Point Me To First Class

Think booking through your credit card travel portal is always a mistake? Not so fast. Last week, I shared five reasons why you’ll want to avoid making travel bookings through your credit card portal. But that’s not the whole story. There are also situations where using your card’s travel portal can be the smarter move. In this episode, I’m breaking down the five most compelling reasons to consider booking flights, hotels, or car rentals through your credit card’s portal — from points-earning opportunities to unlocking annual credits and even finding better award pricing than transfer partners. I’ll share the key tradeoffs, what this means for real-world bookings, and my own approach to when portal bookings actually make sense in my travel strategy. Turn your expenses into points and save tens of thousands of dollars a year on your wishlist travel. Don’t miss out! Click here http://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy to know more about my comprehensive online program, Points Made Easy. Enrollment opens on September 20, 2025 to September 27, 2025. Want to know what’s really possible with your points? Don’t just take it from me—hear from members who’ve used Points Made Easy to completely change the way they travel. From business class flights to dream vacations, their results speak for themselves. Watch their stories here - https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/points-made-easy-success-stories

If there’s one thing nearly every points traveler has done at least once, it’s book a flight, hotel, or car rental directly through their credit card’s online travel portal. With promises of 5x, 8x, even 12x bonus points, it can feel like the obvious choice. But as I share in today’s episode, those tempting multipliers often come at a serious cost—and the reasons why may surprise you. In this episode, I walk through the top five reasons you should avoid booking through credit card travel portals like Chase, Amex, Citi, and Capital One. From losing out on elite status perks and upgrades to paying more for the same flights or hotel rooms, I reveal the hidden downsides that don’t show up until it’s too late. You’ll also hear real-world stories from travelers who faced everything from missing reservations to costly rebookings—all because they used a portal instead of booking direct. Even more importantly, I’ll explain how using your points through a portal can devalue them by 2–10x compared to transferring to partners. I share specific examples, including how I used Chase points with Hyatt for a $65,000+ stay that would have cost 3.6 million points through the portal. Whether you’re new to points or have been booking this way for years, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and make smarter choices with your rewards. Turn your expenses into points and save tens of thousands of dollars a year on your wishlist travel. Don’t miss out! Click here http://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy to know more about my comprehensive online program, Points Made Easy. Enrollment opens on September 20, 2025 to September 27, 2025. Want to know what’s really possible with your points? Don’t just take it from me—hear from members who’ve used Points Made Easy to completely change the way they travel. From business class flights to dream vacations, their results speak for themselves. Watch their stories here - https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/points-made-easy-success-stories

In this week’s episode, we’re re-airing a fan favorite that so many listeners have loved and revisited. If you missed it the first time, or just need a refresher, this is one you don’t want to skip. I love discussing discrete award travel topics like individual rewards credit cards and how best to leverage them, or the specific airlines and hotels that offer the best value for points. But today, I’m covering something that never gets talked about in the points travel world and yet is one of the secrets to becoming more proficient when it comes to points travel: The Dunning-Kruger Effect and how it relates to award travel competency and success. The Dunning-Kruger Effect is a type of cognitive bias that causes people to overestimate their knowledge or abilities, particularly in areas where they have little to no experience. While this may be an unfamiliar concept, you can probably already see why having some background on the Dunning-Kruger Effect makes all the difference when you’re learning something new, like points travel. Tune in to discover how the Dunning-Kruger Effect is impacting how you approach the hobby of points travel. I’m showing you the different stages of the journey when learning the ins and outs of points travel, and how to keep moving through the stages until you reach a point of confidence and competence. On September 20th, 2025, I’m opening up enrollment for Points Made Easy. Enrollment will only be open for one week and this is your last opportunity to join the course this year, so get on the waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/psycholoy-points-travel/ 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

