Frequent Miler on the Air

In this episode, we'll talk about how Citi is showering us with transfer bonuses, then we'll talk about the incredible uses for Japan Airlines miles. Now that Capital One is making transfers available to Japan Airlines (in addition to Bilt, which has already been offering this), it's worth talking about what you can do with those miles! Giant Mailbag (01:42) - "I'm a YUGE fan of ya'll. I'm an Army...

We find the coupon book trend fairly tedious and frustrating, but we've had to admit that American Express has sort of won this game by offering "coupons" and perks that are actually compelling. But since many of us don't really like the coupon book approach at all, does that make Capital One the winner since they haven't done much with the coupon book strategy at all?  Capital One wins the c...

In today's episode, we'll talk about the secret to a happy points & miles marriage, chasing "The Infatuation" credits, Hilton's 250K devaluation, and everything you need to know about the refreshed $895 Platinum cards: (Including The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express). We thought this annual fee might be all bad news, but these cards are...

When you're at the gas station filling up, which credit card should you be using for that purchase? We used to value Wyndham points around 1 cent each, which made the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card, which earned 8 points per dollar at gas stations, a clear winner. But recent data has bumped that value down to about .7 cents, making it less of an obvious choice. So, which card should you cons...

In today's podcast episode, we're sharing our favorite travel gear (like Nick's Japanese nail clippers), and we'll explain why a UK power adapter is especially useful, and why we carry backpacks in our backpacks. Giant Mailbag (01:18) - One reader writes in about their first big redemption (03:14) - Preferred Hotels & Resorts safari lodges, bookable with iPrefer points, hiccups and all Read mo...

What are you spending on annual fees? What's the holy grail of first-class suites? We answered these and many other questions on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on September 3rd, 2025. (00:37) - As banks tighten up on credit card approvals, I’m sure many have received a denial for “lack of recent installment loan information.” Has anybody taken out a loan to improve their odds? To me, i...

In today's podcast episode, Kathy tells us why the Frequent Miler team challenges are her favorite time of the year, and we discuss how transfer bonuses have already changed the 100K Vacay game. Giant Mailbag (01:50) - Two listeners share their experiences with the recent cancellation of the Honolulu to Boston route through Hawaiian Airlines. (09:11) - One listener tells us the annual challenge is...

Back in June, Chase released an updated version of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. Those who already had the card before that date found themselves in a sort of limbo with the old features of the card, and with new features set to trigger on October 26th. If that's you, here are some things you may want to do to prepare for that upcoming transition. (00:21) - An updated Chase Sapphire Reserve® C...

In this podcast episode, we'll talk about Frontier's Million Mile Match, we'll get tripped up by The Seattle Seahawks 12s, and we'll debate which loyalty program is better: American Airlines' AAdvantage program or Alaska's Atmos program. Giant Mailbag (01:26) - Lisa gives us an update about the question of whether or not she had a no-show fee when she cancelled her 2 LifeMiles flights. Mattress Ru...

Alaska's out with a new premium card: The Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Card. In today's podcast episode, we'll talk about what we like and dislike about it. Alaska’s intriguing premium rewards card (00:31) - Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite card quick details You can read more about this card here: https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-summit-visa-premium-card-heres-the-details/ (02:19) - Po...

In today's podcast episode, we unlock the LifeMiles mystery, look at Etihad's magical mystery refund policy, and examine 7 surprising oddities of Alaska's new rewards program, "Atmos".  Giant Mailbag (02:02) - LifeMiles cancellations Card News (11:23) - Chase will be ending the ability to transfer Ultimate Rewards Points to Emirates Skywards as of 10/16/25. (15:20) - 400 properties added to A...

Another day, another premium credit card is making changes - this time, we've heard rumors that the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cards are both getting increased annual fees and other changes. $900 Platinum card. Worth it? (00:24) - Expensive changes are coming for Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cards (01:47) - Some changes on the coupon side of things have leaked... (03:55)...

In today's podcast episode, we'll talk about whether or not Hertz will put Nick in jail, how Greg's British Airways flight was saved by Delta, and Marriott's "Brilliant" potential new business card line-up. Giant Mailbag (03:02) - Catch Greg on these podcasts: Chris Hutchins / All the Hacks: Top Airline & Hotel Transfer Partners to Maximize Your Points (03:42) - Point me to first class (Devon)...

