Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

Mary Ellen and Jo
  • 4.8 (305)
  • Places & Travel
  • Weekly

A show where two adventurous moms share everything they have learned about traveling on credit card points and how to explore the world on a budget.

WONDERLAND BESTIES

Exclusive bonus episodes, listener hotline, & MORE

$9.99/month or $99.99/year

  1. 2d ago

    264. Midweek Mini: FREE Walmart+ Perks, 20% Back on Flights & BIG Amex Changes!

    This week's Midweek Mini is packed with travel updates, money-saving opportunities, and some BIG changes to popular rewards programs! We're kicking things off with a surprising new perk for Sam's Club Plus members: Walmart+ is now included! We're breaking down the benefits and comparing them to Costco Executive to see which membership offers the most value. Then we're talking about an exciting new Atmos Rewards benefit that gives families 20% back on eligible award flights for kids 12 and under! Plus, Mary Ellen is officially walking away from her Southwest Companion Pass strategy and making the switch to United. We're chatting about why she chose the United Quest card and a targeted Southwest offer you might want to check your inbox for! We're also covering some great Paze promotions for StubHub and Domino's, Airbnb's upcoming crackdown on ridiculous checkout cleaning requirements, and an important change to the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts credit that could impact your future bookings. And don't forget to join us over on Wonderland Besties for exclusive bonus episodes, after shows, and even more behind-the-scenes conversations! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Atmos Communities Page Southwest Credit Card Referral JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES: Get ad-free bonus episodes, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership! FIND US ONLINE: Mary Ellen | Joanna Wonderland on Points Facebook Group OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS: Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points! Our Favorite Credit Cards Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points) Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points) Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN CardPointers — Get Our Best Price Comfrt — 15% off Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND

  2. 2d ago · Subscribers Only

    12. Besties Bonus: Bilt Breakup Rumors, Vinted Scams & Reselling Wins

    This is a special part 2 to our Midweek Mini- only for our Besties! ❤️ First up, could the Bilt and Atmos Rewards partnership be coming to an end?! We're discussing some recent speculation about the future of this incredibly valuable transfer partnership, what could be happening behind the scenes, and why we're REALLY hoping these rumors don't become reality. Nothing has been confirmed, but we're breaking down what we've heard and why losing Atmos as a Bilt transfer partner could be a major disappointment for family travelers. Then we're switching gears to our latest obsession: Vinted! Mary Ellen is sharing how she's made nearly $300 selling clothes and other items, and we're getting into the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating parts of using the platform. From pricing strategies and shipping shortcuts to slowing sales and questionable customer service, we're sharing what we've learned so far. And speaking of questionable... Joanna has a Vinted scam story! We're talking about a convincing fake payment notification, the red flags to watch for, and why you should NEVER have to click a suspicious link to confirm a sale. Plus, we're sharing some practical tips for getting your money out of the app, managing shipping labels, and deciding whether those paid listing boosts are actually worth it. Finally, we're giving you a little sneak peek at an upcoming episode all about bank bonuses and reminding you about our Wonderline hotline! We love hearing your questions, stories, and feedback, so don't forget to send us a voice message. Thanks for being a Bestie! We love getting to share these extra conversations, random side hustles, and behind-the-scenes thoughts with you! 💕 And remember, The Wonderline is open! Leave us a voice message with your questions, travel dilemmas, hot takes, or something you want us to answer in a future Besties episode. ☎️✨ You can do this right from the internet- it's not actually a phone call! CALL THE WONDERLINE: https://www.speakpipe.com/WonderlandHotline

