Episode Description

Have you been wondering what’s really happening in the world of credit card points and award travel this year?

In this episode, I’m joined by Kelly, The Points and Miles Doc to break down the biggest shifts in 2025 so far. From major devaluations to standout sweet spots, we’re giving you an honest look at what’s working now—and what’s not. We also dive into how international programs are outperforming U.S.-based ones, which transfer partnerships are showing real value, and why flexibility is more important than ever.

Whether you’ve been feeling excited by the new opportunities or frustrated by unexpected roadblocks, this conversation will help you reset your strategy for the second half of the year and beyond.

Want more help using your Alaska miles wisely?

Join me for a live workshop on June 21st at 10am CDT where I’ll walk you through the best Alaska Airlines sweet spots and the tools I use to find them fast—so you can stop second-guessing and start booking. Click here to reserve your spot.

Turn your expenses into points and save tens of thousands of dollars a year on your wishlist travel. Don’t miss out! Click here to know more about my comprehensive online program, Points Made Easy.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode

• The 2025 award travel wins worth celebrating
• Why Alaska Airlines is quietly becoming a standout program
• Which international programs are now outperforming U.S.-based ones
• New and upcoming premium credit card launches to watch
• What major devaluations and program shifts you need to know
• Predictions for how award availability will shift in the second half of 2025
• Devon and Kelly’s wishlist features (and which ones might actually happen)

Featured on the Show:

• Follow me on Instagram
• Get on the waitlist for the Points Made Easy Course here!
• Get My Cash-Back Credit Card Cheat Sheet!
• If you have any questions or you want me to dive deeper into a specific topic, email me here: podcast@pointmetofirstclass.com
• Kelly, The Points & Miles Doc Website
• Connect with Kelly, The Points & Miles Doc on Instagram
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Bilt Rewards
• Citi ThankYou Points
• Guide: How to Book EVA Air for multiple travelers
• Ep 119: Alaksa Airlines Sweet Spots: Amazing Ways to Use Alaska Miles
• Ep 114: Finally! Turning Your Mortgage Into Points: How Mesa is Flipping the Script on Rewards

Click here to download full episode transcript

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