
Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel
Takeoff is a podcast that will teach you how to save money and travel better. Join Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis from 10xTravel as they teach you the fundamentals of points & miles and dive into the latest strategies, deals, and news in the industry. If you want to travel more (and better) without spending more money, this show is for you.
Latest episodes

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 11min
Ep 28: What's in Our Wallets?
Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.
You asked, and the gang is finally answering the question we get the most at our meetups and in our Facebook group: Which cards are actually in our wallets? Tune in as Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis crack open their wallets and share the cards they love, the cards they think are underrated, and the ones they’re about ready to ditch altogether.
In This Episode:
The top favorite cards
Answering listener questions from The Lost Tapes
How we organize and maximize the cards in our wallets
Hotel cards for every budget
The cards we’ll be applying for next
Resources & Links: Got a question for the podcast? Submit it here! Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)
My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place
Take our free points and miles course Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube
Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program
Let us book your award flight for you
Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today 10xTravel Facebook Group
10xTravel Instagram
10xTravel TikTok
The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles.
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 8min
Ep 27: How We’d Spend 150,000 Amex Membership Rewards
Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.
In this highly requested episode, the team breaks down the ins and outs of earning and spending American Express Membership Rewards (AKA Amex Points).
But the real fun begins when Bryce, Travis, Emily, and Matt face off to see who can book the best trip for 150,000 Amex Membership Rewards. And once again, we’ll need your vote on our YouTube channel to help determine the winner.
So whether you’ve waited this long to take the Amex leap or you just need some inspiration for spending your stash of points, you won’t want to miss this episode.
In This Episode:
The true value of Amex Membership Rewards
Using Amex points to book epic trips to places like Rome and Hawaii
The best way to use Amex points for hotel stays
Determining which Amex card is right for you
How to navigate the dreaded Amex pop-up
Resources & Links: How to earn Amex points and cash back with Rakuten
Why you should transfer your Membership Rewards to Hilton
How to beat the dreaded Amex popup
Cast your vote for this episode’s winner on Youtube!
Take our free points and miles course!
This month’s best credit cards Let us book your award flight for you
Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card
My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today
10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program
10xTravel Facebook Group
10xTravel Instagram
10xTravel TikTok
The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles.
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Jun 5, 2024 • 53min
Ep 26: Unsexy Redemptions
Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.
For most of us, traveling on points and miles isn’t all champagne and showers in first class.
Sure, those elite perks motivate us to rack up points so we can brag to our friends — and in the 10xTravel Insiders Group — about our luxurious vacation. But sometimes, you just need to get from A to B on short notice or find enough seats for your family of four.
That’s why today’s episode is all about those often overlooked “unsexy redemptions” that most of us make. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team share their favorite unsexy redemptions, how they came to be, and how they determine when it’s worth it to splurge on a fancy trip vs. when to just appreciate being able to travel for free.
In This Episode:
Unsexy redemptions in the Maldives, at famous music festivals, and more
Does it ever actually make sense to use the travel portal?
How positioning flights affect otherwise flashy redemptions
Ignoring “absolutisms” in the points and miles hobby
Getting off the “maximum value” hamster wheel
Resources & Links: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Limited Time Offer: 75k Bonus Points! 10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course
10xTravel Best Credit Cards
10xTravel Award Booking Service
10xTravel Credit Card Consultation
My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles
10xTravel Plus Membership
10xTravel Luxury Hotel Booking Program
10xTravel Facebook Group
10xTravel Instagram
10xTravel TikTok
Find a 10xTravel Meetup Near You!
The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles.
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

May 22, 2024 • 1h 12min
Ep 25: Mailbag Episode!
Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.
You asked, we listened! After our first listener mailbag episode was unfortunately sacrificed to the podcast gods, we’re back to do it right.
Listen in as the team answers the 10xTravel Facebook Group’s top questions about points and miles, hotels, tips for traveling with a family, the true value of cashback cards, and so much more!
In This Episode:
Traveling with a family on points and miles
Saving on airline/airport taxes and fees
What’s going on with one of the top business cards?
Tips and tricks for better positioning flights
Busting one of the biggest flight booking myths
Resources & Links: 10xTravel Boarding School for Children of Points-Obsessed Parents
Find a 10xTravel Meetup Near You! 10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course
10xTravel Best Credit Cards
10xTravel Award Booking Service
10xTravel Credit Card Consultation
My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles
10xTravel Plus Membership
10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program 10xTravel Facebook Group
10xTravel Instagram
10xTravel TikTok
The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles.
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

