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On episode 243 of Frequent Miler on the Air, Greg and Nick dissect the different factors that make a transferable program "the best". Use the timestamps below to navigate to each individual topic within the episode.  (Our apologies for the continued audio issues with Nick's mic.) (01:38) Uni Portable Toll Transponder (Mail Bag) - Find the Uni transponder here. (07:22) Capital One to acquire Discover (Card Talk) (12:12) New Amex refer-a-friend bonuses through May 22 (+10x restaurants worldwide, up to $25K spend for 3 months) - Learn more about the  Amex refer-a-friend bonus here. - Learn about the Amex Consumer Gold Card here. - Learn about the Amex Blue Business Plus Card here. - Learn about the Amex Business Gold Card here. (19:22) AA charges more per person for 1 person to fly Madison to Phoenix than for 2 (Crazy Thing) (22:52) Hyatt Bonus Journeys through 4/30/24 (Mattress Running the Numbers) - Learn more about the  Hyatt Bonus Journeys here. (29:29) Citi 30% transfer bonus to Virgin through March 16th (Award Talk) - Learn more about Virgin Sweet Spots here. (31:50) AwardTool (one-ups PointsYeah, but with controversy...) -  Learn more about AwardTool here. (37:13) PointsYeah adds child award search - Learn more about PointsYeah updates here. (39:40) American Airlines news - Read more about  transferring American Airlines points at half cent here. - Read more about  American Airlines no longer offering points for flights booked through OTAs and raised checked bag prices here. (46:05) Contenders for best transferable points program: Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Bilt Rewards (Main Event) (48:01) Best transferable points program for: point earning opportunities (56:00) Best transferable points for: transfer partners (1:03:19) Best transferable points for: pay with points awards (1:09:04) Best transferable points for: points management (like moving from one person to another) (1:19:49) Nick’s pick for overall best transferable points program (1:21:26) Greg’s pick for best transferable points program (1:23:27) Nick's runner-up pick for overall best transferable points program (1:25:42) Greg's runner-up for overall best transferable points program (1:31:04) Would you feel comfortable booking a Small Luxury Hotel of the World property knowing that the relationship with Hyatt will be ending soon and would you wait for the hopeful integration of Mr. and Mrsh. Smith properties... (Questions of the Week) Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit: "Ocean Deep" by Annie Yoder

We love talking about points and miles all day, every day. That's why we've decided - in addition to our full-length Frequent Miler on the Air podcast episodes, we're going to share a little something to enjoy during your Tuesday coffee break too. Not a full hour of discussion and analysis like you'll find on the full episodes, but a mini version with a single topic of focus. On this "Coffee Break" mini episode, Greg and Nick chat about a pair of Marriott offers for 5, 50K free night certs (and who this opportunity may be good for.) (02:24) - The consumer card has a lower spend requirement...but does that mean it's the better option?  Check out the Marriott consumer card here, and the Marriott business card here. (03:26) - What is the Marriott "matrix of doom" and why are business cards easier for navigating the matrix? (Read this post to find out which Marriott cards you're eligible for.) (06:13) - The business card is the only option for stacking. (06:36) - Is this a good offer (regardless of whether you get the business or consumer version?) (08:38) - What are the drawbacks of free night certs? (10:50) - How does using a cert impact the fifth night free benefit? (14:23) - Let's review...is this a smokin' hot deal for everyone?  Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit - Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

