Optimizing Credit Card Points and Miles with Alex Miller
All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life
The Simplicity of Cashback vs. the Value of Points
This chapter explores the distinctions between cashback and points-based rewards in credit cards. It highlights the benefits of simplicity with cashback options while also illustrating how points can offer greater value for those willing to navigate the complexities.
#3: Points optimizer Alex Miller joins Chris to go deep on credit cards and points hacks. They discuss the best cards to get right now, how to get thousands of points without spending much money, and ways you should NOT be spending your points.
Alex Miller is the Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, a site that helps millions of people each month maximize their points and miles. An avid traveler himself, Alex regularly uses points for extravagant trips around the world, like flying in luxurious first-class cabins complete with onboard bars and showers that would have cost $50,000 if he were paying cash.
Full show notes available at: https://www.allthehacks.com/credit-card-points-alex-miller/
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Selected Links From The Episode
Connect with Alex Miller: LinkedIn | Upgraded Points
Budget tracker: Mint
Leveraging international credit in the US: Nova Credit
Cards Mentioned
- American Express® Gold Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- For other cards mentioned visit our Best Credit Cards Page
Keep track of your points: Award Wallet
Additional Links from Upgraded Points
- Beginners Guide to Points & Miles
- 11 Best Travel Credit Cards
- 19 Best Ways to Earn Amex Points
- 59 Best Ways to Redeem Amex Points
Full Show Notes
(01:42) Who is Alex Miller?
(02:30) Alex’s First Taste of Business Class
(06:10) Recognizing Suboptimal Credit Card Optimization
(08:04) Choosing Points Cards Aligned with Spending Habits
(10:02) Downsides of Budget Tracking with Mint
(10:52) Credit Card Impact on Your Credit Score
(13:42) Leveraging International Credit for US Cards
(15:07) Cash Back vs. Points: Which is Better?
(16:23) Combining Benefit of Cash Back and Points
(17:40) Unpacking the Value of Different Points
(18:36) Disadvantages of Using Points for Gift Cards
(19:49) Pitfalls of Airline Credit Cards
(22:00) Hotel Cards: Perks like Free Night Stays
(22:36) Considering High Annual Fee Cards
(24:50) Steps Before Canceling a High Fee Card
(26:37) Chris and Alex’s Point Redemption Triumphs
(34:00) Achievable Free Vacations with Points
(36:27) Current Best Points Card Options
(40:28) Complementary Cards: A Must-Have
(41:15) Optimal Times for Cash Back Card Use
(42:06) Eligibility for Business Credit Cards
(43:43) Getting Amazon Points Beyond Groceries
(45:52) Earning Points Without Spending Money
(47:03) Maximizing Offers on Your Credit Card
(48:59) Accelerating Points via Shopping Portals
(51:18) Organizing Points Across Different Cards
(52:04) Flexible Flying Desires with Points
(54:14) Hottest Sign-Up Bonuses Right Now
(56:30) Demystifying the 5/24 Rule
(57:25) Insights on Capital One
(58:12) Timing Behind Current Major Sign-Up Bonuses
(59:21) Options if Card Application Isn’t Approved
(1:00:09) Post-Bonus Card Retention Duration
(1:02:10) Reasons for Downgrading a Card
(1:04:00) Connecting with Alex Miller
Connect with All the Hacks
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Chris Hutchins: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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