In this episode, Bryce, Emily, Travis, and Matt share their tips on how to earn points with methods other than credit card bonus offers. The team will dispel some of the myths around opening credit cards, carrying balances, paying interest, and your credit score, share their day-to-day spending habits that earn points, and review other points offers such as dining, shopping portals, hotel nights, referrals, and more.

The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: to help you travel more while spending less. 10xT publishes content related to credit card rewards, personal finance, travel, and lifestyle. Host Bryce Conway launched 10xT in 2014, but has been a fan and member of the points and miles community since 2011. He is the author of “Takeoff: How to Travel the World for Next to Nothing and How to Fix Your Credit: Do it Once. Do it Right. Get on with Your Life”, and his work has been featured in multiple national media outlets including Good Morning America, Money Magazine, and ABC Nightline News. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles.

Discussion Points: 

Favorite streaming shows the team recommends
Myths around cards, balances, debt, and your credit report
The worst card ‘bonuses’ we’ve seen
Spending “categories” and keeping track of which cards to use
Annual fees and cards that are worth it
Airline lounges, gates, and flight-tracking apps
 What you get in exchange for a high annual fee
Hotel cards and free night awards
Card bonuses that require minimum spend and tips for spending
Ideas for paying bills with your cards
Types of points on different cards
Earning through shopping portals - Rakuten, BeFrugal, etc
Dining points programs
Earning flying points with paid flights vs bonus awards
Buying and transferring miles - not always a good idea
Points for referring friends and family
Check out all the resource links, take the free class, and join us in our FB group

Resources/Links:

Pay Taxes with a Credit Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

CashBackMonitor Website

Top Cash Back

Rakuten

10xTravel Best Credit Cards