In today’s Wondering Wednesday mini-episode, we discuss the pros and cons of adding an authorized user to your credit card. We'll cover when it can be beneficial—like helping a family member build credit or sharing rewards—and when it might not be the best idea, such as the risks to your credit score from their spending and some other things you may not have considered. Tune in for practical advice to help you navigate this tricky part of points and miles!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In this episode of the Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome our first-ever mother/daughter duo in the world of points and miles: Joy and Mara from @SavvyTravelMamas!Join us as we explore their unique perspectives on maximizing travel rewards at different stages of life. Joy, a busy mom of young kids, shares how their family uses points for quick getaways during school breaks or special birthday trips, while Mara brings a wealth of experience from her impressive 25 years in the points game and tells us about some of her most epic trips.Listen in as they discuss how the travel rewards landscape has evolved over the decades, and get inspired by Mara's incredible adventures that span a lifetime of travel. You won’t want to miss their insights, tips, and the bond between the two of them that makes this episode truly special.We can’t wait for you to hear from Joy and Mara—get ready to be inspired!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoJoy and MaraReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In today’s Wondering Wednesday episode, we’re diving into the exciting world of points stacking! We’ll give you a quick and easy crash course on what stacking is and how to make the most of it with the various cards and portals at your disposal.Stacking is an invaluable strategy in the points and miles game, and you won’t want to miss this bite-sized explanation. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, these insights will help you maximize your rewards and elevate your travel experiences. Tune in and get ready to stack those points!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeThe Art of The Stack EpisodeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

Today on the Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re excited to chat with Jenna, the travel hacking lawyer behind @TravelersInLaw. She’s here to share a down-to-earth look at what you can accomplish in your first year of earning and using points and miles.Jenna tells us how this podcast inspired her to deep dive into the world of credit card rewards. She went from using just one card to racking up an incredible 800,000 points in less than a year! With trips to Bali and Italy on the horizon, Jenna’s the perfect example of how you can jump into this hobby and start seeing big rewards without years of experience.Whether you’re just getting started or looking to boost your travel game, Jenna’s insights are packed with practical tips that could transform your travel adventures. Tune in and get inspired!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | JennaReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In today’s episode of Wondering Wednesday, we tackle a crucial topic that can significantly impact your experience in the points and miles hobby: how long you should wait between applying for new credit cards. We explore various schools of thought on this issue and share our personal approaches to card applications.Whether you’re flying solo or strategizing with a partner, we provide valuable insights and ideas for navigating this process effectively. Understanding the right timing for opening new cards is essential to maintaining a healthy relationship with the banks and maximizing your rewards potential. Tune in for expert tips and strategies in a this mini episode that will help you make informed decisions on your journey through the world of points and miles!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In this exciting episode, we got to chat with Angie about her unforgettable luxury trip to Greece— funded by points and miles. Discover how she and her husband transformed a $30,000 dream getaway into reality with less than $1500 out of pocket for expenses that were not bookable on points. She tells us all about exploring the vibrant streets of Athens and hopping between the breathtaking islands of Santorini and Milos.Angie shares her tried-and-true strategies for planning and booking, along with insider tips for must-see destinations that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to help you plan your own Grecian adventure. Tune in and get ready to turn your travel dreams into reality!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | AngieMentioned In This EpisodeFearlessFlight Classes@MostlyFreeTravelReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

In today's episode (our 50th!) we tackle the confusion surrounding common acronyms in the world of credit card points and miles. Have you ever found yourself googling terms like SUB, P1, P2, AF, HUCA, and CSP, only to feel overwhelmed? You're not alone!Join us as we break down these terms in this quick, bite-sized episode. Whether you're just starting your journey or need a refresher on points and miles lingo, this episode is perfect for you!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

We’re BACK and excited to discuss one of our all-time favorite travel cards! Our previous episode on the AMEX Gold was our most downloaded episode ever, and with recent changes to the card’s benefits and annual fee, it’s the perfect time to revisit it. Although we still highly recommend going back and listening through the older episode because many of the details still apply!In this episode, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the AMEX Gold Card changes and why it remains one of the best options for earning major points. We’ll also cover how to take advantage of shopping portals and highlight a NEW transfer opportunity you won’t want to miss.Whether you’re considering getting the AMEX Gold Card or already have it, this episode is packed with valuable information that you won’t want to skip!October Budget Challenge | Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksRakutenSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

Welcome to this week’s episode of our new Wondering Wednesday series! Today, we tackle the question: "Why shouldn’t you be scared of annual fees?" We’ll break down why annual fees aren’t as daunting as they may seem and why you should consider embracing them. Many premium cards come with annual fees, but they also offer exciting benefits and opportunities to offset those costs.In the world of points and miles, travel cards with annual fees can provide significant value, making them essential tools for savvy travelers. We’re thrilled to dive into this topic and answer all your burning questions! If you have a question of your own, don’t hesitate to reach out—we might feature it in a future episode. Tune in and discover how to make annual fees work for you!October Budget Challenge | Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum

🚀 Southwest Companion Pass Season is HERE!Join us on this episode of the Wonderland on Points Podcast as we dive into the ultimate guide to earning the incredible Southwest Companion Pass! If done right, this invaluable perk allows you to fly a friend or family member with you for FREE for two years—who wouldn’t want that?In this episode we’ll break down the strategies you need to know to secure the Companion Pass effortlessly. We understand it can be a bit confusing, but don’t worry! We’ll walk you through two straightforward methods that leverage your everyday spending. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with all the tools and knowledge you need to become an expert in earning the Companion Pass. It’s easier than you think, and we’re here to make sure you’re ready to take to the skies with your travel buddy!October Budget Challenge | Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoReferral LinksSouthwest Airlines CardCapital One Venture CardFavorite Bank CardsFavorite Bank Business CardsVenture X CardAmex GoldAMEX Platinum