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April 5, 2024 | View Online | Sign Up |
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Here’s a poem.
I’ve rewritten this blurb over forty-five times
And now I’m resorting to points-themed rhymes.
To ensure they still pay me, I’ll now plug a card,
It’s packed full of perks and earning ain’t hard
When it graced my wallet its intro was gigantic
It flew me for pennies far across the Atlantic
Yet I cannot remember a moment of the flight
For the lounge’s free booze had me out like a light.
You’re welcome.
Let’s get to the points:
Cheers,
Steven |
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| CARDS OF THE WEEK |
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Your Biggest Expenses Should Be Earning You Free Travel |
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The single biggest mistake points and miles enthusiasts make when it comes to their credit card strategy is not using cards that fit their lifestyles. We all do things differently: some of us eat out constantly, and some of us are disciplined cook-at-homers; some of us travel non-stop and some of us are hectic commuters.
If you have a major regular expense, you need a card to maximize those. Here are a few good options for some specific expenses.
🍴 For eating out and in
I’ll always promote this card as indispensable for most people because, as far as I’m aware, we all need to eat. Whether you eat in, out, or buy groceries to eat in and go out anyway (me), you should be earning points on those expenses.
This card grants you the highest earning rate in both of those categories with a whopping 4x points per dollar on supermarkets, restaurants, and most takeout and delivery options. Even if you only spend $500 a month, you’re still earning 24,000 a year. Statistically speaking, you probably spend a lot more than that, though. Do the math and see how far your food can take you.
🚆 For regular travelers
This card is a workhorse for me. Obviously, as a full-time traveler, I’m the exception, not the rule, but anyone who takes regular trips, commutes on the subway, loves camping, or pretty much uses travel at any point in their lives can get value from its 3x points per dollar in the category.
The beauty of the card is its broad definition of travel and transit. Anything from third-party airline websites to tours you book on a trip falls under the 3x point earning bracket. It’s even got 3x points per dollar on restaurants. There’s a fair argument to make this your daily go-to card.
🧑🏼🤝🧑🏾 For everyone
Everyone buys stuff outside of their big categories. This card ensures that even those purchases earn 2x miles per dollar. The Capital One Venture X is the ultimate gap filler.
Don’t be put off by its higher-than-average annual fee. It comes with a number of easy-to-use perks that effectively annul that cost if you typically spend more than $300 on travel a year. On top of that, it grants you lounge access! Everyone’s a winner! |
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| TRAVEL PLANNING WITH CONCIERGE |
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Did you know one of the most common reasons people don’t use up their PTO is due to planning fatigue? It’s understandable. Planning a trip can be overwhelming and time-consuming but we don’t believe in letting PTO go to waste. That’s why we’ve rolled out Concierge.
Concierge is our solution to travel planning stress. When you sign up, you will get a custom travel itinerary every year for life. Our dedicated planning team will take care of it all, from finding the best deals to crafting a daily itinerary for your dream vacation.
Without lifting a finger, you could have trips like these planned for you:
🏝️ 6-day family vacation to Mexico City
🍝 9-day food tour through Italy
👩❤️💋👨 Two-week honeymoon in New Zealand
🌎 The destination is up to you & the options are endless!
Concierge is valued at $2,850, but we are offering Smart Points readers an exclusive deal. Get a lifetime of expertly planned adventures for only $199 today! |
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| STEVEN'S TIPS |
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My Points and Miles Moves This Week
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I’ve got a big few months of travel coming up, so I’m making some big moves with my cards and points this week. Here’s a summary of what I’m doing, and why I’m doing it.
💳 I opened a new card
I’ve opened an American Airlines co-branded card. I’ve never prioritized AAdvantage Miles before, as the only way to earn them is with the airline or partner or a co-branded card. But as one of the few US carriers with a solid award chart, it might end up being useful for me. Especially with some of its deals to the Middle East.
❌ I closed two cards
I bit the bullet and closed both of my Delta co-branded cards. If I’m honest, I could have kept the cheaper one open for the sake of keeping my credit card usage extra low, but I was so pissed off at everything that happened with the premium card that I wanted rid of them both. It’s not impacting me at all–all I’m really losing is access to a sub-par SkyClub every so often?
🗺️ I’ve scanned a ton of possible routes for Jess and me
We’re heading to Osaka next week, then jetting off to Dubai after that, with Jess going via Paris. The best redemption I’ve found amongst these is an insane offer from British Airways Executive Club. I can get Jess on a direct flight from Tokyo to London for 30,000 Avios plus $200. Considering the flight is worth around $1,500 we’re getting around 4.5 cents per Avios on that–pretty epic.
For myself, I’m trying to find an Air Canada stopover flight from Tokyo to Cape Town with a Dubai flight in between. I’ll let you know how that goes... |
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| TRAVEL HACKING NEWS |
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Bilt’s Email Error Freaks Some Customers |
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If you’re a Bilt Mastercard customer, you might have got a little scare on Wednesday. If you did, don’t worry–it’s all good.
📩 What happened?
The credit card issuer accidentally sent out an email to some of its customers suggesting their accounts may be closed due to misuse. Part of the email read:
“We have reason to believe that behavior on your account demonstrates an intent to engage in sustained misconduct and wrongdoing in connection to the program. Pursuant to the legally binding Bilt Rewards Terms & Conditions, Bilt has the right to 'reject, revoke, cancel, terminate, or suspend any membership, benefit, and/or any and all points, or take any other action at its discretion.
This letter serves as formal notice of the closure of your Bilt Rewards Membership and, effective immediately, the forfeiture of any remaining Bilt points.”
Naturally, many customers freaked out.
🤭 Bilt responded quickly
Thankfully, Bilt did respond to let everyone know it was a mistake, so if you found yourself on the receiving end of the email and didn’t see the follow-up, you’re good.
If you received the email and acted on it by transferring your points elsewhere you should be able to get those points back. If they haven’t been returned already get in touch with Bilt who can help reverse the transaction. You’ll also be compensated 250 points for the mistake. |
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| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING |
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