Points for Normal People by Katie's Travel Tricks

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures I pay almost $3,000 a year in credit card annual fees — and yes, that's more than our monthly mortgage. In this episode, I'm walking you through every single keeper card my husband and I hold year after year, showing you exactly how I value each benefit and how I personally decide whether a card earns its place in our wallet. I also want to be really clear: what works for our family isn't necessarily right for yours, and I don't think it should be. That's exactly why my team has built card benefit calculators on the blog — so you can plug in your own life and see what actually makes sense for you. At the end, I've got three simple action steps so you can do your own credit card spring cleaning and make sure every dollar you're paying in fees is actually working for you. ACTION STEPS: Take stock of every card you have open. Use the Travel Freely app to stay organized, or track everything in a spreadsheet. Review every card with an annual fee. Use the benefits calculators on Katie's blog to assign your own values to each benefit and see if it's worth what you're paying. Make a plan. Use the "Ultimate Guide to Closing a Card" (linked in show notes) to understand the full evaluation process before canceling, downgrading, or keeping any card. RESOURCES Detailed blog post on the Chase Sapphire Reserve: https://katiestraveltricks.com/sapphirereserve/ Map of Chase Sapphire Reserve dining credit locations: https://katiestraveltricks.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-participating-restaurants/ Overview article on the Chase Ritz-Carlton card: https://katiestraveltricks.com/the-complete-guide-to-the-chase-ritz-carlton-card/ Episode on Citi ThankYou Points: https://youtu.be/8Zzdczsvti4 Bank of America Museums on Us program: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-partners Credit card spring cleaning post: New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Booking a flight with the Southwest Companion Pass used to be easier,, but with their recent switch to assigned seating, the process has become a lot more convoluted! If you're feeling confused about how to make sure you and your plus-one actually get to sit together without paying extra fees, you aren't alone. In this video, I'm walking you step-by-step through exactly how to book with your Companion Pass under the new rules so you can navigate the changes like a pro. I’ll also be breaking down some of the most common issues families run into during the booking process. We'll cover why every single family member needs their own Rapid Rewards account, how to ensure TSA PreCheck shows up on your kids' boarding passes, and the exact steps to take when flight prices drop so you can easily get your points back. Check out the links below for my free course and other resources to help you supercharge your travel rewards! ACTION STEPS Track Your Flight Prices: Make sure you understand how to get the best prices, use the "schedule change trick" if you have points, and track your flights on Google Flights. Evaluate Your Southwest Credit Card: Look at the card you currently hold and see if it's worth upgrading to the personal card with the highest fee so you can pick seats at the time of booking. If you've had your card for over a year, you can easily change it and just pay the fee difference. Get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry for Companions: If you have PreCheck or Global Entry, work on getting it for your companion (especially kids and teens) and attach it to their Rapid Rewards account. Enroll in Touchless ID: If you are over 18 and have TSA PreCheck, opt into TSA PreCheck Touchless ID in the Southwest app to save time at security. RESOURCES Free Course: learn.katiestraveltricks.com All Our Southwest Posts: https://katiestraveltricks.com/destinations/#SouthwestTips Get the Best Price On Southwest Flights: https://podcast.katiestraveltricks.com/southwest-flight-hacks-tips-and-tricks-for-saving-big/ Southwest Card Guide: New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures For a long time, the Citi ThankYou ecosystem has lived in the shadow of other rewards programs, but some massive changes in the last year have brought it back onto my radar. Between the addition of American Airlines as a transfer partner and a brand-new premium card—the Citi Strata Elite—there is new value to unlock. I’m especially excited to dive into the Preferred Hotels partnership, which is a hidden gem for anyone who loves booking unique, independent properties using points instead of just the big corporate chains. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the current card lineup, including how to navigate calendar year credits to make sure you're getting way more value than the annual fee. We’ll also talk about my favorite hotel "sweet spots" where your points can effectively double or even quadruple in value. I’ll show you exactly how to make the most of this often-overlooked program. ACTION STEPS: Browse the Maps: If you already have points, check out the new map and database of Preferred Hotels to find high-value properties. https://katiestraveltricks.com/guide-to-booking-preferred-hotels-map/ Mark Your Calendar: If you want to maximize the "triple dip," set a reminder for early December to look into the Citi Strata Elite. Stay the Course: If you are a beginner, stick to your current three-year plan and keep this info for later so you don't get overwhelmed by too many programs at once. Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

