Frequent Miler on the Air

4.9 (609)
PLACES & TRAVEL
UPDATED WEEKLY

Earn miles without flying. Frequent Miler is all about getting the most out of the loyalty game. You can easily earn hundreds of thousands of points and miles without traveling, then learn how to use those points towards luxury travel. In this podcast, Frequent Miler founder Greg, and senior author Nick debate current topics in the points & miles world.

1D AGO

Marriott vs. Hyatt: Which 5 free night offer is better? | Coffee Break Ep89 | 1-20-26

Chase is out with offers for both their Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card, both offering up to 5 free nights. So which of these offers is better? (00:32) - World of Hyatt Card (01:17) - Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card (01:36) - Which is better? (01:47) - Marriott advantages (05:17) - Hyatt advantages (08:10) - Caution: Annual category changes coming soon (last year it was March 25 for Hyatt, unknown for Marriott) (09:28) - Final answer 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

16 min
5D AGO

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

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 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

15 min
5D AGO

Introducing the new and confusing Bilt 2.0 | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep341 | 1-16-26

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 2.0Learn 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 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 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

1h 9m
JAN 13

How to fix Marriott Bonvoy | Coffee Break Ep87 | 1-13-26

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

19 min
JAN 11

Which elite status would you prefer, American or Alaska? | Ask Us Anything Ep82 | 1-7-26

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...

58 min
JAN 9

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

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 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 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

1h 9m
JAN 7

Leaked Bilt Card Details...Maybe | Coffee Break Ep86 | 1-7-26

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

27 min
JAN 6

Award Tool Spotlight: Points Path | Coffee Break Ep85 | 1-6-26

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

15 min

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Greg Davis-Kean

Host
Nick Reyes

Host

4.9

out of 5

609 Ratings

Travel Hacker’s Bible

12/22/2025

yousavvy

If you’re into the travel hacking game. Getting extreme value and benefits through credit cards, promotions, and manufacturered spending…. Look no further! These guys are the gospel. They give great insight to wire or retire your brain to see opportunities and travel the world incredibly cheaply or in otherwise often out of reach luxury! Nick and Greg have natural chemistry. Batting ideas effortlessly and giving keen insight into the game. Definitely recommend listening to these guys and following the blog. There are many blogs in this space, but I find them the most honest and fun!!
Points & Miles Staple

11/29/2025

Palmo23

I’ve been listening for roughly 1.5 years and this podcast has accelerated my family’s points and miles journey. Thank you Greg and Nick for the endless information and knowledge!
Enjoyed Frommer interview

10/15/2025

Gitloml

Enjoyed Frommer interview!
The best travel podcast

09/15/2025

EJorgensen18

Frequent miler should be required listening for anyone who wants to get into points and miles. I’ve learned so much from this podcast and continue to learn new things each week. Thanks for all you guys do!

Earn miles without flying. Frequent Miler is all about getting the most out of the loyalty game. You can easily earn hundreds of thousands of points and miles without traveling, then learn how to use those points towards luxury travel. In this podcast, Frequent Miler founder Greg, and senior author Nick debate current topics in the points & miles world.