Best Frequent Miler Podcasts (2025)

1
Sweet-spot awards courtesy of Japan Airlines | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep325 | 9-26-25 1:18:41

Play Pause

3d ago1:18:41

1:18:41

In this episode, we'll talk about how Citi is showering us with transfer bonuses, then we'll talk about the incredible uses for Japan Airlines miles. Now that Capital One is making transfers available to Japan Airlines (in addition to Bilt, which has already been offering this), it's worth talking about what you can do with those miles! Giant Mailb…

1
135. Amex Platinum Cards Refresh: What’s New, What’s Missing, and What We Really Think 1:00:44

3h ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Back in June, Chase refreshed its personal Sapphire Reserve card and introduced the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card, complete with highest ever annual fees for rewards cards. Not to be outdone, American Express quickly followed with its own updates to the personal and business Platinum Cards. Now that the details are here, it’s time to look at…

1
Getting Paid to Plan Trips Doesn't Have to Be a Full-Time Job: How to Become a Travel Advisor in 2025 38:21

5d ago38:21

38:21

Fora cofounder Henley Vazquez reveals how travelers turn trip planning into income and which destinations are trending. How much money can you make working part-time as a travel advisor? What are the startup costs to get into the industry? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle explore how you can turn trip planning into income and what that means for…

1
Deep Dive on Bank of America Credit Cards (Up to 5.25% Cash Back) 1:02:54

5d ago1:02:54

1:02:54

#247: Chris dives into Bank of America’s credit card lineup and why he has 5 different BoA cards right now. He'll go over how the Preferred Rewards program can help you earn unlimited 3.3% back on everything. Finally, he also covers approval rules, credit limits, unique perks like free museum access, and more. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chris…

1
Capital One wins the coupon book wars by not playing | Coffee Break Ep71 | 9-23-25 17:12

6d ago17:12

17:12

We find the coupon book trend fairly tedious and frustrating, but we've had to admit that American Express has sort of won this game by offering "coupons" and perks that are actually compelling. But since many of us don't really like the coupon book approach at all, does that make Capital One the winner since they haven't done much with the coupon …

1
134. The New Era of Award Travel: What’s Changing and How to Adapt 29:00

7d ago29:00

29:00

If you’ve been in the points game for years, you’ve probably noticed how much has changed recently. And if you’re newer, you might be wondering if you’re already too late. In this episode, I share why I don’t believe we’re in the “golden age” of award travel right now — but also why points are still incredibly valuable if you know how to adapt. Ove…

1
The $895 Platinum Card: Shockingly Compelling | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep324 | 9-19-25 1:21:10

10d ago1:21:10

1:21:10

In today's episode, we'll talk about the secret to a happy points & miles marriage, chasing "The Infatuation" credits, Hilton's 250K devaluation, and everything you need to know about the refreshed $895 Platinum cards: (Including The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express). We thought this annual …

1
Keep or Cut the Amex Platinum? What New Perks Mean for Frequent Travelers 33:39

11d ago33:39

33:39

The Platinum Card® from American Express announced that its annual fee just went up. Learn how to decide if the new credits, perks, and lounge access are worth it. Is the Amex Platinum worth its higher annual fee? How do you maximize new statement credits without lifestyle creep? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the Amex Platinum’s updat…

1
Contrarian Takes on Money, Risk, and Retirement with Tyler Gardner 1:11:50

12d ago1:11:50

1:11:50

#246: Today we explore contrarian takes on budgeting, the 4% rule, retirement planning, and the risks of blindly investing in bonds. We also cover strategies for investing, spending, and rethinking how to use money with purpose. Tyler Gardner is a personal finance creator, educator, and former portfolio manager who’s built a following by challengin…

1
Best credit card for gas spend | Coffee Break Ep70 | 9-16-25 14:02

13d ago14:02

14:02

When you're at the gas station filling up, which credit card should you be using for that purchase? We used to value Wyndham points around 1 cent each, which made the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card, which earned 8 points per dollar at gas stations, a clear winner. But recent data has bumped that value down to about .7 cents, making it less of…

1
133. 7 Keys to Better Award Flight Bookings 48:51

14d ago48:51

48:51

You’ve built up a stash of transferable credit card points. Maybe you’ve been working hard to optimize your cards, your categories, and your spending. But when it comes time to actually book the flights you’ve been dreaming about, you hit a wall. You’re not alone. For most points travelers, the hardest part isn’t earning points — it’s redeeming the…

1
Our favorite travel gear | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep323 | 9-12-25 1:16:09

17d ago1:16:09

1:16:09

In today's podcast episode, we're sharing our favorite travel gear (like Nick's Japanese nail clippers), and we'll explain why a UK power adapter is especially useful, and why we carry backpacks in our backpacks. Giant Mailbag (01:18) - One reader writes in about their first big redemption (03:14) - Preferred Hotels & Resorts safari lodges, bookabl…

1
How Much Are Points and Miles Worth in 2025? 1:07:05

19d ago1:07:05

1:07:05

#245: Ever wonder what points are really worth? I'll break down the different types of points, how to calculate their value, and the biggest mistakes people make along the way. You’ll also learn when cash back might be the smarter choice and my personal card strategy for maximizing credit card rewards. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins…

1
How One Family Flew Business Class to Europe on Points — and Stayed in Style 29:24

19d ago29:24

29:24

Learn how an entire family traveled to Europe on points, including business class flights, boutique stays, and mountain escapes. How do you book business-class flights to Europe for a family of four using points? How do you cover hotels and vacation rentals with rewards while meeting Europe’s room occupancy rules? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyl…

1
What are you spending on annual fees? | Ask Us Anything Ep79 | 9-3-25 54:37

20d ago54:37

54:37

What are you spending on annual fees? What's the holy grail of first-class suites? We answered these and many other questions on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on September 3rd, 2025. (00:37) - As banks tighten up on credit card approvals, I’m sure many have received a denial for “lack of recent installment loan information.” Has anybod…

1
132. From Frustration to $150K in Points Redemptions 1:03:57

21d ago1:03:57

1:03:57

What does it really look like to transform your travel with credit card points? In this special episode, you’ll hear directly from Dr. Faryal Michaud, a past Points Made Easy student who went from feeling confused and frustrated by points to booking over $150,000 worth of award travel. From Qsuites to the Maldives, South Africa, Tahiti, and beyond,…

1
100K Vacay: Resetting the odds due to transfer bonuses | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep322 | 9-5-25 1:46:43

24d ago1:46:43

1:46:43

In today's podcast episode, Kathy tells us why the Frequent Miler team challenges are her favorite time of the year, and we discuss how transfer bonuses have already changed the 100K Vacay game. Giant Mailbag (01:50) - Two listeners share their experiences with the recent cancellation of the Honolulu to Boston route through Hawaiian Airlines. (09:1…

1
How I Saved $10,000+ on Luxury Hotels 57:56

26d ago57:56

57:56

#244: I'll explain how I saved over $10k on luxury hotels in Costa Rica and Carmel Valley using points, free nights, and elite perks. I’ll walk you through every step, from how to book with points, when to buy them on sale, how to stack hotel credits, which hotel programs give you upgrades and free breakfast, and more! Link to Full Show Notes: http…

1
Cash or Miles? The 2025 Points Valuations That Could Change How You Travel 42:36

26d ago42:36

42:36

Get fresh NerdWallet data on what your points and miles are really worth in 2025 — and why the answer might change how you book travel. Should you take a $650 flight voucher or 32,500 miles? How much are your points and miles actually worth? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest NerdWallet valuations to help you make smarter red…

1
Preparing for the Sapphire Reserve® 10/26 transition | Coffee Break Ep69 | 9-2-25 19:24

27d ago19:24

19:24

Back in June, Chase released an updated version of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. Those who already had the card before that date found themselves in a sort of limbo with the old features of the card, and with new features set to trigger on October 26th. If that's you, here are some things you may want to do to prepare for that upcoming transiti…

1
131. Unpopular Opinion: Top 5 Reasons You Should Book Travel Through a Credit Card Travel Portal 41:07

28d ago41:07

41:07

Think booking through your credit card travel portal is always a mistake? Not so fast. Last week, I shared five reasons why you’ll want to avoid making travel bookings through your credit card portal. But that’s not the whole story. There are also situations where using your card’s travel portal can be the smarter move. In this episode, I’m breakin…

1
American Airlines AAdvantage vs Alaska Atmos | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep321 | 8-29-25 1:22:17

1M ago1:22:17

1:22:17

In this podcast episode, we'll talk about Frontier's Million Mile Match, we'll get tripped up by The Seattle Seahawks 12s, and we'll debate which loyalty program is better: American Airlines' AAdvantage program or Alaska's Atmos program. Giant Mailbag (01:26) - Lisa gives us an update about the question of whether or not she had a no-show fee when …

1
Smarter Strategies for Retirement, Wealth Building, and Taxes with Michael Kitces 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

#243: Discover smarter strategies to grow your wealth and create financial flexibility. We dive into when it makes sense to invest beyond retirement accounts, how to access savings early through Roth conversions and 72(t) distributions, ways to reduce taxes with HSAs, tax-advantaged accounts, and charity, and so much more. Michael Kitces is the Hea…

1
Airport Lounge Access, Family Award Travel, and Cruise Savings: Your Questions Answered 28:49

1M ago28:49

28:49

Learn how to get into airport lounges, stretch rewards for family travel, and score the best cruise deals from New York. How can you get into airport lounges if you don’t have elite status? What’s the cheapest way to book a cruise from New York? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dig into your questions about airport lounges, family travel, cruise…

