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Points for Normal People by Katie's Travel Tricks

Katie's Travel Tricks

Travel isn’t just for the rich. I teach people how to supercharge their credit card points so they can pay for entire family vacations every year. 


I've  been redeeming miles and points to pay for travel for over a decade. Points have taken our family around the world. But one thing sets me apart -- our family flies economy because business class isn't worth the extra effort for us. 


But this podcast isn't about me and where I've been -- it's about you and your goals. 


I focus on "normal"  and streamlined credit card points strategies. This is about how to earn points the easiest way you can and redeem them easily, too. 


Season 1 covers common mistakes and myths and then will do a deep dive into Chase Ultimate Rewards points. 

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  • S3 · E21
    October 15 · 22 min

    S3E21: The Southwest Companion Pass as we know it is ending

    Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Southwest just announced big changes to Rapid Rewards, including what we've been fearing for a while: the end of the Companion Pass as we know it. In this episode I walk through what's changing and when, the new status levels, and a few smaller positive changes, like partner awards and the new Icon Lounges. Then we talk strategy. If you were hoping for a Companion Pass in 2027 or 2028, your best move is to pivot and earn one before December 31, 2026. I cover exactly how to do that, including why you should now move your statement closing date later in the month. I also share how I'd shift both earning and booking domestic flights with points from here on out. Change is hard, but there are no crises in miles and points, and I'll keep helping you find the deals. UPDATE: There is a note in the fine print of FAQs that reads: If I get a Rapid Rewards Credit Card now, can my points count towards Companion Pass if and when I meet the requirements through the new Cardmember welcome bonus I apply for? Yes, any Cardmembers who are approved for a Rapid Rewards Credit Card on or before Dec. 2, 2026 and meet the requirements for the new Cardmember welcome bonus will have the opportunity to have those points count as Companion Pass qualifying points, even if the spend threshold is met in early 2027. MY TAKE: It seems like Southwest may be backdating points earned from a welcome bonus to 2026 if you opened the card before December 2, 2026 -- so you might have a grace period here where you can finish your spending and not HAVE to do it before your December statement closes. Waiting for precise confirmation. ACTION STEPS Take the free course at katiestraveltricks.com/course. Do a quick strategy check if you're going for a Companion Pass. Use the Card Eligibility Checker to see which cards you can get. https://katiestraveltricks.com/course/lessons/card-eligibility-checker/ Then use the Card Combo Calculator to see how many points you need and which offers get you there by December 31. https://katiestraveltricks.com/course/lessons/card-combo-calculator/ Review the Bootcamp lesson on changing statement close dates. https://katiestraveltricks.com/course/lessons/nov-15-adjust-your-statement-close-date/ Sign up for her Saturday morning newsletter: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news Take a few deep breaths. There are other deals and other ways to travel with points. RESOURCES New Article on Southwest Status Tiers Explained: https://www.southwest.com/rapid-rewards/guides/status-tiers-explained/ The article on topping off your Companion Pass tracker: https://katiestraveltricks.com/earn-more-points-for-a-southwest-companion-pass-fast/ The Southwest Companion Pass Bootcamp: https://katiestraveltricks.com/southwest-companion-pass-bootcamp/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E20
    September 2 · 14 min

    S3E20: What's Going On With Chase Ink Approvals in 2026

    Click MORE to see Ad disclosures If you've been avoiding Chase Ink cards because you heard about the "lifetime language," or because someone told you Chase is dead, I want to walk you through what I'm actually seeing. There's a lot of half-truths floating around right now, and it's leaving a lot of people confused. In this episode I break down why I think "lifetime" is a misnomer and what the approval data points tell us about who is still getting approved and who isn't. RESOURCES Sign up for my newsletter to get curated miles and points news and first access to new resources: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news Chase Ink Guide: https://katiestraveltricks.com/chase-ink-guide/ Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: https://katiestraveltricks.com/credit_card/ink-business-unlimited-credit-card/ Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: https://katiestraveltricks.com/credit_card/ink-business-cash-credit-card/ Chase Business Card Denials: Strategy Tips: https://katiestraveltricks.com/recent-chase-business-card-denials-strategy-tips/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E19
    June 10 · 24 min

    S3E19: Chase Sapphire Preferred Just 'Refreshed' [2026] — Is it still worth it?

    Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Significant changes are hitting the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card program starting June 15th, and while there are some nice new perks, others might cost new cardholders as much as $700 in potential value in the first year alone. In this episode, I’ll be covering the bad news and the good news. Because these changes have different rollout dates depending on which card you have and when you applied, it can feel a bit complex. But don't worry—I'm walking you through everything step-by-step so you understand exactly what is happening to your points. RESOURCES Sign up for my newsletter to get curated miles and points news and first access to new resources: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news Sapphire Preferred Refresh 2026 Article: https://katiestraveltricks.com/sapphire-preferred-refresh-2026/ Aeroplan Pay Yourself Back Article: https://katiestraveltricks.com/aeroplan-pay-yourself-back/ Guide to Chase Sapphire Preferred: https://katiestraveltricks.com/sapphirepreferred/ Guide to Chase Sapphire Reserve: https://katiestraveltricks.com/sapphirereserve/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E18
    May 13 · 18 min

    S3E18: Award Travel Updates: Alaska, Avios, Citi & Bilt Changes Explained!

    Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome back to the final episode of Season 3! This season has been a bit more drawn out than I originally planned, and because the world of miles and points moves fast, I wanted to take a moment to catch you up on all the significant changes that have happened since I first recorded these episodes over the last year. In this wrap-up, we are covering everything from the Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines merger, to the shifting sweet spots with Finnair and Avios. I'm also diving into some sudden updates and devaluations with Citi ThankYou points, and I'm breaking down the somewhat confusing new Bilt Cash strategies so you can figure out if it's worth your time. Plus, I'm sharing some exciting behind-the-scenes updates about our website and what to expect when we return for Season 4. ACTION STEPS & RESOURCES Compare partner programs (like Qatar Avios vs. Finnair Avios) before transferring any points to ensure you get the best deal. Call Finnair to book partner awards instead of using the chat, as the chat queue is often full and phone fees are waived for these unbookable-online awards. Cancel and rebook Finnair partner award tickets instead of changing them to avoid the €50 change fee. Use our Bilt calculator to see if a Bilt strategy is right for you: https://katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-guide-to-cards-earning-on-mortgage-and-rent-payments/ Sign up for my newsletter to get all of my recommendations first! https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news Email Katie to brag about your latest travel point redemptions: katie@katiestraveltricks.com New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E17
    April 22 · 21 min

    S3E17: How to Book United Flights Without United Miles

    Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Last episode I went deep on MileagePlus®, and today I'm following it up with the other half of the United puzzle: how to book United flights even when you don't have United miles, and when it might make sense to book that way even if you do. We're walking through Avianca LifeMiles®, Air Canada Aeroplan®, Singapore KrisFlyer, JetBlue TrueBlue® (through the new Blue Sky partnership), and a quick note on what happened with Turkish Miles&Smiles® after their December 2025 devaluation. I'll cover the pros and cons of each program, share the workflow I actually use when I'm pricing a United route across partners, and give you my honest ranking for short flights, medium flights, and Hawaii trips. Everything in this episode is also going up as a blog post, and if you want the most current info going forward, my Saturday email is where I put it first. ACTION STEPS Sign up for my newsletter to get all of my recommendations first! https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news RESOURCES Here is our article on this topic with charts and tools to help you decide which United partner is best for your specific situation: https://katiestraveltricks.com/how-to-book-united-flights-with-partner-miles-even-if-you-dont-have-united-miles/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E16
    April 8 · 26 min

    S3E16: United MileagePlus® Explained: Earning, Cards, Pooling & More

    Click MORE to see Ad disclosures If you fly United — or even if you're just thinking about it — this episode is your starting point for understanding their MileagePlus® program from the ground up. I'm covering how dynamic pricing and saver awards work, the full United credit card lineup and what cardholder pricing actually means for your bookings now, ways to stack your earnings with the MileagePlus X app, and one of my favorite United features that no other major airline offers: miles pooling for families and friends. This is part one of a two-part series. Next time, I'll show you how to book United flights through partner programs like Avianca LifeMiles®, Air Canada Aeroplan®, and Turkish Miles & Smiles® — which is especially helpful if you have Amex®, Capital One®, or Citi® points. All the links and resources I mention are in the show notes below! ACTION STEPS Download the MileagePlus X (MPX) app and spend a few minutes browsing the stores and earn rates to decide if the e-gift card strategy makes sense for you. Link your Lyft® and United MileagePlus® accounts if you have an upcoming trip — or wait until you know you'll have two Lyft rides within 30 days to earn the 1,000 bonus miles. https://promo.united.com/offers/lyft Set up a family miles pool now if you have family members with small United balances, even before you need it — so the 72-hour waiting period is already behind you when you're ready to book. RESOURCES How to maximize Instacart Benefits: https://katiestraveltricks.com/new-chase-instacart-benefits-how-to-maximize/ Seats.aero and PointsYeah.com (for setting up award alerts after booking a United flight) United.com miles pooling setup page: https://www.united.com/en/us/mileageplus/miles-pooling MileagePlus Shopping portal: https://shopping.mileageplus.com/ MileagePlus Shopping browser extension: https://shopping.mileageplus.com/button/ MileagePlus Dining program: https://dining.mileageplus.com United℠ Explorer Card: https://katiestraveltricks.com/portfolio-items/united-explorer/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E15
    March 25 · 25 min

