New to Points and Miles?
When you sign up for a credit card, it often comes with a welcome offer — something like "80,000 points for spending $3,000 in 3 months." Those 80,000 points can be worth $800 redeemed for cash, or $1,500 or more depending on how you use them.
The $3,000 you need to spend is the minimum spending requirement. Sign up for a card, hit the minimum, earn the points, redeem them for flights, and repeat — that's how you travel for free. Sounds easy, right? It's a little more involved than that, but that's exactly why we're here.
Just like saving for a vacation in cash, earning points takes time — anywhere from 2 to 6 months depending on your spending habits. The hobby also rewards flexibility.
Very specific dates and destinations mean a little less flexibility on parts of your trip. But done properly, this can save you tens of thousands of dollars on travel every year.
We call your spouse, partner, or parent "Player 2" — because like a video game, having a partner makes it more fun, and more effective. You and your partner can double your earning by playing together.
The basic idea: leverage credit card sign-up bonuses and strategic spending to earn points at a high rate, then take advantage of the partnerships airlines and hotels have built with those banks — and with each other — to book flights at an incredible discount.
One example: we recently helped a couple book round-trip tickets to Europe for two that would have cost $8,420 in cash — for $22.40 and 356,000 miles total.
Credit card points and miles can be overwhelming and confusing at first. I know — I was there too. But like anything, once you understand the basics, it gets easier. I've spent years learning how to leverage these partnerships, and I'd love to help change the way you think about travel.
My goal is to partner with you to simplify points and miles travel, in the hope that all the hours I've spent learning can send you on more trips than you ever imagined possible. Let us help you change how you travel, and get you to places you never dreamed you could go.
Our free field guide walks through the whole system, phase by phase — choose, earn, and redeem.
Finding the right credit card: know yourself first, cash back versus travel rewards, brand cards versus bank cards, and what an annual fee really buys.
Download PDFEarning points fast without spending a cent more: welcome offers, bonus categories and card pairing, and how to pick a real trip and run the numbers.
Download PDFTurning points into an actual trip: travel portals versus transfer partners, the step-by-step transfer process, judging a deal, and two real bookings worked start to finish.
Download PDFFigures such as card fees, credits, transfer partners, and point costs change frequently — confirm current terms with the issuer or program before applying or booking. This content is educational and is not financial advice.
Points get you to the door. A well-planned trip gets you through it. If you'd like a hand pricing a trip, choosing a card, or building an itinerary, I'd love to help.
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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within this page.