MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Thrifty Traveler Premium (affiliate — supports the show): https://milestomemories.com/go/thrifty-traveler/ Episode Description Elon Musk wants your money in the X app — and he's offering 6% APY plus 3% cash back on debit to get it. Meanwhile Bilt is having a rough week: mortgage payment failures, a hidden foreign transaction fee on their "no fee" Palladium card, and a PR mess that Forbes and the Wall Street Journal are now covering. Plus Robinhood Platinum advertises $3,000 in credits that most people will never fully use, and Marriott finally did something nice — raising the certificate top-off cap from 15K to 25K points. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:26 Intro 0:40 Thrifty Traveler Premium 2:18 Robinhood Platinum breakdown 6:28 X Money debit card 10:31 Bilt 2.0 mortgage issues 12:56 Bilt Palladium hidden foreign fee 15:25 Marriott certificate top-off 17:27 Hyatt vs Marriott + hotel program strategy 19:35 Loyalty program illusions 22:14 Amazon pay with points promo 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!

Thrifty Traveler Premium (affiliate — supports the show): https://milestomemories.com/go/thrifty-traveler/ Episode Description US hotels are sitting at 62% occupancy and the internet is treating it like a crisis — but Shawn dug into a decade of data and found out who's actually causing the problem. Take Las Vegas out of the numbers and every other hotel in America made more money last year. Plus, Thrifty Traveler is raising prices Saturday (lock in $79 before it jumps to $129), the viral Disney vs. Europe cost debate is back and it's mostly dishonest, and Southwest's status match just got updated with new requirements worth knowing. 0:00 - Show Open 0:25 - Hyatt Centric Long Beach 2:25 - The $94 Hotel Breakfast 5:26 - Thrifty Traveler Premium — Lock In Before Saturday 9:13 - US Hotel Occupancy at 62% — Is It Actually Bad? 11:07 - Vegas vs. The Rest of America (RevPAR Breakdown) 14:29 - Disney vs. Europe — The Viral Cost Debate 15:44 - Tokyo Disneyland at $63 vs. Walt Disney World at $200+ 20:23 - Southwest Status Match — How It Works Now 22:56 - Southwest Becoming the New Spirit? 26:10 - Wrap Up 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 Description On this week's MTM Travel Thursday show, Shawn and Mark cover three big topics: the restaurant credit programs worth your time right now (Resy, InKind, Hilton's local bar trick), all seven active transfer bonuses including Rove's 50% Japan Airlines launch deal, and a full walkthrough of Mark's recent credit card application haul — $4K cash, 230K miles, and 112K Built points, offset by $2,169 in annual fees. The Spirit Airlines miles subplot also gets resolved. Great episode for anyone thinking about credit card strategy heading into spring. 0:00 - Intro 0:20 - Resy Credits & Detroit Dining 3:31 - Hilton Credits: The Local Bar Hack 10:59 - Active Transfer Bonuses 13:47 - Rove Miles & Japan Airlines 19:08 - Sticking to Programs You Know 20:31 - Mark's Credit Card Application Results 24:36 - Spirit Card Update 25:07 - Mark Writing Again at MTM 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 Description The world changed fast — and travelers are feeling it. Shawn and Mark break down what's happening in the Middle East, why Dubai went from "safe luxury playground" to diverted flights overnight, and what experienced points travelers should know about navigating global instability. Plus: anti-American sentiment abroad is real, and Shawn shares what it was actually like traveling during the other contentious periods.   Then — Atlantis vs. Comfort Suites Nassau, Bermuda, Hawaii, and why you should SERIOUSLY consider booking dream trips now before they get ridiculously expensive. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:40 Traveling in the current world - Is it safe? 3:40 Travelers are susceptible to instability 6:46 What is the future of Middle East tourism 10:09 Being prepared for anti-American attitudes while traveling 16:53 Reconsidering travel plans, staying safe & opening our minds 19:21 Are "dream" vacations getting out of reach even with points? 22:24 Atlantis points hack, debating Bahamas & Atlantis recovered? 28:00 Bermuda vs Bahamas come on pretty mama 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 Description On this episode of the MTM Travel the travel show we discuss the recent events in Mexico, how they've been sensationalized and what travelers need to consider before canceling or planning a trip. We also discuss: pure Michigan, Sapphire's free Whoop, how Southwest got duped, an insane hotel coffee maker hack and Mark's big return to MTM. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 1:28 Mark's big return to MTM & Patreon enhancements! 6:09 Mexico cartel woes - Should you cancel trips? 12:53 INSANE hotel coffee maker hack 17:05 Whoop free with Sapphire + Shawn's experience 21:25 Elliott pulls out of Southwest after driving massive changes 22:27 Starlink coming to Southwest Airlines 25:25 Cadillac House Curio Hilton - Pure Michigan? 