    S3E15: How to Book Domestic Delta® Flights with Points (With SkyMiles + Airline Partners)

    Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Today we’re doing a full deep dive on booking domestic Delta® flights using points. I’m covering how to earn SkyMiles®, how to find the best deals when you use them directly on Delta®, and when it actually makes more sense to book the exact same Delta® flight through a partner program like Flying Blue® or Virgin Atlantic® for fewer points. We’re also looking at fare class differences, cancellation policies, and how dynamic pricing works so you can make smarter choices for your family. I also share some real pricing examples we pulled while working on this episode so you can see just how much you could save, plus a simple framework for deciding how to book any Delta® flight with points. Whether you live near a Delta® hub or just fly them occasionally, this episode will give you the tools to stretch your points further. Stick around for the action steps at the end so you know exactly what to do next. ACTION STEPS: Link your SkyMiles® account to Starbucks® and Uber® (set it and forget it). Make a note that you can earn SkyMiles® through Airbnb® (must be done manually each booking via the Delta®–Airbnb® landing page). If you plan to fly Delta® regularly, look into one of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express® Cards to start. Bookmark the SkyMiles® Award Deals page and check it regularly for your home airport. Sign up for transfer partner bonus alerts Watch the seats.aero webinar inside the free course at learn.katiestraveltricks.com. Practice searching routes: pull up a route on Delta®, then check the same route on Flying Blue® and Virgin Atlantic®. Try out PointsYeah or seats.aero to get comfortable comparing prices across programs. RESOURCES SkyMiles Award Deals page (enter your home airport for current award sales): https://www.delta.com/us/en/flight-deals/skymiles-award-deals Delta's Deals & Destinations page (cash deals that often signal award deals): https://www.delta.com/us/en/flight-deals/current-flight-deals Link Starbucks + SkyMiles accounts: https://www.deltastarbucks.com Article by Kamree from Our Family Passport (Delta® tips): https://www.ourfamilypassport.com/easiest-ways-to-earn-delta-skymiles/ Uber®–SkyMiles® account linking page: https://www.uber.com/us/en/u/delta/ Delta®–Airbnb® landing page for earning miles: https://www.deltaairbnb.com/content/delta-airbnb/en/overview.html Transfer partner bonus alerts sign-up resource: https://yourbestcreditcards.com/current-transfer-bonuses/?ccid=katiestravel Sign up for my free course at learn.katiestraveltricks.com - PointsYeah and seats.aero tutorials are just after Lesson 47 Submit a Delta Bags On Time claim for late bags (2,500 miles per person): https://www.delta.com/bags/bagsClaimAutomation.action AwardWallet article on Flying Blue slashing Delta award rates for 2026: https://awardwallet.com/news/flying-blue/delta-award-sale/ Delta SkyMiles Shopping portal: https://www.skymilesshopping.com Delta SkyMiles Dining program: New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E14
    March 11 · 24 min

    S3E14: Every Credit Card I Keep (And Why) — $3,000 in Annual Fees Explained

    Click MORE to see Ad disclosures I pay almost $3,000 a year in credit card annual fees — and yes, that's more than our monthly mortgage. In this episode, I'm walking you through every single keeper card my husband and I hold year after year, showing you exactly how I value each benefit and how I personally decide whether a card earns its place in our wallet. I also want to be really clear: what works for our family isn't necessarily right for yours, and I don't think it should be. That's exactly why my team has built card benefit calculators on the blog — so you can plug in your own life and see what actually makes sense for you. At the end, I've got three simple action steps so you can do your own credit card spring cleaning and make sure every dollar you're paying in fees is actually working for you. ACTION STEPS: Take stock of every card you have open. Use the Travel Freely app to stay organized, or track everything in a spreadsheet. Review every card with an annual fee. Use the benefits calculators on Katie's blog to assign your own values to each benefit and see if it's worth what you're paying. Make a plan. Use the "Ultimate Guide to Closing a Card" (linked in show notes) to understand the full evaluation process before canceling, downgrading, or keeping any card. RESOURCES Detailed blog post on the Chase Sapphire Reserve: https://katiestraveltricks.com/sapphirereserve/ Map of Chase Sapphire Reserve dining credit locations: https://katiestraveltricks.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-participating-restaurants/ Overview article on the Chase Ritz-Carlton card: https://katiestraveltricks.com/the-complete-guide-to-the-chase-ritz-carlton-card/ Episode on Citi ThankYou Points: https://youtu.be/8Zzdczsvti4 Bank of America Museums on Us program: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-partners Credit card spring cleaning post: https://katiestraveltricks.com/spring-clean-your-credit-cards-the-ultimate-guide-with-free-checklist/ Ultimate Guide to Closing a Card:https://katiestraveltricks.com/ultimate-guide-to-closing-a-credit-card/ IHG Rewards Credit Card Guide: https://katiestraveltricks.com/ihgrewardscards/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E13
    February 25 · 22 min

    S3E13: How to Book Southwest Flights with a Companion Pass (The Easy Way!)

    Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Booking a flight with the Southwest Companion Pass used to be easier,, but with their recent switch to assigned seating, the process has become a lot more convoluted! If you're feeling confused about how to make sure you and your plus-one actually get to sit together without paying extra fees, you aren't alone. In this video, I'm walking you step-by-step through exactly how to book with your Companion Pass under the new rules so you can navigate the changes like a pro. I’ll also be breaking down some of the most common issues families run into during the booking process. We'll cover why every single family member needs their own Rapid Rewards account, how to ensure TSA PreCheck shows up on your kids' boarding passes, and the exact steps to take when flight prices drop so you can easily get your points back. Check out the links below for my free course and other resources to help you supercharge your travel rewards! ACTION STEPS Track Your Flight Prices: Make sure you understand how to get the best prices, use the "schedule change trick" if you have points, and track your flights on Google Flights. Evaluate Your Southwest Credit Card: Look at the card you currently hold and see if it's worth upgrading to the personal card with the highest fee so you can pick seats at the time of booking. If you've had your card for over a year, you can easily change it and just pay the fee difference. Get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry for Companions: If you have PreCheck or Global Entry, work on getting it for your companion (especially kids and teens) and attach it to their Rapid Rewards account. Enroll in Touchless ID: If you are over 18 and have TSA PreCheck, opt into TSA PreCheck Touchless ID in the Southwest app to save time at security. RESOURCES Free Course: learn.katiestraveltricks.com All Our Southwest Posts: https://katiestraveltricks.com/destinations/#SouthwestTips Get the Best Price On Southwest Flights: https://podcast.katiestraveltricks.com/southwest-flight-hacks-tips-and-tricks-for-saving-big/ Southwest Card Guide: https://katiestraveltricks.com/southwest-card-guide/ Southwest Rapid Rewards: https://www.southwest.com/loyalty/enroll/ TSA PreCheck / Global Entry: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E12
    February 11 · 27 min

    S3E12: Citi ThankYou® Points Overview: Cards and Sweet Spots

    Click MORE to see Ad disclosures UPDATE: Citi® is ending ThankYou® Points Sharing on May 17, 2026. If you've been pooling points with a partner, friend, or family member, May 16 is your last day to share. Remember, shared points expire 90 days after transfer — so have a plan to use or transfer them to a partner program before they expire! APRIL 2026 UPDATE: As of April 19, 2026 the transfer rates for both Choice and Preferred Hotels is reduced when transferring from Citi. New rates: 1,000 ThankYou Rewards Points are transferable for 1,500 Choice Privileges points (reduced by 500 points) 1,000 ThankYou Rewards Points are transferable for 2,000 I Prefer Points (reduced by 2,000 points) For a long time, the Citi ThankYou ecosystem has lived in the shadow of other rewards programs, but some massive changes in the last year have brought it back onto my radar. Between the addition of American Airlines as a transfer partner and a brand-new premium card—the Citi Strata Elite—there is new value to unlock. I’m especially excited to dive into the Preferred Hotels partnership, which is a hidden gem for anyone who loves booking unique, independent properties using points instead of just the big corporate chains. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the current card lineup, including how to navigate calendar year credits to make sure you're getting way more value than the annual fee. We’ll also talk about my favorite hotel "sweet spots" where your points can effectively double or even quadruple in value. I’ll show you exactly how to make the most of this often-overlooked program. ACTION STEPS: Browse the Maps: If you already have points, check out the new map and database of Preferred Hotels to find high-value properties. https://katiestraveltricks.com/guide-to-booking-preferred-hotels-map/ Mark Your Calendar: If you want to maximize the "triple dip," set a reminder for early December to look into the Citi Strata Elite. Stay the Course: If you are a beginner, stick to your current three-year plan and keep this info for later so you don't get overwhelmed by too many programs at once. See the three-year plan here https://katiestraveltricks.com/3-year-plan/ More Affiliate Card Offers Page: Visit this page to see more card offers available and support our work https://katiestraveltricks.com/more-affiliate-offers/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E11
    January 24 · 24 min

    S3E11: Bilt's New Credit Cards: Earning Points on Rent & Mortgage Explained

    1/23/26 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures If you've heard the buzz about Bilt's new system for earning points on your rent or mortgage, you're not alone! A lot of people got really excited about the idea of earning rewards on their biggest monthly expense. But after Bilt rolled out their new options, many people have been confused, overwhelmed by the structure, and underwhelmed by the value. In this episode, I’m breaking down the convoluted new Bilt structure step-by-step to help you decide if it makes sense for your points strategy. I’ll explain the difference between their new "Bilt Cash" currency and the tiered spending system, and show you the exact math you need to know. We’re also taking a look at the three new credit cards launching on February 7th: the Bilt Blue, Obsidian, and Palladium cards. I’ll give you my honest take on the pros and cons of each. While this new program isn't the game-changer many hoped for, there is a narrow group of people this might work for. Whether you want to go all-in or completely ignore Bilt, this episode will give you the tools and free calculators you need to make the right choice for your family. ACTION STEPS: Make a Decision: Use my free resources to decide if you want to open a Bilt card, shelve the idea for later, or forget it entirely. Keep Working on Your Plan: If Bilt isn't for you, keep working on your three-year plan or opening cards at your own pace for your personal goals. Use the Calculators: If you are considering Bilt, use this Bilt Card Guide to run the calculators for your specific spending scenario: katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-guide-to-cards-earning-on-mortgage-and-rent-payments Gather Your Numbers: Before using the calculators, figure out your monthly housing payment, your monthly grocery/dining spend, and your overall monthly credit card spend. Act Before February 7th: If you decide to apply, you have until February 7th to sign up for a card with the current launch offers. Listen to Previous Episodes: Go back and listen to last week's episode on earning Bilt rewards without a credit card here: https://youtu.be/0OkDkjBI7v0 Also, if you are new, listen to Season 1, Episode 1 of the podcast sequentially to understand the framework of travel points. Start here: https://youtu.be/-3kK6Wng8Vc Download the Beginner's Guide: https://katiestraveltricks.com/travel-points-101-quick-start-guide/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E10
    January 21 · 28 min

    S3E10: How to Earn Bilt Rewards Without a Credit Card (Step-by-Step)

    1/21/26 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Today I’m walking you through a great opportunity to earn Bilt Rewards points without ever opening a credit card. For the next few months, there is a unique sweet spot where you can maximize the partnership between Bilt and Rakuten to earn points on autopilot. I’m going to share exactly how you can set up your account to turn everyday spending—and even bank account sign-ups—into valuable points you can transfer to partners like Hyatt. We are going to dive deep into the specific steps you need to take to optimize this strategy, especially before the introductory transfer rate changes in May. I’ll show you how to stack your earnings effectively and tell you about exclusive resources our team is working on to help you earn the most. Whether you are new to points or looking for a pivot strategy, this episode gives you the roadmap to supercharge your travel points with minimal effort. ACTION STEPS: Note: Use our digital checklist or download a PDF of these steps here: https://katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-rewards-explained-earn-points-even-without-the-credit-card/#ktt-checklist-wrapper Sign up for our Rakuten deal list to be notified daily of deals (through March 31) - https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/rakuten Create a Bilt Account: Sign up at biltrewards.com or download the app (skip the credit card application for now). Add a Credit Card to Bilt: Link a card you use frequently (like a Freedom or Venture card) to your Bilt wallet to earn on Walgreens purchases. Link Lyft & Bilt: Go to the "Neighborhood" tab in Bilt, select rideshare, and link your accounts. Ensure the payment card in Lyft matches the one in your Bilt wallet (ideally a Sapphire card). Sign Up for Rakuten: Use my referral link to get the $50 new member bonus: https://www.rakuten.com/r/KMGALL29?eeid=44749 Link Rakuten to Bilt: Ensure your email addresses match on both accounts and select Bilt Rewards as your payout option in Rakuten. https://www.biltrewards.com/p/rakuten Maximize Referrals: Refer your spouse/partner (and then have them refer you back if applicable) or family members to earn referral bonuses. Set Up Rakuten Dining: Link your dining credit card (like a Sapphire) in the Rakuten app to earn points at local restaurants. Install Browser Extensions: Install the Rakuten extension on your desktop and phone (iPhone) to ensure you never miss cashback. For Android, install Rakuten app. Use Tracking Tools: Check Savewise (Pro or free) or TrackRak to see historical cashback rates and set alerts for stores you shop at often. Check Financial Offers: Look at the "Banking and finance tools" section in Rakuten for high-value bonuses (like SoFi or Raisin). RESOURCES: Bilt Blog Post: Contains step-by-step instructions with screenshots for linking accounts. Savewise: https://getsavewise.com/ Use code KTT for 20% off. TrackRak: https://trackrak.com/ Email Alert Sign-up: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/rakuten Three-Year Plan: https://katiestraveltricks.com/3-year-plan/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E9
    Dec 24, 2025 · 19 min

    S3E9: Chase Ultimate Rewards 2026 Update: New Rules and How to Pivot

    12/24/25 Click more to see ad disclosures It looks like it is going to get harder to keep earning Chase Ultimate Rewards in 2026, especially if you have relied on them to keep your points life simple. Chase has started limiting referrals and adding vague language to their card applications, making approval rules much less clear than the old timelines we used to count on. But don't panic—these changes just mean it is time to pivot. In this episode, I’m walking through exactly what is changing with Sapphire and Ink cards and offering specific strategies to adapt so you can still get great value and vacations out of your points. We will cover how to stretch your current Ultimate Rewards and how to maximize earnings on the cards you already hold. I’m also sharing five possible "pivots" for your 2026 strategy. I have been using points for over 15 years and have had to pivot many times; this is just another bump in the road, and I’m here to help you navigate it. ACTION STEPS: Sign up for Bilt and Rakuten: If you love Hyatt points, set up these accounts soon to take advantage of the 1:1 transfer ratio available through May 15th. Here is my Rakuten affiliate link: https://www.rakuten.com/r/KMGALL29?eeid=44749 Link your accounts: Connect Rakuten to Bilt so your cashback earns Bilt points (which transfer to Hyatt). Install the browser extension: Add the Rakuten extension to your computer and iPhone browsers to automate your earning. Set a spending reminder: Set a notification to spend $50 through Rakuten within 90 days to trigger the welcome bonus. Don't stress: Take a deep breath; changes are normal in the points world, and there are still plenty of ways to afford vacations. RESOURCES: Bilt Guide (including Rakuten) Step-by-Step: https://katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-rewards-explained-earn-points-even-without-the-credit-card/ Preferred Hotels with Choice: https://katiestraveltricks.com/preferred-hotels-with-choice-points-map/ Timeshare Presentations: https://katiestraveltricks.com/timeshare-deal/ Amex Points Explained: https://youtu.be/hSS7znSxLhw Credit Card Shopping Benefits: https://youtu.be/Z9Hql4f5z8w New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S2 · E12
    Dec 10, 2025 · 15 min

    S2E12: Why You Should Open the New Southwest Debit Card NOW (December Strategy)

    12/10/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Usually, I focus on talking about credit cards because debit cards just don't offer enough value for travelers. But the new Southwest debit card actually surprised me—it is way more valuable than I initially thought, especially if you plan to fly Southwest even once in 2026. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why I think this card is worth opening, specifically right now in December. If you’re looking for a quick win to save money on flights or push you over the edge for a Companion Pass, this might be the travel trick you’re looking for. ACTION STEPS: Open the Account: Apply for the Southwest debit card by December 20th (or absolutely before December 31st) to ensure your account is active to receive the 20% off coupon in January. Set Calendar Reminders: Set a calendar reminder for January to confirm that your 20% off coupon and 7,500 Companion Pass boost points have been deposited, and to ensure you use your $35 travel credit. You should also set a specific reminder for February to transfer all your funds to another bank and close the account so you can avoid paying any additional monthly fees. Sign Up for the Newsletter: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news RESOURCES: Southwest Debit Card Application: southwestdebit.com Free Companion Pass Guides: https://katiestraveltricks.com/southwestcompanionpasstrick/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S3 · E8
    Nov 26, 2025 · 33 min

    S3E8: Is the Capital One Venture X Still Worth It?