1/23/26 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures If you've heard the buzz about Bilt's new system for earning points on your rent or mortgage, you're not alone! A lot of people got really excited about the idea of earning rewards on their biggest monthly expense. But after Bilt rolled out their new options, many people have been confused, overwhelmed by the structure, and underwhelmed by the value. In this episode, I’m breaking down the convoluted new Bilt structure step-by-step to help you decide if it makes sense for your points strategy. I’ll explain the difference between their new "Bilt Cash" currency and the tiered spending system, and show you the exact math you need to know. We’re also taking a look at the three new credit cards launching on February 7th: the Bilt Blue, Obsidian, and Palladium cards. I’ll give you my honest take on the pros and cons of each. While this new program isn't the game-changer many hoped for, there is a narrow group of people this might work for. Whether you want to go all-in or completely ignore Bilt, this episode will give you the tools and free calculators you need to make the right choice for your family. ACTION STEPS: Make a Decision: Use my free resources to decide if you want to open a Bilt card, shelve the idea for later, or forget it entirely. Keep Working on Your Plan: If Bilt isn't for you, keep working on your three-year plan or opening cards at your own pace for your personal goals. Use the Calculators: If you are considering Bilt, use this Bilt Card Guide to run the calculators for your specific spending scenario: katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-guide-to-cards-earning-on-mortgage-and-rent-payments Gather Your Numbers: Before using the calculators, figure out your monthly housing payment, your monthly grocery/dining spend, and your overall monthly credit card spend. Act Before February 7th: If you decide to apply, you have until February 7th to sign up for a card with the current launch offers. Listen to Previous Episodes: Go back and listen to last week's episode on earning Bilt rewards without a credit card here: https://youtu.be/0OkDkjBI7v0 Also, if you are new, listen to Season 1, Episode 1 of the podcast sequentially to understand the framework of travel points. Start here: New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

1/21/26 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Today I’m walking you through a great opportunity to earn Bilt Rewards points without ever opening a credit card. For the next few months, there is a unique sweet spot where you can maximize the partnership between Bilt and Rakuten to earn points on autopilot. I’m going to share exactly how you can set up your account to turn everyday spending—and even bank account sign-ups—into valuable points you can transfer to partners like Hyatt. We are going to dive deep into the specific steps you need to take to optimize this strategy, especially before the introductory transfer rate changes in May. I’ll show you how to stack your earnings effectively and tell you about exclusive resources our team is working on to help you earn the most. Whether you are new to points or looking for a pivot strategy, this episode gives you the roadmap to supercharge your travel points with minimal effort. ACTION STEPS: Note: Use our digital checklist or download a PDF of these steps here: https://katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-rewards-explained-earn-points-even-without-the-credit-card/#ktt-checklist-wrapper Sign up for our Rakuten deal list to be notified daily of deals (through March 31) - https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/rakuten Create a Bilt Account: Sign up at biltrewards.com or download the app (skip the credit card application for now). Add a Credit Card to Bilt: Link a card you use frequently (like a Freedom or Venture card) to your Bilt wallet to earn on Walgreens purchases. Link Lyft & Bilt: Go to the "Neighborhood" tab in Bilt, select rideshare, and link your accounts. Ensure the payment card in Lyft matches the one in your Bilt wallet (ideally a Sapphire card). Sign Up for Rakuten: Use my referral link to get the $50 new member bonus: https://www.rakuten.com/r/KMGALL29?eeid=44749 Link Rakuten to Bilt: Ensure your email addresses match on both accounts and select Bilt Rewards as your payout option in Rakuten. https://www.biltrewards.com/p/rakuten Maximize Referrals: Refer your spouse/partner (and then have them refer you back if applicable) or family members to earn referral bonuses. Set Up Rakuten Dining: Link your dining credit card (li New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

