Episodios

  • 168. All About Citi ThankYou® Points

    168. All About Citi ThankYou® Points
    Feb 17 2026

    Are you ready to make Citi ThankYou® Points work harder for you? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess dive into the Citi ThankYou® Rewards program, sharing how recent changes have made these points more valuable than ever. They discuss how a new card and the ability to transfer points to a major airline have transformed the way they use these rewards.

    The Squad explores how to earn Citi points effectively and redeem them for travel, including flights and hotel stays. By the end of this episode, you'll have a solid understanding of how to leverage Citi ThankYou® Points for your next trip and get the most out of your rewards.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/168

    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
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    30 m
  • 167. The Best and Worst Travel Days Ever on Points

    167. The Best and Worst Travel Days Ever on Points
    Feb 10 2026

    Have you ever had a travel day that felt almost too good to be true or one that completely fell apart before you even left the airport? In this episode, Alex, Jess, and Pam share their best and worst travel days and the moments that made those experiences so memorable for very different reasons.

    They reflect on standout travel days that still rank as favorites, including premium cabin flights, last-minute upgrades, and trips where everything came together seamlessly. The conversation also covers the reality of when travel does not go according to plan. Delayed and canceled flights, lost luggage, stressful connections, and the pressure of getting home quickly all come up, offering an honest look at both the highs and lows of travel.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/167

    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
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    50 m
  • 166. Airport Lounge Access for Families in 2026

    166. Airport Lounge Access for Families in 2026
    Feb 3 2026

    How are you navigating the new rules for airport lounge access? With major changes impacting families in 2026, this episode breaks down what you need to know about the evolving lounge access landscape. The removal of free guest access and the introduction of fees for authorized users could significantly affect your travel experience.

    While the loss of free guest access is a tough pill to swallow, there are still options to make the most of your lounge access. In this episode, we explore which cards are still family-friendly, the impact of these changes on your travel plans, and practical strategies for managing lounge visits with kids in tow. Whether you're weighing whether to add an authorized user or debating if paying per visit makes sense, we cover all the angles.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/166

    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
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    45 m
  • 165. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of 2025 in Points and Miles

    165. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of 2025 in Points and Miles
    Jan 27 2026
    Do you feel overwhelmed by the constant changes in the points and miles world? In this episode, we break down everything that happened in 2025, from exciting new card releases to some challenging policy changes. Whether you're feeling discouraged by the negative headlines or wondering if this hobby is still worth it, we're here to reassure you that there are still plenty of opportunities to earn points and travel nearly free.

    We'll share our personal experiences with the good, the bad, and the ugly of 2025. You'll learn which new cards are worth keeping, how to adjust to devaluations, and why prioritizing elevated offers and diversifying your points balances is more important than ever. We'll also discuss how we're adjusting our strategies moving forward.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/165

    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
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    39 m
  • 164. Cards That Have a Permanent Spot in Our Wallets in 2026

    164. Cards That Have a Permanent Spot in Our Wallets in 2026
    Jan 20 2026
    How do you decide which credit cards actually earn a permanent spot in your wallet? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess break down the cards they plan to carry daily in 2026 and the thinking behind those choices. Instead of chasing every new offer, they focus on what truly supports their real-life spending, travel habits, and priorities.

    The Squad walks through the factors that matter most when choosing everyday cards, like whether they are working on minimum spend, earning flexible rewards, or keeping things simple with no-thinking options. Whether your goal is maximizing rewards, reducing mental load, or making travel purchases with confidence, this episode offers practical guidance to help you rethink which cards deserve a long-term place in your wallet.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/164

    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
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    33 m
  • 163. Booking Award Travel and Business Class Deals with Thrifty Traveler

    163. Booking Award Travel and Business Class Deals with Thrifty Traveler
    Jan 13 2026
    Do you get overwhelmed booking award travel, especially business class flights? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Gunnar Olson and Kyle Potter from Thrifty Traveler to talk through what really goes into finding great award opportunities. They share how they each got started with points and miles, how they approach finding strong redemptions today, and how deal alerts can support trip planning without requiring you to constantly search on your own.

    The conversation explores the types of routes, programs, and business class products that still tend to offer solid value, including for longer flights or trips that would otherwise feel out of reach. Whether you're just getting started or already booking award travel, this episode offers expert insight into what's working right now and how to think about using points in ways that support how you actually want to travel.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/163

    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

    Get $20 off your first year when you subscribe to Thrifty Traveler Premium: https://thriftytraveler.com/a/tms

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    54 m
  • 162. Our Stories and First Trips on Points

    162. Our Stories and First Trips on Points
    Jan 6 2026
    How did Alex, Pam, and Jess go from confusion about points and miles to becoming the Points Talk Squad? In this episode, they each share their personal journeys into the world of award travel. From initial curiosity to their first unforgettable trips, they discuss how discovering points and miles changed the way they travel.

    You'll hear how each of them navigated the learning curve, discovered the thrill of maximizing rewards, and shaped their travel experiences in a new way. Listen in for their stories of overcoming confusion, finding the right strategies, and building a passion for travel that continues today.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/162

    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
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    41 m
  • 161. Looking Forward to 2026: New Cards and Our Travel Plans

    161. Looking Forward to 2026: New Cards and Our Travel Plans
    Dec 30 2025
    What are your travel plans for 2026, and how are you using points and miles to make them happen? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess share their exciting plans for the upcoming year. From safaris in Tanzania to river cruises in France, they break down how they're using credit card rewards to book these dream trips and maximize their points.

    The Squad dives into their strategies for the year, discussing the cards they plan to open and which ones they'll be canceling. You'll also hear about their 2026 trips already booked, including luxury stays and business class flights. Whether you're interested in domestic or international travel, bucket-list family trips, or quick getaways, this episode will inspire you to start planning your travel in the new year with points and miles.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/161

    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
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    47 m