    11/26/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures I used to call the Capital One Venture X a "no brainer," but with the major changes coming in 2026, I now consider it more of a "full brainer." In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what is changing and helping you calculate if the card is still worth the $395 annual fee. I cover the solid benefits that remain that still help to offset the cost. I’ll also walk you through the massive new limited-time welcome offer of 100,000 miles and share critical application tips, such as why you might want to freeze your Experian credit report before applying. Whether you are a current cardholder looking for a retention offer or someone trying to navigate the new family card eligibility rules, this deep dive will help you decide if the Venture X still makes sense for you. ACTION STEPS: Check for Retention Offers: If you are a current cardholder, call Capital One when your annual fee posts to see if any retention offers are available. Activate Benefits: Ensure you have manually signed up for Hertz President’s Circle and Priority Pass if you haven't already. Evaluate the New Offer: If you don't have the card, check the limited-time 100,000 mile welcome offer to see if it fits your strategy. Plan Purchase Protection: Decide which card you will use for items that need return protection or purchase security (Venture X is a strong contender here). Check Eligibility: If you recently opened a Venture X, review the list of other Venture-earning cards to see if you can continue earning miles despite the new family language rules. RESOURCES: Venture X Guide: https://katiestraveltricks.com/venturex/ Venture X Card (my affiliate link): https://katiestraveltricks.com/portfolio-items/capital-one-venture-x-rewards/ Hertz Status Guide: katiestraveltricks.com/hertz_presidents_circle/ Newsletter: katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news Pros and Cons of Booking Portals: katiestraveltricks.com/pros-and-cons-of-booking-through-a-bank-travel-portal/ Japan Airlines (JAL): katiestraveltricks.com/booking-japan-airlines-with-points/ Venture Miles Sweet Spots: https://youtu.be/1UjO-vHFyVA Venture Mile Cards: katiestraveltricks.com/guide-to-capital-one-venture-miles/ New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S2 · E11
    Nov 12, 2025 · 27 min

    S2E11: The Best Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access (2025-2026 Changes)

    11/12/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Finding the "best" credit card for airport lounge access is a trick question. The real answer depends on your home airport, who you travel with, and your budget. With changes to guest policies and new cards being released, the lounge landscape is totally different in 2025. In this episode, I’ll walk you through all the options, from airline-specific cards to the big bank lounges like Centurion, Capital One, and the newer Sapphire Lounges. I’ll cover the "secret" card that still offers unlimited guests, which cards still work at Priority Pass restaurants, and help you decide which card (if any) is the right move for you. ACTION STEPS: Check the chart: Look at this blog post chart to see which bank lounges (Amex, Capital One, Chase) are in the airports you frequent: https://katiestraveltricks.com/best-credit-card-for-lounge-access-by-airport/ Research your airports: Go to prioritypass.com to see what other lounges, restaurants, or "Experiences" are available at your home airport and common destinations. Target restaurants (if needed): If your airport's main option is a Priority Pass restaurant, consider the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite or the US Bank Altitude Connect card. Plan for the Ritz card: If you want the best guest benefits, open a Chase Marriott card (like the Boundless) and set a reminder to call and upgrade it to the Ritz-Carlton card after one year. Do a trial run: If you're unsure, consider upgrading a Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Reserve for one year to see if you use the lounge benefits enough to make it worth it. New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • Nov 5, 2025 · 2 min

    Podcast Update: We're Back! (Season 3)

    Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Hey everyone, sorry for the long break! The podcast is officially starting back up, but first I'm adding some much-needed updates to the end of Seasons 1 and 2 so everything still makes sense for new listeners. For Season 3, I'm super excited to add new segments like your success stories and helping you plan trips! If you want to share your story or get help with a trip, just email nicole@katiestraveltricks.com, and don't forget to stay in the loop by signing up for our newsletter here: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S2 · E10
    Oct 29, 2025 · 29 min

    S2E10: Southwest is Changing - Here's What to Do!