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 Description On this episode of the MTM Travel the miles & points show Mark dives into his real world experiences with the new Bilt cards and Bilt cash. An unexpected promo came, but is it working out? We also discuss: finding cheap Hyatt mattress runs by stacking promos, the overlooked US Bank business card bonuses and how Southwest is tiering their credit card bonuses for the first time! 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:36 Update on Bilt's new card experience 3:20 Using Bilt Cash & how it all works in reality 7:23 Bilt makes money wuth customer experience expense? 10:10 Southwest launches first tiered card offers 13:53 Southwest's unhappy customers are a thing 15:48 Stacking Hyatt promos - Nights from 1,900 points? 19:45 Hyatt's unique promos & the art of finding mattress runs 21:37 Overlooked US Bank cards - Big money offers 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 Description On this episode of the MTM Travel the travel show we jump all around the country as Mark details winter small town Americana and reviews the condos at Evermore Orlando resort. We also discuss the insane Hilton rebate deal at Calala and the ongoing battle for overhead bin space on planes. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:20 Small Town Americana in……winter? 3:20 Indoor hotel pools, the novelty & Holidome 6:17 Getting paid to stay on a Private Island - Calala Island rebate 10:59 Evermore condo review - Better than Conrad at best resort in America? 18:33 Timeshare or hotel? 21:14 The aircraft bin battle 25:59 Boarding plane early or last on board? 28:30 Southwest struggling with new seating policy? 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 Description On this episode of the MTM Travel miles & points show we dive into some of the more important news and stories from this past week. From United's TravelBank glitch to using Delta for your Amex credit we have you covered. We also discuss a cool Bilt calculator that simplifies their new cards, which hotel has the best promos and Hyatt's new Spring promo. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 3:23 United TravelBank glitch 6:24 How Mark is using Delta for his Amex credits 11:04 Hyatt adding 22 more all-inclusive properties 15:03 Hyatt Bonus Journeys - Up to 1K per night bonus 19:36 Max's incredible Bilt calculator 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 Description On this episode of the MTM Travel travel show Mark discusses his Spring Break bookings and trip to Bermuda. While this isn't the most popular miles/points destination it offers a ton of value and beauty. We also discuss: the debate on resort fees and costs, why you should "rake" your bookings to save even more & how Southwest has finally ended their infamous "cattle call" boarding process. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:17 Southwest officially ends "cattle call" boarding 5:35 Will banning resort fees increase or decrease prices? 11:52 "Raking" bookings - How not to leave a lot on the table 16:05 How AA has been better under dynamic pricing 18:07 Mark's Spring Break Bermuda planning 23:15 Points options for Bermuda hotels 28:15 See Bermuda for yourself! 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 Description On this episode of the MTM Travel miles & points show we dive into some of the better deals and happenings this week. Bilt is back with Rent Day and a great transfer bonus, but there are still some frustrations. Hyatt has a somewhat new 5 free night offer, but is it worth going for over the points? Finally we show you how to grab a massive $1,200 checking bonus that you can fund with a credit card. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:32 Hyatt's 5 free night offer - A better alternative? 3:05 Points or certs? How to decide which is better 5:57 Bilt Rent Day - Accor transfer bonus & frustrations 9:18 Mr. Beast joins Bilt - Free rent & more goodies 11:58 Amex Business Platinum airline credit kerfuffle 15:27 US Bank's crazy $1200 business checking bonus 16:40 How to fund your crazy bank bonus with a credit card 18:05 Easy $200 savings offer + fund with credit card 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 Description On this episode of MTM Travel (the travel show) Mark discusses his planning and awards for his upcoming Azores trip. He also discusses Evermore and his upcoming villa booking with Hilton points plus we dive into the new NYC Mayor's policy banning resort fees. Can this new rule extend beyond NYC? 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:37 Azores award update & Morocco aspirations 9:11 Evermore with Hilton points - HUGE VILLAS! 12:45 Getting sick of Orlando? 14:18 NYC resort fee ban - How it works 16:57 Should a resort fee ban be nationwide? 20:35 Status less valuable? 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!

Shawn's InKind referral - https://app.inkind.com/refer/4FJZRGUZ Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we break down everything new from BIlt Rewards. This week Bilt launched 3 new credit cards that help you earn points on paying your mortgage/rent, but things are confusing. On this show we go through all of the controversy surrounding Bilt 2.0, which cards and benefits are on offer, how to maximize these complicated cards and which version we are planning to get. Did Bilt mess up this launch and what can they do to fix the program. Plus does extra complication add more opportunity? 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:30 Bilt's crazy week - Launch controversy 3:12 Bilt's 3 new cards - 50K welcome offer? 8:03 Application rules & a better offer (now dead) 11:20 Bilt Cash explained - Earning points on mortgage? 14:35 Bilt Cash explained - The ultimate coupon book? 19:25 Bilt 3.0? An alternative way to earn points on mortgage/rent 22:55 Our new Bilt card recommendations/thoughts 27:13 Final Bilt 2.0 takeaways 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!

Shawn's InKind referral - https://app.inkind.com/refer/4FJZRGUZ Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we discuss President Trump's new proposal to limit credit card interest rates. Is it possible to pull of this order plus what will be some of the unintended consequences of lowering and capping interest rates. Plus is the credit card system good for consumers?   In other news we also discuss why Mark picked up the Spirit Airlines credit card, a big airline merger, the better Chase Freedom Unlimited offer, maximizing IHG's United perk, Hyatt's rough policy change and how traveling makes kids perhaps a little too independent. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:18 Allegiant's big merger 4:05 Overly independent traveling children 9:56 Big revamps coming for MTM 13:31 Why Mark got the Spirit Airlines credit card 21:02 Maximizing IHG's United TravelBank perk 24:16 Hyatt's HUGE change to expiring certs 29:25 Freedom Unlimited better offer - $300 + 5X gas & groceries 32:23 The death of credit cards? New interest cap proposed 37:03 Should we blow up the current credit card system? 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!

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!

Shawn's InKind referral - https://app.inkind.com/refer/4FJZRGUZ Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we shake off the post-Christmas blues with some fun discussion about travel and credit cards. Shawn just returned from his Christmas cruise on Princess. He discusses how it was unique plus his strategy for earning free casino cruises. We also discuss: how we're maximizing all of our end of year credits, Mark's lesser known triple dip, struggling with kids & technology, InKind's expanded bonus + snow tubing in Norway and the Six Flags Saudi Arabia opening. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:25 Christmas cruising on the high seas 4:09 Shawn's free cruise casino strategy 9:25 The parent's struggle with technology 12:27 How cruises expand a child's social world 15:14 Maximizing end of year credits - The big blitz & tricks along the way 23:55 Mark's lesser known end of year triple dip 30:55 InKind keeps getting better + increased referrals 35:43 Snow tubing in Norway + Six Flags Qiddiya opens 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!

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 On this episode of MTM Travel Mark returns to recap his Thanksgiving family adventure to London and Paris. From flights to hotels and what to do, he covers his unique perspective on these two iconic cities. Shawn also recaps this weekend's MTM Diamond meetup in San Antonio and the two contemplate whether big family trips are worth it. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:24 Disney drinking around the world inflation 6:14 The rush to visit Saudi Arabia? 9:10 The spouse trip - Another side benefit of miles & points 11:50 Mark's upcoming solo trip to the Azores 16:18 1:1 transfer partners - Going to become a thing of the past? 23:17 How to rarn an easy 15K+ 26:00 The dangers of Fintech? Mesa card abruptly shuts down 28:25 What are Fintech cards and how do they differ from traditional credit cards? 32:10 Why does Bilt get so much coverage and are they different? 35:15 The moves towards earning points on mortgages 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!

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 On this episode of MTM Travel Mark returns to recap his Thanksgiving family adventure to London and Paris. From flights to hotels and what to do, he covers his unique perspective on these two iconic cities. Shawn also recaps this weekend's MTM Diamond meetup in San Antonio and the two contemplate whether big family trips are worth it. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:32 Recapping the MTM Diamond meetup in San Antonio 4:25 Airline seat picking hack 7:57 Frontier's interest on board credit card offer 11:12 Flying AA Business to London on Thanksgiving 17:00 Exploring London, takeaways and the tube 22:55 Mark's favorite things in London 27:29 Visiting Ted Lasso & the chunnel 31:27 Hyatt Regency Paris review - Underrated? 36:44 Galavanting around Paris, Louvre and other things to see 44:42 Paris vs. London and final takeaways 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!

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 On this episode of MTM Travel Joe Cheung joins Shawn to catch up on some travel happenings. During the show Joe discusses and reviews his time on the world's largest cruise ship. It has a lot to do, but is Star of the Seas worth the premium price? We also discuss: post Thanksgiving, the traveler's dilemma, Paris vibes and the social media trap all traveling parents fall into. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:32 The blessing/curse of traveling with extended family 6:15 Traveling with travelers vs. non-travelers 15:04 How travel planning falls on "us" 19:48 Trip planning for Paris/London - What to do? 25:55 Chase finally ads lifetime language - Big restriction! 30:40 Being a good customer to the banks? 36:57 Hyatt's weird Guest of Honor technological quirk Links Joe Cheung - https://www.youtube.com/@disneydeciphered  https://www.instagram.com/asthejoeflies/?hl=en 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!

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 On this episode of MTM Travel Mark discusses his upcoming extended family trip to London and Paris. We discuss how all of the trip planning falls to the traveler, how it becomes so stressful and why technology is making it harder for the non-traveler. What is on the books for the Paris/London trip, what makes those cities great and why do we put up with family trips if they are so stressful?   In other news Chase dropped the hammer finally with the addition of restrictive lifetime language on several popular cards. As churning becomes more difficult with these new rules is it time to contemplate whether or not you are a good customer to the banks? We also discuss: Hyatt's Guest of Honor tech gremlin on last minute bookings and what you can do about it. Enjoy! 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:32 The blessing/curse of traveling with extended family 6:15 Traveling with travelers vs. non-travelers 15:04 How travel planning falls on "us" 19:48 Trip planning for Paris/London - What to do? 25:55 Chase finally ads lifetime language - Big restriction! 30:40 Being a good customer to the banks? 36:57 Hyatt's weird Guest of Honor technological quirk Links Chase lifetime language - https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-ink-preferred-business-card-now-includes-once-per-lifetime-language/ https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-adds-restrictive-language-to-ink-cash-ink-unlimited-cards/ Hyatt Guest of Honor - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-denies-guest-of-honor/ 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!

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 On this episode of MTM Travel we discuss a proposed credit card fee settlement that could spell huge changes to travel rewards cards, merchant fees and which cards are accepted at certain merchants. This settlement will cut fees and give consumers more choice, but will it actually fix anything and how will it affect airlines, hotels and other businesses that rely heavily on the industry?   We also discuss: eclipses, dealing with crazy time zones, big Capital One Venture X bonuses, new restrictive Chase application language, Shawn's best free cruise score ever & when you can visit the tallest/fastest roller coaster in the world. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:19 Flying back to 100% and booking for 2027? 9:32 Shawn's best value free cruise ever 17:17 Capital One Venture X - Big increased bonuses 21:11 Chase adds even more restrictive card rules 27:30 The end of card rewards? Big merchant fee settlement & fallout 34:00 How the credit card ecosystem has spread throughout our economy Links Chase rules - https://travel-on-points.com/negative-chase-ink-application-terms/ Visa/MC settlement - https://onemileatatime.com/news/visa-mastercard-settlement-change-credit-card-rewards-landscape/ 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!