Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points

Points Talk Squad
  • 4.8 (1.2K)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Are you tired of not being able to travel because it's just so expensive? Do finances keep you from your dream destinations and making memories with your family? In this podcast, we show you how you can fulfill that dream of traveling without spending more money. We've earned millions of credit card points to travel all over the world and take our families on amazing vacations. Vacations to Hawaii, Europe, and Disneyland are all possible for nearly free with credit card points. By using credit cards strategically for your everyday expenses, you too can travel for nearly free! We can't wait to help you get that first, nearly-free vacation! Tired of not traveling due to the expense? We can teach you how to travel for pennies on the dollar by using credit card points! If you're looking for even more Points Talk®, featuring the latest news in points, miles, and credit cards, behind-the-scenes insights, and a monthly Ask Us Anything episode—subscribe to Points Talk® Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com

  1. 189. Hyatt Changes & Devaluation: How Are Things Looking?

    6h ago

    189. Hyatt Changes & Devaluation: How Are Things Looking?

    What's changed in Hyatt's award chart and how is it affecting travelers? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad breaks down the recent Hyatt devaluation and what it means for points redemptions. You'll hear their first impressions of the program after the May 2026 changes and the key updates travelers need to know.       The Squad walks through the practical impacts of the changes, including the new categories and which award nights have shifted. They also discuss their thoughts on potential future adjustments, and how to make the most of your points with the new award chart, and whether maintaining Globalist status is still worth it        By the end of this episode, you'll understand the key changes in Hyatt's program, how the devaluation might affect your upcoming travel, and tips for navigating award redemptions going forward.                     You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/189          If you're looking for even more Points Talk®, featuring the latest news in points, miles, and credit cards, behind-the-scenes insights, and a monthly Ask Us Anything episode—subscribe to Points Talk® Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com/          Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/            Points Talk® is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad         Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

    35 min
  2. 188. Traveling to Portugal with Points: Alex's Family Trip to Lisbon & the Algarve

    Jul 7

    188. Traveling to Portugal with Points: Alex's Family Trip to Lisbon & the Algarve

    How did Alex use points and miles to save on her family's summer trip to Portugal? In this episode, Alex walks through her trip to Lisbon and the Algarve with her family of six, sharing how she booked flights and hotels using points, what worked well, and the experiences that stood out most.         Alex explains the strategies she used for maximizing points, navigating award bookings, and selecting accommodations that fit her family. She highlights what surprised her about traveling to Lisbon and the Algarve, including moments that made the trip enjoyable for both adults and kids. You'll also hear about the family's stop in Boston along the way and Pam's favorite highlights.        By the end of this episode, you will understand how to plan a family trip to Portugal using points, practical strategies for booking award travel, and tips Alex relied on to maximize her points and miles for her family of six.                You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/188          If you're looking for even more Points Talk®, featuring the latest news in points, miles, and credit cards, behind-the-scenes insights, and a monthly Ask Us Anything episode—subscribe to Points Talk® Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com/          Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/            Points Talk® is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad         Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

    49 min
  3. 187. Mid-Year Check-In: Points and Miles Changes

    Jun 30

    187. Mid-Year Check-In: Points and Miles Changes

    What do you need to know about points and miles changes now that we are halfway through the year? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad walks through the most important updates, what these changes mean for your strategy, and how to make the most of your points in 2026.        The Squad also dives into practical examples of how these mid-year changes can affect your travel plans and loyalty programs. They cover updates across popular credit card, hotel, and airline rewards programs, including tweaks to earning rates, new categories, and adjustments to redemption options.        By the end of this episode, you will have a clear picture of what's changed in your points and miles programs, tips for adjusting your earning strategies, and insight into which updates may impact your travel and reward redemptions.                You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/187          If you're looking for even more Points Talk®, featuring the latest news in points, miles, and credit cards, behind-the-scenes insights, and a monthly Ask Us Anything episode—subscribe to Points Talk® Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com/          Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/            Points Talk® is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad         Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

    30 min
  4. 186. Three New Welcome Offers: Which One Is Best for You?

    Jun 23

    186. Three New Welcome Offers: Which One Is Best for You?

    Are you trying to decide which new Chase credit card offer is the best fit for you? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad breaks down three new elevated welcome offers currently available, including a rare opportunity to earn 100,000 of their favorite points.          The Squad dives into the earning potential, statement credits, bonus categories, and perks of each card. They compare the offers to show how small differences can affect long-term value and share tips for maximizing rewards when evaluating multiple offers. They also explore which offers might be the best fit based on your goals, spending habits, and priorities.        By the end of the episode, you will have a clear understanding of how to evaluate these three new Chase credit card offers, strategies for deciding which card fits best for your wallet and lifestyle, and practical guidance for making the most of the points, perks, and credits available.                You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/186          If you're looking for even more Points Talk®, featuring the latest news in points, miles, and credit cards, behind-the-scenes insights, and a monthly Ask Us Anything episode—subscribe to Points Talk® Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com/          Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/            Points Talk® is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad         Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

