The Advantages of Flying Southwest Airlines

Southwest is very simple. You get points based on how much you spend and if you've got status, I have A-list preferred. Southwest doesn't serve your city but United does. My second favorite airline from a rewards perspective is United because their miles actually do kind of go a long way. Marriott Bonvoy's credit card more than pays for itself with its recurring annual perks.

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CARDS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE, IN ORDER: http://www.moneywithkatie.com/2023travel

If you’ve ever wanted to take a more intentional approach to your credit cards and travel (or just tune up an existing approach!), this week’s episode is a must-listen.

File “travel rewards” under the “sounds too good to be true but isn’t” category, with the major caveat that it’s a little like playing with fire: As long as your spending habits aren’t flammable, you stand to gain a lot.

We called in travel rewards pro Benét Wilson—former Senior Cards Editor at The Points Guy and freelance aviation journalist—to weigh in and pressure-test our Money with Katie strategy, because this landscape is always changing—and the episode made me realize there’s at least one hotel card I need to consider adding to my wallet lineup.

Learn more about our sponsor, Vin Social: https://www.vinsocial.vip

Learn more about our sponsor, Fidelity: https://fidelity.com/stocksbytheslice

Learn more about The CFA Institute: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa

Transcripts can be found at podcast.moneywithkatie.com.

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Mentioned in the Episode

Money with Katie's 2023 Travel Rewards Strategy: http://www.moneywithkatie.com/2023travel
How to Travel For Free 101 Series: https://www.morningbrew.com/money-with-katie/subscribe/travel-rewards-101
The Points Guy's 10 Commandments of Credit Card Rewards: https://thepointsguy.com/guide/ten-credit-card-commandments/amp/
Rich Girl Roundup on how credit works: https://link.chtbl.com/QXmxdYU_
How TPG staffers track their credit card miles/points: https://thepointsguy.com/guide/tpg-strategies-track-points-miles-cards/amp/
Chase 5/24 rule: https://thepointsguy.com/guide/ultimate-guide-chase-5-24-rule/
Chase Sapphire sign-up bonus: https://financebuzz.com/chase-sapphire-48-month-rule
How to redeem points: https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/airlines/beginners/
Cash or points for travel? Here's how to decide: https://moneywithkatie.com/blog/cash-or-points-for-travel
The Points Guy calculator: https://thepointsguy.com/calculator/
Chase transfer partners (as of April 2023): https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/chase-transfer-partners-guide
American Express transfer partners (as of April 2023): https://thepointsguy.com/guide/membership-rewards-partner-guide/