The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card will lose unlimited airport lounge guest access starting January 15, 2026, replacing it with a capped guest policy and added fees. A long-standing lounge benefit tied to the Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card is officially coming to an end. Beginning January 15, 2026, cardholders and authorized users will no longer be able to […]

December is the best month to apply for a new credit card for several reasons. Let’s go over them! Increased Spending With all the spending for gifts, holiday meals, Christmas parties, travel to visit family, and so many other things, it is safe to say that most of us spend more money in December than […]

What should you consider when choosing between the new Disney Cruise Wish class ships? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Megan to continue their comparison of the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. After sharing first impressions in part one, they now dive into the experiences that shape your trip once […]

What should you expect when you step onto Disney’s newest Wish class ships for the very first time? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Megan to compare their recent sailings on the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. They share their first impressions of each ship and explore how the theming, […]

What Shopping Portals Are and Why They Matter You wouldn’t walk past a $20 bill on the sidewalk just because you were “in a hurry.” Yet online shoppers do something similar every day without even realizing it: they skip using a shopping portal.  Shopping portals are websites that reward you with extra points, miles or […]

Have you ever wondered whether it is easier to travel with toddlers or teens when you are using points and miles to explore the world as a family? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Traci as they share what they have learned from years of traveling with kids at every age. They […]

Chase recently added “lifetime language” to some of their Ink cards—specifically, the ones with no annual fee. If you’re not sure what “lifetime language” means, it’s a limitation on a card applicant being eligible to earn a welcome offer on a card if they’ve already had that card (or sometimes certain other cards) at any […]

 Is Marriott Bonvoy® the secret to luxury hotel stays, or just another confusing points program? In this episode, Alex and Pam break down how to earn, redeem, and maximize Marriott Bonvoy® points. They simplify the complex credit card options and eligibility rules, covering strategies for earning points, using free-night certificates, and enjoying luxury hotel […]

Have you used all your card credits and perks before the year ends? With the holidays approaching and schedules getting busier, it’s easy to forget about valuable benefits waiting to be redeemed. From shopping and dining credits to free night certificates and travel perks, there’s still time to make sure nothing goes unused. In this […]

Do you need help planning a girls’ trip that feels luxurious but doesn’t drain your wallet or your points balance? Whether you picture spa days in the desert, shopping weekends in big cities, or a European escape filled with good food and laughter, The Points Talk Squad shares their favorite types of getaways and how […]

Online shoppers, rejoice! You can now turn your Rakuten cash-back rewards into Bilt points.  The best part? You don’t need to hold a Bilt Card to take advantage of this partnership.   How to Earn Bilt Points with Rakuten 1. Link your Rakuten account through the Bilt app. 2. Select “Bilt Points” as your Rakuten […]

Have you ever wondered if it’s actually possible to visit Switzerland without spending a fortune? From business-class flights booked on points to scenic train rides through the Alps, Jess shares how she planned a stunning mother-daughter trip that balanced comfort, adventure, and strategy in one unforgettable experience. In this episode, she breaks down how she […]

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to experience Morocco—including the medinas, the desert, and the Blue City—all in one trip? From camel rides in the Sahara to wandering the alleyways of Fez, this trip was all about embracing adventure, culture, and connection in one unforgettable journey. In this episode, Alex and Pam share […]

Are premium credit cards really worth their steep annual fees? In this follow-up to last week’s episode, The Points Talk Squad digs into the true value behind four of the most popular premium cards: the American Express Platinum Card®, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Citi Strata Elite℠. They look beyond the price […]

Which premium credit card is really worth it for your travel style and spending habits? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad put four of the top-tier cards head-to-head. They break down the American Express Platinum Card®, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the brand-new Citi Strata Elite℠, exploring the earning potential, perks, […]

My family might be addicted to streaming services. Seriously, I think we have them all! So when credit card benefits include credits for streaming services, I know those are benefits I’ll be able to take advantage of! Here are six streaming services covered by my credit cards (that I would 100% pay for regardless).   […]

Short getaways don’t have to be stressful or require a full week off. In this episode, the Points Talk Squad explores the world of micro-trips: perfectly sized escapes that deliver maximum value and relaxation. Alex, Jess, and Pam share their experiences planning and enjoying these quick getaways, from domestic city breaks to international trips, and […]

For frequent diners, American Express® has quietly transformed Resy into more than just a restaurant reservation platform—it’s now a way to get a “free” meal.  However, like many credit card benefits, Resy credits can be confusing or underutilized unless you understand exactly how they work. Let’s break it down and talk about how to maximize […]

The world of points and miles can feel overwhelming when everyone has an opinion on the “right” way to do things. In this episode, the Points Talk Squad break down common award travel advice and show why it doesn’t always apply to every traveler. From what counts as smart redemptions to how to prioritize your […]

Does a getaway to a wellness resort seem like an unattainable luxury? Alex and Jess recently stayed at Miraval Arizona. In this episode, they’re sharing their experience from booking their flights and room to their favorite activities, and everything in between. While Miraval is known for its premium wellness experience, they’re here to show you […]

Which credit card would you choose if you could only pick one from each major bank? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad shares their top picks and explains why each card works best for their individual travel habits, home airports, and spending priorities. While there isn’t a single right answer for everyone, their discussion […]