12/24/25 Click more to see ad disclosures It looks like it is going to get harder to keep earning Chase Ultimate Rewards in 2026, especially if you have relied on them to keep your points life simple. Chase has started limiting referrals and adding vague language to their card applications, making approval rules much less clear than the old timelines we used to count on. But don't panic—these changes just mean it is time to pivot. In this episode, I’m walking through exactly what is changing with Sapphire and Ink cards and offering specific strategies to adapt so you can still get great value and vacations out of your points. We will cover how to stretch your current Ultimate Rewards and how to maximize earnings on the cards you already hold. I’m also sharing five possible "pivots" for your 2026 strategy. I have been using points for over 15 years and have had to pivot many times; this is just another bump in the road, and I’m here to help you navigate it. ACTION STEPS: Sign up for Bilt and Rakuten: If you love Hyatt points, set up these accounts soon to take advantage of the 1:1 transfer ratio available through May 15th. Here is my Rakuten affiliate link: https://www.rakuten.com/r/KMGALL29?eeid=44749 Link your accounts: Connect Rakuten to Bilt so your cashback earns Bilt points (which transfer to Hyatt). Install the browser extension: Add the Rakuten extension to your computer and iPhone browsers to automate your earning. Set a spending reminder: Set a notification to spend $50 through Rakuten within 90 days to trigger the welcome bonus. Don't stress: Take a deep breath; changes are normal in the points world, and there are still plenty of ways to afford vacations. RESOURCES: Bilt Guide (including Rakuten) Step-by-Step: https://katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-rewards-explained-earn-points-even-without-the-credit-card/ Preferred Hotels with Choice: https://katiestraveltricks.com/preferred-hotels-with-choice-points-map/ Timeshare Presentations: https://katiestraveltricks.com/timeshare-deal/ Amex Points Explain New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

12/10/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Usually, I focus on talking about credit cards because debit cards just don't offer enough value for travelers. But the new Southwest debit card actually surprised me—it is way more valuable than I initially thought, especially if you plan to fly Southwest even once in 2026. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why I think this card is worth opening, specifically right now in December. If you’re looking for a quick win to save money on flights or push you over the edge for a Companion Pass, this might be the travel trick you’re looking for. ACTION STEPS: Open the Account: Apply for the Southwest debit card by December 20th (or absolutely before December 31st) to ensure your account is active to receive the 20% off coupon in January. Set Calendar Reminders: Set a calendar reminder for January to confirm that your 20% off coupon and 7,500 Companion Pass boost points have been deposited, and to ensure you use your $35 travel credit. You should also set a specific reminder for February to transfer all your funds to another bank and close the account so you can avoid paying any additional monthly fees. Sign Up for the Newsletter: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news RESOURCES: Southwest Debit Card Application: southwestdebit.com Free Companion Pass Guides: https://katiestraveltricks.com/southwestcompanionpasstrick/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

