Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

This week, Jo flies solo on the Wonderland on Points Midweek Mini while Mary Ellen is out of town. As the one in the duo with a reluctant Player 2, Jo is no stranger to the myth that credit cards will ruin a credit score. She takes this mini dive into the world of credit scores, offering a quick refresher on what factors contribute to a healthy score. Plus, she shares some tips and encouragement on how to get your own Player 2 on board— or how to power through the process solo if needed. Whether you’re working with a partner or flying solo, it’s always a great time to brush up on the facts about credit scores and how your points and miles hobby actually IMPROVES your overall financial health- if done correctly!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Kylie, an engineer by trade and a true master of points and miles data. Kylie has spent years analyzing trends in transfer bonuses from various banks, and she’s here to break it all down for us.We dive into the key trends over the past few years, giving you a clearer picture of what transfer bonuses might look like in the year ahead. This episode is unlike anything we’ve ever done before — we’re taking a data-driven approach to explore our favorite topic: points and miles!If you're a numbers nerd or just looking to level up your rewards game, this one is for you. Tune in for insights that could shape your strategy in the months ahead! 📊✈️Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | KylieMentioned in This EpisodeKylie's TikTokMax Miles PointsMiles TalkRaimee TravelLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

Ever wondered what exactly a Priority Pass lounge is and if it’s worth the hype? In this week’s mini-episode, we’re breaking it all down. From what Priority Pass lounges are, how they compare to airline-specific lounges, and which credit cards give you free access, we’ve got you covered.Is paying for a high-annual-fee card worth it just for lounge access? We’ll share our insights on whether the perks of Priority Pass make it a must-have for frequent flyers, or if there’s a better option out there.Tune in to get all your Priority Pass questions answered and learn how to elevate your travel experience without breaking the bank!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

In this episode, we're taking you to the beautiful city of Nassau and the luxurious Grand Hyatt Baha Mar – a resort that has everything, including a thrilling water park! Whether you're planning a family vacation or a getaway with friends, we've got you covered.Join us as Mary Ellen shares her full trip experience, including exactly which credit cards and currencies to target to earn enough points for flights and a hotel stay at this incredible resort. You won’t have to waste hours researching – we’ve done the work for you, so you can focus on planning your dream vacation! You will get tips for everything from activities to food to staying in one room with a family of five.Tune in to learn how to make your tropical escape a reality with points and rewards! 🌊🏖️Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

In this mini episode, we tackle a listener question from Karla, who’s curious about the often confusing world of international flight taxes and fees. Why do these charges vary so much, and how can you minimize them? We dive into the details of what causes these fluctuations, explore the factors that influence taxes and fees on international flights, and share our best tips and tricks for avoiding excessive charges. Whether you're a seasoned points and miles traveler or just getting started, you won't want to miss these insights!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way

This week on the Wonderland on Points podcast, we’re joined by points and miles experts Jenna (@TheTravelingHansens) and Aimee (@PackedWithPoints) to dive into Disney 101 – how to get to the happiest place on earth with as little out of pocket cost as possible.Disney vacations can often seem out of reach due to their hefty price tags, but in this episode, we’re showing you how to make it happen without breaking the bank.We walk you through the entire process of using points for your Disney trip, covering everything from selecting the best credit cards to building a strategy that minimizes your out-of-pocket expenses. Whether you’re planning a family trip to Disney World or Disneyland, we’ll lay out the roadmap to get you there while keeping costs low.Throughout the episode, Jenna and Aimee share insider tips on accumulating points efficiently, and reveal how to maximize your rewards for a seamless Disney experience. You’ll get all the details on how to use points for flights, hotel stays, park tickets, as well as insider tips for your time in the parks so you can turn your Disney dream into a reality.If you've ever thought a Disney vacation was out of your budget, this episode is for you. Tune in for expert advice on how to unlock the magic of Disney with the power of points!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoMentioned In This EpisodePacked With Points WebsiteThe Traveling Hansens WebsitePixie Points GalsLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way

In this week's midweek mini episode, we dive into a fantastic listener question from Eddie, who reached out to us on Instagram. Eddie is currently using a cash back card that earns 6% back on groceries (which is already a great deal!), but he’s wondering if it would be worth it to switch things up and take advantage of the Chase Freedom Flex card to earn 5x points on groceries this quarter.We’re excited to break down the pros and cons of each option and help Eddie (and all of you) understand when it makes sense to stick with cash back versus chasing after those valuable travel rewards. We discuss the real-world value of points, the potential for higher rewards with travel redemptions, and how to make the most of your spending.If you’ve ever wondered if it’s better to earn cash back or travel points, this episode will give you all the insights you need to make the right decision for your wallet and your travel goals!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

In this episode of the Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re joined by one of our favorite fellow podcasters, Devon Gimbel from Point Me To First Class. Devon is a master at helping business owners turn everyday expenses into thousands of dollars worth of free travel. Whether you have a high-spending business or are just getting started with a side hustle, Devon shares her expert tips for making your business spend work harder for you.We dive into the best credit card options for every type of business, including those with smaller budgets. Devon also helps us navigate the ins and outs of using credit cards for tax payments, and shares her advice for maximizing rewards no matter the size of your business. She also tells us all about her most aspirational redemptions, and we discuss sweet spots flights out of Chicago.Even if you don’t own a business, this episode is full of valuable insights that anyone can apply to their personal travel goals. We talk about how “first class” isn’t just about the seat—it’s about making your dream travel experiences a reality.Tune in to learn how to maximize your spending, earn more rewards, and turn your dream vacation into a reality!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | DevonMentioned In This EpisodePoint Me To First Class WebsitePoint Me To First Class PodcastOur Family PassportHassans On HolidayLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

This week on our Mid-Week Mini episode of Wonderland on Points, Mary Ellen shares details about her quick trip to D.C. with a couple of girlfriends for a mom's getaway. They were able to stay at the Grand Hyatt D.C. for $0 out of pocket by using credit card points, and even upgraded their experience with a Club Access Award for access to the lounge, which provided free food. Mary Ellen tells us all about the hotel and the free excursions nearby. Plus, listen in for a funny story about a restaurant mishap when they tried to have the famous 40-layer lasagna. This episode may be short, but it’s absolutely jam-packed with tips and inspiration that will make you want to plan your own getaway with friends!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoAMEX Gold LinkLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

Welcome to Wonderland on Points! In today’s episode, Jo shares her unforgettable stay at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, where she enjoyed exclusive perks and luxury accommodations. Jo covers how to use Club Access Awards and Guest of Honor bookings to unlock VIP upgrades and amenities, giving you insider tips to elevate your hotel experience.Beyond the hotel, Jo dives into San Diego tips—from the best ways to navigate the airport and rent a car, to must-see excursions and family-friendly activities. She also shares tips on how to maximize your rewards points for everything from hotel stays to unique experiences around the city.If you’re planning a trip to San Diego, this episode is packed with actionable advice and insider secrets to help you make the most of your getaway. Tune in for everything you need to know about booking a luxurious, stress-free San Diego vacation!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoMentioned in this episode:Episode 32 with Ben's Big DealEveryday California Kayak TourPonylandJet Ski RentalsLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!