Smart With Points Podcast - Boost Your Miles & Points

American Express launches their biggest-ever UK business card bonus with 120,000 points for new Business Platinum cardholders. Hilton pushes through another painful devaluation, with top-tier properties now costing up to 250,000 points per night - their third such change in just 12 months. Time is running out for Oktoberfest planning with just two weeks left to secure Munich accommodation using points. Plus updates on Heathrow's reopened Plaza Premium arrivals lounge and Flying Blue's 200,000 mile photo competition prize.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

Jack breaks down American Express's largest-ever UK business card bonus - 120,000 Membership Rewards points with no complicated restrictions. He explores the incredible travel value these points can unlock through airline transfers compared to cash redemptions. The episode also covers World of Hyatt's generous double points promotion for autumn stays across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, plus JetBlue's enhanced free Wi-Fi partnership with Amazon. A bonus tip for pet owners rounds out this points-packed episode.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

American Express has launched a compelling 30% transfer bonus from Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy points, improving the ratio to an impressive 1:1.95. Host Jack breaks down the mathematics, timing considerations (bonus points take up to 8 weeks), and strategic use cases for this promotion. He compares hotel transfers versus airline redemptions, shares personal transfer strategies, and provides practical tips for maximising value. Perfect for points collectors considering whether to convert their flexible Amex points into Marriott's ecosystem.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

Discover a little-known trick to use your British Airways Amex companion voucher on Iberia flights for massive savings on business class to New York. We'll also cover Virgin Atlantic's biggest-ever 70% bonus when buying points and explore exciting new partnerships including The Wolseley Group joining GHA DISCOVERY. Plus, find out how you can now earn and spend hotel loyalty points at London's most celebrated restaurants. Don't miss these game-changing opportunities to maximize your points and unlock premium travel experiences for less.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

Jack breaks down an exceptional American Express Business Gold Card offer featuring 60,000 Membership Rewards points with no annual fee in year one, plus simplified qualification rules that guarantee the bonus if approved. The episode also covers Austrian Airlines' surprising experiment using short-haul aircraft on Dubai routes, which could mean lower fares but reduced comfort. Additionally, we discuss British Airways' controversial policy of not refunding seat reservation fees when flights are cancelled, and how to navigate this when booking. Don't miss these important updates that could impact your travel planning and points strategy.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

This episode covers exciting developments for frequent flyers, including Air France's newly refurbished Embraer E190 aircraft with complimentary Wi-Fi for all Flying Blue members on European routes. We also discuss Singapore Airlines' announcement to bring back First Class service on the Amsterdam to Singapore route starting July 2026, replacing their A350-900 with a Boeing 777-300ER. Host Jack provides strategic insights on how to leverage these updates for better travel experiences and award redemption opportunities. Perfect for travelers looking to maximize their points and miles while staying connected or planning luxury long-haul flights.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

American Express UK has just launched incredible welcome bonus increases across four premium cards - and with our exclusive referral links, you can earn even more points than the public offers! Jack breaks down the enhanced bonuses: 45K points on Personal Gold, 100K on Personal Platinum, 65K on Business Gold, and a record-breaking 130K on Business Platinum. Learn about eligibility requirements, strategic card combinations, and why these limited-time offers (ending October 14th, 2025) could be some of the best Amex UK deals we've seen. Whether you're new to points or looking to maximize your earning potential, this episode covers everything you need to know about these boosted bonuses.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

British Airways has announced their summer 2026 schedule with major route expansions perfect for points enthusiasts. Bangkok transitions to year-round service from Gatwick, while Miami goes double-daily and Middle East destinations see massive frequency increases. Jack breaks down the award pricing, availability implications, and strategic booking opportunities for these new routes. Plus, insider tips on when to book and which destinations offer the best value for your Avios, from 13,750 Avios to Morocco to 100,000 for Bangkok business class.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

Singapore Airlines just dropped their biggest Spontaneous Escapes promotion ever - offering a massive 40% discount on KrisFlyer award flights! This flash sale runs for just 60 hours starting August 15th at 5am UK time, exclusively for September 2025 travel. Jack breaks down exactly what you need to know to maximize this rare opportunity, including pro tips on preparation, timing, and flexibility. Whether you're sitting on KrisFlyer miles or have transferable points ready to move, this could be the redemption opportunity of the year. Don't miss out on what might be Singapore Airlines' most generous award discount in recent memory!Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

Qatar Airways has announced major schedule expansions for winter 2025-26 with frequency increases on over 15 routes, particularly focusing on European connections including UK services. This expansion means significantly more award seat availability for Avios collectors and Qatar Privilege Club members across their global network. Host Jack breaks down why this is exciting news for points enthusiasts and provides strategic tips for booking winter redemptions up to 361 days in advance. Learn how these additional frequencies create more flexibility for premium cabin awards and connecting flights to Asia, Africa, and beyond during the competitive winter season.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

Revolut has just launched a new partnership with Etihad Guest, offering UK points collectors an exciting new way to earn airline miles through everyday spending. With a competitive 1:1 transfer ratio, no minimum transfer requirements, and instant conversions, this partnership could significantly enhance your points and miles strategy. Jack breaks down why this matters for UK travellers, explores Etihad Guest's redemption opportunities across their extensive partner network, and explains how this new pathway fits into your broader travel goals. If you're already using Revolut or looking for fresh ways to maximize your points earning potential, this episode reveals why this partnership could be a valuable addition to your travel toolkit.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

British Airways has launched their most coveted Avios-Only flight yet - a Christmas Cape Town service where every seat across all cabins can be booked with points. Jack breaks down the pricing (70k-200k Avios), value analysis (up to 6p per Avios), and strategic implications of this December 2025 departure. Learn why this represents the evolution of BA's award availability strategy and how to maximize your chances of securing these highly sought-after redemptions. Plus, tips on building your Avios balance and whether this flight offers genuine value for points collectors.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

Marriott Bonvoy has launched a new partnership with Nectar offering two-way point transfers, but the 2:1 transfer ratio in both directions essentially halves your points value regardless of transfer direction. Jack breaks down why this partnership feels designed more for Marriott's benefit than savvy points collectors, with transfer rates that rarely make financial sense. While launch promotions might occasionally improve the deal, this partnership should remain a last resort option for most travelers. The episode explores the key details, potential silver linings, and why direct Marriott redemptions or credit card transfers typically offer much better value.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

British Airways has launched one of their most generous Avios promotions ever, offering up to 45% off European and US flights, including premium cabins. The sale runs until July 23rd, 2025, with travel dates extending through December 2025 and into early 2026. This comprehensive promotion covers both peak and off-peak redemptions across BA's network, making it an excellent opportunity for winter holidays and early 2026 travel planning. Host Jack breaks down the key dates, availability, and strategies to maximize this limited-time offer.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap

American Express is opening their second full Centurion Lounge in Europe at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, nearly four years after their London Heathrow launch. This strategic location at Europe's fourth busiest airport provides UK-based Platinum and Centurion cardholders with premium lounge access on popular routes to Southeast Asia, North America, and across Europe. The new Amsterdam location complements their existing European network and significantly strengthens American Express's premium travel benefits for UK cardmembers. We break down why this expansion matters for frequent travellers and how it enhances the overall European travel experience.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap