Episodios

  • Choice Privileges Pros and Cons | Coffee Break Ep95 | 3-3-26

    Choice Privileges Pros and Cons | Coffee Break Ep95 | 3-3-26
    Mar 3 2026

    Choice Privileges is a hotel chain with brands like Clarion, Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Radisson Americas etc. In today's podcast, we'll talk about the pros and cons of this program.

    You can find our Choice Privileges complete guide here.

    Choice Privileges Pros and Cons

    Pros / items of interest...

    (01:37) - Earn elite status through credit card spend thanks to an update in early 2026.

    (05:59) - (Somewhat) fixed award chart

    (07:16) - Ability to book premium rooms with points sometimes

    (09:53) - Preferred Hotels partnership

    Learn more about this partnership here

    (11:53) - Transfer 1:2 from Citi or Wells Fargo

    (12:31) - Buy points for around .7cpp during sales

    (13:14) - Titanium Travel Award: 50% off award stay up to 7 nights

    Cons...

    (16:23) - Not much elite benefit. Breakfast at Diamond, Titanium Travel Award at Titanium.

    (17:10) - Points expire after 18 months of inactivity

    (17:37) - Fewer aspirational properties (apart from Preferred Hotels, and even that experience is complicated)

    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:

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    21 m
  • Gems from our Giant Mailbag | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep347 | 2-27-26

    Gems from our Giant Mailbag | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep347 | 2-27-26
    Feb 27 2026
    In today's podcast episode, we'll talk about stacking dining credits, give a caution aboutgifting Marriott free night certificates, and will resurrect expired Southwest credits.Crazy Thing(00:57) - Southwest shows different seatmap availability to different passengersRead more about Nick's experience with Southwest's assigned seating hereAwards, Points, and More(04:10) - Alaska Vacations adds discounts, VIP perks for elite membersRead more about this here(07:05) - “Free” Norwegian cruise for Caesars Diamond Elite membersRead more about this here(10:26) - Recent breaking news... Hyatt devaluationFind out more about the Hyatt devaluation here(14:43) - Wyndham Rewards added as new Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partnerRead more about this here(16:17) - Bilt has launched a transfer bonusRead more about this here[28:03:23 ad]Main Event: Gems from our Giant Mailbag(28:05) - Bridget says: DEN is an airport that has the security reservation program (DEN Reserve)...(29:44) - Chaim says: For Resy and Sapphire Reserve® Exclusive Tables credits you can buy gift cards online for lots of restaurants that trigger the credit. Therefore, you can bank up multiple hundreds of dollars, and then when it works with your plans, you can splurge on an amazing dinner or two...(32:47) - Mark says: I just finished listening to the January 2 podcast. With regards to your answer for the question of the week about which cards you keep in your digital wallet, I recently discovered something about Apple wallet specifically that might be of use, at least to Greg since he is the only one of you using Apple...You can catch that episode here(36:16) - Nathan says: I just listened to episode 343 and wanted to share a data point regarding the $500 Gift of College gift cards...You can catch episode 343 here(39:29) - Mike says: If you look up IHG Destined One Night On Us, there's no result directly from IHG, but multiple hotel booking agents' websites reference a stay x nights get 1 night free promotion for participating hotels. For example: https://bonvivant.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Q3-IHG-Destined-Stay-Pay-Promo-HFP.pdf(44:42) - Panayot says: Convert expired SWA credit to a LUV voucher...(48:51) - Tracy says: I have a data point relevant to your episode on gifting points and miles...Catch that episode here(52:19) - Melissa says: Thanks so much for the article on the pitfalls and warnings booking via I Prefer hotels...Hear some of the pitfalls of booking via iPrefer here and read more about using Citi points for I Prefer here(53:44) - Amalan says: Just sharing a couple of good data points from a quick weekend trip to Chicago...(55:27) - Jefferson says: Thanks to the FM team!Question of the Week(57:33) - Is there a formal appeal or consideration process when Citi declines for high amount of unused credit?Find out more about Citi application tips hereSubscribe and FollowVisit 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 YoderMentioned in this episode:Visit FrequentMiler.com Did you know that Frequent Miller is also a website? At frequentMiller.com, you'll find all the latest deals, news about points, miles, and rewarding credit cards, the single best, Best Credit Cards page on the web, guides to all popular rewards programs, and many other terrific resources. If you'd like to get our posts sent to your email, go to frequentMiller.com/subscribe and sign up for free. https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/
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    1 h y 8 m
  • Breaking news: Hyatt takes us to the heartbreak hotel | Breaking News Podcast | 2-25-26

    Breaking news: Hyatt takes us to the heartbreak hotel | Breaking News Podcast | 2-25-26
    Feb 26 2026

    Hyatt announced some changes that will come into effect before the end of May. This will include a brand new award chart that splits the 8 categories into 5 pricing bands. You can read more about the new Hyatt overhauls here.

    (00:51) - New award chart

    (05:28) - Hyatt intends to maintain value and maintain an award chart

    (17:24) - Bright spots

    (27:08) - Does this change how we view our Hyatt points?

