

The Sunday Read: ‘The Man Who Turned Credit Card Points Into an Empire’
Feb 21, 2021
Brian Kelly, the founder of The Points Guy, shares his journey of turning a passion for travel and credit card rewards into a thriving empire. He discusses the evolution of credit card rewards, revealing how they've transformed from simple payment methods to powerful travel tools. Kelly reflects on navigating travel during the pandemic, emphasizing the impact of tourism on local cultures, and dives into the complexities of loyalty programs. His personal anecdotes and expertise shed light on maximizing benefits in the intricate world of travel rewards.
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Dubrovnik Trip
- Brian Kelly, The Points Guy, traveled to a desolate Dubrovnik during the pandemic.
- He leveraged miles, navigating COVID restrictions, showcasing his expertise.
Travel Boom
- Cheap travel boomed in the 1970s with airline deregulation and online booking.
- This created winners (home-sharing platforms) and losers (locals, environment).
Credit Card Use
- Forget debit cards; use premium credit cards with annual fees for points.
- Points turn spending into rewards like airline lounges and travel reimbursements.