    12. Besties Bonus: Bilt Breakup Rumors, Vinted Scams & Reselling Wins

  3. 3d ago · Subscribers Only

    11.5 EARLY RELEASE: Bilt 3.0?!

    Besties, you're getting EARLY ACCESS to this episode because Bilt just dropped some MAJOR news, and we couldn't wait to break it all down! In true points and miles fashion, Bilt decided to announce a whole new round of changes just ONE DAY after we released our episode with Jared from Pointed by Jared explaining the previous program. Of course they did! 🤣 We're diving into everything you need to know about the latest Bilt updates, including the end of the 4% Bilt Cash earning option for new cardholders, changes to how Bilt Cash expires, and a new $600 annual Bilt Cash benefit for Palladium cardholders. But there's one BIG question we're still waiting on: What happens to the accelerator?! We're also breaking down the updated rent and mortgage earning options, new restrictions on using Bilt Cash for hotel bookings, and whether the Palladium card is still worth its $495 annual fee. Plus, we're covering some newly announced perks, including daily rewards, rental car elite status, Home Away From Home redemptions, and potential card upgrade opportunities. Some of these changes are genuinely exciting, but others leave us with more questions than answers. We're sharing our initial reactions, what we like, what we're concerned about, and why we're not quite ready to make a final judgment on the Palladium card just yet. As always, thank you for being a Bestie! We wanted you to have this information as quickly as possible so you can start thinking about how these changes might impact your own points and miles strategy. And we'd LOVE to hear what you think about Bilt's latest announcement! For anyone that is interested in getting this card before the end of the year, we do have a personal referral link here: https://www.bilt.com/card?invite=9HHKJ9DV (thank you so much for using our links! It means the world to us!) 💕 And remember, The Wonderline is open! Leave us a voice message with your questions, travel dilemmas, hot takes, or something you want us to answer in a future Besties episode. ☎️✨ You can do this right from the internet- it's not actually a phone call! CALL THE WONDERLINE: https://www.speakpipe.com/WonderlandHotline

    11.5 EARLY RELEASE: Bilt 3.0?!

  4. 4d ago

    263. The Bilt Deep Dive You've Been Asking For! Featuring Pointed by Jared

    This week we're welcoming points and miles creator, Jared, to break down one of the most talked-about rewards programs right now: Bilt Rewards! Between the new credit cards, Bilt Cash, spending requirements, and changes to transfer partners, there's A LOT to unpack! Jared is joining us to explain how Bilt 2.0 works and why he believes Bilt still offers some of the most valuable points in the game. We're diving into the three Bilt credit cards, how to earn points on rent and mortgage payments, and how to maximize Bilt Cash without letting valuable rewards go to waste. We're also discussing the new accelerator feature, changes to Hyatt transfers, and some absolutely WILD transfer bonuses. Jared even shares how he turned 444,000 Bilt points into nearly ONE MILLION Japan Airlines miles! Whether you're brand new to Bilt or trying to navigate all the recent changes, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you earn more points, maximize your rewards, and make your next dream trip a reality! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Bilt Credit Card Referral Link JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES: Get ad-free bonus episodes, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership! FIND US ONLINE: Mary Ellen | Joanna Wonderland on Points Facebook Group OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS: Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points! Our Favorite Credit Cards Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points) Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points) Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN CardPointers — Get Our Best Price Comfrt — 15% off Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND

  5. 4d ago · Subscribers Only

    11. Besties Bonus: PointedByJared After Show

    Besties, we're keeping the conversation going with Jared from @PointedbyJared, and this time we're getting ALL the juicy details about his absolutely incredible 2.5 MILLION point honeymoon! After visiting some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, we HAD to know which ones actually lived up to the hype. Jared is breaking down his favorite stays, which properties he'd book again in a heartbeat, and which ones might not be worth repeating. From the incredible service at The Mitsui Kyoto to the over-the-top luxury of Aman Tokyo and Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Bali, we're getting a firsthand look at what it's really like to stay at some of the world's most exclusive hotels using points and miles. Of course, we couldn't let Jared leave without getting into the actual numbers! We're talking about how he earned and redeemed millions of points, why he sometimes purchases Marriott points instead of earning them, and how he decides whether a luxury hotel is actually a good redemption. We're also chatting about Marriott elite status, Bilt transfer bonuses, and why splurging on an incredible resort in Bali might make more sense than spending a fortune on a hotel in a city where you'll barely be in your room. Whether you're dreaming about a luxury honeymoon, trying to figure out how to maximize your Marriott points, or just love hearing about the wild things people can book with travel rewards, this after show is packed with incredible stories, practical tips, and plenty of laughs. Thanks for being a Bestie and supporting Wonderland on Points! We love getting to share these extra conversations with you! 💕 And remember, The Wonderline is open! Leave us a voice message with your questions, travel dilemmas, hot takes, or something you want us to answer in a future Besties episode. ☎️✨ You can do this right from the internet- it's not actually a phone call! CALL THE WONDERLINE: https://www.speakpipe.com/WonderlandHotline

    11. Besties Bonus: PointedByJared After Show

  6. 6d ago · Subscribers Only

    10. Besties Bonus: Disney Sticker Shock, Secondhand Shopping & Sneaky Flight Snacks

    Besties, we're back with another after show, and today we're covering everything from airplane snacks and questionable science to secondhand shopping and the VERY expensive reality of taking a family to Disneyland! First, we're clearing up a little confusion about ads on Wonderland on Points. We're explaining which episodes may include ads, why some of those ads are outside of our control, and why you'll NEVER hear an ad on the exclusive bonus content you're paying for as a Bestie! Then we're diving into a hilarious discussion about Southwest Airlines' bold-and-herby pretzels and a dietitian's theory about why they might be making passengers extra gassy. Yes, we're really talking about this! We're getting into the science behind airplane bloating, fermentable carbohydrates, and what happens to your body when you're flying at 35,000 feet. It's the kind of completely random conversation that could only happen in a Besties after show! Next up, Mary Ellen is sharing an update on her latest side hustle: selling on Vinted! We're chatting about the importance of checking seller reviews, why you might want to withdraw your earnings regularly, and how Vinted has become one of her favorite places to find inexpensive clothes and Disney accessories. Speaking of Disney, we're also getting into the details of their upcoming Disneyland trip! While flights and hotel stays are covered with points and miles, the park tickets are another story. From questionable airplane snacks to resale scams and the realities of family travel budgeting, this after show is full of laughs, honest conversations, and a few money-saving tips along the way. Thanks for being a Bestie and supporting Wonderland on Points! We love getting to share these behind-the-scenes conversations with you! 💕 And remember, The Wonderline is open! Leave us a voice message with your questions, travel dilemmas, hot takes, or something you want us to answer in a future Besties episode. ☎️✨ You can do this right from the internet- it's not actually a phone call! CALL THE WONDERLINE: https://www.speakpipe.com/WonderlandHotline

    10. Besties Bonus: Disney Sticker Shock, Secondhand Shopping & Sneaky Flight Snacks

  7. Oct 21

    262. Midweek Mini: Save 40% at Costco, Hyatt's Big Update & Rove News

    This week's Midweek Mini is packed with points and miles news, money-saving tricks, and some exciting updates that could make your next trip even more affordable! We're kicking things off with a Costco savings hack that could help you save nearly 40% by stacking discounts through DoorDash and Uber Eats. We're breaking down exactly how it works and why you might want to take advantage of these deals before your next Costco run! Then we're diving into some important credit card and hotel updates, including changes to American Express Platinum benefits. Plus, Hyatt has finally introduced online points transfers between members, making it easier than ever to share points without all the paperwork! We're also chatting about Rove's newest transfer partner, JetBlue, and what this addition could mean for your future award bookings. With more ways to earn and transfer points, we're always excited to see new opportunities to stretch those travel rewards even further. And of course, we're sharing another reminder about our HUGE one million streams giveaway! We've got some incredible prizes up for grabs, and we don't want you to miss your chance to enter. Whether you're looking to save on everyday purchases, maximize your credit card perks, or find new ways to book travel with points and miles, we've got plenty to talk about this week! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ✈️💙Rove Referral Link- A FREE 1500 miles🎉 JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES: Get ad-free bonus episodes, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership! FIND US ONLINE: Mary Ellen | Joanna Wonderland on Points Facebook Group OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS: Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points! Our Favorite Credit Cards Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points) Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points) Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN CardPointers — Get Our Best Price Comfrt — 15% off Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND

  8. Oct 20

    261. Bonus Episode: Southwest Nerfs the Companion Pass

    Southwest Airlines has dropped some MAJOR news, and we're breaking it all down in this episode of Wonderland on Points! We're diving into the newly announced Companion Pass changes, including the introduction of new loyalty tiers, updated qualification requirements, and what these changes could mean for travelers who have relied on this incredible benefit to stretch their travel budgets. We're also talking about why this announcement isn't entirely surprising, how the timing could impact your strategy, and whether there's still an opportunity to earn the Companion Pass under the current rules before the end of the year. But it's not all bad news! Southwest is also opening the door to international partner award flights, which could bring some exciting new redemption opportunities. We're discussing what we know so far, what we're still waiting to learn, and how these changes could impact the way we earn and redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points moving forward. If you've been working toward earning the Companion Pass, already have one, or have been considering adding a Southwest credit card to your wallet, this is an episode you won't want to miss. We're sharing our thoughts on what these changes mean for everyday families and how to make the most of the Companion Pass while we still can! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Southwest Credit Card Referral JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES: Get ad-free bonus episodes, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership! FIND US ONLINE: Mary Ellen | Joanna Wonderland on Points Facebook Group OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS: Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points! Our Favorite Credit Cards Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points) Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points) Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN CardPointers — Get Our Best Price Comfrt — 15% off Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND

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4.8
out of 5
305 Ratings

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A show where two adventurous moms share everything they have learned about traveling on credit card points and how to explore the world on a budget.

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