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-...
Feb 09, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 241
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 ...
Feb 06, 2024•57 min
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...
Feb 03, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 240
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...
Jan 27, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 239
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://frequ...
Jan 20, 2024•44 min•Ep. 238
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/ ...
Jan 13, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 237
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 ht...
Jan 06, 2024•55 min•Ep. 236
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 elit...
Dec 30, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 235
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-europ...
Dec 23, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 234
It's fun to daydream about the flights and hotels we'd love to book with miles and points. This week, Greg and Nick discuss the redemptions they would most like to make if the stars aligned. 00:00 Intro 01:33 Giant Mailbag 06:38 Card Talk: Air France / KLM Flying Blue World Elite Mastercard https://frequentmiler.com/afklm/ 15:45 Main Event: The rewards we want the most 16:35 Greg: Air France La Premier (first class) 18:54 Emirates "new" First Class 19:30 Lufthansa New First Class (if it ever com...
Dec 16, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 233
The year 2023 has seen our travels take us all over the world. This week, we look back and discuss our favorite award redemptions of the year 2023 and of all time. Subscribe to our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ 00:00 Intro 01:35 Giant Mailbag 04:10 Travel Talk 04:28 Alaska wants to buy Hawaiian Airlines 12:00 EU261 claim 14:33 Card Talk : Hawaiian Airlines credit cards 22:30 Award Talk: Avianca customer service might be better than its reputation suggests. 29:30 Main Event: Ou...
Dec 09, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 232
Extreme Rewards via Extreme Stacking: Stack portal rewards, category bonuses, and much more to take your shopping to the next level. 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:42 Giant Mailbag 00:02:36 -- Backpack tip 00:03:09 -- Nordic Choice 00:06:00 -- AutoSlash for the win 00:06:52 -- Schwab debit card rocks 00:08:12 -- Open Hotel Alert to the rescue 00:08:57 -- Turkish Airlines: valuable mess 00:10:22 Card Talk: Amex Blue Business Plus 00:16:42 Award Talk: Book Etihad w/ Flying Blue miles 00:22:29 Award Talk: BR...
Dec 02, 2023•2 hr 39 min
"Free" up your companion by powering up to Companion Pass status. The timing is right, but be sure that you time the bonuses properly to score free travel for a companion for almost all of next year and all of the year after. 00:00 Intro 01:45 Giant Mailbag https://frequentmiler.com/best-credit-card-sign-up-offers/ 04:04 Card Talk: Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards 05:10 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card 08:00 Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card 08:30 Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card 14...
Nov 25, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 230
Maximize your charitable giving by earning a great return while doing good in the world. From ways to give without causing your favorite charity to incur processing fees to ways to earn thousands of points for your donation, this week we talk about how to do your charitable deeds (better). 00:00 Intro 01:13 Giant Mailbag 03:32 Giant Mailbag #2: United Quest card details 07:22 Card Talk: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card & Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card https://frequentmiler.c...
Nov 18, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 229
United Mileage Plus is an extremely popular program, but how can you get the best value out of the miles? This week, we talk about using flexible awards to your advantage, cheap intra-European awards, the Excursionist Perk, and a lot more. 00:00 Intro 01:20 Giant Mailbag #1: Can we get a Delta-free podcast? 02:35 Giant Mailbag #2 03:48 What crazy thing . . . did Delta do this week? https://frequentmiler.com/deltas-window-seat-shop-of-horrors/ 06:46 Card Talk: United Quest card https://frequentmi...
Nov 11, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 228
American Airlines miles can be used to fly some of the fanciest airlines in the world. They can also be really handy for buying domestic flights to/from non-American Airlines hubs. On this week's episode, we discuss some of our favorite ways to get awesome value out of American Airlines miles. 00:00 Intro 01:23 Giant Mailbag 03:50 Card Talk 03:55 New Citi Application Rule https://frequentmiler.com/possible-citi-5-day-rule-causing-denials-for-too-many-inquiries/ 07:04 Plastiq news https://frequen...
Nov 04, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 227
Did you know that it is possible to get the same credit card that you have had before and get the new cardmember welcome bonus again? In fact, in some cases, you might be able to open a second of the same card that you currently have and get the bonus again. This week, we discuss the rules by issuer. 00:00 Intro 01:45 Giant Mailbag 05:01 Card Talk: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card https://frequentmiler.com/DLplat/ https://frequentmiler.com/DLplatbiz/ 17:37 Mattress Running the Numbers 17:41 Bilt Ren...
Oct 28, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 226
Delta has walked back their elite status changes in a big way. Long-term elites and credit card enthusiasts have come out as good as gold. Has Delta gone too far and made elite status too easy to earn and keep? 00:00 Intro 01:37 Giant Mailbag 02:56 Hilton credit card changes https://frequentmiler.com/big-changes-to-hilton-aspire-and-surpass-cards/ https://frequentmiler.com/amxhiltonaspire/ https://frequentmiler.com/hilton-honors-american-express-surpass-card/ 23:23 What crazy thing . . . did Ame...
Oct 21, 2023•1 hr 15 min
American Express has a the largest stable of rewards credit cards on the market, but which Amex cards are must-have cornerstones of your wallet? The answers aren't universal, so this week we discuss the Amex cards that could make the cut and who should keep them. 01:23 Giant Mailbag 05:05 What crazy thing . . . did JetBlue do this week? https://frequentmiler.com/jetblues-mosaic-founderscard-benefit-is-this-a-joke/ 13:52 25% transfer bonus from Amex to JetBlue https://frequentmiler.com/amex-membe...
Oct 14, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 224
Buying groups can be a highly effective way to increase credit card spend and earn big rewards, but they can also be a perilous path toward problems. Greg and Nick discuss what they are, why you might want to use them, and why they may not be right for you. 00:00 Intro 00:47 Giant Mailbag 08:30 Card Talk: Amex Business Gold card https://frequentmiler.com/major-changes-to-the-american-express-business-gold-card-heres-whats-happening/ 20:37 What crazy thing . . . did Marriott phone reps do this we...
Oct 07, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 223
Want to get elite treatment at hotels without investing the time and effort in enough nights for elite status? Instead of spending fifty or sixty nights a year in hotels with one brand, you can simulate status with some simple tricks. 00:00 Intro 01:52 Giant Mailbag 06:08 Card Talk: Bank of America Alaska Airlines credit cards https://frequentmiler.com/as/ https://frequentmiler.com/asbiz/ https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-airlines-companion-fare-guide/ 20:10 What crazy thing....did Delta do this ...
Sep 30, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 222
You don't need airline elite status to get elite-like treatment. This week, we discuss how to get the perks without the loyalty and how to think about the costs associated if you decide to stay on that hamster wheel. Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ 00:00 Intro 01:42 Giant Mailbag 04:47 What crazy thing . . . did Amex do this week? 06:46 Mattress running the numbers: Aeroplan cardholders can get 4th night free with points https://frequentmiler.com/aeroplan-offering-4th-n...
Sep 23, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 221
Delta wants dollars: this week we discuss the massive changes coming to the Delta Sky Miles elite status program and what it means for flyers and cardholders alike. 00:00 Intro 01:24 Giant Mailbag 04:26 What crazy thing . . .did Citi do this week? 06:10 Mattress running the numbers 6:23 American Airlines elite status fast track for some Hyatt elites https://frequentmiler.com/american-airlines-back-with-instant-status-pass-for-hyatt-elite-members-targeted/ 10:25 Hyatt Globalist fast track for AA ...
Sep 16, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 220
Citi's ThankYou program gets lets attention than other major bank rewards point programs, but it has some unique strengths that deserve your attention. This week, Greg and Nick determine whether and for whom Citi can be an awesome option. 00:00 Intro 00:47 Giant Mailbag 03:38 Mattress Running the Numbers 03:40 Marriott Homes & Villas promo 04:45 Wyndham points on sale for less than 1cpp 08:27 Buy Finnair Plus points 12:44 Award Talk 12:46 Now transfer Virgin points to a friend with low flat fee ...
Sep 09, 2023•57 min•Ep. 219
Want a companion to fly with you for free? There are many different companion tickets on the market, but some are far better than others. This week, we discuss which ones are worth it, how to get them, and they they are special. 00:00 Intro 01:08 Giant Mailbag 03:33 What crazy thing . . . did Bilt Rewards do? https://frequentmiler.com/no-official-bilt-welcome-offer-after-all/ 07:07 Award Talk: Booking Turkish via email within 6 hours https://frequentmiler.com/yes-you-can-still-book-united-flight...
Sep 02, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 218
Get your pen and paper and get ready to play along and see if you can beat the blogger as Nick tries to score at least 75,000 points revealing 10 tricks for spending fewer points on your flight and hotel awards. 00:00 Intro 01:52 Giant Mailbag 04:05 Card Talk: Amex Platinum card changes 10:51 Mattress running the numbers: Stand Up to Cancer and earn 50x https://frequentmiler.com/american-airlines-earn-up-to-50x-aadvantage-miles-with-cancer-research-donation/ 14:15 Award Talk 14:20 IHG suite upgr...
Aug 26, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 217
Don't settle for mediocrity - get great value from your credit card points by utilizing some of our favorite techniques to save big on both economy and business class airfare and hotels ranging from simple to simply luxurious. 00:00 Intro 00:48 Giant Mailbag: Trouble with the Schwab debit card and a workaround 06:14 What crazy thing . . . did Bilt Rewards do this week? 14:29 Mattress running the numbers: Frontier's GoWild pass promotion 20:55 Award Talk 20:59 Nick's experience with a British Air...
Aug 19, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 216
Big wins start with solid strategy. This week, we talk about which cards you must have before you start applying with reckless abandon as well as which cards you should probably be considering that are all likely limited by the 5/24 rule. If you play your cards right, you can easily end up with all the cards you want and need before you get locked out of more. 00:00 Intro 00:55 Giant Mailbag: A "wea culpa" 03:41 Card Talk: Chase Freedom Unlimited & Chase Freedom Flex cards https://frequentmiler....
Aug 12, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 215
There are more than 8 million points and miles available via new credit card welcome offers. Here's how to score millions of points in your household. Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ 00:00 Intro 01:45 Giant Mailbag 09:05 Card Talk: JetBlue Plus and JetBlue Business Cards https://frequentmiler.com/b6plus/ https://frequentmiler.com/b6biz/ 15:37 What crazy thing . . . happened to Greg the Frequent Miler this week? 21:10 Mattress Running the Numbers: 50% transfer bonus from...
Aug 05, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 214
If you're flush with Delta SkyMiles, don't flush them on poor redemptions -- instead, listen to this week's show and learn how you can squeeze good value out of your SkyMiles. One quick update: During our Award Talk segment, we discussed the ability to book Starlux via Alaska Airlines, but that availability and pricing got pulled between the time we recorded and the time we published -- we were right that you had to jump on it quickly, but it died even faster than we expected. 00:00 Intro 00:56 ...
Jul 29, 2023•53 min•Ep. 213