11/26/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures I used to call the Capital One Venture X a "no brainer," but with the major changes coming in 2026, I now consider it more of a "full brainer." In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what is changing and helping you calculate if the card is still worth the $395 annual fee. I cover the solid benefits that remain that still help to offset the cost. I’ll also walk you through the massive new limited-time welcome offer of 100,000 miles and share critical application tips, such as why you might want to freeze your Experian credit report before applying. Whether you are a current cardholder looking for a retention offer or someone trying to navigate the new family card eligibility rules, this deep dive will help you decide if the Venture X still makes sense for you. ACTION STEPS: Check for Retention Offers: If you are a current cardholder, call Capital One when your annual fee posts to see if any retention offers are available. Activate Benefits: Ensure you have manually signed up for Hertz President’s Circle and Priority Pass if you haven't already. Evaluate the New Offer: If you don't have the card, check the limited-time 100,000 mile welcome offer to see if it fits your strategy. Plan Purchase Protection: Decide which card you will use for items that need return protection or purchase security (Venture X is a strong contender here). Check Eligibility: If you recently opened a Venture X, review the list of other Venture-earning cards to see if you can continue earning miles despite the new family language rules. RESOURCES: Venture X Guide: https://katiestraveltricks.com/venturex/ Venture X Card (my affiliate link): https://katiestraveltricks.com/portfolio-items/capital-one-venture-x-rewards/ Hertz Status Guide: katiestraveltricks.com/hertz_presidents_circle/ Newsletter: katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news Pros and Cons of Booking Portals: katiestraveltricks.com/pros-and-cons-of-booking-through-a-bank-travel-porta New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

11/12/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Finding the "best" credit card for airport lounge access is a trick question. The real answer depends on your home airport, who you travel with, and your budget. With changes to guest policies and new cards being released, the lounge landscape is totally different in 2025. In this episode, I’ll walk you through all the options, from airline-specific cards to the big bank lounges like Centurion, Capital One, and the newer Sapphire Lounges. I’ll cover the "secret" card that still offers unlimited guests, which cards still work at Priority Pass restaurants, and help you decide which card (if any) is the right move for you. ACTION STEPS: Check the chart: Look at this blog post chart to see which bank lounges (Amex, Capital One, Chase) are in the airports you frequent: https://katiestraveltricks.com/best-credit-card-for-lounge-access-by-airport/ Research your airports: Go to prioritypass.com to see what other lounges, restaurants, or "Experiences" are available at your home airport and common destinations. Target restaurants (if needed): If your airport's main option is a Priority Pass restaurant, consider the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite or the US Bank Altitude Connect card. Plan for the Ritz card: If you want the best guest benefits, open a Chase Marriott card (like the Boundless) and set a reminder to call and upgrade it to the Ritz-Carlton card after one year. Do a trial run: If you're unsure, consider upgrading a Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Reserve for one year to see if you use the lounge benefits enough to make it worth it. New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Hey everyone, sorry for the long break! The podcast is officially starting back up, but first I'm adding some much-needed updates to the end of Seasons 1 and 2 so everything still makes sense for new listeners. For Season 3, I'm super excited to add new segments like your success stories and helping you plan trips! If you want to share your story or get help with a trip, just email nicole@katiestraveltricks.com, and don't forget to stay in the loop by signing up for our newsletter here: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

10/29/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Southwest Airlines feels unrecognizable with all the changes in 2025 and 2026, and while new policies have lost my trust, I'm not abandoning the airline yet. Instead, I'm tweaking my strategy to adapt, and I want to help you do the same. In this episode, I'm digging into all the changes, from the new baggage and assigned seating policies to the breakdown of "Basic" vs. "Choice" fares. I discuss the current loopholes for extending flight credits that are expiring. We'll also do a deep dive on all five Southwest credit cards and I'll give you clear action steps to take right now to keep getting the best value. ACTION STEPS: Check Your Card: Log in to your Chase account and use my Southwest Card Guide to see which benefits (like EarlyBird or upgraded boarding credits) you have. USE BENEFITS NOW: You must use any EarlyBird check-in, upgraded boarding, and the $75 Priority Card travel credit before they are discontinued on December 31st, 2025. Update Booking Strategy: If paying with points, book Basic fares as one-way tickets for easier repricing. If paying with cash, book Choice fares to get flexibility and seat selection. Family/Group Baggage: To get the 1 free checked bag, your entire group (up to 9 people) must be on the same reservation, and that reservation must have the cardholder's Rapid Rewards number attached. Companion Pass Seating (for 2026): For flights with assigned seating, you must book your ticket and then immediately add your companion and select the seat next to you. Family Seating (for 2026): Do not rely on Southwest to seat you with your children. Either book "Choice" fares or hold the "Priority" or "Performance Business" cards to select your seats at booking. Expiring LUV Vouchers: If you have a LUV Voucher expiring, call Southwest before it expires and ask for a 6-month extension. Expiring Flight Credits: If you have an expiring flight credit, it is currently possible to book a Choice Preferred fare and use your flight credit + pay for the rest with a Southwest gift card, and then cancel it if you want to receive a new flight credit with no expiration date. Household Card Review: Re-evaluate if both you and your partner need a Southwest card. Since benefits no longer stack well, you may be able to save on annual fee New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

