POINT ME TO FIRST CLASS
PODCAST

Point Me to First Class is the show for professionals and business owners with higher-than-average personal or business expenses, who want to learn to leverage these expenses into credit card points they can spend on travel.

Each week, I share valuable tips, tools, and strategies to help you uplevel your skills earning and redeeming credit card points, so you can expand your travel and expand your experiences.

Start having first-class travel experiences without the first-class price tag.

Points earning strategies

Points redeeming

TRAVEL TIPS

Amex Platinum Cards Refresh: New Credits, Higher Fees, and What It Means for You

American Express has refreshed both the personal and business Platinum Cards in 2025. With higher annual fees, bigger but more complicated credits, and changes to bonus categories, these updates have left many cardholders wondering whether the cards are still worth it. In this episode, I share what’s new, what’s missing, and why the business Platinum refresh may be more valuable than the personal version.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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The Biggest Changes in Award Travel: Credit Card Bonuses, Transfer Partners, and Redemption Strategies

Award travel has changed. Credit card issuers are tightening eligibility, airlines are restricting partner award space, and transfer ratios aren’t always what they used to be. But points are still one of the most powerful ways to unlock incredible travel — if you know how to adapt. Learn the key trends, reshaping points and the four skills you need to succeed in today’s changing award travel landscape.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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7 Keys to Better Award Flight Bookings with Transferable Credit Card Points

Learn the seven keys to better award flight bookings with transferable credit card points. From transfer partners and alliances to booking calendars and search tools, these strategies help you finally stop getting stuck and start booking the flights you’ve been saving points for.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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Credit Card Points Success Story: How a Doctor Booked $150,000 in Award Travel

Discover how one physician transformed her travel by learning to master credit card points. From struggling to use points at all to booking $150,000 worth of award flights, Dr. Faryal’s story shows the life-changing impact of mastering points and miles.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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When to Book Travel Through Your Credit Card Portal: 5 Reasons It Can Pay Off

Learn when booking through your credit card’s travel portal can actually work in your favor. From maximizing bonus points to accessing credits and inventory you can’t get elsewhere, these five reasons might change the way you think about portals.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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5 Costly Mistakes of Booking Travel Through Credit Card Portals

Discover why booking travel through credit card portals can cost you more than you think. From hidden fees to losing elite perks and devaluing your points, this guide breaks down smarter strategies for maximizing rewards.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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The Psychology of Points Travel: Understanding the Dunning-Kruger Effect

Discover how the psychology of learning impacts your points travel journey. In this re-air of a fan favorite episode, we explore the Dunning-Kruger Effect and why understanding this cognitive bias can make all the difference in building confidence and competence with points travel.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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Citi Strata Elite Card Review: Benefits, Credits, and How It Compares

Explore the brand-new Citi Strata Elite Card — including its welcome bonus, bonus categories, and travel credits — and see how it compares to other premium rewards cards

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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How to Access Airport Lounges with Credit Cards in 2025: What’s Changed and What to Know

Learn what’s new with lounge access in 2025—including which credit cards still deliver real perks, which ones have tightened rules, and how to choose the best lounge card based on your travel needs.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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What Credit Card Points Are Really Worth in 2025: Insights from Greg Davis-Kean

Explore what your points are really worth with insights from Greg Davis-Kean of Frequent Miler. This episode breaks down valuations, redemption strategies, and how to confidently use your points without second-guessing.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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