If a $595 annual fee premium credit card hits the market, should it automatically earn a place in your wallet? In this episode, I take a detailed look at Citi’s newest addition to the transferable points landscape: the Citi Strata Elite Card. From its standard 80,000-point welcome bonus to the elevated 100,000-point offer available through certain channels, we’ll walk through exactly what you get when you open this card. You’ll hear how its bonus categories actually work, why the time-restricted “Citi Nights” dining perk is so unusual, and what makes its non-category 1.5x earning stand out—or not—compared to other cards. We’ll also dig into the real value of the credits, including the split Blacklane credit, the merchant-specific Splurge credit, and the 2-night minimum hotel portal credit—plus where this card shines with American Airlines lounge passes and where it falls flat next to Citi’s own mid-tier options and the retired Prestige card. Before you sign up for the welcome bonus, I’ll share the points expiration rules that can cost you big if you cancel after a year, and what I think this launch reveals about the next wave of premium rewards cards. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/citi-strata-elite-card-review/ 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

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

If you’ve ever hesitated before transferring points—or wondered if a redemption was “good enough”—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. In this conversation with Greg Davis-Kean (a.k.a. Frequent Miler), we unpack how to think more strategically about the value of your points. Whether you’re sitting on a big stash or navigating your first transfer, you’ll hear expert insight into when to redeem, when to wait, and how to use point valuations as a guide—not a rule. We also dive into the psychology behind redemption pressure, real examples of high-value bookings, and why your goals should always shape your strategy. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/point-worth-frequent-miler/ 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  

Ever feel like Citi cards get overlooked in points conversations? If you’ve written off Citi’s ecosystem—or just haven’t known how to make it work for your travel goals—this episode is full of smart, real-life strategy. Dr. Suzy Spadafora returns to discuss the strengths (and limitations) of the Citi points ecosystem. From the points earning cards Citi offers to putting their transfer partner menu to the test, we cover everything you need to know to decide if Citi cards deserve a spot in your wallet and discuss how to maximize these valuable points. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/citi-points-asia-travel-strategy/ 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

Ever wonder what’s actually possible with points? In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I’ve already booked and taken 5 international trips in 2025—spending 2.9 million points on award flights and hotels, and saving over $150,000 in travel costs. From a spring break family trip to Paris to a spontaneous 2-day Tokyo adventure, I’m walking you through exactly how I planned, booked, and flew these points-funded getaways. You’ll hear the real numbers—how many points each trip required, what the taxes and fees cost me, and the redemption value I got for each flight and hotel. I’ll break down my favorite award bookings of the year so far (including Emirates First Class, ANA “The Suite,” Lufthansa’s brand new Allegris First Class, and more), share what I loved—and what wasn’t worth it—and give you the key trends I’m seeing in award availability and program changes. Whether you’re a solo traveler who loves premium cabins, a parent planning school break trips, or someone building toward their next dream redemption, this episode will give you the insights and strategy you need to make your next booking your best one yet. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/award-travel-review-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  

Have you ever wondered how real estate investments could help you travel more—without spending more? In this episode, I’m joined by Jaina Pallasigui, a public health professional, real estate investor, and points enthusiast who turned her real estate expenses into business class flights and luxury hotel stays around the world. From managing short-term rentals to using insurance reimbursements and big-ticket renovations to her advantage, Jaina shares the exact strategies she uses to turn every investment dollar into reward points. We also talk through the mistakes many real estate investors make with credit cards, how to keep your strategy simple, and why some of your biggest expenses may be the key to unlocking unforgettable trips. This episode is full of creative insights—whether you're deep in the real estate world or just curious about new ways to maximize your spending. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/real-estate-points-hacking/ 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  

This episode is all about your questions—and real answers. I’m back with another listener Q&A, tackling the exact points and miles decisions you’re working through right now. Ever feel like you're making credit card decisions in a vacuum? From wondering if it's time to add Capital One or Mesa to your rewards card portfolio, to recovering from redemption regret, I’m walking through the strategy behind each question so you can move forward with more clarity and confidence. We’ll cover how to think about applying for “no lifetime language” Amex offers, why you might want to move credit lines between Chase cards, and what to do when your points plan feels a little off-track. This episode is packed with honest takes, strategic insight, and practical tips grounded in real-life scenarios.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/listener-qa-credit-card-points-strategy-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

Chase just launched a new business credit card and rolled out changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve—but are these updates actually worth getting excited about? In this episode, I’m joined once again by Kelly from The Points and Miles Doc for a candid review of what’s new in the Chase ecosystem. From rising annual fees to underwhelming credits and a business card that looks a lot like what already exists, we’re breaking down the updates—and what they really mean for your wallet. We also talk about how these cards stack up against competitors like Amex and Capital One, when the new benefits might be worth it, and why we’re not jumping to add either of these to our travel strategy just yet. If you're holding the Chase Sapphire Reserve or considering a new business card, this episode will help you make a more informed decision.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-business-review-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

Have you been wondering what’s really happening in the world of credit card points and award travel this year? In this episode, I’m joined by Kelly, The Points and Miles Doc to break down the biggest shifts in 2025 so far. From major devaluations to standout sweet spots, we’re giving you an honest look at what’s working now—and what’s not. We also dive into how international programs are outperforming U.S.-based ones, which transfer partnerships are showing real value, and why flexibility is more important than ever. Whether you’ve been feeling excited by the new opportunities or frustrated by unexpected roadblocks, this conversation will help you reset your strategy for the second half of the year and beyond. Want more help using your Alaska miles wisely? Join me for a live workshop on June 21st at 10am CDT where I’ll walk you through the best Alaska Airlines sweet spots and the tools I use to find them fast—so you can stop second-guessing and start booking. Click here to save your spot - https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/offers/g9uBpeJK   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/mid-year-award-travel-review-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  

Have Alaska miles—or thinking of transferring your Amex points before the June 30 deadline? In this episode, I’m breaking down some of the most valuable ways to redeem Alaska Airlines miles right now. From low-cost domestic redemptions to hard-to-find international business class flights, this guide walks you through the sweet spots that make Alaska’s program one of the most valuable in points travel. You’ll also learn what not to do with your Alaska miles (even if it looks like a good deal), plus a few rare redemptions that are great in theory—but nearly impossible to actually book. Whether you already have Alaska miles or you're considering a speculative transfer, this episode will help you use those points with confidence and strategy. Want more help using your Alaska miles wisely? Join me for a live workshop on June 21st at 10am CDT where I’ll walk you through the best Alaska Airlines sweet spots and the tools I use to find them fast—so you can stop second-guessing and start booking. Click here to reserve your spot - https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/offers/g9uBpeJK 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  

Have you ever dreamed of flying to Japan in business class—without paying out of pocket? Bilt just made that a lot easier. In this episode, I’m joined by award travel strategist Ben Komenkul to talk about the newest (and most exciting) Bilt Rewards transfer partner: Japan Airlines. This partnership opens the door to premium flights across Asia and around the world—and it’s not just for those planning a trip to Tokyo. Ben and I walk through everything from low-cost regional flights and lie-flat business class options to more advanced redemptions like partner bookings with Emirates or Korean Air. We also share the biggest tips and pitfalls to know before transferring your Bilt points, including how to avoid JAL’s 60-day award booking delay and why their mileage expiration policy might not work for everyone. If you’ve been curious about using Bilt points—or want to understand when this program can unlock premium cabin value—this is a must-listen.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/book-japan-airlines-with-bilt-rewards/ 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  

A major points transfer pathway is shutting down—and it's got a lot of people wondering: should I move my Amex points to Alaska Airlines before the door closes? In this episode, I break down the fast-approaching June 30 deadline to transfer Amex points to Hawaiian Airlines (and from there to Alaska), and walk you through my personal decision—including the 4-step framework I use for evaluating speculative points transfers. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s smart to move points to a transfer partner without a specific booking in mind, this episode will help you weigh the risk and make a decision you can feel confident in—whether it’s for this opportunity or any future bonus or expiring partnership.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/speculative-points-transfer-guide/ 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  

If you’ve ever struggled to find award space—especially in business class—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. In this episode, I’m diving into a unique but often overlooked type of airline route called a fifth freedom flight. These flights are legal exceptions in commercial aviation that allow an airline to fly between two foreign countries, neither of which is their home base—and for points enthusiasts, they offer some of the best award availability, better cabin experiences, and unique route opportunities around the world. I’ll walk you through the history behind these flights, how to spot them, and the exact routes worth checking out to Europe, Asia, Africa, and even the Caribbean. Whether you’re hunting for better premium cabin space or just want a smoother flight, fifth freedom flights should absolutely be on your radar. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/fifth-freedom-flights-points-strategy/ 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   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  

No matter how dreamy your destination is, there’s one thing that can make or break your trip: sleep. In this episode, I’m joined by sleep therapists Leah Corkum and Marlee Boyle, co-founders of Sleep-Works, a Canadian-based virtual sleep education company helping individuals and families improve their sleep health. With certifications in CBT for insomnia, clinical sleep health, and years of experience in both nursing and respiratory therapy, Leah and Marlee bring a holistic and practical approach to sleep support that goes far beyond just tips and tools. We talk about how travel disrupts sleep, what actually causes jet lag, and why light exposure, sleep environment, and the way you use (or misuse) melatonin can all have a big impact on how you feel before, during, and after a trip. Whether you're a frequent flyer, a parent navigating time zone shifts with kids, or just trying to avoid that foggy, post-vacation exhaustion, this conversation is packed with practical strategies from professionals who know the science—and the real life struggle—of sleep and travel.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/sleep-while-traveling-jet-lag-tips/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   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

There’s finally a card that rewards you for the one expense that’s been completely ignored in the points world: your mortgage. In this episode, I’m talking with Kelley Halpin, CEO of Mesa, about the first credit card that lets you earn points for mortgage payments—plus other major homeowner expenses like daycare, utilities, and home improvement. Kelley shares what makes the Mesa card unique, how its rewards system works, and why it’s designed to serve a segment of consumers that’s long been overlooked by traditional credit card programs. If you’ve ever wished one of your biggest monthly bills could earn serious points—this card just might become your new favorite. Make sure to check out the Mesa Homeowners Card - no annual fee, earns points on your mortgage and comes with $800+ in home benefits! Use my referral link to get 5,000 bonus points when you get approved. https://mesa.onelink.me/odOT/gge86l53?referral_code=htx8f5 Use my code to apply: htx8f5 Terms apply.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/mesa-credit-card-earn-points-mortgage/   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   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

Whether your Costco haul includes a 5-pound bag of almonds or a giant sectional sofa, one thing is certain: you’re probably not spending just a few bucks. If you’ve ever wondered how to earn more credit card points on your Costco runs, this episode walks you through four smart, strategic ways to maximize rewards—whether you’re shopping in-store, online, or through a workaround like Instacart. You’ll learn which cards work, which ones don’t, and how to pick the best method based on your spending habits and points goals. This episode is your go-to guide for getting the most out of every Costco trip—without having to overhaul your strategy or juggle a dozen cards.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/maximize-points-costco/   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   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

A limited time elevated credit card bonus offer sounds amazing—so should you go for it? In this episode, I break down how to evaluate elevated credit card welcome bonuses so you can make a smart, strategic decision. Using the current Chase Sapphire Preferred offer as a real-world example, I walk through the three questions you need to ask before jumping on any limited-time offer: ✔ Are you even eligible? ✔ How will this card fit into your overall points and travel goals? ✔ What’s the opportunity cost of applying right now? Whether you’re new to points or deep in the game, this episode will help you avoid shiny bonus syndrome and make elevated offers work for you—not the other way around.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/evaluate-elevated-credit-card-bonuses/   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   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