In this episode, Greg gives Nick a lesson in which Delta credit cards are best (and which are best for a smattering of different goals.) His ultimate conclusion might surprise you. (While Greg schools Nick on this topic, you may notice that Nick's audio is a little subpar. We apologize for this and we're troubleshooting that for next episode.) (01:25) Cheryl is back! (Mail Bag) (02:40) Whitney has a question about our "Mastering Avios" episode 241 (Mail Bag) Read our Mastering Avios Episode 241 post here... (09:20) Greg gives an AA Executive card update (Card Talk) Find the American Airlines Executive Card episode here...  Learn all about the AA Executive Card here...  (17:10) T-Mobile Magenta status is mostly a nothingburger (Crazy Thing) Read our post on the T-Mobile Magenta status here... (24:05) Turkish devaluation is real (Award Talk) (26:26) Nick talks about his AA elite status mad dash (Award Talk) Read about Nick's mad dash to AA elite status here... (29:13) Greg talks about his Alaska match (Award Talk) (31:58) Greg talks about his experience booking JetBlue Mint to London (Award Talk) Read more about Greg's JetBlue Mint experience here... (40:19) Which Delta Card is Best? (Main Event) (40:31) Overview of Delta cards (40:38) You might remember our episode on Delta's Big Flip-Flop | Ep225 | 10-21-23 Find the Delta's Big Flip-Flop | Ep225 here... (41:11) Delta Gold Card Overview Find out more about the Delta Gold Card here... (41:49) Delta Platinum Card Overview Find out more about the Delta Platinum Card here... (43:21) Delta Reserve Card Find out more about the Delta Reserve Card here... (47:23) Coupons: Are any Delta cards free after rebate? Best card depends on what you value... (00:58:56) If you value Delta miles... Find out more about the Amex Blue Business Plus card here... (01:03:32) If you value free checked bags... (01:04:08) If you value the companion ticket... (01:04:54) If you value elite status... (01:08:43) If you value Sky Club access... (01:14:17) Conclusion: The best Delta card may not be actually even be a Delta card... Find Greg's post about which premium cards he's keeping and which he's canceling here... (01:15:30) “What happens if you apply for a credit card and then immediately after the offer increases? ” (Question of the Week) To subscribe to Frequent Miler content, visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/. And to submit a comment or question to our Mail Bag or Question of the Week segments, email us at mailbag@frequentmiler.com  

Avios is the rewards currency for British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, Qatar, and soon Finnair. This means it's worth some attention. On this week's episode, we discuss how you can earn, use, and maximize this reward currency. Here are some of the topics you'll find in the episode... (01:41) Player Two chimes in (Mailbag) (03:37) Chase British Airways Visa Signature® Card (Card Talk) Learn more about this card: https://frequentmiler.com/ba/ (09:30) Turkish award search shows random non-partner flights (Crazy Thing) (13:30) Best Western: Stay Twice & Earn Free Night Voucher (Mattress Running the Numbers) Read more about this: https://frequentmiler.com/best-western-stay-twice-earn-free-night-voucher/ (17:37) Turkish devalues (Award Talk) Read more about this: https://frequentmiler.com/turkish-might-be-demolishing-its-award-chart/ (22:03) SLH ditches Hyatt for Hilton (Award Talk) Read more about this: https://frequentmiler.com/small-luxury-hotels-slh-ditches-hyatt-for-hilton/ (26:10) Bilt announces milestone rewards (Award Talk) Read more about this: https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-introduces-unrewarding-milestone-rewards/ (31:50) Referral points don’t count towards Bilt status, h/t Chris from All the Hacks (Award Talk) (32:58) Mastering Avios, the rewards currency for BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, Qatar, and (soon) Finnair (Main Event) Read all about Avios here: https://frequentmiler.com/complete-guide-to-avios-british-airways-iberia-and-aer-lingus/ (33:22) Earning Avios (34:30) Moving Avios between programs Read more about this: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-transfer-avios-between-aer-lingus-ba-and-iberia/ (40:52) BA Household Accounts (42:40) Using Avios Read more about using Avios with Jet Blue: https://frequentmiler.com/jetblue-mint-to-the-caribbean-for-26000-avios-where-and-how-to-find-it/ (01:03:37) How do you plan acitivites? (Question of the Week)  

In addition to our regular weekly podcast, we also host an Ask Us Anything Live on YouTube once a month where the Frequent Miler team answers listener questions about points, miles, rewards cards, and whatever else comes to mind. This episode (64) was streamed live on Jan 31, 2024 and can be viewed in full here: Frequent Miler Live: Ask Us Anything   Here are all the questions asked during this episode (with timestamps) (00:44) - Should Nick upgrade his Aviator card?  (04:12) - Would you advise to get United Club card and pay the annual fee with 30k points? Is it a good deal?  (06:03) -Just got my first Amex a BLUE BUSSINESS PLUS. how do I avoid pop up jail when I’m ready to apply to other Amex cards  (07:27) - Chase and Barclays have declined me due to too many credit checks. How do you work around this?  (09:38) - What are the best hotel keeper cards currently? (14:32) - ​What is a reasonable cost to upgrade from economy to business on a transatlantic flight?  (16:36) - I have the Bonvoy Boundless, planning on getting the Brilliant, and then upgrading the Boundless to the Ritz-Carlton. What is the best timing for upgrading and applying to get all the free night certs?  (19:34) - Does it make sense to transfer Chase points to Marriott to top up free night certificates?  (22:06) - Would you hold off on getting American Airlines cards, given your prediction that a devaluation is coming soon?  (27:18) - This question is for everyone. If you could live anywhere in the U.S., or the world for that matter, based solely on travel hocking opportunities, where would you live?  (31:58)- What's your prediction on Wells Fargo transfer partners, there was a leak that WF autograph Journey is getting 5x on hotels, 4x on airlines, 3x on travel and dining with $95 annual fee  (33:19) - Is it worth spending $15K on your Hyatt card through Plastiq to get a free night certificate?  (34:29) - Will Chase not approve my SouthWest Performance Business card if I didn’t put any post-sign-up-bonus spend on my SouthWest Premier Business card I got a few months ago?  (35:09) - How do I keep my Delta Platinum status or get to Diamond this year  (36:30) - ​Has Bilt changed the game with their 150% transfer bonuses regarding the rule of thumb against doing speculative transfers? (42:30) - What credit card would you recommended to maximize hotel award redemption for a family of five? (45:59) - With all AMEX Platinums being part of the same family and can only get one sign up bonus for this family, are there any strategies or benefits to getting more than one AMEX Platinums (of any version)? (48:43) - How is Greg dealing with Detroit Lion loss to the San Francisco 49ers? Which city has best airline and hotel redemption to Vegas? (53:00)- ​I'd love to hear some hotel tips from things Stephen has learned from his 50 state road trip. I'm planning a month long road trip and would love tips on maximizing value of points

On this week's Frequent Miler on the Air, Greg and Nick talk about some game-changing transfer bonuses that have got them thinking..."The Bilt card ain’t just for renters anymore" (00:00:00) - Start (00:01:12) - Giant Mailbag (Bilt transfer bonuses are bogus) (00:04:18) - Card Talk (Big changes to Delta Credit cards...) (00:13:29) - Crazy Thing: (Dany says "I’ve had a Chase Ink $95 card for 10 years and this year they sent out a 10 year gift of coffee and some treats from a veteran owned company. Today I got the 1099 in the mail for it!")  (00:15:54) - Mattress Running the Numbers (IHG promo: Earn 40k bonus points every 4 nights at Iberostar properties)  Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/ihg-promo-earn-40k-bonus-points-every-4-nights-at-iberostar-properties/ (00:18:48) - Award Talk (Award Discover Tools) (00:24:34) - Main Event (Game changing transfer bonuses) (00:24:34) - Old advice: the fee free Bilt card is GREAT for renters but with limited ways to earn points, it’s not great for points & miles hobbyists. (00:25:19) - New advice: Bilt is great for points & miles hobbyists too (00:33:04) - Bilt Card Overview Read more about this card: https://frequentmiler.com/Bilt (00:35:00) - Bilt elite status / transfer bonuses Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/how-nick-built-his-own-bilt-bonus/ (00:39:15) - Is there a Bilt welcome bonus? (00:42:01) - Earn points primarily through card spend (00:46:20) - Sample strategy for Silver status (00:48:21) - Sample strategy for Gold status (00:50:46) - Strategy for Platinum status (00:56:23) - Who should consider this? (01:03:34) - Downsides & risks (1:05:47) - Question of the Week Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to keep up to date with Frequent Miler content, and email us at mailbag@frequentmiler.com to submit a question for our "Question of the Week" segment. 

On this episode, Greg and Nick discuss the question of whether or not you can pay your taxes with a credit card. (Spoiler - you can!) 00:01:35 - Using ChatGPT to squeeze $300 from the Ritz-Carlton card (Giant Mailbag)  Read More: https://frequentmiler.com/ritz-fee-credits-what-works/ 00:10:57 - Capital One Spark Cash Plus: 2% Everywhere (Card Talk) Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/c1scplusbiz/ 00:16:30 - Pepper App (Crazy Thing) Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/pepper-app-get-5-10-back-on-amazon-walmart-and-more-plus-20-back-via-referral-maybe-15-via-portal/ 00:23:07 - Paris Hilton’s Slivingland on Roblox: Win 111,111 Hilton points, Diamond status (Mattress Running the Numbers) Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/win-111111-hilton-honors-points-or-diamond-status-with-roblox-partnership/ 00:31:30 - Free Delta stopovers via Air France / KLM Flying Blue (Award Talk) Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/flying-blue-multi-stopover-experiment/ 00:36:10 - Luxury stays (Leading Hotels of the World) thanks to Citibank (Award Talk) Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/sampling-leading-hotels-of-the-world-lhw-thanks-to-citi-thankyou-rewards/ 00:41:07 - Main Event: Pay Taxes, Earn Big Rewards Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/pay-taxes-via-credit-card/ 00:41:37 - Paying Federal taxes with a credit card 00:42:23 - Why pay a fee to use a credit card? 00:54:33 - What about other taxes? 00:58:06 - Is it OK to overpay taxes? 00:59:52 - Does it make sense to pay quarterly estimated taxes this way? 1:00:26 - What to do when the payment processor doesn't like my business credit card? 01:02:51 - 90 days to use ’em or lose ’em: Where would you transfer your points? (Question of the Week) Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/90-days-to-use-em-or-lose-em-where-would-you-transfer-your-points/ Music Credit: Annie Yoder @annilion

Full details of the Marriott and MGM partnership are out and can only be accurately described as "a match made in Bonvoyland".  00:00 Intro 01:38 Turkish Airlines status match is back! (Giant Mailbag) https://frequentmiler.com/turkish-airlines-status-match-get-1-2-years-of-star-alliance-gold-with-very-reasonable-requirements/ 04:36 Amex Platinum 150K offer is back! (Card Talk) https://frequentmiler.com/amxplat/ 12:12 T-Mobile Home Internet Moneymaker ("Mattress running the numbers") https://frequentmiler.com/moneymaking-t-mobile-home-internet-deal-get-150-mastercard-gift-card-portal-earnings/ 17:54 JetBlue / Spirit Merger Blocked (Award Talk) 20:59 New Chase Sapphire Lounge at New York LGA (Award Talk) 22:41 Marriott’s marriage to MGM Resorts: A match made in Bonvoyland (Main Event) https://frequentmiler.com/no-marriott-match-to-mgm-but-elite-nights-live-on-mgm-marriott-partnership-details/ 22:51 Marriott / MGM partnership overview 24:19 Partnership benefits 25:15 Why aren't we very excited about this partnership? 25:35 Points transfer at a poor ratio 26:33 Ambassador match is only available to those with invite-only MGM status 27:49 No good status match for anyone but MGM Noir 29:33 Benefits are only scheduled to last through 12/31/24 31:41 What benefits do Marriott Platinum and Titanium members get in Las Vegas? 39:21 Will you earn 3x on the Altitude Reserve when checking out on a website with Apple Pay or Google Pay? (Question of the Week) Music credit: Annie Yoder

