Points Resources

Everything You Need to Travel Smarter

Guides, quizzes, and downloadable cheat sheets to help you earn more points, redeem them for maximum value, and unlock unforgettable trips.

Is it a good redemption?

Use my free redemption calculator to compare cash vs. points and know exactly when to redeem.

REDEMPTION VALUE CALCULATOR

Earn Through Rakuten

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Top Cards for Award Travel

The best beginner-friendly cards with the biggest welcome bonuses and bonus categories.

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Hyatt Sweet Spots

The best Hyatt redemptions you need to know — all-inclusives, luxury resorts, cities, and family trips.

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Transfer Partners 101

Unlock outsized value by transferring your flexible points to airline and hotel partners.

View Printable Guide

Downloadable Points & Miles Glossary

A complete guide to the terms, abbreviations, and slang every points traveler needs to know.

View Printable Guide

TOP 10 HINTS

Family travel is closer than you think. Here's how to use points and miles to get there.

Earn Strategically

Choose credit cards that earn big in the categories where you already spend (the bonus categories = more points).

Action Step

Use a card that earns 3x or more on your top 2 spending categories.

Transfer, Don't Redeem

Points are worth far more when you transfer to airline and hotel partners instead of booking through portals.

Action Step

Use Credit Cards with transferable points like Chase, AMEX, and Citi, and know the Transfer partners.

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Be Flexible with Dates

Award availability changes constantly. Being flexible by even a day or two can save you thousands of points.

Action Step

Search nearby dates and airports for better availability.

Book Early (or Last Minute)

Most airline award seats open 330+ days out. Last-minute deals can also appear when plans change.

Action Step

Check for availability when seats first open.

Look Beyond the Big Chains

Great redemptions exist outside of Marriott and Hilton—think Hyatt, IHG, Aeroplan, Air France-KLM, and more.

Action Step

Explore partner programs for better value and availability.

Stack Points & Promos

Take advantage of transfer bonuses, card offers, and shopping portals to boost your points balance faster.

Action Step

Check for transfer bonuses before moving your points.

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Maximize the Perks

Use your card benefits—airport lounge access, free checked bags, travel credits, and elite status—to save more.

Action Step

Review your card benefits before your next trip.

Know Your Points Value

Not all points are created equal. Aim for at least 1.5¢ value per point when redeeming for travel.

Action Step

Use my Redemption Calculator before you use your points

CLICK FOR CALCULATOR

Research Before You Book

Use tools like Seats.aero, AwardTool, and PointsYeah to find the best deals and routing options.

Action Step

Search and compare before you transfer or book.

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Plan for the Big Picture

Have a long-term strategy for earning and redeeming points that aligns with your travel goals and lifestyle.

Action Step

Set a travel goal and plan how you'll get there with points.

Bonus Hint

Pay Your Balance in Full

Points are free travel—not an excuse for debt. Always pay your balance in full to win.

Smart Points. Unforgettable Trips.

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Free Downloads

Printable One-Page Guides

Click any guide to download it instantly — no email required.

Everything You Need to Travel Smarter

Is it a good redemption?

Earn Through Rakuten

Top Cards for Award Travel

Hyatt Sweet Spots

Transfer Partners 101

Downloadable Points & Miles Glossary

TOP 10 HINTS

Earn Strategically

Transfer, Don't Redeem

Be Flexible with Dates

Book Early (or Last Minute)

Look Beyond the Big Chains

Stack Points & Promos

Maximize the Perks

Know Your Points Value

Research Before You Book

Plan for the Big Picture

Bonus Hint

Printable One-Page Guides

Transfer Partners Guide

Points & Miles Glossary

Master Point Hacking

Top 10 Hints