10/15/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures In this week's update episode, I'm breaking down all the big changes to the Chase business cards that have happened over the past year. I also cover some important new rules for getting approved for business cards and a major shift in how referrals work for the Ink cards that will require a strategy pivot for many of us. The biggest news of all is Chase's brand new premium business card: the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business(SM) Credit Card. It's definitely a mixed bag with its huge annual fee and high spending requirement, but for the right person, the benefits could make it worthwhile. I go through all the perks—both the ones it shares with the personal version and the unique ones like cell phone protection—so you can decide for yourself. Be sure to check out the links below for my detailed guides and benefit calculators to help you make the most of these updates. ACTION STEPS: Set aside 30 minutes to add all your eligible Chase cards to your Instacart account to activate the monthly credits and free Instacart+: https://katiestraveltricks.com/new-chase-instacart-benefits-how-to-maximize/ Use the online guide to see if the new Sapphire Reserve for Business card benefits outweigh the annual fee for you: https://katiestraveltricks.com/new-card-chase-sapphire-reserve-for-business Sign up for the weekly newsletter to get updates and new resources delivered every Saturday: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

10/1/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! When it comes to our favorite points programs and credit cards, change is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be discouraging! In this episode, I'm breaking down all the huge updates that rolled out for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® card in the summer of 2025. We'll walk through everything from the new standard welcome offer and increased minimum spend on the Preferred card to the eligibility rule changes that have a lot of people confused. I'll also explain the brand new "Points Boost" feature and how it completely changes the way you redeem points through Chase Travel℠. The biggest news is the massive refresh to the Sapphire Reserve, which now has a hefty $795 annual fee. I'll go over why my family decided to get this card again, even at that crazy price point, by breaking down how we get value from all the new "coupon book" style credits. Plus, I’ve got a fun tip for you, no matter which Sapphire card you have! ACTION STEPS If you are a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder, review the post on all the recent changes to ensure you fully understand the new benefits: https://katiestraveltricks.com/sapphirereserve/ If you have an upcoming trip and have not yet booked your hotels, try out the Points Boost feature to see if you can find any savings. Download the GigSky app to try using it for your next trip (free with Visa Infinite or Visa Signature cards: https://www.gigsky.com/blog/up-to-3-gb-free-travel-data-with-visa-infinite-no-cost RESOURCES Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits Calculator: https://katiestraveltricks.com/portfolio-items/chase-sapphire-reserve/ Use this site to activate your Peloton credit: onepeloton.com/ChaseSapphire You must activate Your StubHub/Viagogo credit before purchase: Cardmembers can log into their account and activate the StubHub credit under Chase offers. Sign up for my newsletter: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

