Frequent Miler on the Air

We tend to ignore Wells Fargo cards because there are so many other great credit cards out there, but they actually do have some compelling cards out there. In today's episode we'll discuss which ones you might want in your wallet.

(01:47) - Re: Clarifying our "Beyond 100K Sapphire Preferred" episode, which you can read more about here.

(19:33) - Bigger Capital One VentureX Business Card offer via private banker

Listen to the podca...

The Capital One Venture X Business card is out with a massive welcome bonus of 750K points...but the devil is in the details. Is this card really worth it?

(00:27) - Capital One Venture X Business card details

Read our Capital One Venture X Business card review here.

(03:47) - The welcome bonus is broken down into two pieces: 150K after $30K in 3 months, then 200K after $200K ($170K more) in 6 months

(04:52) - What's the total ear...

If you just got 100K points from a brand new travel rewards card, you should know a few things to help make sure you're earning even more points, saving money, and getting great value. Plus we'll also look at "Amex referral reformatory rescinded" and how to earn points on RENT with any credit card.

(01:30) - One reader shares a success story using the "email the GM" strategy...

(03:37) - Capital One Venture X Business Card: Up to 3...

On a recent podcast episode, we talked about all the important considerations when you're just getting start in the points and miles game. But in this episode, we'll go one step further and talk about which credit cards you might want to consider as someone just getting started.

(00:10) - Listen to our "Getting started with points & miles" Ep298 here.

(01:12) - Some of the things you might ideally look for are: great welcome bonuse...

In this episode, we highlight the credit cards that are becoming "collectables", we had a heated debate about "Strawberry season", discuss changes from ANA and Alaska Airlines, and share tips for saving on your domestic flights.

(01:29) - Delta Sky Club access with multiple American Express platinum cards in your name...

(06:40) - Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K (Read more about this offer here)

(07:58) - United Business 125K ...

(0...

How can you find rooms for 4 in Scotland? Is Bilt worth it if your rent's only $1500? We answered these questions and more on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on April 2nd, 2025. (03:29) -  ​​If you guys could only have cards from one issuer, which would you choose?

(11:09) -  ​​What's your thought on how long the us bank 4% card could stay alive?

(12:04) -  Do you guys have a comprehensive list of when each type of poin...

There are some creative ways to use airline miles to fly further with less miles. In other words, you can see more and spend less. We'll talk about these fun tricks in today's episode.

(01:00) - The validity of Etihad Guest Miles will be extended by 18 months based on qualifying member flight activity. We thought this means you have to credit paid flights to Etihad to extend your miles...but is that true?

(04:20) - How do you handl...

There's been a trend where credit card issuers increase annual fees on rewards cards, and attempt to make up for it by adding credits and rebates for somewhat random things (which often require a lot of mental effort and organization to put to use.) Today, we'll speculate how far this trend is going to go...

(01:03) - Recent history of couponization

(05:51) - Expected refresh of Platinum card

Check out the Coffee Break episode 47 ...

A few years ago American Express introduced this kind of model for their Platinum card where they increased their annual fee, but attempted to make up for it by offering a whole collection of credits and rebates that could be valuable if you did the work to make use of them and happened to have natural needs for them. In other words, these new benefits felt a lot like coupons, thus introducing the nickname for these kinds of card b...

Wyndham is having an excellent point sale that lasts until April 15th (2025). Read more about it here or listen to this episode for details. 

(01:15) - Wyndham point sale: Through April 15th, if you buy 3,000 or more points, you get up to an 80% bonus.

(01:47) - Simultaneously, all 3 Wyndham Earner cards have increased welcome bonuses

Learn more about the increased bonuses for all 3 Wyndham credit cards here.

(02:55) - Vacasa Vaca...

Winning the game doesn't have to be hard. Points & miles is like complicated board game -- seems overwhelming at first. But the rewards for winning are incredible. In today's main event we'll show you how to get started.

(02:09) - Tyler writes in about success with Chase travel insurance

Read more about Chase Sapphire Reserve & Ritz-Carlton cards' excellent travel protections here.

(03:58) - Bilt rent payment method is changing - ...

(00:10) - In this episode we talk about the airline rewards programs and hotel rewards programs that seem to be changing in value. Some of them are going up in value and some are going down. 

(00:42) - Alaska Mileage Plan miles are going up in value

(02:08) - Southwest points are going down

Listen to our episode about these Southwest changes here.

(02:45) - Avianca Lifemiles are going down

(04:43) - Hilton points are going up

(06:...

Bilt Rewards is a program that became famous for giving you rewards for your rent payments, but these days there are many ways to earn Bilt rewards. In this episode, we'll pay special attention to how you might want to use your Bilt points.

(01:15) - John writes in with a correction for Nick's statement that there's a "zero percent chance" the tax payment won't count toward the bonus.

(06:57) - Andrew writes in about applying for a...

What do we think are the best hotel programs for outsized value? Have we noticed some of the same Alaska Airlines quirks that our listeners have? What have our experiences with the EVA Air program been (if any)? We answered these questions and more on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on March 5th, 2025.

00:40 - What's the most meaningful miles and points trip you've had?

03:16 - Inspired by Nick’s “falling in love with Al...

Starting May 28 of this year, Southwest will be making some major changes to the things we've known and loved. For example Most people will be losing free checked bags on Southwest starting May 28 of this year, they'll be introducing basic economy, flight credits will now expire (after 6-12 months depending on what type of fare you bought) and the value of points will become much more variable.

(01:49) - Commenter Brad says: "I’m a...

In today's episode we'll talk about how American Airlines out-crazies Citi, Southwest out-bonvoys Marriott, and we'll talk about what we think are the 5 best award search tools that make it much easier to find those coveted awards.

(01:25) - One reader shares their concerns about tax payments made by an American Express card not counting towards sign up bonus spending.

(05:28) - Read more about paying taxes with a credit card here ...

Word on the street is the Amex Platinum card is going to be "refreshed" which may mean new benefits, new cost, new rebates, and more. In this episode, we'll make some predictions about what we might see.

(01:06) - Predicting the Refreshed Platinum Card annual fee

(02:55) - Earning rate change?

(04:04) - Coupon changes?

(06:49) - Will the airline incidental fees credit change?

(11:57) - Perk changes?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/...

Hilton credit cards come loaded with perks that CAN BE worth more than the card's annual fee IF you use them well. On today's show, we discuss how we use these credits.

(01:06) - Hilton points for the win that all starts with the Venture X credit card promo to enter into the special access raffle to buy Taylor Swift tickets.

(06:24) - This person was trying to use up a $200 Hilton resort credit for themself and their player 2 accou...

With a $350 annual fee, the Delta Platinum credit card is not cheap. But like most of these more expensive cards, it comes with perks and credits that help off-set that cost. Since Greg has this card, we'll find out how he makes use of these various perks and credits.

Learn more about the Delta Platinum card here and the Delta Platinum Business card here.

(00:15) - $350

(00:55) - 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (De...