The 10 Commandments of Points & Miles

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Apr 10, 2025

Get ready to elevate your travel game! The hosts share the 10 Commandments of Points and Miles, from starting slow to maximizing spending. They discuss the impact of rising award rates and offer clever strategies for managing your credit cards. Tune in for hilarious moments, like roasting Gunnar’s wardrobe, alongside serious tips on navigating the complex world of travel rewards. Plus, learn how to collaborate with your partner for double the points!

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ADVICE

Start Slow

Start slow with points and miles, and don't dive in headfirst.
Set a travel goal and work backward to determine the best points and strategy.

ADVICE

Credit Score Truth

Learn how credit scores and credit cards work.
Opening cards responsibly, paying on time, and low utilization improve scores.

ADVICE

Annual Fees

Consider cards with annual fees as investments.
Evaluate card benefits and do the math to ensure a positive return.

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Gunnar and Kyle go back to basics on the pod: It’s not the Five D’s of Dodgeball, it’s the 10 Commandments of Points and Miles. Whether you’re just getting started with travel rewards or consider yourself a pro, this (only slightly irreverent) list can help you take things to the next level with your points. The guys also break down a troubling trend in frequent flyer programs … and Kyle roasts Gunnar for his clothes.

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(00:00) Making memes & fun new airline routes

(04:15) Something hot: Revisiting that huge new 100K bonus

(08:27) Something cold: U.S. airlines are pulling the strings with devaluations

(13:10) A word from our sponsor (us … and our really cool tool that’ll help you pick your next travel card!)

(14:51) The Extra Mile: The 10 Commandments of Points & Miles

(17:30) 1. Start slow

(20:03) 2. Learn about how your credit score really works

(24:04) 3. Don’t rule out cards with annual fees

(28:52) 4. Stop before you swipe - maximize your spending

(32.41) 5. & stop swiping your airline credit card everywhere

The 3 Kinds of Credit Cards I Have (But Don’t Always Use)

(37:06) 6. Honor transferable points and airline alliances

(39:53) 7. But don’t transfer your points without a purpose

(42:42) 8. Use services (like ours) and other tools to help you get ahead

Travel Freely, our favorite tool to stay organized

(48:33) 9. Travel is not a contest

(51:03) 10. Resist points paralysis: Earn and burn

(55:04) A listener wonders how to tackle points & miles with a spouse - aka “two-player mode”

(59:13) Kyle puts Gunnar on the spot about his outfit

Produced by Gunnar Olson & Nick Serati
Edited by David Strutt
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot

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