4/30/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m going to show you how to book Alaska and Hawaiian flights for less by leveraging partner airline points. We'll explore options with Finnair, Qatar, JetBlue, American, and Singapore Airlines, including tips for maximizing your savings. I’ll break down everything from using Avios sweet spots to booking nonstop flights from the East Coast to Hawaii. Plus, I'll give you a heads-up on the upcoming changes with the Alaska/Hawaiian merger and how that might impact your booking strategies. Thanks so much for listening! RESOURCES Get a quick chart overview of the information I covered in this episode: https://katiestraveltricks.com/partner-airlines-for-booking-alaska-and-hawaii/ How to book Alaska Airlines awards using KrisFlyer miles: https://mainlymiles.com/2023/04/07/how-to-book-alaska-airlines-awards-using-krisflyer-miles/ Bilt Rewards (Blog Post): https://katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-rewards-explained-earn-points-even-without-the-credit-card/ Qatar Airways for US Domestic Flights (blog): https://katiestraveltricks.com/using-qatar-avios-to-book-domestic-us-flights/ Finnair Avios for US Domestic Flights (blog): https://katiestraveltricks.com/using-finnair-avios-to-book-american-alaska-flights/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

4/16/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today we're diving into two airlines perfect for trips to and from the West Coast and Pacific Northwest, or flights to Hawaii and Alaska: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines! With their merger underway, things are shifting, creating some unique opportunities, especially a cool loophole involving Amex points that gets them over to Alaska. We'll cover earning and using miles from both programs for domestic flights. ACTION STEPS Consider applying for the Hawaiian Business card before it's discontinued (check offer details). Look at personal Hawaiian cards if you have 5/24 space available. If you have any Bank of America card (credit or debit), check out the Museums on Us program. Consider adding kids as authorized users on BofA cards for museum access (no minimum age). Next time you fly Alaska and check bags, time the delivery (under 20 mins?) and claim miles if they're late. If focusing on Alaska miles, sign up for/use the Mileage Plan Shopping portal and link cards for in-store offers. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES My Best Offers page (for Alaska card offers when ≥ 70k): https://katiestraveltricks.com/bestoffers/ Bank of America Museums on Us program: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-partners Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping portal: https://www.mileageplanshopping.com/instore Alaska Air Deals: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/deals/flights/sale Alaska Air delayed baggage info: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/baggage-claim/delayed-damaged-missing Seats.Aero (award search tool): https://seats.aero/ Email me at New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

4/9/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Let's tackle a topic I get asked about a lot: Amex Membership Rewards. Honestly, I have mixed feelings – the points themselves can be fantastic for travel, but the cards? They definitely come with extra rules and quirks, making them feel more intermediate level. Still, since you're asking and the points can be super useful, this episode is your essential overview. We'll cover the must-knows for earning these points (like navigating those tricky welcome offers!), the key application strategies you can't ignore, and super important: how to create an exit plan to keep your points without paying those high annual fees long-term. Consider this your guide to deciding if Amex is right for you! ACTION STEPS Opt-In to Amex Marketing Plan Your Exit Strategy Ask for a Retention Offer Check Your Amex Offers Consider Card Pointers: https://cardpointers.com/partner/katiestravel/ Try Rakuten: https://www.rakuten.com/r/KMGALL29?eeid=44749 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES My new Amex overview (blog): https://katiestraveltricks.com/amex-membership-rewards/ Best Card Offers: https://katiestraveltricks.com/bestoffers/ Sign up for this beginner’s guide and we’ll also send you our Saturday morning newsletter: https://katiestraveltricks.com/travel-points-101-quick-start-guide/ TrackRak: https://trackrak.com/ Rakuten info: https://www.rakuten.com/help/article/is-the-cash-back-button-available-for-mobile-devices-and-tablets-360002100928 and https://www.rakuten.com/help/article/installing-the-ebates-cash-back-button-360001446688 New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