Whether you want to earn airline elite status from the comfort of your couch or switch alliances without starting from scratch, this week we talk about how you can score shortcuts to get the status you want. 00:00 Intro 02:28 Giant Mailbag 02:51 Greg-a-culpa 04:43 Nick-a-culpa: Air France actually does have an award chart https://viewfromthewing.com/air-france-introduces-new-award-chart-free-stopovers/ 07:09 T-Tip 11:53 Card Talk: Frontier Airlines World Mastercard https://frequentmiler.com/f9/ 22:00 Mattress Running the Numbers: SimplyMiles stack for Holiday Inn or Holiday Inn Express https://frequentmiler.com/simplymiles-spend-100-at-holiday-inn-or-holiday-inn-express-earn-930-aadvantage-miles-loyalty-points/ 29:04 Award Talk: AA enhancements 29:50 Apply systemwide upgrades online 30:24 Earn miles when paying for upgrades 31:20 Cancel basic economy and get something back for $99 32:13 Loyalty Point choice benefit 34:58 Main Events: Shortcuts to airline elite status 35:00 What is airline elite status? 38:36 Lots of shortcuts exist 39:36 Having credit cards to get perks 41:56 Earning elite status through credit card spend 47:11 Shopping for status 49:56 Status matches 50:47 American Airlines status match 54:44 Delta status match 56:05 United status match 58:18 Alaska status match 58:38 Turkish status match 01:05:58 Southwest A-list status match 01:08:47 Buying status 01:13:27 Other ways to get elite status 01:17:00 Air France: earn XPs without flying 01:18:29 Question of the Week: Is it safe to complete spending for stuff on 12/31? Music credit: Annie Yoder

Each member of the Frequent Miler team made predictions for what will happen in loyalty news and credit cards in 2024, but this week we review which of those predictions we think are absolute hogwash and which you can bet your bottom dollar will happen in 2024. 00:00 Intro 01:30 Giant Mailbag 10:42 Award Talk: An Aeroplan cautionary tale 14:20 Follow up on Bonvoyed Awards https://frequentmiler.com/frequent-milers-readers-choice-bonvoyed-awards-2023-edition/ 16:56 Follow up on Deal of the Year https://frequentmiler.com/deal-of-the-year-2023-2/ 18:24 Main Event: Spit-shining our 2024 crystal ball https://frequentmiler.com/frequent-milers-2024-predictions-for-points-miles-and-travel/ 18:30 A look back at 2023 prediction results 22:04 Nick's predictions: Hogwash or cat bath? 24:39 Greg's predictions: Hogwash or cat bath? 28:52 Carrie's predictions: Hogwash or cat bath? 30:38 Stephen's predictions: Hogwash or cat bath? 34:15 Tim's predictions: Hogwash or cat bath? 46:24 Question of the Week #1: Should I reduce withholdings to make estimated tax payments with a credit card? https://frequentmiler.com/pay-taxes-via-credit-card/ 46:19 Question of the Week #2: Does it ever make sense to apply for a card knowing that you'll not get the welcome bonus? 50:49 Question of the Week #3: Have you considered releasing Ask Us Anything as a podcast? Music credit: Annie Yoder