    24 min
  5. 185. Unpopular Credit Card Benefits We Actually Love

    Jun 16

    185. Unpopular Credit Card Benefits We Actually Love

    Are you tired of high annual fees, confusing credits, and benefits you never actually use? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad breaks down credit card benefits that fly under the radar but can deliver real value. Alex, Jess, and Pam share the overlooked perks they actually use, as well as the benefits they think could be removed or improved.        The Squad dives into specific examples, showing how even small or uncommon perks can add up. They discuss their wishlists for dream benefits, explain how to track and use credits effectively, and share creative ways to make the more challenging or complex credits actually deliver value in real-world situations.       By the end of the episode, you will have a clear understanding of which credit card benefits are genuinely valuable, practical strategies for maximizing the perks you already have, and insight into the features that are most worth pursuing for your own wallet.                You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/185          If you're looking for even more Points Talk®, featuring the latest news in points, miles, and credit cards, behind-the-scenes insights, and a monthly Ask Us Anything episode—subscribe to Points Talk® Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com/          Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/            Points Talk® is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad         Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

    52 min
  6. 184. The Best Online Shopping Portals: Stop Leaving Points on the Table

    Jun 9

    184. The Best Online Shopping Portals: Stop Leaving Points on the Table

    Are you getting all the points you could when shopping online? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad breaks down how to use online shopping portals to earn more rewards, including tips for popular portals like Rakuten. They also explain how tools like Savewise can alert you to points and cashback opportunities, so you never miss out.       The Squad walks through strategies for shopping smarter, including timing purchases, stacking offers, and comparing portals to see which gives the best rewards. You'll also learn the differences between earning points and cashback and how to decide which approach makes the most sense depending on your purchases and goals.          You'll hear real-world examples of potential earnings from shopping portals, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to identify the best opportunities without feeling overwhelmed. By the end of the episode, you'll have practical takeaways for using portals efficiently and making the most of every online purchase.                You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/184          If you're looking for even more Points Talk®, featuring the latest news in points, miles, and credit cards, behind-the-scenes insights, and a monthly Ask Us Anything episode—subscribe to Points Talk® Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com/          Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/            Points Talk® is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad         Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

    40 min
  7. 183. Travel Insurance and What to Do When Travel Goes Wrong with Lisa Jarvis

    Jun 2

    183. Travel Insurance and What to Do When Travel Goes Wrong with Lisa Jarvis

    Clarification from guest Lisa @chasingmemories.co: When using a credit card like the Chase Sapphire for trip cancellation/interruption benefits, the card generally reimburses only the nonrefundable portion of your trip that you actually charged to that card — not your full trip cost. Booking part of your trip on the card may make you eligible for the benefit, but coverage is limited to what was charged. Confirm the amount you're relying on is actually covered. Please note: credit card policies and benefits can change at any time. Always refer to your card's current Guide to Benefits for the most up-to-date information. What happens if your flight gets canceled, your luggage disappears, or you need medical care in another country? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad is joined by Lisa Jarvis, who specializes in travel insurance, passenger rights, and travel safety. Together, they break down what travelers actually need to know about travel insurance and credit card coverage before something goes wrong. Lisa shares how travel insurance works alongside credit card travel protections, including what is and is not typically covered when booking trips with points and miles. They also discuss travel mishaps, including lost luggage, medical emergencies abroad, long flight delays, and how passenger rights can sometimes help travelers recover costs after major disruptions. You'll hear practical tips for choosing travel insurance, understanding what your credit cards actually cover, and knowing what steps to take when travel plans go sideways. Whether you travel a few times a year or book frequent award trips, this episode will help you feel more prepared and confident the next time something unexpected happens while traveling. You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/183 If you're looking for even more Points Talk®, featuring the latest news in points, miles, and credit cards, behind-the-scenes insights, and a monthly Ask Us Anything episode—subscribe to Points Talk® Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com/ Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/ Points Talk® is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

    48 min
  8. 182. Points Talk Squad Takes Budapest and Istanbul

    May 26

    182. Points Talk Squad Takes Budapest and Istanbul

    What was it really like traveling through Budapest and Istanbul on points and miles? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad shares highlights from their latest trip, including how they booked their flights with points, the hotels they stayed at, and the experiences that surprised them most.          The Squad breaks down the full travel experience, including positioning flights, lounge visits, and comparing different international business class products. They also share their favorite activities in both cities, including thermal baths, sunset river cruises, walking tours, local food spots, and a traditional hammam experience.        You'll hear how Budapest and Istanbul compare, which activities were most worth it, and what the Squad would or would not do again. Whether you're planning a future Europe trip or just love hearing real points and miles travel experiences, this episode is packed with useful tips and entertaining stories.                You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/182          If you're looking for even more Points Talk®, featuring the latest news in points, miles, and credit cards, behind-the-scenes insights, and a monthly Ask Us Anything episode—subscribe to Points Talk® Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com/        Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/            Points Talk® is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad         Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

    1 hr
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About

Are you tired of not being able to travel because it's just so expensive? Do finances keep you from your dream destinations and making memories with your family? In this podcast, we show you how you can fulfill that dream of traveling without spending more money. We've earned millions of credit card points to travel all over the world and take our families on amazing vacations. Vacations to Hawaii, Europe, and Disneyland are all possible for nearly free with credit card points. By using credit cards strategically for your everyday expenses, you too can travel for nearly free! We can't wait to help you get that first, nearly-free vacation! Tired of not traveling due to the expense? We can teach you how to travel for pennies on the dollar by using credit card points! If you're looking for even more Points Talk®, featuring the latest news in points, miles, and credit cards, behind-the-scenes insights, and a monthly Ask Us Anything episode—subscribe to Points Talk® Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com

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