Smart With Points Podcast - Boost Your Miles & Points

American Express has launched massive welcome bonuses for their business cards in the UK market, including retention bonuses for keeping your card into the second year. In this episode, we dive into the details of these enhanced offers, including the American Express Business Gold Card and Business Platinum Card, and provide tips on how to make the most of these offers. We also discuss the benefit...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore an exciting status match opportunity for British Airways and Iberia members to join Lufthansa's Miles & More programme. For a one-time fee of 99 euros, members can secure equivalent status and enjoy Star Alliance benefits until February 2026. We weigh the pros and cons of this offer, discussing lounge access, priority check-in, and additional ba...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore the best American Express card options for newcomers to the points-collecting hobby in the UK market. We dive into the benefits and features of the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card, the American Express Platinum Card, and the British Airways American Express cards. Our host shares expert advice on how to choose the right card base...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Singapore Airlines' Spontaneous Escapes promotion for March 2025, offering 30% off usual award rates on select flights. We break down the best deals by region, including discounted rates from Europe to Asia, Southeast Asia, North Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. We also highlight the sweet spots in this month's offers, including exceptio...

Join host Jack as he reviews his experience flying Gulf Air's Falcon Gold Business Class from London to Dubai via Bahrain. Booked using 45,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points, Jack shares the highlights of his journey, including the spacious lounge, modern Apex Suite, and exceptional dining experience. He also provides pro tips for replicating this journey and maximizing your points redemption. Tune in...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Iberia's new loyalty program overhaul and how it could offer UK travelers an easier path to oneworld status. We break down the status requirements, discuss the key advantages of Club Iberia Plus over British Airways Club, and explore how generous cabin bonuses and partner earning opportunities can make it an attractive option for premium cabin tra...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore Hilton's refreshed status match program, offering a generous route to Diamond status until March 2027. We dive into the details of the program, including how to qualify with mid-tier status from another program, the benefits of Hilton Diamond status, and key considerations for strategically planning your match. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore the free version of Point.me, a powerful tool for American Express US cardmembers that simplifies the process of finding and booking award flights. With features like real-time searches across 150 airlines and step-by-step booking instructions, Point.me can save you hours of manual searching and help you make the most of your Membership Rewards poin...

In this episode of Smart With Points, host Jack shares his latest project: a simple iOS app designed to track award flight redemptions and calculate value per point. Frustrated with manual spreadsheets, Jack aims to create a user-friendly tool that helps points enthusiasts optimize their award travel strategy. He shares his vision for the app, including features like multiple loyalty programme sup...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore Manchester Airport's new private terminal, aether, which offers a premium travel experience starting from £110. We dive into its unique location, luxurious design, and high-end food offering, as well as its three-tier pricing structure and private security channel. Whether you're a frequent flyer or just looking to splurge for a special occasion, we...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Hilton's latest points sale, offering a 100% bonus on purchases. We break down the costs, benefits, and potential value of buying points, especially when combined with the fifth night free benefit for elite members. We also discuss the importance of having a specific redemption in mind and provide tips for maximizing your points and miles. Whether...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into the latest developments in British Airways' loyalty programme. After announcing major changes, BA has softened their stance, reintroducing flight-based qualification and extending bonus tier points. We break down what this means for frequent flyers, business travellers, and those chasing Silver status. We also discuss how to take advantage of the...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into the new IHG One Rewards welcome bonus offering 5,000 points for new members who complete their first stay within 21 days of registering. We break down the qualifying criteria, the value of the points, and whether it's worth going out of your way for this offer. We also discuss how to maximise your hotel points earning in the UK and provide tips fo...

Discover a savvy path to SkyTeam Elite Plus status with Vietnam Airlines' status match program. For a fee, UK travellers can match their existing airline status to Vietnam Airlines' Lotusmiles program, unlocking valuable benefits across all SkyTeam airlines, including lounge access, priority check-in, and extra baggage allowance. Learn how to take advantage of this opportunity, the benefits of Sky...

Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer has returned as an American Express UK transfer partner after a brief disappearance. In this episode, we discuss what happened, the current transfer terms, and why KrisFlyer still matters for your points strategy. We also highlight some fantastic sweet spots, particularly for intra-Asia travel, and remind listeners to stay informed about changes in the points and mile...

Royal Jordanian has relaunched their popular status match programme, offering a game-changing opportunity for points enthusiasts to secure oneworld Sapphire status, equivalent to BA Silver. For a fee of $199, eligible hotel status holders can enjoy business class lounge access, extra baggage allowance, and free seat selection. In this episode, we dive into the details of the match, including parti...

American Express UK has removed Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer from their list of airline transfer partners, significantly impacting UK cardholders who redeem points for premium cabin travel to Asia and Australia. In this episode, we discuss the implications of this change and explore alternative options for UK points collectors, including transfers to British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Virgin Atla...

Qatar Airways has made history with the world's first live press conference at cruising altitude, thanks to their new Starlink Wi-Fi system. This game-changing innovation has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about time spent in the air, offering seamless connectivity for work, entertainment, and more. We explore the implications for points collectors and discuss how this technology...

Discover a clever way to triple-dip your rewards when booking UK train tickets through Uber's rail booking feature. Learn how to earn 10% back in Uber credit, Avios points, and cashback rewards using a combination of Curve and Avios-earning credit cards. This episode shares a step-by-step guide to setting up this rewards strategy, which can lead to hundreds of pounds in value annually for regular...

British Airways is transforming its Executive Club program into The British Airways Club, introducing a revenue-based earning system from April 1st, 2025. This change significantly impacts leisure travellers and small business owners, while corporate travellers on flexible business class tickets will benefit. We break down the new status thresholds, earning opportunities, and strategic moves to co...

In this episode of Smart With Points, host Jack explores the benefits of using eSIM cards while travelling. Discover how eSIMs can save you money and hassle, and learn how to set them up and use them effectively. Jack shares his personal experience with eSIM provider Airalo and provides pro tips for getting the most out of this game-changing technology. Whether you're a frequent flyer or just plan...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into IHG's promotion allowing members to purchase elite qualifying points, effectively buying elite status. We break down the cost structure, benefits, and considerations to help you decide if it's worth the investment. From complimentary breakfast to room upgrades, we weigh the pros and cons of IHG Diamond status and provide guidance on who might bene...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore Bilt Rewards' latest promotion, offering a status match to Accor elite status for Bilt Mastercard holders. We break down the details of the promotion, including the requirements and benefits for each Bilt tier, as well as the simplified requalification path for 2026. We also discuss the earning potential of the Bilt card, including double points on...

Discover how to turn your existing hotel and airline loyalty status into top-tier Radisson benefits until 2025. Learn about the two-step status match process and the valuable benefits that come with Radisson VIP status, including free breakfast, room upgrades, and discounts. Find out if you already qualify and how to make the most of this opportunity. Get expert insights and tips on maximizing you...

In this episode of Smart With Points, we delve into the Emirates Status Challenge, discussing its requirements, benefits, and whether it's worth considering, especially for UK travellers. We explore the generous 12-month window to complete the challenge, the upgrade path, and valuable benefits such as lounge access and bonus Skywards miles earning. Our host shares expert tips on planning qualifyin...