1
Alaska’s intriguing premium rewards card | Coffee Break Ep68 | 8-26-25 19:59

1M ago19:59

19:59

Alaska's out with a new premium card: The Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Card. In today's podcast episode, we'll talk about what we like and dislike about it. Alaska’s intriguing premium rewards card (00:31) - Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite card quick details You can read more about this card here: https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-summit…

1
130. Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Booking Travel Through Credit Card Travel Portals 39:06

1M ago39:06

39:06

If there’s one thing nearly every points traveler has done at least once, it’s book a flight, hotel, or car rental directly through their credit card’s online travel portal. With promises of 5x, 8x, even 12x bonus points, it can feel like the obvious choice. But as I share in today’s episode, those tempting multipliers often come at a serious cost—…

1
7 Big Atmos Oddities (Alaska's new rewards program) | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep320 | 8-22-25 1:24:24

1M ago1:24:24

1:24:24

In today's podcast episode, we unlock the LifeMiles mystery, look at Etihad's magical mystery refund policy, and examine 7 surprising oddities of Alaska's new rewards program, "Atmos". Giant Mailbag (02:02) - LifeMiles cancellations Card News (11:23) - Chase will be ending the ability to transfer Ultimate Rewards Points to Emirates Skywards as of 1…

1
How to Pay for Study Abroad and Save Overseas (Plus: Alaska Airlines’ New Rewards Program and Premium Travel Card) 32:34

1M ago32:34

32:34

Budget smarter for study abroad and learn how to cover costs with scholarships, aid, and credit cards. Plus: get the inside scoop on Alaska Airlines’ new premium airline credit card. Can you save money by studying abroad? What scholarships and financial aid can actually cover international programs? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the c…

1
Deep Dive on Capital One Credit Cards and Miles (+ Why I Love Them) 1:03:56

1M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

#242: Chris dives into the Capital One credit card lineup, breaking down earning structures for miles and cash back, exciting benefits, and redemption strategies. He also covers the best 2-card combo, transfer partners, important application rules, and more. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/capital-one-credit-cards-miles-guide Par…

1
$900 Platinum card. Worth it? | Coffee Break Ep67 | 8-19-25 20:21

1M ago20:21

20:21

Another day, another premium credit card is making changes - this time, we've heard rumors that the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cards are both getting increased annual fees and other changes. $900 Platinum card. Worth it? (00:24) - Expensive changes are coming for Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cards (01:47) - Some changes on…

1
129. Fan Favorite: The Psychology of Learning & Mastering Points Travel 29:49

1M ago29:49

29:49

In this week’s episode, we’re re-airing a fan favorite that so many listeners have loved and revisited. If you missed it the first time, or just need a refresher, this is one you don’t want to skip. I love discussing discrete award travel topics like individual rewards credit cards and how best to leverage them, or the specific airlines and hotels …

1
Marriott's rumored business cards | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep319 | 8-15-25 1:33:50

1M ago1:33:50

1:33:50

In today's podcast episode, we'll talk about whether or not Hertz will put Nick in jail, how Greg's British Airways flight was saved by Delta, and Marriott's "Brilliant" potential new business card line-up. Giant Mailbag (03:02) - Catch Greg on these podcasts: Chris Hutchins / All the Hacks: Top Airline & Hotel Transfer Partners to Maximize Your Po…

1
Earn More Points with New Cards, Bonuses, and Challenges in 2025 56:42

2M ago56:42

56:42

#241: We cover new credit cards, increased welcome bonuses, and major changes to existing cards and their benefits. Plus, learn how to rack up thousands of points through airline and hotel challenges and giveaways. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/new-cards-increased-offers-points-challenges Partner Deals Copilot Money: Free 2 mon…

1
Pack Smarter, Spend Less: How to Travel Light Without Losing Comfort 26:04

2M ago26:04

26:04

Learn how to pack smarter and lighter with actionable tips to save money, avoid fees, and travel stress-free. What travel gear can you stop packing to cut costs? How much money can you save by packing your luggage the right way? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss smart packing tips that could have a real impact on your travel spending. But…

1
Is the Grand Hyatt Kauai worth 45K? | Ask Us Anything Ep78 | 8-12-25 55:49

2M ago55:49

55:49

Is the Grand Hyatt Kauai worth 45K? We answered this and many other questions on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on August 6th, 2025. (00:42) - How do you typically like to get around a city that you’re visiting, especially internationally? Are you more likely to take a taxi or Uber to get to places, take public transit, or do you prefer…

1
128. The New Citi Strata Elite: Game Changer or Missed Opportunity? 35:58

2M ago35:58

35:58

If a $595 annual fee premium credit card hits the market, should it automatically earn a place in your wallet? In this episode, I take a detailed look at Citi’s newest addition to the transferable points landscape: the Citi Strata Elite Card. From its standard 80,000-point welcome bonus to the elevated 100,000-point offer available through certain …