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If you prioritize frequent air travel, I would say get yourself a Southwest card assuming the carrier is prominent in your area and you're cool with flying coach. If you prioritize hotels, go for the Marriott Bonvoy or the Hyatt program next. And we're working our way up in fees and perks instead of diving straight into the deep end. But honestly, it's totally up to you and how you intend to use your points.

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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.

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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/