May 8, 2024 • 59min
Ep 24: Round the World Redemption: 5 Countries. 1 Trip. All Business Class.
Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.
In this episode, you’ll hear how a college student used points and miles to take an incredible trip around the world in business class.
Proving that you don’t need years of experience to take legendary trips on points and miles, 10xTravel reader Serena joins us to discuss the Round the World trip she booked for her very first redemption.
Explaining everything from what cards she used for her trip to which airline had the best food, Serena tells Bryce and Emily how she planned her Round the World trip in business class and how others can do the same, even if they’re just getting started.
In This Episode:
How Serena’s first redemption took her to Thailand, Spain, Turkey, and beyond
The importance of Saver Awards in booking her trip
The biggest obstacles she faced while planning her Round the World trip
The advice she’d give to those just getting started in points and miles
Other notable redemptions she’s made since her trip
Resources & Links: Read about Serena’s Round the World Trip
ANA Mileage Club: Everything You Need to Know 10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course
10xTravel Best Credit Cards
10xTravel Award Booking Service
10xTravel Credit Card Consultation
My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles
10xTravel Plus Membership
10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program
10xTravel Facebook Group
10xTravel Instagram
10xTravel TikTok
The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles.
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 3min
Ep 23 – How We’d Spend 135,000 Points
Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.
In today’s episode, the 10x team tells you everything you need to know about these valuable points before breaking down how they’d each use them to book their own next-level trip. Armed with 135,000 hypothetical Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis each pitch their best trip and leave it up to you to decide who got the best value. And who knows? Listen now, find out how to cast your vote, and you might even win something yourself…
In This Episode:
Booking epic ski trips, European escapes, and Caribbean getaways with Chase Ultimate Rewards points
The true value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points
When (if ever) is it ok to use the travel portal to book your trip?
The best Chase transfer partners to use
An easy way for you to win some 10xTravel swag of your own
Resources & Links:
Chase Ultimate Rewards: Everything You Need to Know
Which Chase Ink is Right For Your Small Business 10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course
10xTravel Best Credit Cards
10xTravel Award Booking Service
10xTravel Credit Card Consultation
My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles
10xTravel Plus Membership
10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program
10xTravel Facebook Group
10xTravel Instagram
10xTravel TikTok
The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles.
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Apr 10, 2024 • 1h 6min
Ep 22 – Spring Cleaning Your Points and Miles with My10x
Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.
It’s that time of year again! For most of us, spring means cleaning out our houses, cars, and… wallets?
In this special episode, Travis gives us a peek into his My10x wallet and walks us through his process for “spring cleaning” his points and miles. We also discuss the things you should evaluate when cleaning up your own points stash, such as annual fees, unused perks and benefits, airline elite status, and more.
Listen now and learn how to use My10x to keep your points and miles strategy on track.
In This Episode:
How to use My10x to track your points and miles in one place
How much is too much to pay in annual fees?
When does it make sense to chase airline or hotel elite status?
Evaluating the actual value of your cards’ perks and benefits
Does it make sense to open cards for specific trips or redemptions?
Resources & Links:
10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course
10xTravel Best Credit Cards
10xTravel Award Booking Service
10xTravel Credit Card Consultation
My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles
10xTravel Plus Membership
10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program
Rakuten Cash Back
TopCashback
10xTravel Facebook Group
10xTravel Instagram
10xTravel TikTok
The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles.
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 7min
Ep 21 – The Ultimate Guide to Mastering United MileagePlus
Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the StarAlliance United MileagePlus program. We have a bunch of tips and tricks that will help anyone become an expert flyer. We’re going to show you how to get the most out of your United miles, and introduce you to the great Excursionist Perk. We’ll discuss United’s co-branded credit cards and consider the benefits of having elite status. We’ll even share some funny stories about first-time experiences in business class. So, whether you’re dreaming of visiting Sydney or trying to earn that Global Services status, this episode is full of useful tips for savvy travelers.
In This Episode:
Would you consider yourself a lemon or a lime?
Star Alliance partners
Free legs on United between Australia and New Zealand
The United MileagePlus excursionist perk
Benefits of United Mileage plus
Award seat booking flexibility
Flying to Hawaii
Airport lounge pass limitations
Comparing United Business Card benefits
United Miles Award redemption favorites
Benefits of United Status
Resources & Links:
United Excursionist Perk Underrated United Card Strategy
10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course
10xTravel Best Credit Cards
10xTravel Award Booking Service
10xTravel Credit Card Consultation
My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles
10xTravel Plus Membership
10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program
10xTravel Facebook Group
10xTravel Instagram
10xTravel TikTok
The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles.
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Mar 13, 2024 • 1h 19min
Ep 20 – Things We Wish We Knew When We Started
Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.
Hey, we all start somewhere. Whether you’re new to this game or you’re a seasoned points veteran, there will always be a couple of lessons you wish you learned sooner.
That’s why this week’s episode is all about the things we wish we knew when we got into points and miles. Some are straightforward, like learning how to trust your instincts when choosing your next card. But other wisdom in this episode can only be gained from experience, like appropriately handling that uncle who “forgot” to use your referral link.
So tune in, learn from our mistakes, and then come share your own lessons in our Facebook group!
In This Episode:
How sustainable is this hobby in the long term?
The lessons that truly humbled us early on
How to spot the difference between a great offer and clever advertising
Tackling the points and miles conversation with family members
How this hobby has impacted Emily’s RSVP’s to destination weddings
Resources & Links:
10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course
10xTravel Best Credit Cards
10xTravel Award Booking Service
10xTravel Credit Card Consultation
My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles
10xTravel Plus Membership
10xTravel Facebook Group
10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program
10xTravel Instagram
Destination Dupes: Our “controversial” Instagram Reel
10xTravel TikTok
The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles.
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Feb 28, 2024 • 49min
Ep 19 - Why You Should Pay Your Taxes on a Credit Card
We know, we know. No one likes tax season. But if you’ve gotta pay ’em, you might as well be rewarded for it. That’s why this episode is all about paying your taxes on a credit card to earn major points and miles.
Join us as we explain how to do it, which cards you should use, and how to split the payments between cards to rack up even more points. We’ll also cover how to earn points and miles on other large expenses, like property taxes and tuition.
Finally, Bryce serenades the listeners with what might be 10xTravel’s new official jingle. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it!
In This Episode:
How to pay your taxes on a credit card
When do you have to pay taxes on your points and miles?
The best personal and business cards you should use
Using PayPal Bill Pay for utilities, tuition, and other major expenses
Mistakes to avoid when paying your taxes with a card
Resources & Links:
How to Pay Taxes With a Credit Card
Do I Need to Claim Points and Miles On My Taxes?
IRS Tax Payment Limit Chart
10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course
10xTravel Best Credit Cards
10xTravel Award Booking Service
10xTravel Credit Card Consultation
My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles
10xTravel Plus Membership
10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program
10xTravel Facebook Group
10xTravel Instagram
10xTravel TikTok
The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.