Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

Welcome to today’s Wondering Wednesday mini episode! If you're looking to level up your points and miles game, this quick, bite-sized episode is packed with all the key info you need on transfer bonuses.We dive into what transfer bonuses are, how they work, and why they’re such a powerful tool in your travel rewards strategy. Plus, we break down a simple math formula to help you calculate exactly how many points you need to transfer to reach your next trip goal.With the right knowledge, you can make sure your points go further, faster. We’ll also highlight the current transfer bonuses you should be aware of so you don’t miss out on any valuable opportunities.Every Wednesday, we bring you this quick, actionable episode to answer all your burning questions and help you level up your travel rewards game. So, let’s jump in and start maximizing your points! And make sure to head to the Facebook Group to ask your questions so we can feature them on a future episode!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoExample Formula for Transferring Points:Total points needed divided by regular ratio + percentage (in a decimal number) = points you need to transferHere is what you would do if you wanted to book a 60,000 point flight and there was a 40% transfer bonus:60,000/ 1.4 (1+40%) = 42,800 pointsReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In today’s episode of Wonderland on Points, we’re joined by the amazing Annie from @LetsTravelTalk, who shares her incredible experience taking her family of five on a dream vacation to French Polynesia. Annie takes us through her trip to the stunning islands of Tahiti & Mo'orea, revealing how she saved $20,000+ on their flights and hotels during this trip!Annie walks us through the best airlines for booking flights to Tahiti using travel points, along with family-friendly hotel recommendations in Tahiti and Mo'orea. They actually went to Bora Bora as well but we didn't have enough time for all three islands so we picked the two that are more affordable! She also shares activities that are perfect for families. Whether you’re planning your own bucket-list trip to Tahiti or looking to use travel rewards to save money on a family vacation, Annie’s insights will help you make the most of your points and travel budget. Annie wraps the episode with her tips for how to save even MORE than they did.You’ll walk away with valuable tips on how to plan your own affordable family getaway to French Polynesia and save even more out-of-pocket than you thought possible.InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | AnnieMentioned In This EpisodeAnnie's WebsiteKam- Our Family PassportTravel Reward UniversityRakutenReferral LinksCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In this Wondering Wednesday mini episode of Wonderland on Points, we’re breaking down a huge shift in the world of points and miles: American Airlines has announced it is ending its partnership with Barclays and will now be exclusively working with Citi for its co-branded credit cards.We’ll explain what this means for American Airlines AAdvantage members, why this change is significant, and what you need to know about the future of the Barclays Aviator Red credit card. This episode is packed with essential info for anyone who wants to stay on top of the latest changes in the points and miles world—whether you’re an experienced traveler or just getting started. Tune in for a quick breakdown of what’s happening and how to make the most of it before it’s too late.Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

This week, we’re joined by Katherine Fan, a personal finance and points and miles expert, to discuss her incredible trip to Antarctica. Katherine shares how she used points and miles to book a once-in-a-lifetime cruise to the southernmost continent. While you can’t currently book the cruise with points, she offers great tips for finding deals on these rare and expensive trips.We also dive into how to prepare for compensation if you’re ever asked to give up your airline seat.Katherine’s insights are packed with valuable advice for travelers and anyone looking to make the most of their rewards points.InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | KatherineMentioned In This EpisodeTravel ZooAntarctica 21Survival Tails: Endurance in AntarcticaBusiness Insider Article@JustPlanePoints@PointChaserReferral LinksCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

This week on the Wonderland on Points Podcast mid-week mini episode, we’re tackling a question we’ve gotten multiple times: How do you earn the sign-up bonus on the same credit cards more than once? If you’ve ever wondered about card churning or how to strategically maximize sign-up bonuses, this episode is for you. We break down effective strategies for various cards and banks, sharing the dos and don’ts of churning.By the end of this episode, we hope you’ll feel confident and ready to keep earning those valuable sign-up bonuses year after year—so you can make the most of your credit card rewards and travel goals!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

Today on the Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re thrilled to be joined by Tommy Lonergan for a deep dive into United Airlines. In this episode, we break down the MileagePlus program and explore who it still holds value for in today’s travel landscape. From how the program has evolved over the years to how you can maximize your benefits, Tommy offers insights that will help you get the most out of United.We also tackle a topic we don’t often see discussed in the points and miles community—when is it actually a good time to buy points? Whether you’re looking to top off your account for an award booking or wondering if purchasing points is ever a worthwhile strategy, we’ve got you covered.This episode is packed with valuable information, so whether you’re a seasoned United flyer or new to the world of airline loyalty programs, you’ll find plenty of tips to boost your travel game. Join us as we unpack the ins and outs of United’s program and give you the tools to make smarter decisions with your miles and points.Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | TommyMentioned In This EpisodeUnited Club InformationReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

This week on our mini-episode, we’re answering an exciting question: How do you get free hotel upgrades? You’re in luck! We’re sharing a simple template that can help you score upgrades and hotel perks—even without elite status. Both of us have used this method successfully, and we’re excited to pass along our tips so you can enjoy the same benefits on your travels!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

Today on the Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re thrilled to chat with our FAVORITE Delta influencer, Janelle! She shares all the incredible perks and insights she’s discovered about flying with Delta. We also dive into the session she presented at TravelMore Con, where she breaks down your rights as a traveler when things go wrong. From US travel to navigating issues in Europe, Janelle offers essential advice on what you should be aware of in case of disruptions. We had an absolute blast recording this episode, and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed making it!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | JanelleMentioned In This EpisodeRakuten- Feel free to DM either of us if you need a referral linkTravel.state.govAMEX Gold Deep DiveAMEX Platinum Deep DiveJapan on Points with RaimeeRaimeeReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In today’s Wondering Wednesday mini episode of the Wonderland on Points podcast, we’re answering a common question: When is the right time to actually use the travel portal?The conventional wisdom in the points and miles world is that you typically get the best value when you transfer your points and book travel outside of the portal—and that’s absolutely true. But there are definitely times when using the travel portal is your best bet. In this episode, we break down those situations and share real-life examples of when we’ve booked travel through the portal and why it worked out in our favor.If you’ve ever been unsure about when to use the travel portal, this episode will clear it up for you and help you make smarter decisions with your points!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In this episode of the Wonderland on Points podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Allison, a travel expert we met at the TravelMore Conference. Last year alone, her business has redeemed over 100 MILLION points for their clients. Allison has set an ambitious, yet inspiring goal for herself: over the course of 12 months, she aims to experience 12 different lie-flat business class products (all booked with points!), visit 12 new countries, and stay in 12 new hotels. And she's doing it all without breaking the bank—just by leveraging her knowledge of points and miles!Allison shares her journey so far, detailing the highs and lows of this year-long challenge. From earning points to hunting for award flights, she also drops valuable tips on how to make the most of your points and choose the best flights based on the aircraft you'll be flying. Whether you're a points newbie or a seasoned traveler, Allison's insights are bound to inspire and help you level up your own travel game.We were blown away by Allison's knowledge and passion for travel, and we can’t wait for you to hear this conversation!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | AllisonMentioned In This EpisodePaid With PointsTravel Like TommyAerolopaReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

On our Wondering Wednesday episode this week, we break down how to calculate your cents per point (CPP) to better understand the value of your points redemptions. We walk you through two straightforward methods for calculating CPP, empowering you to assess the true worth of your points, as well as three examples of why transferring points gets you maximum value!Whether you're booking travel or redeeming rewards, knowing your CPP helps you make informed decisions and maximize your benefits. Tune in to gain clarity on your points' value and enhance your rewards strategy!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In this week’s episode of Wonderland on Points, we dive into the art of maximizing your points and miles when you’re not focusing on sign-up bonuses. We highlight the best pairings from the three major banks, showcasing how combining one annual fee card with a no annual fee card can elevate your earning potential.Join us as we walk you through three exceptional card pairings that can help you level up your rewards strategy. Our discussion aims to inspire you to explore the wealth of opportunities beyond just sign-up bonuses, proving that there’s so much more to this rewarding hobby. Tune in to discover how to make the most of your everyday spending and enhance your travel experiences!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In today’s Wondering Wednesday mini-episode, we discuss the pros and cons of adding an authorized user to your credit card. We'll cover when it can be beneficial—like helping a family member build credit or sharing rewards—and when it might not be the best idea, such as the risks to your credit score from their spending and some other things you may not have considered. Tune in for practical advice to help you navigate this tricky part of points and miles!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In this episode of the Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome our first-ever mother/daughter duo in the world of points and miles: Joy and Mara from @SavvyTravelMamas!Join us as we explore their unique perspectives on maximizing travel rewards at different stages of life. Joy, a busy mom of young kids, shares how their family uses points for quick getaways during school breaks or special birthday trips, while Mara brings a wealth of experience from her impressive 25 years in the points game and tells us about some of her most epic trips.Listen in as they discuss how the travel rewards landscape has evolved over the decades, and get inspired by Mara's incredible adventures that span a lifetime of travel. You won’t want to miss their insights, tips, and the bond between the two of them that makes this episode truly special.We can’t wait for you to hear from Joy and Mara—get ready to be inspired!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoJoy and MaraReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In today’s Wondering Wednesday episode, we’re diving into the exciting world of points stacking! We’ll give you a quick and easy crash course on what stacking is and how to make the most of it with the various cards and portals at your disposal.Stacking is an invaluable strategy in the points and miles game, and you won’t want to miss this bite-sized explanation. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, these insights will help you maximize your rewards and elevate your travel experiences. Tune in and get ready to stack those points!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeThe Art of The Stack EpisodeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

Today on the Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re excited to chat with Jenna, the travel hacking lawyer behind @TravelersInLaw. She’s here to share a down-to-earth look at what you can accomplish in your first year of earning and using points and miles.Jenna tells us how this podcast inspired her to deep dive into the world of credit card rewards. She went from using just one card to racking up an incredible 800,000 points in less than a year! With trips to Bali and Italy on the horizon, Jenna’s the perfect example of how you can jump into this hobby and start seeing big rewards without years of experience.Whether you’re just getting started or looking to boost your travel game, Jenna’s insights are packed with practical tips that could transform your travel adventures. Tune in and get inspired!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | JennaReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In today’s episode of Wondering Wednesday, we tackle a crucial topic that can significantly impact your experience in the points and miles hobby: how long you should wait between applying for new credit cards. We explore various schools of thought on this issue and share our personal approaches to card applications.Whether you’re flying solo or strategizing with a partner, we provide valuable insights and ideas for navigating this process effectively. Understanding the right timing for opening new cards is essential to maintaining a healthy relationship with the banks and maximizing your rewards potential. Tune in for expert tips and strategies in a this mini episode that will help you make informed decisions on your journey through the world of points and miles!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In this exciting episode, we got to chat with Angie about her unforgettable luxury trip to Greece— funded by points and miles. Discover how she and her husband transformed a $30,000 dream getaway into reality with less than $1500 out of pocket for expenses that were not bookable on points. She tells us all about exploring the vibrant streets of Athens and hopping between the breathtaking islands of Santorini and Milos.Angie shares her tried-and-true strategies for planning and booking, along with insider tips for must-see destinations that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to help you plan your own Grecian adventure. Tune in and get ready to turn your travel dreams into reality!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | AngieMentioned In This EpisodeFearlessFlight Classes@MostlyFreeTravelReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In today's episode (our 50th!) we tackle the confusion surrounding common acronyms in the world of credit card points and miles. Have you ever found yourself googling terms like SUB, P1, P2, AF, HUCA, and CSP, only to feel overwhelmed? You're not alone!Join us as we break down these terms in this quick, bite-sized episode. Whether you're just starting your journey or need a refresher on points and miles lingo, this episode is perfect for you!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

We’re BACK and excited to discuss one of our all-time favorite travel cards! Our previous episode on the AMEX Gold was our most downloaded episode ever, and with recent changes to the card’s benefits and annual fee, it’s the perfect time to revisit it. Although we still highly recommend going back and listening through the older episode because many of the details still apply!In this episode, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the AMEX Gold Card changes and why it remains one of the best options for earning major points. We’ll also cover how to take advantage of shopping portals and highlight a NEW transfer opportunity you won’t want to miss.Whether you’re considering getting the AMEX Gold Card or already have it, this episode is packed with valuable information that you won’t want to skip!October Budget Challenge | Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksRakutenSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum