Episodios

  • Breaking News: Bilt's sudden & crazy u-turn | Coffee Break Ep88 | 1-16-26
    Jan 17 2026

    Bilt released details of its new credit cards on Wednesday...but it was so confusing, they tried to clarify it with more confusion.

    (00:18) - Bilt released details of its new credit cards on Wednesday.

    You can read more about Bilt 2.0 here: https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-makes-earning-rewards-on-housing-payments-even-more-confusing/

    (00:23) - We've written extensively about it, and today (as we record this update), we dropped a full-length podcast about it

    Find the full podcast here: https://frequentmiler.com/introducing-the-new-and-confusing-bilt-2-0-frequent-miler-on-the-air-ep341-1-16-26/

    (01:16) - Bilt heard all of us and doubled down with an even more confusing solution...

    Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

    Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

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    15 m
  • Introducing the new and confusing Bilt 2.0 | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep341 | 1-16-26
    Jan 16 2026

    In this podcast episode, we'll talk about how JAL awards can be changed, we'll talk about the Amtrak USA Rail Pass, and we'll discuss Bilt 2.0: Half-baked, confusing, but potentially very rewarding.

    (At the time of this recording, running ad for Bilt on the audio-only version of this podcast. Despite that, all opinions expressed here are our own. We will always tell you what we believe, good or bad.)

    Giant Mailbag

    (01:27) - JAL Mileage Bank awards can not be changed (but they can be cancelled for a reasonable fee

    See Nick's post about the best uses of Japan Airlines Mileage Bank miles here

    See our podcast episode 325 "Sweet-spot awards courtesy of Japan Airlines" here

    Awards, Points, and More

    (04:38) - Like MaxFHR but for The Edit

    Learn more here

    (06:02) - Amtrak USA Rail Pass for $250 (usual: $499)

    (08:37) - Saks has filed for bankruptcy

    (11:53) - United MileagePlus Status Match Challenge

    Learn more about the United MileagePlus Status Match Challenge here

    Main Event: Bilt 2.0

    Learn more about Bilt 2.0 here

    And find our opinion on Bilt 2.0 here

    (14:42) - The transition from old to new

    (19:36) - 3 Bilt Cards

    (20:52) - 2 rewards currencies...

    (22:20) - Is Bilt Cash valuable?

    (27:02) - More card details

    (29:49) - What do we know about Bilt Cash?

    (41:17) - Card Reviews / who are they for?

    (1:04:15) - Find out some answers to frequently asked questions here: https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-2-faq/

    Subscribe and Follow

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    Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Check out this month's sponsor and support our show

    Join the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/miles

    https://joinbilt.com/miles

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    1 h y 9 m
  • How to fix Marriott Bonvoy | Coffee Break Ep87 | 1-13-26
    Jan 13 2026

    Greg recently had two great stays at Marriott Bonvoy hotels in South Florida: The Ben, The Belgrove Resort. But the fact that these positive experiences surprised him (and that they were kind of the exception to the rule) prompted some ideas on what's wrong with Bonvoy.

    (00:12) - Great stays at Marriott Bonvoy hotels in south Florida: The Ben, The Belgrove Resort

    (01:59) - What's wrong with Bonvoy?

    (09:31) - Potential solutions

    (14:53) - If we could pick just one fix, which would it be?

    Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

    Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Check out this month's sponsor and support our show

    Join the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/miles

    https://joinbilt.com/miles

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    19 m
  • Which elite status would you prefer, American or Alaska? | Ask Us Anything Ep82 | 1-7-26
    Jan 11 2026

    If you have to pick, which elite status would you prefer, American or Alaska? How does this new edit credit work? We answered these and many other questions on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on January 7th of 2026.

    (03:34) - ​​Curious to hear what 'coupons/credits' you just let go of, without redeeming by 12/31. I didn't use my first The Edit credit and can't stop feeling guilty.

    (05:48) - How does this new edit credit work, because there are so many different answers...?

    You can see a map of The Edit by Chase Travel℠ properties here:

    (10:05) - ​​What do you think about the Apple Card takeover by Chase?

    See Greg's old post about the Apple Card here

    (12:48) - Have any of you proactively lowered the credit limit on a card?

    (17:17) - ​Do you think that the Bilt leak is real or fake? There are 3 different leaks right now

    Find coffee break episode 86 about Bilt leaks here

    (18:44) - ​​I started with Chase (I'm newer to points), but I'm curious what you all think are the best uses of each of the ecosystems and/or what you personally use them for?

    Learn more about Citi transfer partners here

    (23:05) - ​​Last October, I booked a stay at the Hyatt Regency Rome for mid-April 2026, not realizing it was a new hotel. The website now shows reservations starting May 1, 2026, with no availability in April. ​​I’m concerned about whether my reservation will be honored. If the hotel isn’t ready, will Hyatt relocate me, and how soon would I be notified? I’ve booked a backup hotel, but would appreciate any tips

    (25:25) - Do the miles and points conventions mention things that aren't normally discussed in free podcasts like yours?

    (26:53) - ​​Alaska miles redemption for Europe often entails BA metal that has high fees. Any tips on European redemptions? Or are Alaska miles mainly for AA or Asian partner awards?

    (35:22) - ​​Does that PLAT airline credit still work for United Travel Bank this year?

    See our "Amex airline reimbursement fees...what still works?" post here

    (36:53) - ​​Venture X travel credit is a discount rather than a credit. If I have two bookings and have to cancel the one booked with the discount, can I retroactively have them lower the second booking?

    (37:25) - ​​What is everyone's US Bank strategy? I cashed mine out at 1.5x

    (42:00) - If you have to pick, which elite status would you prefer, American or Alaska?

    Find our podcast episode about American vs Alaska here

    (48:01) - Find coffee break episode 86 about Bilt leaks here

    (48:24) - Tim - In what cases is it worthwhile to keep both Atmos cards (Summit and Ascent)

    (54:10) - ​​For 2026, any new programs you’re prioritizing for earning or status? E.g. Citi to PHR, Atmos, etc?

    Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth...

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    58 m
  • Best ways to share rewards with friends and family | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep340 | 1-9-26
    Jan 9 2026

    In today's episode, we'll talk about a Universal Theme park hack, how to fix airport lounge overcrowding, and the best ways to share points, miles, and other rewards.

    Giant Mailbag

    (01:01) - A clever theme park hack

    Card News

    (05:44) - Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: 5, 50K Free Night Awards welcome offer is back.

    Read more about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless offer here

    Bonvoyed

    (09:15) - Hyatt Globalists report receiving far fewer points for expired certificates

    Awards, Points, and More

    (12:41) - Atmos Rewards Communities are coming

    Read more about Atmos Rewards communities here

    (18:31) - Rakuten 5K/$50 Bonus extended to 3/31

    Read more about this Rakuten 5K/$50 bonus here

    (21:13) - Get two years of Hilton Gold or Diamond with elite status match

    (23:37) - Radisson Rewards launches shopping portal with up to 30% bonus earnings

    Learn more about the Radisson Rewards shopping portal here

    (25:17) - Margaritaville at Sea: Quick mention of the casino match offer for the cruise crowd

    Read about Nick's experience with Margaritaville at Sea here

    Main Event: Best ways to share rewards w/ friends and family

    (30:22) - Read our "Sharing is Caring" post here: https://frequentmiler.com/sharing-is-caring-the-best-programs-for-sharing-points-and-miles/

    Read how to gift hotel points, free night certificates, and award nights here: https://frequentmiler.com/gift-hotel-points-free-night-certificates-and-award-nights-booked-with-points-rules-by-program/

    (31:30) - Moving credit card points to others

    (36:58) - Moving, sharing, or pooling Airline miles

    (43:31) - Moving or sharing hotel points

    (48:06) - Book flights for others

    (50:48) - Book hotel nights for others with points or free night certs

    Question of the Week

    (59:04) - With overcrowding at Airport lounges, what would you do to fix this?

    Subscribe and Follow

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    Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Check out this month's sponsor and support our show

    Join the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/miles

    https://joinbilt.com/miles

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    1 h y 9 m
  • Leaked Bilt Card Details...Maybe | Coffee Break Ep86 | 1-7-26
    Jan 7 2026

    We've known that Bilt intends to introduce new credit cards soon, with details expected for release on January 14th, but someone found some code on a website that's got the community stirring, speculating about what it could mean. (Read more about leaked Bilt card details here).

    (01:14) - Ad disclosure

    (02:06) - Leaked details... maybe

    (03:16) - Bilt Blue Card

    (03:53) - Bilt Obsidian Card

    (04:53) - Bilt Palladium Card

    (06:31) - What's this Bilt Cash all about?

    (13:59) - Nick's assessment

    (17:41) - Greg's assessment

    Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

    Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Check out this month's sponsor and support our show

    Join the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/miles

    https://joinbilt.com/miles

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    27 m
  • Award Tool Spotlight: Points Path | Coffee Break Ep85 | 1-6-26
    Jan 6 2026

    There are a lot of tools out there that can help you find good award prices for the flights you're looking for. In today's podcast, we'll look at the tool Greg uses most often: Points Path.

    (00:53) - Award tools: search vs discovery tools

    (01:29) - Basics of Points Path

    (03:43) - Paid Pro tier

    (07:05) - Pros of Points Path

    (10:25) - Cons of Points Path

    Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

    Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Check out this month's sponsor and support our show

    Join the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/miles

    https://joinbilt.com/miles

    Más Menos
    15 m
  • Our 2026 points forecast: coupony with a chance of acquisitions | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep339 | 1-2-26
    Jan 2 2026

    In this week's podcast episode, we'll talk about stacking 2025 and 2026 JetBlue elite perks, how you can use Visa cards you already own to get free international roaming, and we'll predict what's coming to points & miles in 2026.

    Giant Mailbag

    (01:09) - "I certainly admire the continued approach to display only the best offer even if it is not the affiliate link, but I may suggest that you consider showing both options for readers. I am happy to support the site and would likely be willing to choose an inferior offer in many cases, should it be beneficial to the site."

    (04:45) - What to do when Chase Sapphire Reserve® Exclusive Tables removes a restaurant without notice...

    See a list of Sapphire Reserve® Exclusive Tables here

    (07:28) - A Sapphire Reserve The Edit credit success story...

    (11:02) - A 25for25 challenge success story

    Awards, Points, and More

    (16:45) - Visa Signature / Infinite GigSky benefit (Nick's experience)

    Learn more about the GigSky free eSIM opportunity here

    Main Event: Our 2026 points forecast: coupony with a chance of acquisitions

    (21:31) - New credit cards

    (37:21) - Card refreshes

    (55:31) - New transfer opportunities

    (1:09:35) - Mega promos

    (1:17:27) - Devaluations

    (1:25:01) - Misc other

    (1:32:10) - Guaranteed Predictions

    Question of the Week

    (1:33:50) - What's in your digital wallet? Do you keep all of your cards in your digital wallet?

    Subscribe and Follow

    Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

    Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Check out this month's sponsor and support our show

    Join the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/miles

    https://joinbilt.com/miles

    Más Menos
    1 h y 43 m
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