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    Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Visit FrequentMiler.com

    Did you know that Frequent Miller is also a website? At frequentMiller.com, you'll find all the latest deals, news about points, miles, and rewarding credit cards, the single best, Best Credit Cards page on the web, guides to all popular rewards programs, and many other terrific resources. If you'd like to get our posts sent to your email, go to frequentMiller.com/subscribe and sign up for free.

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    35 m
  • Best uses for Virgin points | Coffee Break Ep94 | 2-24-26

    Best uses for Virgin points | Coffee Break Ep94 | 2-24-26
    Feb 24 2026

    Virgin Atlantic Rewards and Virgin Red both earn Virgin Atlantic points. Now through February 28th, Chase has a 40% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic, so in this episode, we'll talk about some of the best uses of these points.

    Best uses for Virgin points

    (00:36) - Read more about the 40% bonus from Chase to Virgin Atlantic here

    (02:07) - Fly Delta economy

    (03:52) - Fly Virgin Atlantic

    (07:09) - Fly SAS

    (08:17) - Fly LATAM

    (11:35) - Fly Air France/KLM

    (12:16) - Fly ANA biz/first class

    (14:09) - Fly Air New Zealand biz class

    (16:40) - Virgin Limited Edition properties

    (21:22) - Virgin Voyages

    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:

    Visit FrequentMiler.com

    Did you know that Frequent Miller is also a website? At frequentMiller.com, you'll find all the latest deals, news about points, miles, and rewarding credit cards, the single best, Best Credit Cards page on the web, guides to all popular rewards programs, and many other terrific resources. If you'd like to get our posts sent to your email, go to frequentMiller.com/subscribe and sign up for free.

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    25 m
  • Big United changes: Cardholders earn more, spend fewer miles | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep346 | 2-20-26

    Big United changes: Cardholders earn more, spend fewer miles | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep346 | 2-20-26
    Feb 20 2026
    In this episode, we'll talk about how Chase wants you to stay Calm and give a WHOOP, we'll talk about how Bank of America wants you to be a millionaire, and how United wants you to get its credit cards.Giant Mailbag(00:45) - Doug: Parking at a Bilt Neighborhood Parking garage on Hyatt award stayCard News(03:15) - It may be possible to product change US Bank Altitude ReserveRead more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/psa-it-may-be-possible-to-product-change-altitude-reserve-and-maybe-get-some-of-the-fee-back*NOTE* Shortly after we recorded, we learned that existing earning rates for Bank of America cards will last longer than we thought: Doctor of Credit has learned some positive news regarding changes for existing Preferred Rewards members: they will retain their current status until 3 months after their first anniversary date post-November 1, 2026. For example, if your anniversary date is 10/1, your 3-month clock won’t start until 10/1/27, and you will keep your current status level through 1/1/28 (provided you meet the current qualification requirements). That’s a bit of a band-aid on a broken leg, but it’s a much better timeframe than what we originally thought.(07:26) - Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card offers (MUST ACTIVATE OFFERS)Read more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-cardholders-can-get-a-free-calm-premium-annual-subscription/(08:37) - WHOOP: Get $359 back after purchasing one year of WHOOP’s Life Membership (expires 5/12/2026.)Read more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-cardholders-can-get-a-free-year-of-whoop-fitness-wearable/(10:45) - Bilt appears to be honoring 5x offer for manyRead more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-cards-being-frozen-5x-not-being-honored-bilts-response-pound-sand-its-tpgs-fault/Bonvoyed(17:30) - Bank of America Preferred Rewards changesRead more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/negative-bank-of-america-preferred-rewards-upcoming-changes-lower-bonus-rewards-higher-eligibility-requirements/Awards, Points, and More(24:56) - FYI: How to pay taxes by credit card (Video)Watch a video about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-pay-taxes-by-credit-card-video/(26:43) - United Travel Bank may no longer trigger airline incidental creditsRead more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/united-travel-bank-may-no-longer-trigger-airline-incidental-credits-but-dont-panic-yet/(29:53) - 40% transfer bonus to Virgin AtlanticRead more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/get-a-40-bonus-when-transferring-chase-ultimate-rewards-to-virgin-atlantic/(31:30) - Use Virgin points for WestJetMain Event: Big United changes: Cardholders earn more, spend fewer miles(36:17) - Read more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/united-mileage-plus-announces-huge-changes-to-earning-and-redeeming-miles/(36:51) - Mileage earning(41:27) - Using United cards to book flights(43:19) - Redeeming Miles(48:46) - Children benefit(50:01) - Which United card is best for unlocking these features?Question of the Week(1:03:24) - Do you use AI to help you optimize your points and miles game?Subscribe and FollowVisit 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 YoderMentioned in this episode:Visit FrequentMiler.com Did you know that Frequent Miller is also a website? At frequentMiller.com, you'll find all the latest deals, news about points, miles, and rewarding credit cards, the single best, Best Credit Cards page on the web, guides to all popular rewards programs, and many other terrific resources. If you'd like to get our posts sent to your email, go to frequentMiller.com/subscribe and sign up for free. https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/
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    1 h y 12 m
  • Fine Hotels + Resorts® vs The Edit by Chase Travel℠ | Coffee Break Ep93 | 2-17-26

    Fine Hotels + Resorts® vs The Edit by Chase Travel℠ | Coffee Break Ep93 | 2-17-26
    Feb 17 2026

    Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Edit by Chase Travel℠ are hotel programs offered by American Express and Chase, which offer a similar array of perks. But that doesn't mean there aren't significant differences. Greg discusses a recent stay where he used both of these back-to-back.

    Fine Hotels + Resorts® vs The Edit by Chase Travel℠

    (00:40) - Read more here

    (00:55) - On paper, Fine Hotels + Resorts® is better in most ways

    (02:20) - Except...

    (04:28) - Greg's Experience Fine Hotels + Resorts® vs The Edit by Chase Travel℠: Pendry Chicago

    (02:06) - Commonalities

    (06:55) - Differences

    (12:02) - Confusing points

    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:

    Visit FrequentMiler.com

    Did you know that Frequent Miller is also a website? At frequentMiller.com, you'll find all the latest deals, news about points, miles, and rewarding credit cards, the single best, Best Credit Cards page on the web, guides to all popular rewards programs, and many other terrific resources. If you'd like to get our posts sent to your email, go to frequentMiller.com/subscribe and sign up for free.

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    20 m
  • Private Island ultra-all-inclusive barefoot luxury: $2,500 rebate | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep345 | 2-13-26

    Private Island ultra-all-inclusive barefoot luxury: $2,500 rebate | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep345 | 2-13-26
    Feb 13 2026
    In today's podcast, we'll talk about why you might not want to toss out that United credit card mailer, how Bilt has led us to coin a new term, and how Calala Island wants to pay you to book with points!Private Island ultra-all-inclusive barefoot luxury: $2,500 rebateGiant Mailbag(01:21) - Vijay: Using BOA Premier $100 airline fee creditRead more about Amex Airline fee reimbursements hereCard News(05:18) - Fast track to United Silver status with targeted new card offersRead more about the fast track to United Silver status hereMattress Running the Numbers(07:20) - Marriott Earn 2,500 bonus points per stay + 1 bonus elite night per brandRead more about the new Marriott promo hereLearn some shortcuts to Marriott elite status hereBonvoyed: Bilt(12:33) - TBD about denied mortgage paymentsRead more about various Bilt issues here(18:14) - Should we introduce the term "Biltvoyed"?Awards, Points, and More(21:42) - Nick's EU261 compensation claimRead more about Nick's EU261 copensation claim here: https://frequentmiler.com/finnair-flight-booked-with-alaska-atmos-rewards-eu261-claim/(25:38) - Instacart and United team up (Read more here: https://frequentmiler.com/earn-up-to-10-5k-united-miles-when-shopping-with-instacart/)Private Island ultra-all-inclusive barefoot luxury: $2,500 rebate(30:00) - Calala Island: Private island with only 6 villas. All inclusive. "Barefoot luxury" "Ultra-all-inclusive"(37:00) - Two Big Buts...(38:53) - Read about getting to Calala Island here: https://onemileatatime.com/how-to-get-to-calala-island/(43:03) - Derrick Dye at Travel on Points: Read a review about this property here: https://travel-on-points.com/review-calala-island-a-nicaribbean-luxury-property/(47:09) - Is Calala Island worth it?(52:54) - Are we going to visit?(57:41) - Is this a luxury hotel point farms?Read about One Mile at a Time's "Point Farm" concept here: https://onemileatatime.com/insights/hotel-points-farms/Question of the Week(1:09:02) - A question about travel insurance: what do I need on the front end (especially in terms of documentation) to prepare for contingencies?Subscribe and FollowVisit 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 YoderMentioned in this episode:Visit FrequentMiler.com Did you know that Frequent Miller is also a website? At frequentMiller.com, you'll find all the latest deals, news about points, miles, and rewarding credit cards, the single best, Best Credit Cards page on the web, guides to all popular rewards programs, and many other terrific resources. If you'd like to get our posts sent to your email, go to frequentMiller.com/subscribe and sign up for free. https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/
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    1 h y 19 m
  • Disney® Inspire Visa® Card | Coffee Break Ep92 | 2-9-26

    Disney® Inspire Visa® Card | Coffee Break Ep92 | 2-9-26
    Feb 10 2026

    Today we're going to look at the details of the new Disney® Inspire Visa® Card, and we'll talk about whether or not it's worth considering.

    (00:25) - New Disney® Inspire Visa® Card

    Learn more about this card here

    (02:23) - Is this worth getting for someone planning an upcoming Disney trip?

    (04:07) - Is this worth getting for a regular Disney fan to keep long-term, specifically for Disney spend?

    (10:27) - Is this worth getting for a Disney fan to keep long-term for all spend?

    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:

    Visit FrequentMiler.com

    Did you know that Frequent Miller is also a website? At frequentMiller.com, you'll find all the latest deals, news about points, miles, and rewarding credit cards, the single best, Best Credit Cards page on the web, guides to all popular rewards programs, and many other terrific resources. If you'd like to get our posts sent to your email, go to frequentMiller.com/subscribe and sign up for free.

    https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/
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    16 m