4/2/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m sharing the current best strategies on how to use Avios to book American Airlines domestic flights! With these methods you can book flights to Hawaii from anywhere in the US for 30,000 points round trip – or less! It used to be that British Airways offered a great way to do this, but now Qatar, and Finnair are the best option to book those same American Airlines flights, often for fewer points than using American's own miles. It might sound a little complicated at first, but we’ll take you step by step. Avios are actually some of the easiest airline miles to earn thanks to all the credit card transfer partners out there. We'll break it all down for you so that you understand each step. ACTION STEPS Check out the Seats.Aero webinar. Video in my free course: learn.katiestraveltricks.com Sign up for a Finnair loyalty account Consider signing up for a British Airways account ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Using Finnair Avios for US Flights (blog): https://katiestraveltricks.com/using-finnair-avios-to-book-american-alaska-flights/ Using Qatar Avios for US Flights (blog): https://katiestraveltricks.com/using-qatar-avios-to-book-domestic-us-flights Video Tutorial - Find and Book AA Flights with Finnair Avios: https://katiestraveltricks.com/find-and-book-american-airlines-flights-with-finnair-avios-video-guide/ Your Best Credit Cards transfer bonus notifications signup: https://yourbestcreditcards.com/current-transfer-bonuses/?ccid=katiestravel Dan's Deals workaround for regional Qatar bookings: https://www.dansdeals.com/points-travel/milespoints/book-q New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

3/26/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, we're diving into American Airlines miles. I know a lot of you want to use points for domestic travel, and American is a good option. We'll talk about the best times to use your miles on American flights, and how to earn those miles. I'll cover the pros and cons, and give you some tips to maximize your points. We'll also look at some tools to find the best deals, and I'll share a few tricks I've learned about booking with American. For a video guide of navigating the American Airlines website, watch here: https://katiestraveltricks.com/navigating-the-american-airlines-website-video-guide/ ACTION STEPS Consider opening a Barclay Aviator card Sign up for Simply Miles: https://www.simplymiles.com Enroll a card in the American Airlines Dining Program Get logged into American's eShopping portal Consider browsing Loyalty Point Hunters (or joining their Facebook group): https://loyaltypointhunters.com ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FinnAir article: https://katiestraveltricks.com/using-finnair-avios-to-book-american-alaska-flights American Airlines sales: https://www.aa.com/en-us/spring-deals American Airlines miles finder map: https://www.aa.com/en-us/miles-finder-map American Airlines Dining Program: https://www.aadvantagedining.com/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

3/19/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode I'm sharing my exact process to research the best domestic award flights. I’ll walk you through the initial steps I always take before even thinking about searching for award availability. I'll show you why it's so important to understand your routing options and get a feel for cash prices first, and I'll tell you about the tools I use to build a solid foundation for successful award travel planning. I also cover some outdated advice you might have heard. Plus, I'll touch on the sometimes confusing world of booking partner airline awards and give you a sneak peek into future episodes where I'll be diving into specific sweet spots and strategies to help you get the absolute most out of your points. ACTION STEPS Do a test run of the initial flight search process for a route you'd like to fly. Go to FlightConnections.com to find nonstop routes for your chosen route. Go to Google Flights to gauge cash prices and check connecting flight options. Make notes on your findings, including nonstop and connecting options, and cash prices. Check the distance of your flight. Save this information for when we look at specific sweet spots in future episodes. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Watch me walk through the process: katiestraveltricks.com/how-to-book-domestic-flights-with-points-video-guide/ Flight Connections: FlightConnections.com Google Flights: https://www.google.com/travel/flights Download my free course: learn.katiestraveltricks.com New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

3/12/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Hey everyone, welcome back to Points for Normal People! I am so excited to kick off Season 3 with you today! We're going to get into all things domestic flights and points this season, which is going to be a bit of a step up, getting into some of those intermediate strategies. If you're just joining us, welcome! But if you ever feel lost, definitely pop back to Season 1, Episode 1, because that’s where we build a foundation. Think of Season 3 as your guide to mastering domestic award flights – we're going way beyond Southwest this time! ACTION STEPS Download the free Travel Points 201 Guide. Take stock of your points across different programs. New to the podcast? Start with Season 1, Episode 1. New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...