Is the Grand Hyatt Kauai worth 45K? We answered this and many other questions on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on August 6th, 2025. (00:42) - How do you typically like to get around a city that you’re visiting, especially internationally? Are you more likely to take a taxi or Uber to get to places, take public transit, or do you prefer to just walk everywhere? (05:43) - To circumvent...

In today's podcast episode, we'll talk about Bonvoying Barclays, we'll discuss which Premium cards are keepers, then share everything we know about car rentals.  Giant Mailbag (01:08) - One listener tells us how he Bonvoyed Barclays Main Event: The Rental Car Game (04:09) - Why don't we talk much about car rentals? (06:23) - Always join the car rental program and attach your number (11:37) -...

Citi now offers a way to transfer points 1 to 1 to American Airlines, which has many predicting an AA devaluation is on the horizon. In this podcast episode, we'll discuss this concern. (00:44) - Why are we so excited about transfers to American Airlines? (04:06) - A devaluation assumes a flood of AA miles, but... Citi points are not that easy to get in bulk, but even if there are many more AA mil...

In this podcast episode, we'll talk about how US Bank is bonvoying grandfathers and US Bank's plans to add transfer partners. We'll also talk about who the Citi Strata Elite card is good for. Giant Mailbag (01:40) - This listener has tips about their strategy when a flight becomes available for a lesser mileage price... Card News (05:50) - Citi now offers transfers to American Airlines from Strata...

Citi's new $595 card may or may not be right for you, but a 100K bonus is hard to resist, especially now that Citi transfers to AA. The 100K bonus isn't the only offer out there right now, though, so we'll talk about how to make sure you can apply for the Strata Elite 100,000 point offer specifically.  How to apply for the Strata Elite 100,000 point offer (00:18) - Citi's new $595 card may or...

In today's podcast episode, we'll talk about how JetBlue bonvoyed Nick, how Accor bonvoyed Greg, and finally, two new transferable points programs and a new credit card that allows us to earn transferable points. Giant Mailbag (00:58) - "I've noticed that you love to be underwhelmed by the Amex Green card. In your recent episode about travel cards, it seemed like you couldn't contain your boredom...

Today, we'll talk about how to make sure you don't lose your points when you cancel a credit card. Since this varies by bank or points-type, we'll discuss tips for each situation. Do you lose your points when you cancel your credit card? (00:37) - Airline and Hotel cards... no, you won't lose your points. (02:32) - Bank cards... yes, you could lose your points. (03:48) - Chase solutions (06:10) -...

In this podcast episode, we'll talk about how Bilt is going cardless (but with more cards). We'll see how Etihad is making unfavorable decisions, vying for our Bonvoyed of the year "award", and we'll talk about which credit card is the best for all kinds of travel expenses (since the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card might night make sense for non-flight, non-hotel travel expenses anymore.)  (Corr...

We’ve been gradually telling the “origin stories” of each team member in Frequent mIler. Today, we’ll talk about how Stephen came to join Frequent Miler. Frequent Miler origin story - Stephen's story (01:04) - When did Stephen first get into the points and miles travel hobby? (04:41) - Stephen remembers the stackable IHG promo codes (05:39) - Stephen's wife helped him pull the trigger on some earl...

On this podcast episode, we find out that Turkish has killed their million mile promo, we talk about Ritz card rumors, and we shed some light on how Greg's uncle can redeem his transferable points for cash. Giant Mailbag (01:30) - One reader tries to convince Greg to do the JetBlue 25 for 25 promotion Mega Airline Promo Updates (04:53) - Turkish kills their 6 continent, 1 million mile promo Find o...

This Ask Us Anything, Live first aired on July 2nd, 2025 (00:51) - From Ryan - Nick you probably know Turkish airline rewards redemptions better than anyone else in the world. Would you recommend to your loyal readers (like me!) to do the Turkish 1MM Challenge? (04:17) - If you find yourself points and miles bankrupt, at 5/24, and in Amex pop-up jail what can one do to get enough points to take a...

Since this episode was filmed from a plane, you'll notice it doesn't have the same audio quality you're used to. Thanks for your patience and please enjoy! (00:23) - The Dunkin' / JetBlue promo for 3 months of Mosaic 1 status and Dunkin' Boosted status Read more about the JetBlue / Dunkin' plane here. (01:18) - Uh oh...an equipment swap!  (01:59) - What do you need to do (and did Greg do it w...