Are Chase Ultimate Rewards® points still valuable if Hyatt is no longer your go-to redemption strategy? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad breaks down the best ways to use Chase Ultimate Rewards® beyond Hyatt, including airline transfers, hotel options, and booking through the Chase travel portal. The Squad shares how they’re thinking about Chase […]

How do you plan a nearly month-long international trip with extremely different climates? In this episode, Pam shares the story behind her Greece and Norway trip, including how a simple Greece getaway grew into a much bigger adventure with family. Pam walks through the highlights of the itinerary, from visiting three Greek islands to exploring […]

There are six Marriott Bonvoy® credit cards that allow you to earn points redeemable towards stays within the Marriott Bonvoy® program. Three of these cards are issued by Chase and three are issued by American Express. These cards usually have high offers two to three times a year so make sure you sign up when […]

What are Avios and why should you care about them? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad is joined by points expert Devon Gimbel of Point Me to First Class to break down everything you need to know about Avios. You’ll learn how these points work, how to earn them, and why they can be […]

How did Jess use points and miles to plan her family trip to Italy? In this episode, Jess shares how she planned a trip to Milan, Lake Como, and the Dolomites with her family. She walks through how she booked flights and accommodations using points, and the decisions she made to create an itinerary that […]

Are airline co-branded credit cards worth keeping alongside flexible points currencies? In this episode, Alex, Jess, and Pam break down the features, perks, and earning potential of popular airline cards, highlighting which ones deliver real value for different travel goals. The Squad compares rewards structures, sign-up offers, and annual fees across popular co-branded cards. They […]

What’s changed in Hyatt’s award chart and how is it affecting travelers? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad breaks down the recent Hyatt devaluation and what it means for points redemptions. You’ll hear their first impressions of the program after the May 2026 changes and the key updates travelers need to know. The Squad […]

How did Alex use points and miles to save on her family’s summer trip to Portugal? In this episode, Alex walks through her trip to Lisbon and the Algarve with her family of six, sharing how she booked flights and hotels using points, what worked well, and the experiences that stood out most. Alex explains […]

It is no surprise that we love Chase Ultimate Rewards®! We are always trying to earn more of them to book great Hyatt stays. A favorite credit card that allows us to earn Ultimate Rewards® is the Chase Freedom Flex℠. We love the Freedom Flex because of the quarterly bonus for spending in rotating categories. […]

What do you need to know about points and miles changes now that we are halfway through the year? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad walks through the most important updates, what these changes mean for your strategy, and how to make the most of your points in 2026. The Squad also dives into […]

Are you trying to decide which new Chase credit card offer is the best fit for you? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad breaks down three new elevated welcome offers currently available, including a rare opportunity to earn 100,000 of their favorite points. The Squad dives into the earning potential, statement credits, bonus categories, […]

Are you tired of high annual fees, confusing credits, and benefits you never actually use? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad breaks down credit card benefits that fly under the radar but can deliver real value. Alex, Jess, and Pam share the overlooked perks they actually use, as well as the benefits they think […]

Are you getting all the points you could when shopping online? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad breaks down how to use online shopping portals to earn more rewards, including tips for popular portals like Rakuten. They also explain how tools like Savewise can alert you to points and cashback opportunities, so you never […]

What happens if your flight gets canceled, your luggage disappears, or you need medical care in another country? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad is joined by Lisa Jarvis, who specializes in travel insurance, passenger rights, and travel safety. Together, they break down what travelers actually need to know about travel insurance and credit […]

What was it really like traveling through Budapest and Istanbul on points and miles? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad shares highlights from their latest trip, including how they booked their flights with points, the hotels they stayed at, and the experiences that surprised them most. The Squad breaks down the full travel experience, […]

What if you could earn rewards on your rent or even mortgage payments? In this episode, Alex, Jess, and Pam break down everything you need to know about Bilt Rewards, including the different card options, how to earn points, and how to redeem them. They also discuss how to decide if this program is worth […]

What if you could get elite hotel perks without elite status? In this episode, The Points Talk Squad breaks down two of the most popular luxury hotel booking programs, The Edit by Chase Travel℠ and American Express® Fine Hotels + Resorts®, to help you understand how these premium credit card benefits can unlock elevated travel […]

Hawaii is one of my very favorite travel destinations. It is expensive, but thanks to credit card points and miles, I have been able to return year after year for next to nothing. We’ve previously shared how to use Marriott points to stay in Hawaii as well as Hyatt points. Today, we will show you […]

Are you dreaming of a family trip to Hawaii? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Megan to share their experience planning a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, using points. From flights to accommodations, they break down how they made this dream vacation affordable and how you can do the same. The Squad walks […]

What’s it like to visit a big city with kids, and is it actually easier than it seems? In this episode, Alex and Jess share what it looked like to take their families to New York City and Chicago, and why these trips can be more manageable and fun than you might expect. They walk […]

How do you decide whether to cancel, downgrade, or keep a credit card when the annual fee hits? In this episode, The Points Talk Squad breaks down how they think through these decisions and what actually matters when evaluating whether a card is worth keeping. The Squad walks through the key factors they consider, including […]