    10/29/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Southwest Airlines feels unrecognizable with all the changes in 2025 and 2026, and while new policies have lost my trust, I'm not abandoning the airline yet. Instead, I'm tweaking my strategy to adapt, and I want to help you do the same. In this episode, I'm digging into all the changes, from the new baggage and assigned seating policies to the breakdown of "Basic" vs. "Choice" fares. I discuss the current loopholes for extending flight credits that are expiring. We'll also do a deep dive on all five Southwest credit cards and I'll give you clear action steps to take right now to keep getting the best value. ACTION STEPS: Check Your Card: Log in to your Chase account and use my Southwest Card Guide to see which benefits (like EarlyBird or upgraded boarding credits) you have. USE BENEFITS NOW: You must use any EarlyBird check-in, upgraded boarding, and the $75 Priority Card travel credit before they are discontinued on December 31st, 2025. Update Booking Strategy: If paying with points, book Basic fares as one-way tickets for easier repricing. If paying with cash, book Choice fares to get flexibility and seat selection. Family/Group Baggage: To get the 1 free checked bag, your entire group (up to 9 people) must be on the same reservation, and that reservation must have the cardholder's Rapid Rewards number attached. Companion Pass Seating (for 2026): For flights with assigned seating, you must book your ticket and then immediately add your companion and select the seat next to you. Family Seating (for 2026): Do not rely on Southwest to seat you with your children. Either book "Choice" fares or hold the "Priority" or "Performance Business" cards to select your seats at booking. Expiring LUV Vouchers: If you have a LUV Voucher expiring, call Southwest before it expires and ask for a 6-month extension. Expiring Flight Credits: If you have an expiring flight credit, it is currently possible to book a Choice Preferred fare and use your flight credit + pay for the rest with a Southwest gift card, and then cancel it if you want to receive a new flight credit with no expiration date. Household Card Review: Re-evaluate if both you and your partner need a Southwest card. Since benefits no longer stack well, you may be able to save on annual fees by dropping to one card per household. RESOURCES Southwest Card Guide & Benefit Calculators: https://katiestraveltricks.com/southwest-card-guide/ Overview of Southwest changes in 2025-2026 - --https://katiestraveltricks.com/southwest-airlines-2025-changes- Companion Pass Timelines and Tracker: https://katiestraveltricks.com/southwest-companion-pass-fall-2025-timelines/ Southwest Flights: Tips and Tricks for Saving Big – includes schedule change trick (Video): https://youtu.be/R38LBLT5mN8 Southwest Schedule Change Terms: https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/options-if-southwest-changes-my-flight New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S1 · E22
    Oct 15, 2025 · 20 min

    S1E22: Chase 2025 Business Card Shake-Up: New Perks, Stricter Rules & A New Card

    10/15/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures In this week's update episode, I'm breaking down all the big changes to the Chase business cards that have happened over the past year. I also cover some important new rules for getting approved for business cards and a major shift in how referrals work for the Ink cards that will require a strategy pivot for many of us. The biggest news of all is Chase's brand new premium business card: the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business(SM) Credit Card. It's definitely a mixed bag with its huge annual fee and high spending requirement, but for the right person, the benefits could make it worthwhile. I go through all the perks—both the ones it shares with the personal version and the unique ones like cell phone protection—so you can decide for yourself. Be sure to check out the links below for my detailed guides and benefit calculators to help you make the most of these updates. ACTION STEPS: Set aside 30 minutes to add all your eligible Chase cards to your Instacart account to activate the monthly credits and free Instacart+: https://katiestraveltricks.com/new-chase-instacart-benefits-how-to-maximize/ Use the online guide to see if the new Sapphire Reserve for Business card benefits outweigh the annual fee for you: https://katiestraveltricks.com/new-card-chase-sapphire-reserve-for-business Sign up for the weekly newsletter to get updates and new resources delivered every Saturday: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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  • S1 · E21
    Oct 1, 2025 · 32 min

    S1E21: Chase Sapphire 2025 OVERHAUL: Is the $795 Reserve Card Worth It?

    10/1/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! When it comes to our favorite points programs and credit cards, change is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be discouraging! In this episode, I'm breaking down all the huge updates that rolled out for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® card in the summer of 2025. We'll walk through everything from the new standard welcome offer and increased minimum spend on the Preferred card to the eligibility rule changes that have a lot of people confused. I'll also explain the brand new "Points Boost" feature and how it completely changes the way you redeem points through Chase Travel℠. The biggest news is the massive refresh to the Sapphire Reserve, which now has a hefty $795 annual fee. I'll go over why my family decided to get this card again, even at that crazy price point, by breaking down how we get value from all the new "coupon book" style credits. Plus, I’ve got a fun tip for you, no matter which Sapphire card you have! ACTION STEPS If you are a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder, review the post on all the recent changes to ensure you fully understand the new benefits: https://katiestraveltricks.com/sapphirereserve/ If you have an upcoming trip and have not yet booked your hotels, try out the Points Boost feature to see if you can find any savings. Download the GigSky app to try using it for your next trip (free with Visa Infinite or Visa Signature cards: https://www.gigsky.com/blog/up-to-3-gb-free-travel-data-with-visa-infinite-no-cost RESOURCES Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits Calculator: https://katiestraveltricks.com/portfolio-items/chase-sapphire-reserve/ Use this site to activate your Peloton credit: onepeloton.com/ChaseSapphire You must activate Your StubHub/Viagogo credit before purchase: Cardmembers can log into their account and activate the StubHub credit under Chase offers. Sign up for my newsletter: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year. Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too. More from Katie’s Travel Tricks 🔗 Website Instagram 💻 Free Course 💳 Best Current Card Offers 🎒 Favorite Travel Gear Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone...

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Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes