's Eve in Vegas, Pacman in real life and some tricks to maximizing Chase Sapphire Reserve credits. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:17 Recapping our New Year's 3:22 Mark's NYE AA travel experience 8:20 Our favorite deals of 2025 - Citi AA transfers? 11:29 BofA's Atmos Summit Visa was a winner 13:30 Bilt's big moves - Accor & Rakuten 18:07 Amex Platinum refresh - Actually a good deal? 20:40 Saks fun & Warning - Should you burn your gift cards before bankruptcy? 27:21 How to combine Chase Sapphire Reserve hotel credits 31:07 A fun way to maximize Chase Stubhub credits 33:25 Pacman in real life! Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Episode 150 of the Award Travel 101 Podcast focuses heavily on year-end strategy, with Mike Zaccheo and moderator Cameron Laufer walking through news, bonuses, trip updates, and the annual housekeeping travelers should tackle before December 31. They open by highlighting a community post about someone just 500 MQDs short of Delta Diamond and discuss creative last-minute options—same-day turn flights, buying MQDs, or leveraging Delta credit card boosts. News items include Royal Air Maroc's new status match (valid through 2026), a significant Turkish Miles&Smiles partner award devaluation, and Capital One's upcoming transfer-ratio cut to Emirates. Mike and Cameron also share their own card bonus pursuits and recent travel planning, including Mike's NYC trip and Cameron's Singapore Airlines business-class redemption and new Hyatt Globalist status.The main segment dives into year-end planning across credits, spending, and elite status. Mike reviews the long list of expiring statement credits—hotel credits from Amex, Chase, and Citi; airline incidental credits; and category-specific perks like Amex Dell/Saks/Resy and Hilton's monthly credits. Cameron covers annual spending thresholds, including Hilton free night certificate triggers, Hyatt spend-based nights, Amex Platinum's 75K spend for guest lounge access. They also outline status deadlines, reminding listeners that most airline and hotel elite metrics close December 31.Rounding out the episode, the hosts discuss point pooling and transfer limits—noting strict annual caps for Citi ThankYou, Marriott, and Hilton—plus considerations around buying points and credit-card strategy like triple-dipping and 5/24 checks. The “Tip of the Week” advises booking Alaska Airlines partner awards (such as those operated by AA) under “other person” so you can later manage the reservation directly through American Airlines.Episode Links:Royal Air Maroc Status MatchTurkish DevaluationCapital One to Emirates DevaluationYear End Statement CreditsYear End Hotel Status StrategyWhere to Find Us The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here Reserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

In this YouTube Bonus episode, DeAndre Coke takes listeners inside one of the most remarkable airport lounges in the world — the Punta Cana Priority Pass Lounge featuring an outdoor pool overlooking the runway. Recorded after DeAndre and Taryn's Dominican Republic wedding, this review blends relaxation, practicality, and travel insight, offering a perfect post-trip sendoff.From food quality and drink options to showers, kids' areas, and smart timing tips, DeAndre covers everything you need to know before visiting. He explains how to access the lounge for free using cards like the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve, why it recently earned Priority Pass Lounge of the Year, and what to pack if you plan to swim before your flight.This episode is a mix of storytelling and strategy — showing how to maximize premium travel perks and enjoy the Caribbean's best lounge experience, all without spending a dime.Key Highlights:Unreal lounge feature: Outdoor pool with runway views at Punta Cana Airport.Access made easy: Free with Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Venture X Priority Pass.Lounge of the Year: Recently crowned top global Priority Pass destination.Premium amenities: Full buffet, open bar, showers, kids' area, and modern design.Timing tips: No boarding announcements — use your app to avoid missing flights.Smart prep: Bring flip-flops, sunscreen, and plan 45 minutes before boarding to wrap up.Food & drink review: Quality Dominican staples, fresh dishes, and generous bar service.Family-friendly design: Kids' zone with slides and a glass sound barrier for a quieter space.Traveler insight: Pool access, towel deposit with passport, and locker usage details.ROI on travel perks: Lounge access value easily exceeds $60 walk-in fee — free with top cards.Click here to enter the 100th episode giveaway or visit www.boldlygo.world/giveawayResources:Punta Cana Airport Pool Lounge Review: Pool Access, Food, Tips, & More (blog post)Is This The Best Airport Lounge in the Caribbean (YouTube video)Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)

