AMA: Step-by-Step Guide to Get Started in Points and Miles
Mar 21, 2024
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Learn about maximizing points and miles with credit cards, evaluating point deals, and managing FOMO. Get tips on navigating points and miles for beginners, maximizing hotel stays, and redemption strategies. Discover how to choose the right credit cards, when to cancel, and best airlines for earning points.
Choose credit cards based on travel destination and points needed.
Maximize points by focusing on minimum spend and two points per dollar cards.
Deep dives
Optimizing Point Strategy: Destination Selection and Points Calculation
When deciding on the next credit card to get, it is advisable to first choose your travel destination and explore the routes from your home airport using websites like flightconnections.com. Then calculate the required points for the flights using resources like roamedot travel or pointsia.com. After determining the points needed, identify cards that can help you earn those points for booking the trip.
To maximize points, prioritize using the credit card on which you are still working towards meeting the minimum spend and focus on signup bonuses. Additionally, utilize the card pointers app for recommendations on the best card to use for purchases. If you prefer a straightforward approach, opt for cards that earn at least two points per dollar universally, such as the capital one venture or MX blue business plus card.
Managing Credit Cards: Cancellation Timing and Options
When considering canceling credit cards post meeting signup bonuses, wait at least 12 months after opening the card to avoid negative impacts. Evaluate the annual fee versus benefits received annually to decide on whether to keep or close a card. Prioritize requesting retention bonuses from the credit card company and explore downgrading options to maintain credit lines and build credit score.
Seeking Travel Destination and Deals: Leveraging Existing Points and Resources
Prioritize using accumulated points with specific airlines before exploring new travel destinations. Utilize tools like flightconnections.com and Wikipedia to discover available flight options from your home airport based on existing points. Explore Geobreeze Travel resources, such as step-by-step tutorials and point deals of the week, to find cheap points deals and plan travel efficiently.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:22 - Knowing what card to get next
01:32 - Which card should be used when
02:44 - When and how often should you cancel cards
05:11 - Struggling to find a location for travel
06:24 - What is a good points deal?
09:15 - Minimize sign up bonus FOMO
10:23 - Predictable offers
11:37 - Getting started with points and miles
12:18 - When to use miles for an upgrade
13:10 - Speculatively moving points
14:12 - Best airlines for earning points
14:45 - When is status worth it?
16:39 - Using the Capital One Venture X credit/portal
17:18 - Should you buy points?
17:37 - Outro
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Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as milevalue .com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress .com to learn more.
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