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Starter Kit, Vol. 2: Mastering Credit Cards & Piling Up Points
Description
If you want to get into redeeming points and miles, you need to earn them first. So in our second installment of our Starter Kit series, Gunnar and Kyle break down the best strategies for earning tons of travel rewards. While it might start with credit cards as the engine of an earning strategy - and the guys spend some time outlining their strategies and busting credit score myths - there are plenty of other ways to rack up all the points and miles you need, too.
Our Starter Kit is sponsored by Thrifty Traveler Premium, the world’s best flight deal service. Get $20 off your first year of Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal alerts - use promo code “START” at thriftytraveler.com/premium.
00:00 - What would do with a blank slate in points & miles?
02:35 - The most important step for earning tons of points
07:50 - Understanding award travel credit cards
15:40 - What to consider when signing up for a credit card?
22:20 - Our favorite starter travel rewards credit cards
29:30 - Go deeper: Sign up for our free Extra Mile newsletter!
30:00 - How to earn points & miles with strategic spending
37:30 - The ways to earn points & miles without credit cards
Volume 2 Flight Plan:
- Get Organized: Track and organize your points and credit cards using our credit card benefit tracker, a personal spreadsheet, or a note on your smartphone.
- Set a goal & work backwards: Set your travel goals first, then figure out what points, miles, and credit cards can get you there.
- Use the “Potter Pause”: Activate that mental block before you make any purchase so you can maximize every dollar you spend.
- Ramp up your “accidental earning”: Link your loyalty programs, sign up for shopping and travel portals, and nibble around the edges to stack up points and miles.
Related Episodes:
https://thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/ep-67-record-card-bonuses/
https://thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/bonus-ep-chase-sapphire-preferred-update/
https://thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/ep-61-how-to-earn-a-million-points/
https://thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/episode-46-whats-in-our-wallets/
https://thriftytraveler.com/podcasts/episode-30-award-travel-tools-of-the-trade/
Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot
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Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.com
Get 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!
See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, T