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 […]

Ever since my stay at the Kimpton Seafire a few years ago, I’ve been wanting to return to the gorgeous beaches of Grand Cayman. And that’s the beauty of points and miles; we can always go back to places we love! This time, we opted to stay at the new Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, also […]

It’s no surprise that we love Hyatt stays. We find that we get a very oversized value for the number of points we use, so we are always trying to find more ways to earn Hyatt points. So getting more Hyatt points with the card_name fits right into our travel plans with credit card points […]

Michelle sent us her reader success story, where points and miles allowed her to take her daughter on a memory-creating trip to New York City. Here is her story:   My daughter and I went to New York and spent two days and three nights for nearly free. For our flights, I transferred Chase Ultimate […]

One of the biggest misconceptions about points and miles is that every hotel stay has to be booked with points. We love a luxury hotel redemption as much as anyone, but sometimes the smartest travel decision isn’t a hotel at all. Sometimes it’s an Airbnb. The beauty of points and miles is that they give […]

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 […]

World of Hyatt isn’t the largest hotel loyalty program by any means, but what it lacks in reach, it makes up for it in value. Sure, competitors like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors boast thousands more properties worldwide. But Hyatt has built a loyal following thanks to its generous award pricing and valuable benefits. Add […]

Who doesn’t love a promotion that you don’t have to go out of your way for? If you’ve already got Marriott stays and United flights on the calendar, this one is about as effortless as it gets. Marriott Bonvoy® and United MileagePlus have launched a new limited-time RewardsPlus promotion. With it, you can earn 2,000 […]

Cassie sends in her reader success story to Toronto for an anniversary celebration. Here is her story:   We recently took a trip on points to Toronto for our ten-year anniversary, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of the Points Talk Squad. You ladies have taught me everything I know about using […]

When booking flights with points and miles, there’s a question that comes up all the time: Would you rather use fewer miles and pay higher taxes and fees, or spend more miles and keep your out-of-pocket costs low? There isn’t a single right answer. The best choice depends on your travel goals, how easy it […]

If you’re traveling through Denver International Airport this summer, pack more than just your carry-on—pack some extra patience too. Today, I heard more than one person yell in frustration at someone who worked there and I think we can all agree that that doesn’t help solve problems (or make work days or travel days enjoyable). […]

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 […]

Communities across Venezuela are beginning the long recovery following the recent earthquakes, and American Airlines is making it a little easier for AAdvantage members to support relief efforts. For a limited time, when you donate at least $25 to the American Red Cross’s Venezuela relief fund, you’ll earn ten bonus AAdvantage miles for every dollar […]

There are two types of people in this world. The first group books a beach vacation and spends the week horizontal next to a pool or ocean. The second group looks at visiting Alaska with diamonds in their eyes because there is nothing better than visiting glacier country wearing three jackets, a beanie, and gloves. […]

If you’ve been collecting points and miles for any length of time, you’ve probably experienced a problem that sounds ridiculous to anyone outside this hobby: having too many points and miles and still wanting another credit card. 🙋🏻‍♀️ At some point, you look at your balances and realize you’re sitting on hundreds of thousands—maybe even […]

Shauna sent in her reader success story about a family trip to Alaska using credit card points and miles. I love that she was an extreme couponer (like me, in a past life)! Here’s her story:   Hi PTS team, my name is Shauna! My family of four lives near Portland, Oregon. Our daughters are […]

It’s never fun when a loyalty program adds more rules, especially when those rules make it harder to use your points and miles. But that’s exactly what Qatar Airways just did with its new policy that limits who you can redeem Avios for. Here’s what you need to know.    What’s Changing? Up until now, […]

If you’ve been waiting for Hyatt’s newest all-inclusive resorts to open, there’s great news. Reservations are now open for both the Grand Hyatt Los Cabos Resort, Golf & Spa and the Park Hyatt Riviera Maya. That’s pretty exciting news if you’re a Hyatt loyalist—or even if you’re not. While Hyatt already has a large all-inclusive […]

One of the easiest ways to save money while traveling is by booking hotels that include free breakfast for everyone, no elite status required. With hotel prices (and food prices) continuing to climb, complimentary breakfast can easily save a family $50 to $100+ per day, especially in major cities or resorts. The good news is […]

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 […]

If you’ve searched for Marriott hotels lately, chances are you’ve come across the Moxy brand. The bright colors, trendy lobbies, and playful vibe definitely stand out from your typical hotel experiences. But what exactly is a Moxy hotel, and is it a good fit for your next trip? I’ve stayed at two Moxy properties over […]