Links to Activate Instacart credits:United Cards: https://www.instacart.com/p/chase-united?unauth-refresh=1Chase Ink Cards: https://www.instacart.com/p/chase-ink?unauth-refresh=1Chase co-branded cards (Marriott, Hyatt, etc): https://www.instacart.com/p/chase-cobrands?unauth-refresh=1What if the credits you ignore every month could stock a food bank, surprise a caregiver with lunch, or stretch a teacher gift from thoughtful to unforgettable? We walk through the exact playbook we use to turn small, forgotten perks into big, tangible help—no coupon spreadsheets, no all‑day errands.We start with quick wins you can do tonight: send a hot meal using Uber, DoorDash, or Grubhub credits to a friend, a grandparent across the country, or a new parent who needs a break. Then we level up with the Amex Gold Dunkin credit, turning it into donut drops for local schools, fire stations, or hospital staff. For holiday gifting, we show how certain Chase cards' DoorDash pickup credits can buy third‑party gift cards through the Flower & Gift Boutique, often turning $10 of credit into $15 or $25 of spending power. Pair that with Chase Freedom rotating categories and you can fund Angel Tree or sponsored family gifts while maximizing rewards.If you plan to donate cash, don't miss airline partnerships that return miles for every dollar—Southwest Rapid Rewards and American Airlines often run strong promos—so your generosity fuels future trips too. We also highlight creative uses for credits like the Amex Platinum's Saks benefit and the Business Platinum's Dell credit to supply shelters and student programs with essentials. And yes, that old suitcase can do real good at a foster care agency.Our deepest dive is a step‑by‑step guide to using Chase co‑branded Instacart credits and Instacart Plus to buy exactly what local food banks request via Community Carts. We cover card activation links, stacking free Plus months, choosing a food bank, and a simple checkout routine that waives fees and adds a small tip. With a handful of cards, we donated over $120 of groceries with about $20 out of pocket—set it up once and repeat it monthly in under 15 minutes.If this helps, share it with a friend who hoards points, subscribe for more practical travel and points tactics, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. Tell us: which give‑back hack will you try first?

This episode features Mike Zaccheo and Angie Sparks diving deep into the world of credit card statement credits and how to maximize them. The episode begins with a highlight post from member Karen, who detailed her inspiring solo round-the-world trip at age 60, showing how miles, points, and determination can unlock life-changing travel. In news, the hosts cover Flying Blue's November Promo Rewards offering discounted redemptions from North America to Europe, a 20% Capital One transfer bonus to British Airways, Wells Fargo adding JetBlue as a transfer partner, and a major announcement that Rove Miles will soon support Lufthansa's Miles & More—its first European transfer option.Angie shares her latest booking spree, spending 1.3 million points to plan a Switzerland and Istanbul trip, while Mike talks about arranging a Key West getaway for family. They also discuss their travel plans for Chicago Seminars weekend. The main topic focuses on using all available card credits—daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual—across popular cards like the Amex Platinum, Amex Gold, Hilton Aspire, and Chase Sapphire Reserve. They break down credits covering everything from Uber, dining, and streaming to resort stays, airline fees, and portal bookings, emphasizing that these perks can dramatically offset annual fees when used strategically.Links to Topics DiscussedFlying Blue Promo RewardsCapital One to British Airways Transfer BonusWells Fargo to JetBlue Transfer BonusCredit Card Statement Credit ListingWhere to Find Us The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here Reserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

Diese aktuellen Aktionen und News rund um die Welt der Meilen und Punkte warten im Oktober auf euch. Amex Gold: https://www.travel-insider.de/american-express-gold-kreditkarte-bis-zu-55-000-punkte-rekord-willkommensbonus/ Amex Business Platinum: https://www.travel-insider.de/200-000-punkte-rekordbonus-fuer-die-american-express-business-platinum-card/ Amex Platinum: https://www.travel-insider.de/amexplatinum Amex Platinum Österreich:  https://www.travel-insider.de/30-000-punkte-bonus-mit-amex-platinum-osterreich/ Miles & More Kreditkarte Deutsche Bank: https://www.travel-insider.de/neue-miles-more-kreditkarten-der-deutschen-bank-und-was-du-wissen-solltest/ Eurowings Premium Kreditkarte https://www.travel-insider.de/5-000-meilen-bonus-mit-der-eurowings-kreditkarte-premium-2025/

Send us a textThe Ben's Big Deal Podcast is for anyone interested in getting a great deal with an airline, hotel or credit card.Ben Komenkul is a points & miles expert and shares the latest offers so that you can take advantage of all the big deals out there and become a points master.In this episode,  Ben discusses -Everything you want to know about the changes coming to the Amex Platinum Card.How to maximize the bonus transfer window to unlock value.Rakuten & Bilt Rewards have partnered.  Now what?You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created by Ben Komenkul and was edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  For more information about Ben's Big Deal visit BensBigDeal.com.Support the show

Watch Us On YouTube! This week on The Miles to Go Podcast, Ed is back home (for now) and joined by Summer Hull from The Points Guy for a lively deep dive into credit cards, elite status, and travel strategy. Summer opens up about her bold move—charging $50,000 on her United card—and breaks down whether it was a smart play or a little bit crazy. We get into how that decision helped her earn United Platinum status, plus how she maximized bonus awards and upgrades along the way. Ed also shares an update on his long-running Capital One credit card drama, which (finally!) has a resolution, and reveals which premium cards he's cutting from his wallet—and why. Then Summer gives us her insider reviews of two beautiful resorts you'll want on your radar:

In Episode 140 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosts Mike Zaccheo and Cameron Laufer cover a range of topics from heartwarming uses of points to travel industry updates and destination planning. They open with a moving story from a community member who used 18,000 AA miles to fly an old friend across the country for emotional support—highlighting how miles can offer more than just luxury travel. Mike and Cameron then discuss notable credit card updates, including new Capital One transfer partners like Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines (with a 30% bonus), and question whether the $895 Amex Platinum fee is worth it given the long list of credits offered. Transfer bonuses from Citi and Amex are also covered, and they touch on current promotions like Chase Freedom's Q4 5x categories.The main segment dives into Cameron's recent trip to the Dolomites in Italy. He provides a detailed rundown on how to get there using points and miles from various programs—highlighting Emirates' fifth-freedom JFK–Milan route, and Star Alliance partners like United and Lufthansa. For accommodations, they explore luxury hotel options using programs like I Prefer, Marriott, and portals from Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One. Ground transportation tips emphasize renting a car over relying on trains and buses. Cameron wraps up with Dolomites-specific advice like reserving parking at Tre Cime, getting to Seceda early, and hiking resources, making this episode both informative and personal.Episode Links:Capital One new Transfer PartnersCapital One To JAL Transfer BonusOther Transfer BonusesAmex Platinum DetailsChase Freedom Q4 5x CategoriesDolomites Points & Miles PostWhere to Find Us The Free Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure) Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.  ➤ Free points 101 course (includes hotel upgrade email template)https://geobreezetravel.com/freecourse  ➤ Free credit card consultations https://airtable.com/apparEqFGYkas0LHl/shrYFpUr2zutt5515 ➤ Seats.Aero: https://geobreezetravel.com/seatsaero ➤ Request a free personalized award search tutorial: https://go.geobreezetravel.com/ast-form If you are interested in supporting this show when you apply for your next card, check out https://geobreezetravel.com/cards and if you're not sure what card is right for you, I offer free credit card consultations athttps://geobreezetravel.com/consultations!Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Amex Platinum Card Updates00:13 Maximizing the $600 Hotel Credit03:25 Utilizing the $300 Lululemon Credit06:17 Exploring the Resi Credit07:36 Is the Amex Platinum Card Worth It?11:09 Conclusion You can find Julia at: ➤ Free course: https://julia-s-school-9209.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-points-redemption➤ Website: https://geobreezetravel.com/➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel/➤ Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards➤ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravelOpinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. The content of this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

The American Express Platinum card is one of the most talked-about travel credit cards — but is it really worth the hefty annual fee? In this episode, I'm doing a deep dive into everything you need to know about the AMEX Platinum so you can decide if it's the right fit for your wallet and your travel goals.Here's what you'll discover in this episode:

Back in June, Chase refreshed its personal Sapphire Reserve card and introduced the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card, complete with highest ever annual fees for rewards cards. Not to be outdone, American Express quickly followed with its own updates to the personal and business Platinum Cards. Now that the details are here, it's time to look at what's changed and what it means for cardholders. In this episode, I'm joined by Kelly, the Points and Miles Doc to walk through the Amex Platinum cards refresh. We cover the higher annual fees, the new credits, and why the personal Platinum still struggles with bonus categories. You'll also hear our reactions to the removal of the 35% rebate on the business Platinum, the addition of a $600 hotel credit, and the new 2X earning on large purchases over $5,000. We share our thoughts on whether the $895 annual fee on the personal Platinum makes sense, how the new benefits are user-dependent, and why the business Platinum refresh feels more useful for high spenders. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/amex-platinum-refresh-2025/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Episode 139 of the Award Travel 101 podcast featured Angie Sparks and Joseph Petrovic with a recap of the Miami meetup and the latest travel news. The highlight post centered on whether travelers still need local currency, with most members agreeing that while cards dominate, a small amount of cash is still useful in certain locations. Big news included the refreshed Amex Platinum card with an increased $895 annual fee but a slew of valuable new credits (Resy, Lululemon, FHR, Uber One, Oura, and more), Citi transfer bonuses up to 50%, and new Southwest Business card offers that can lock in a Companion Pass for nearly two years. Angie and Joe also shared recent personal card moves, promos expiring soon, and how they're using points and credits for upcoming trips.The Miami meetup drew about 82 attendees at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, where upgrades ranged from suites to presidential rooms. Despite a grumpy check-in clerk and a chemically unbalanced pool that ruined swimsuits (compensated with Hyatt points), the group enjoyed lively evenings at the hotel bar, a hot chicken challenge, and plentiful breakfasts. Sessions at the Hotel Colonnade featured talks on Rove Miles, AI trip-planning with Notebook LM, and creative ways to generate spend. Social activities included a dinner at Bay13 and the immersive SuperBlue art exhibit, with attendees also making use of their new Amex Resy and Lululemon credits around Miami.Both hosts emphasized the value of in-person meetups as the “secret sauce” of the hobby, where tips and strategies get shared informally. Angie recounted how one member even offered her a companion ticket after a conversation, while Joe picked up a new acronym that led to fresh insights. The episode closed with a reminder that the next major Award Travel 201 meetup will take place in Phoenix, April 16–18, 2026, with tickets already available to members.Links to Topics DiscussedAmex Platinum RefreshRove Miles Transfer BonusesSouthwest Business Card OffersWhere to Find Us The Free Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

Watch Us On YouTube! This week on the Miles to Go Podcast, Ed and Richard are actually both home for once.

The Amex Platinum just got a major refresh for 2025 — and the changes are big. The annual fee is now an eye-watering $895, but with that increase comes a whole new set of perks. From a fresh $100 a quarter Resy credit to expanded travel benefits and lifestyle perks, the Platinum is looking different than ever before.In this episode, we break down what's new, what's disappearing, and whether the Platinum still earns its spot in your wallet. We share their personal takes on which credits are the easiest to use, where travelers could actually see value, and how the card now stacks up against premium competitors like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X.If you've been debating whether to open, close, or keep the Platinum, this conversation will help you make sense of the changes — and figure out whether $895 is worth it for your travel style.EPISODE SPONSOR50% off the CardPointers subscription!Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogMentioned in this EpisodeAmerican Express Platinum Deep Dive EpisodeJoanna's Rakuten LinkMary Ellen's Rakuten LinkMary Ellen's AMEX Platinum LinkAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

Buckle up, States of Discovery listeners—this one's all about the ride, not just the destination. In this 30-minute episode, we dive headfirst into the quirks, hacks, and downright bizarre realities of modern travel. Ever heard of “raw-dogging” a flight? Wonder why 8 AM mimosas feel perfectly normal in an airport? Or if that shiny travel credit card actually pays for itself? We've got you covered.Here's what you'll discover in this episode:The Traveler's Mindset: The ultimate do's and don'ts, plus pet peeves that can make or break your trip (armrest hogs, we're looking at you).In-Flight Habits & Etiquette: From screen-free flyers to the worst snacks you can bring onboard.The Psychology of Air Travel: Why airports feel like lawless wonderlands and how altitude affects that glass of wine.Deals, Perks & Memberships: Frontier's “All You Can Fly” pass, loyalty programs, and whether premium credit cards like AmEx Platinum are worth the hype.Quickfire Travel Hacks: Packing hacks, price-drop alerts, and the apps every savvy traveler should have.Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or someone who just wants to make their next trip less stressful, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and insights to help you travel smarter.

