To The Points

It seems as if we always expect devaluations at the worst opportune time, and it's no exception for Air Canada and Avianca. This week, Joe talks about the new changes in redemptions for these two Star Alliance programs and how (or when) it will effect you. In addition, Bilt has released surveys for Cardholders garnering interest on an expanded card slate, but will it be worth it to keep Bilt a...

This week, Joe takes a deep dive into JetBlue's TrueBlue program, and Alaska Airline's Mileage Plan program. Both programs have their own unique quirks, unique routes, and unique ways to earn status - but how can both co-exist when they are niche programs, compared to the big four? You'll find out on this edition of To The Points! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To The Points: A Starter's Guide is live!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

This week, Joe talks about how the new Delta Sky Club Access rules will be affecting you, depending on which American Express Card you presently carry. In addition, there's a new sweet spot to and from Europe coming from... JetBlue and TAP? Finally, the A380 is adding a new US destination.. find out where on this weeks edition of To The Points! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To The Points: A Starter's Guide is live!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ T...

Shopping portals and Merchant Offers are sneakily good ways to get some extra cash back or extra points - but how the heck do you get them? Joe dives into merchant offers and shopping portals from the Big 4 Currency, and also gives some insight into some bonus points from Co-Branded Chase cards, and a shopping portal that can help you earn elite status on American Airlines! ⁠⁠⁠⁠To The Points: A St...

Marriott pulls a fast one on some of their most popular properties by raising rates to unforeseen levels. Southwest (and United) announce their Flights for the Big Game in New Orleans from Philly and KC (and how you can go for less than 50K Southwest Points?!). AA is also facing some delays on deliveries from Boeing, but it's not all bad news necessarily. Those stories, and a whole lot more on...

Let's face it, we're all going to have a travel delay or cancellation at some point in time, one way or another. But did you know you may have some cards that give you some protections in times of trouble? Joe dives into Trip Cancellation and Delay coverages for select cards, and also talks about some strategies to use in case you don't have a card that has the protections! ⁠⁠⁠To The Points: A Sta...

This week, we know that winter weather has continually ravaged across the country - and taking down some major hubs in the process in Houston and Atlanta. Joe gives an update on how many cancellations are racking up, along with some new cruise itineraries from Carnival, the latest on the Icelandair-Southwest partnership, a new No-Annual fee record high from Marriott, and some interesting changes t...

Today - Joe discusses his favorite programs to redeem and book with in the world of points and miles - and some of the programs he prefers to book with to get the best bang for your buck! ⁠⁠To The Points: A Starter's Guide is live!⁠⁠ This course is designed for anyone looking to not only brush up on their points and miles knowledge, but can help you get started on your points and miles journey...

Ok, we know it's been a bit - but we're back, re-energized and ready to take on 2025 together! This week, Joe opens up the Crystal ball for 2025 and discuss some of the changes we could see in the points and miles world over the next 365, with a few surprises as well! Joe also discusses some of the new changes being Implemented (or soon to be) with Delta, Choice, New Hyatt Redemptions, and an upda...

This week, Joe Talks about a potential budding 5th currency in Wells Fargo Rewards - Despite only having 7 travel partners, are they the new currency that can grow? ⁠To The Points: A Starter's Guide is live!⁠ This course is designed for anyone looking to not only brush up on their points and miles knowledge, but can help you get started on your points and miles journey as well. It's $35 for lifeti...

A special BONUS episode for you this week, as Joe discusses the new changes coming to Southwest Airlines, which include revamped boarding, extra legroom, and international codeshare partners, just to name a few. In addition, To The Points: A Starter's Guide is FINALLY live! This course is designed for anyone looking to not only brush up on their points and miles knowledge, but can help you get...

We know the Hawaiian and Alaska merger has been dominating the world of Points and miles, and this week Joe gives his insight on it all, and why these temporary miles may go a little further than expected for the next year or so. In addition, Joe is teasing a Major announcement for a new project that's been in the works that will go live later this week! To schedule a consultation with Joe, or...

This week, Joe talks about his favorite transfer partners in Star Alliance, and why it can be tricky to find availability to specific destinations. However, once you do find it, your travels could be very copious thereafter. To schedule a consultation with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email joetothepoints@gmail.com. Qatar Devalues Partner...

This week, Joe continues talking international travel partners by discussing the Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club award charts. The interesting thing for these two programs as not only they unlock some incredible value for their partner rewards, but also have transfer bonuses AND are only a handful of programs that partner with the major Credit Card issuers. If you're interesting in...

Question: Have you ever heard of Avios? What about all the programs that use them? If you haven't, you are missing out! This week, Joe talks about a unique points currency used by British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Qatar and Aer Lingus, and each of their unique variations to help you save some money on your next non-stop flight. More importantly, all the transferrable currencies have at least o...

It's no surprise this week there have been some changes announced for Southwest to come, which include red eye flights and more importantly, assigned seating! Joe will discuss why this is a good thing and would encourage him to go back with Southwest moving forward. In addition, Joe talks about some big changes coming for the AmEx Gold Card, and despite the increased annual fee, more value see...

This week, Joe discusses the IT woes affecting major airlines, with Delta especially being hit the hardest. Speaking of things also hitting hard, he speaks about a topic that is often controversial and yet, can still find some good in, and that's about budget airline carriers. He speaks about why it may be a good idea to consider them, but a horrible one to use them. In good news, Joe also tal...

While out and about, people sometimes ask Joe, "Why do I need to use points when I can have Cash Back instead?" That's a good question that comes up more often than not, and there's nothing wrong with that, if done correctly. This week, Joe discusses how if you do decide to go down the route of Cash Back, there's plenty of cards that deliver higher value than what one may rea...

This week, Joe talks about a program he loves and loathes in United's MileagePlus program. Despite its many devaluations over the last couple of years, there is some value to be had when spending and flying with the friendly skies. In addition, how its loyalty program somehow finds sneaky ways to keep you involved. To schedule a consultation with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding som...

One of the most common questions is quite simply, how to get started if you don't have a clue on how to get started on your points and miles journey. Fear not - this episode is for you! Joe discusses the first steps to take on which cards to apply for first, should you want to go down the route of Credit Cards Points and miles. (If you want to know about the programs in-depth, there are episod...

Yes, It's been (nearly) a year since a new episode has been uploaded, but life finds a way back! In this episode, Joe talks about what changes he's noticed (and what has stayed the same) in the travel world. In addition, he discusses his strategy moving forward that doesn't necessarily involve Sign-Up bonuses, but rather utilizing the perks and programs around instead! To connect and s...

As students head back to school in the very near future, Joe takes a different turn on the podcast this week as he talks about how to build up credit as a college student, along with best cards to consider getting for students, and how they can help get on the way to points ecosystems discussed on the program. Joe also provides some updates on the Maui situation and travel waivers you need to know...

This week, Joe dives into the Delta Skymiles program and the quirks, perks, and pains on a program that once saw some significant devaluations, but has rebounded on the value of redemptions and how getting elite status can be done without spending a dollar! To connect with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email joetothepoints@gmail.com.

This week, Joe is talking about Citi's ThankYou points and the best ways to redeem and earn with a program that is sometimes overlooked compared to the other major points currencies out there. Despite that, the program has tremendous value that often at times goes unnoticed! To connect with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email joetothep...

This week, Joe takes a dive into American Airlines AAdvantage program, and why it stands uniquely above some of the other airline loyalty programs in America today. To connect with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email joetothepoints@gmail.com.