Point Me To First Class
Devon Gimbel MD
Point Me to First Class is a show for employed professionals, solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and business owners with higher-than-average personal and/or business expenses who want to learn to leverage them into credit card points to spend on travel. Your expenses are your greatest untapped asset - but learning how to use them to travel the world doesn’t have to be confusing or complicated.
Each week, Devon Gimbel shares valuable tips, tools, and strategies to help you uplevel your skills earning and redeeming credit card points and shows you how to spend them on incredible travel experiences.
Interested in learning more about working with Devon? Visit www.pointmetofirstclass.com to learn more.
This podcast is for you if you find yourself asking questions like:
How do I earn credit card points and use them for travel?
How can I make my expenses benefit me?
How can I earn as many credit card points for as little spending as possible?
How to maximize value from credit card points.
How to earn credit card points for travel.
Turn credit card points into travel.
Each week, Devon Gimbel shares valuable tips, tools, and strategies to help you uplevel your skills earning and redeeming credit card points and shows you how to spend them on incredible travel experiences.
Interested in learning more about working with Devon? Visit www.pointmetofirstclass.com to learn more.
This podcast is for you if you find yourself asking questions like:
How do I earn credit card points and use them for travel?
How can I make my expenses benefit me?
How can I earn as many credit card points for as little spending as possible?
How to maximize value from credit card points.
How to earn credit card points for travel.
Turn credit card points into travel.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 1min
135. Amex Platinum Cards Refresh: What’s New, What’s Missing, and What We Really Think
In this discussion, Kelly, known as The Points and Miles Doc, delves into American Express's recent updates to its Platinum Cards following Chase's refresh. They dissect the higher annual fees and the newly added credits, particularly the $600 hotel credit and tiered large-spend perks. Kelly points out the lack of bonus categories still plaguing the personal Platinum card, while praising the business version's 2X on large purchases over $5,000. They ultimately assess the value of these changes for both personal and business users.
39 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 29min
134. The New Era of Award Travel: What’s Changing and How to Adapt
Discover how the landscape of award travel is shifting rapidly, with tighter rules from credit card issuers and changing transfer ratios. Learn the importance of adapting to new earning and redemption strategies as airlines reclaim premium award spaces for loyal members. Uncover the four essential skills needed to navigate this new reality, from mastering transfer partners to utilizing advanced search tools. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, there are still incredible values to be unlocked!
39 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 49min
133. 7 Keys to Better Award Flight Bookings
Discover how to unlock the full potential of your credit card points for unforgettable travel. Learn the seven essential keys to booking award flights, including the importance of transfer partners and maximizing airline alliances. Master the intricacies of flight searches and explore strategies to save significant amounts on your travels. Hear personal journeys that show how mastering points can lead to transformative cultural experiences. This guide will change your approach to booking travel for the better!
18 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 4min
132. From Frustration to $150K in Points Redemptions
Dr. Faryal Michaud, a palliative care physician from Honolulu, transformed her travel experiences from confusion to booking over $150,000 in luxurious trips by mastering credit card points. She shares her journey of overcoming frustration and her first successful redemptions that empowered her. Tune in to hear about her unforgettable adventures to the Maldives, South Africa, and Tahiti. Faryal highlights the valuable skills she acquired that turned her expenses into points, opening the door to a lifetime of extraordinary travel experiences.
21 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 41min
131. Unpopular Opinion: Top 5 Reasons You Should Book Travel Through a Credit Card Travel Portal
Think credit card travel portals are a bad idea? Think again! Explore five compelling reasons why they might actually save you money and boost your rewards. From maximizing points-earning potential to unlocking exclusive travel credits, the advantages are intriguing. Discover how different premium credit cards can enhance your booking strategy, and learn when a travel portal booking can be more beneficial than traditional methods. Get ready to turn your everyday expenses into incredible travel experiences!
7 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 39min
130. Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Booking Travel Through Credit Card Travel Portals
Discover why booking travel through credit card portals can lead to costly mistakes. Learn about the hidden downsides, like lost elite status perks and expensive rebookings, that travelers often face. Uncover how using points through these portals can seriously devalue your rewards—sometimes by 10x! Hear compelling real-world stories that illustrate the pitfalls of relying on third-party platforms. Plus, find out how booking directly can maximize your travel benefits and savings!
9 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 30min
129. Fan Favorite: The Psychology of Learning & Mastering Points Travel
Dive into the fascinating psychology behind mastering points travel! Explore the Dunning-Kruger Effect and its impact on confidence in this rewarding hobby. Discover the stages of competence that travelers go through while learning to effectively use rewards. Gain insights on how to navigate your journey from novice to expert, enhancing your experience and maximizing your travel rewards. This episode is filled with valuable tips that will change the way you approach points travel!
10 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 36min
128. The New Citi Strata Elite: Game Changer or Missed Opportunity?
Dive into the intriguing world of the Citi Strata Elite Card, featuring an 80,000-point welcome bonus and unique dining perks. The discussion reveals how its non-category earning compares to other cards and the true value of various credits like Blacklane and Splurge. Plus, explore the pros and cons of lounge access with American Airlines and why points expiration rules could impact your decision. Discover whether this card is a game changer or just another option in a crowded market.
21 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 48min
127. Lounge Access Update: Credit Card Changes, Perks & Picks with Traci Siegel
In this chat with Traci Siegel, an expert on credit card rewards, listeners dive into the latest changes in airport lounge access for 2025. Traci breaks down new restrictions and highlights the best cards for lounge access, including family-friendly options and premium choices. She emphasizes tailoring your card selection to fit your travel style and offers practical tips for navigating popular lounge programs. Plus, get insights on co-branded cards and the Chase Ritz Carlton's unique benefits—perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their airport experience!
38 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 55min
126. How Much Is a Point Really Worth? A Deep Dive with Frequent Miler’s Greg Davis-Kean
Greg Davis-Kean, a frequent traveler and expert from Frequent Miler, shares his insights on the true worth of travel points and miles. He discusses how to strategically evaluate point redemptions and the psychology behind redemption pressure. Listeners learn when to redeem versus when to wait for better opportunities, plus tips on maximizing hotel loyalty programs and transferable credit card points. Davis-Kean also highlights recent changes, like Chase's points boost feature, and provides guidance on navigating award travel effectively.