In this week's Quick Hits, DeAndre Coke dives into some of the most significant updates in the travel and points space. He breaks down Chase's massive new welcome offers on Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited, which can unlock up to 90,000 Ultimate Rewards points. DeAndre also covers a long-awaited upgrade to the Avios ecosystem, where a new platform now makes transfers between British Airways, Iberia, Qatar, Finnair, and Aer Lingus seamless and instant. Hilton's fast-track Diamond promotion through Hilton for Business is highlighted as a new path for elite status, while Hyatt Regency promotions continue to add value for frequent travelers. The most significant update of the week is the refresh of the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards, bringing higher fees but also enhanced benefits, including expanded Fine Hotels & Resorts credits, new Resi dining credits, and added lifestyle perks like Lululemon. Finally, he shares valuable community-sourced tips for paying taxes with business credit cards more efficiently and sets the stage for exciting giveaways coming with the podcast's 100th episode.Key takeaways: Chase Ink offers: New 90,000-point bonuses on Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited after meeting spend requirements.Avios transfer upgrade: A new system makes transferring Avios between programs, such as BA, Qatar, Iberia, and Finnair, seamless and instant.Hilton fast-track: Complete 10 Hilton for Business nights by December 15 to earn Diamond status through 2027.Amex Platinum refresh: Personal and Business Platinum annual fees increase to $895, but new perks include $600 in Fine Hotels & Resorts credits, Resi dining credits, and Lululemon credits.Business Platinum boost: Large spend categories and $5,000+ purchases now earn 2x points instead of 1.5x.Centurion lounges: The new Amex app introduces waitlist features for lounges, plus improved tracking for welcome bonuses.Hilton devaluation: Top-tier properties now cost up to 250,000 points per night, raising the bar for aspirational stays.Alaska changes: Alaska's Atmos Rewards program is scaling back partnerships with LATAM and Singapore Airlines.Tax payments hack: Paying estimated taxes via PayPal with a business card can reduce fees to 1.85%.Resources:Our WhatsApp Community Group InvitationInk Business Card Referral LinkHyatt status for AA elites (register by October 31)Book a Free 30-minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth...

New benefits are available immediately as of 9/18/25!! Learn how to apply for the  The Platinum Card® from American Express: https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/ Learn more about American Express military annual fee waivers: https://militarymoneymanual.com/american-express-military/ Learn how to maximize your military credit card benefits in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course: https://militarymoneymanual.com/umc3/ Episode Description Hosts Spencer Reese and Jamie discuss the major refresh of the American Express Platinum card, including a significant annual fee increase to $895 that military service members and spouses don't have to pay thanks to the Military Lending Act (MLA). They break down the extensive new benefits and explain how to maximize value from this popular military credit card. Topics Covered: New Benefits & Credits (2025 Refresh) (AVAILABLE NOW!!!!) $600 Fine Hotels & Resorts credit ($300 semi-annually) $400 Resy restaurant credit ($100 quarterly) $300 Lululemon credit ($75 quarterly) $300 Digital Entertainment credit ($25 monthly) $200 Oura Ring credit (annual) $120 Uber One membership credit (annual) Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) Sterling Status Existing Benefits $200 Uber Cash ($15/month, $35 in December) $209 Clear Plus credit $200 airline fee credit $155 Walmart Plus credit $100 Saks credit ($50 semi-annually) $300 Equinox credit 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels Hilton Gold and Marriott Gold status Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit Military Lending Act (MLA) Coverage Automatic fee waiver for active duty service members Coverage for military spouses Guard/Reserve on 30+ day orders eligible How to check MLA database before applying: https://militarymoneymanual.com/mla-database/  Welcome Bonus & Value 175,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 spend in 6 months Cash value: $1,750-$1,925 Travel partner transfer potential: $3,500+ 25%+ effective cash back rate Resources & Links Mentioned: Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course: militarymoneymanual.com/UMC3 (100% free, 5-day email course) Fine Hotels & Resorts Search: maxfhr.com Points Valuation: points.yeah (travel redemption research) MLA Database: Google "Military Lending Act database" to verify coverage American Express Website: americanexpress.com (for enrollment in benefits) Resy App: Restaurant reservations that trigger the quarterly credit Key Takeaways: Total annual benefits exceed $2,500 in cash value Multiple Amex Platinum cards multiply benefits (spouse can get their own) Must enroll in many benefits through Amex app/website Check quarterly vs. semi-annual vs. annual benefit periods Verify MLA database status BEFORE applying Consider pairing with Chase Sapphire Reserve for maximum value Important Reminders: Only for those who pay off credit cards monthly (no debt) $8,000 minimum spend may be challenging for junior enlisted Benefits require enrollment - don't assume automatic activation Military spouses must be properly listed in DEERS Some benefits (Uber Cash) only work in the U.S. About the Hosts: Spencer - Creator of MilitaryMoneyManual.com and the Ultimate Military Credit Cards course Jamie - Co-host and military finance expert Contact & Social: Website: MilitaryMoneyManual.com Instagram: @militarymoneymanual For questions: Send DM on Instagram Episode Notes: Recording discusses the 2025 refresh of the American Express Platinum card. The hosts emphasize this is only for service members who can responsibly manage credit cards and pay balances in full monthly. They recommend both the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve as the two essential cards for military families who qualify for MLA fee waivers. For detailed analysis and current offers, visit MilitaryMoneyManual.com or search "Amex Platinum Military" for Spencer's comprehensive guides. Military Money Mentor Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 20,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/ https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/ Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. Want to be confident with your TSP investing? Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week as we are getting ready for the Amex Platinum refresh we ponder whether you should pick up a new Business Platinum before the changes take effect. We also discuss: the new 90K Chase Ink bonuses, when you should grab the 100K Southwest offer for a companion pass, whether the pass is worth it, how long it is taking for online passport renewal, cash prices effecting award rates and why Japan award space is wide open.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:26 The joys of the twin cities 5:50 Shawn's trip update - Last minute Japan availability 8:40 Online passport renewal data points - Government efficiency? 11:08 Hotel cash prices lowering - award prices stay high? 15:25 Mainland China payment apps and rideshare 17:33 Should you get an Amex Business Platinum before the refresh? 25:00 Chase Ink 90K/$900 offers - As good as it gets? 28:33 Southwest 100K offers expiring this week 31:45 The darkside of the Southwest Companion Pass? 36:15 Is the Southwest Companion Pass going away - Too good to be true? Links Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Watch Us On YouTube! This week, Ed and Richard discuss the latest travel topics of the week, including: Ed's charging woes with his new Rivian Should flight attendants stop a passenger's in-flight phone call? The benefits of living in NYC and flying to Orange County, California United's A321LXR Seat Map Should you sign up for the Amex Platinum before the fee increase? Frontier's GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly pass Alaska's international aspirations from Seattle. Lisbon's funicular tragedy Emirates' new policy on children using awards to travel in first class Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/    

Want to learn how to fly around the world without draining your bank account? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Benny—my go-to travel expert—to talk about travel hacking, maximizing credit card points, and finding the best flight deals. ✈️ We cover everything from travel misconceptions and saver award flights to what to do when your flight gets delayed. Whether you're planning a big international trip or just looking for ways to save on flights, you'll walk away with practical tips to make travel more affordable.

In Episode 136 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosts Angie Sparks and Cameron Laufer discuss a variety of travel and points-related topics. They begin with a member highlight, where a listener shares a positive experience using their Saks credit on an Amex Platinum card. The hosts also cover recent travel news, including JetBlue's new partnership with Condor, which offers redemption opportunities with varied point values depending on the departure location, and Citi's new transfer relationship with American Airlines, allowing certain cards to transfer points at a 10:7 ratio. They also touch on Virgin Voyages' status match offer, which benefits travelers looking to get perks on their first or second Virgin cruise.The main focus of the episode is on Southwest's Companion Pass (CP). Cameron and Angie outline how the CP works and how to earn it—primarily through accumulating 135K points in a calendar year, with credit card bonuses counting toward that total. They discuss the timing of earning the pass and mention that the current 100K sign-up bonuses on personal cards through September 17th provide a great opportunity for those looking to earn it. They also delve into whether Southwest's higher fares and additional fees, such as baggage and seat selection charges, have diminished the value of the Companion Pass. Both hosts speculate on potential changes to the CP program, suggesting that the benefit might be limited in the future, especially for those planning to earn it in 2026 or beyond. Finally, they offer a tip about not opting out of marketing messages, which can lead to lucrative offers, and announce the upcoming launch of an Award Travel 101 merchandise store.Episode Links:- Book Condor With JetBlue Points- Citi Transfers to American Airlines- Virgin Cruise Status Match- Sign Up for Southwest Cards to Support the Group Where to Find Us The Free Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Frontier status match (MTM affiliate link) - https://www.frontierstatusmatch.com/?fpr=xf83a Episode Description This week even more leaks emerged for the pending refresh of the Amex Platinum cards coming later in September. Previously we learned that they may be adding big hotel credits, but now we know even more. What merchants could be added, how will these credits stack up and will these cards be worth $900 when all is said and done?   In other news Frontier has returned with their easiest status match opportunity yet. This could save you big even on a single roundtrip flight, but does the airline deserve all of their hate? We also discuss: Hampton's search for a new Waffle Boss, changing tastes on Doubletree cookies and how Hyatt is being sued after taking tons of points from members.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 4:03 Frontier's new status match may be the easiest ever 8:00 Why people need to stop sleeping on the low cost carriers 11:25 Hampton is searching for a new Waffle Boss - Win 1 Million points! 16:10 The Priceline days & hotel revenue management 22:15 Hyatt's attack on fraud in China - Did they overstep? 28:20 More Amex Platinum rumors - Big credits coming 33:33 New Platinum is worth it and not worth it at the same time Links Frontier Status Match - https://www.frontierstatusmatch.com/?fpr=xf83a Hampton Waffle contest - https://www.hamptonwaffleflavorcontest.com/ Hyatt lawsuit - https://viewfromthewing.com/customers-sue-after-hyatt-bans-accounts-for-buying-fake-hotel-nights-as-shortcut-to-elite-status/ Amex Platinum rumors - https://milestomemories.com/amex-platinum-card-getting-resy-and-lululemon-credits/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Full YT Version: https://youtu.be/D4RjJe8BTUI?si=oaqNzqT4jSIQq7KoJoin us for a full review of our luxurious stay at the Kimpton Grand Roatan in Honduras. From bungalows with outdoor showers to a world-class spa tucked in the jungle, we cover everything you need to know — including the exact points strategy we used to save hundreds on this 5-star experience.

In this Quick Hits episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke breaks down the latest travel and points updates shaping the rewards landscape. He covers Chase's surprising move to end its transfer partnership with Emirates, American Airlines' new partnership with Starlux Airlines, and the upcoming changes to Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards—including higher annual fees paired with new perks.Listeners will also learn about a valuable new Amex offer for Hilton stays, a strange Uber pricing quirk at airports, and a listener update highlighting issues with the Mesa card application process. Packed with actionable insights and community-driven updates, this episode helps travelers stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of points and miles.Key takeaways: Chase and Emirates: Chase is ending its partnership with Emirates on October 16th.New Partnerships: American Airlines has partnered with Starlux Airlines, expanding premium travel options.Oneworld Potential: Starlux may eventually join the Oneworld Alliance, offering more redemption opportunities.Amex Changes: The Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards will see annual fee increases along with enhanced benefits.Hilton Savings: A new Amex offer saves users 20% at Hilton properties.Airport Rides: An Uber pricing quirk reveals that fares can vary depending on the airline selection—compare with Lyft.Mesa Card: Applicants are reporting delays and issues with the Mesa card process.Fee vs. Value: Amex continues to raise fees while aiming to deliver more value.Travel Strategy: Travelers should act before the Emirates transfer deadline and maximize Hilton/Amex offers.Resources:Hyatt status for AA elites (register by October 31)AA status for Hyatt elites, targeted (register by September 4)Aeroplan Reserve 5,000 Mile CertificateBook a Free 30-minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)

Another day, another premium credit card is making changes - this time, we've heard rumors that the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cards are both getting increased annual fees and other changes.$900 Platinum card. Worth it?(00:24) - Expensive changes are coming for Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cards(01:47) - Some changes on the coupon side of things have leaked...(03:55) - Perks that appear on both cards (business and personal)Read our post on what works for your airline incidental fee reimbursements here.(05:31) - Perks on the (Consumer) Amex Platinum card(06:23) - Perks on the Amex Business Platinum(07:43) - Do these perks sound worth it for the new, higher annual fee?(18:58) - Learn more about MaxFHR here.Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Episode Description This week American Express accidentally leaked some of the new benefits that Platinum cardholders can enjoy when the cards get their refresh next month. We know the fees are going up for both the personal and business Amex Platinum, but what are they adding and is this leaked benefit good enough to justify keeping the card or will they have to do more?   In other news Chase is sunsetting their popular Sapphire Reserve 100K + $500 offer while at the same time losing on of their bigger transfer partners. Has Chase dropped the ball in the transfer partner realm? We also talk about some crazy and unique attractions from around the world and how the new Southwest continues to anger customers.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:22 Travel plans blown up! 5:22 The new Southwest continues to go viral 8:54 Big Amex leak - What's coming to the Platinum card next month? 12:55 Is the new Amex Platinum FHR benefit as good as it sounds? 17:25 Chase loses a big transfer partner - Time to make some moves? 24:46 Sapphire Reserve 100K + $500 ending date announced 27:39 Crazy Chinese tourist attraction + wild things around the world Links Italy waterpark - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EcP3uACvszQ Plat leak - https://travel-on-points.com/amex-platinum-fhr-credit/ Chinese conveyor - https://youtube.com/shorts/UTmiMTh0TXU?si=7wT65NCX6tB8HOtF Chase losing a partner - https://travel-on-points.com/chase-ultimate-rewards-transfers-to-emirates-ending/   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

In today's podcast episode, we'll talk about whether or not Hertz will put Nick in jail, how Greg's British Airways flight was saved by Delta, and Marriott's "Brilliant" potential new business card line-up.Giant Mailbag(03:02) - Catch Greg on these podcasts: Chris Hutchins / All the Hacks: Top Airline & Hotel Transfer Partners to Maximize Your Points(03:42) - Point me to first class (Devon): What Credit Card Points Are Really Worth in 2025(04:18) - Many people wrote in with examples of where an International Driver's Permit is required (Japan, Italy, etc)See episode 318 about The Rental Car Game hereCard News(07:28) - Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card offer (100K + promo credit good for up to $500 towards a single Chase Travel℠ booking after $5K spend in 3 months) ending soon.Crazy Thing DOUBLE HEADER(09:36) - Alaska: Atmos Rewards(15:14) - A reader has a strange Lifemiles story to report...Nick's JetBlue 25for25 Update(18:52) - Marriott Day Use Rate: Got lounge access, earned elite night credit (and points)(20:30) - Edgar Hotel Martha's Vineyard: Undeniably Choice in some ways, but great room & value.(23:37) - Lounge access reminders worth a mention: Ritz card gets unlimited visits & guests at Sapphire Lounges. Use the Ritz card, not Priority Pass, for access. Amex Platinum cardholders get Escape Lounge with 2 guests. We've used Escape lounges at SJU, PVD, FLL, and PBI on this trip. Of those, only PVD is on Priority Pass (so remember to check for these!).(26:53) - Couldn't check in online for Etihad-booked flight ACK-LGA (expected -- no birthdays for P1 & P2). Got it fixed at the BOS Mosaic check-in area. Ended up being a quick fix. Glad they could do it at BOS because time was tight at ACK.(30:27) - Nick's Hertz rental (even if you only have the first part of the story -- it's entertaining!)Awards, Points, and More(36:14) - Air Canada Aeroplan program updates (mileage and status earning changes)(44:51) - Greg's positioning flight to Boston for the British Airways first class flight(49:01) - Greg flies AA Flagship Preferred Suites LHR to ORD(51:21) - If Uber to the airport seems expensive, try switching your airline(54:43) - New Reasonable Redemption Values (RRVs)Main Event: Marriott's rumored business cards(1:03:51) - The following is based on surveys, not announced changes...(1:05:18) - Amex Bonvoy Business card(1:13:28) - Amex Marriott Bevy Business(1:20:22) - The Rumored Amex Bonvoy Brilliant BusinessQuestion of the Week(1:28:22) - Which hotel-branded credit card is the best?Subscribe and FollowVisit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

If you've ever been confused about airport lounge access—what counts, what's changed, and what's still worth it—you're not alone. In this episode, I welcome back guest Traci Siegel for an updated look at lounge access using rewards credit cards in 2025. We unpack the biggest changes to credit card lounge access this year, including new restrictions on who gets in and when. From premium travel cards like the Amex Platinum and Capital One Venture X to underrated options and family-friendly picks, we're breaking down which cards actually deliver on their lounge promises—and which ones have quietly downgraded their perks. If you're trying to figure out which card is best for your personal travel style, or you've ever been turned away at a lounge counter and thought, “Wait, I thought this card included access,” this episode is for you. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/airport-lounge-access/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

BA fam, we’re diving deep into the world of credit cards this week! Mandi, Yaneli (aka MissBeHelpful), and Chris Browning break down the newest updates to premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and Capital One Venture X. From new streaming perks to rising annual fees (hi, $795!), they weigh in on what’s actually worth it and what’s just hype. If you’re thinking about upgrading your card or just want to travel smarter, this one’s for you.

Chase and Amex make big changes to their credit card benefits. Are they still worth holding after their devaluation? Emirates transfers return to flexible points currencies, after some backend work from the airline. The airline still has some fun 5th Freedom routes around the world that award travelers should be aware of! Chase Sapphire Reserve is now available for applications, with a "refreshed" slate of benefits, and a higher annual fee. And, with Chase refreshing their top-tier card offering, what changes are in store for the Amex Platinum card in 2025?  If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/