Between those deals we have identified and those highlighted by readers, which was the single best deal of 2023 in the points & miles space? This week, Greg and Nick consider the contenders and crown a champion.  00:00 Intro 01:14 Giant Mailbag 05:45 Card Talk: Amtrak Preferred Card https://frequentmiler.com/amkworld/ 10:24 What crazy thing . . . did Bilt Rewards do this week? https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-rent-day-promos-75-150-transfer-bonuses-to-flying-blue-virgin-ihg/ 14:44 Earning Bilt elite status https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-rewards-will-double-elite-status-thresholds-in-2024/ 26:15 Award Talk: Choosing a Marriott 25K Cert, 17K points, or something else 32:08 Award Talk: Can't cancel? Then change. 34:39 The single best deal of 2023 35:20 Virgin Voyages cruise deals with points https://frequentmiler.com/virgin-voyages-7-night-european-cruises-for-only-62k-points/ 37:38 Bilt's Hyatt Globalist fast track https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-globalist-fast-track-through-bilt-rewards-for-rent-day/ 39:56 Bilt's 100% transfer bonus to Air France / KLM Flying Blue https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-rewards-get-100-transfer-bonus-to-flying-blue-may-1-only-new-promo-rewards/ 41:33 Bilt's 75-150% transfer bonus to Virgin https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-august-rent-day-up-to-150-transfer-bonus-to-virgin-atlantic/ 42:46 Marriott Homes & Villas 40K bonus with 4 nights (and no minimum spend) https://frequentmiler.com/incredible-marriott-promo-earn-40000-bonus-points-on-a-4-night-stay/ 44:47 Choice Privileges College Gameday deals https://frequentmiler.com/choice-privileges-offering-college-sports-experiences-bookable-with-points/ 50:00 Capital One Travel Sale (Flights and hotels for pennies) https://frequentmiler.com/get-flights-for-pennies-capital-one-travels-incredible-sale-for-cardholders/ 51:40 Capital One Shopping $200 referral bonus for both sides https://frequentmiler.com/both-sides-now-get-30-when-referring-to-capital-one-shopping/ 54:16 30x Lufthansa Miles & More miles per dollar spent https://frequentmiler.com/wow-lufthansa-miles-more-is-giving-30x-miles-on-booking-com-reservations/ 58:20 Reader contributions https://frequentmiler.com/90k-offers-now-available-both-online-in-branch/ 01:04:26 Greg's pick for Deal of the Year 01:08:25 Nick's pick for Deal fo the Year 01:14:49 Question of the Week: Is Nick out of his mind? Music credit: Annie Yoder

As we close out 2023, we take a moment to honor those loyalty programs that have dishonored their own members with the biggest snafus, most member-unfriendly changes, or other painful devaluations.  00:00 Intro 01:58 Giant Mailbag 04:51 Card Talk: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy & Bountiful cards https://frequentmiler.com/bonvoybevy/ https://frequentmiler.com/bonvoybountiful/ 10:41 What crazy thing . . . did Air France / KLM Flying Blue do this week? https://frequentmiler.com/amazing-business-class-to-europe-from-13500-miles-one-way/ 21:44 Award Talk: Bilt adds Avianca LifeMiles https://frequentmiler.com/now-transfer-bilt-rewards-to-avianca-lifemiles/ 24:48 Award Talk: IHG allows free point transfers between members....well, *some* members https://frequentmiler.com/ihg-offering-diamond-elite-members-free-points-transfers-to-other-members-but-not-the-other-way/ 27:27 Finnair Plus announces new award charts and info https://frequentmiler.com/finnair-plus-announces-award-chart-changes-to-take-effect-in-march-2024/ 38:19 Main Event: 2023 Bonvoyed Awards The Nominees.... 39:19: Marriott Bonvoys free night certificates https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-rules-for-extending-free-nights/ 41:19 Hyatt / MGM marriage goes bust https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-farewell-cheap-mattress-runs-status-matching/ 43:51 Wyndham vacates their high-value Vacasa bookings https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-vacasa/ 45:41 Delta dumps their devastation https://frequentmiler.com/delta-elite-shortcuts/ 47:52 Chase guts their Pay Yourself Back program 49:07 Air Canada Aeroplan's Etihad alliance goes astray 52:00 Hotels.com becomes 5x less rewarding https://frequentmiler.com/huge-devaluation-of-hotels-com-rewards-new-one-key-program-only-giving-2-back/ 56:15 Nominee recap 56:42 Nick's pick for 2023 Bonvoyed Award 59:24 Greg's pick for 2023 Bonvoyed Award 1:02:41 Question of the Week: What is the best thing to do with 80,000 Membership Rewards points before we cancel Player 2's Amex Gold card? Music credit: Annie Yoder