Frequent Miler on the Air

00:51 Reader feedback: Nick's confession time Related post on product changing Capital One cards: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/capital-one-product-change-dilemma/ 9:44 What crazy thing did Citi do this week? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/someone-in-ihg-marketing-was-having-a-laugh/ 17:02 Mattress Running the Numbers: Is it worth transferring Ultimate Rewards to IHG for easy elite status?  https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/top-tier-status-via-chases-ihg-transfer-bonus/ 29:05 Main event: Do credit card category bonuses matter much? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/nicks-wallet-completely-revamped-in-6-months/ 47:20 Post Roast 54:33 Question of the Week: When does it make sense to diversify into a third currency? Should this reader go after ThankYou points? Don't forget to like and subscribe!Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

Links and timestamps:   00:42 Reader Feedback: An interesting Amex Clawback data point For background: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/amex-going-clawback-happy-for-grocery-store-spend/ 8:43 What crazy thing did....Greg do this week? 12:32 Mattress Running the Numbers: Intercontinental Ambassador now includes a free 40K night cert with a paid stay. Is it worth a mattress run? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/ihg-buy-renew-ambassador-membership-then-stay-once-get-40k-free-night-certificate-cert-expires-4-30-21/ 27:20 The Main Event: Business Credit Card Offers https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/on-my-mind-pandemic-best-credit-card-offers/ 34:06 Is everyone else tightening up as much as Chase? 40:27 Post Roast: Are the "World's Best" really any good? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/points-bookable-hotels-resorts-in-the-continental-united-states/ 50:45 Greg roasts Nick's Freedom post https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/freedom-vs-freedom-unlimited-does-it-matter-which-one/ 53:23 Question of the Week: If you already have an Amex Gold card, is it worth sacrificing a 5/24 slot for a Freedom or Freedom Unlimited? Don't forget to comment, like, and subscribe! Closing music credit: Annie YoderMentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

Links & timestamps below! Go to thefrequentmiler.com/subscribe for more. 00:18 Reader feedback: Abbas wants to know hot we book hotel rooms for 4 people. 7:15 What crazy thing did Citi do this week? Issuers clamping down. 9:23 Confession time: How Greg might have lost a boatload of Citi points 10:58 Mattress running the numbers: Is the Cambria promo for 20K points after 2 stays worthwhile? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/choice-privileges-book-2x-cambria-stays-earn-at-least-20000-points/ 19:18 Booking family vacations: Big suites, vacation rentals, etc. https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/ways-to-book-vacation-rentals-using-rewards-points/ 42:15 Post Roast: Greg rips me for my failure to take a stand https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/capital-one-product-change-dilemma/ 48:00 Turnabout: Greg's top picks for Hyatt suites were in pretty random spots. https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/the-most-exciting-hyatt-suites-bookable-with-points/ 55:10 Question of the Week: Is the Platinum card worth its annual fee?Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

For links to more, see the posts included with the timestamps below: 00:21 Reader feedback: Is the Blue Business Plus not a better deal than the Premium Rewards card with Platinum Honors for most customers? 3:13 Correction: Greg says Blue Business "Cash", but he means Blue Business "Plus" 10:49 Hyatt adds suite booking online: Is this a win? Who loses https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/hyatt-allows-booking-suites-online-with-points/ https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/hyatt-offering-up-to-25-points-rebate-on-award-nights-free-parking-dining-bonus-points/ https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/bogo-miraval-offer-stacking-with-25-back/ 32:13 Mattress Running the Numbers: Is it worth mattress running Marriott Platinum https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/marriott-bonvoy-7-nights-to-platinum-what-to-do/ 54:29 Post Roast: Nick already toasted Greg, so Greg tries to swing back. 1:07:22 Question of the Week: Which Hyatt credit card offer is better?Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

Subscribe, like, & comment. Links to more info in the timestamps below. thefrequentmiler.com/subscribe 2:43 Reader Feedback....or rather storytime with Greg. https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/ventana-big-sur-hyatt-bottom-line-review-awesome/ 13:10 What crazy thing has Citi done this week? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/5x-restaurants-with-chase-sapphire-reserve/ https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/covid-credit-card-enhancements-ultimate-guide/#Gas 21:18 Mattress Running: Hyatt's awesome new promo looks very good theoretically. Is it really that good? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/on-my-mind-hyatts-awesome-promo/ https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/hyatt-offering-up-to-25-points-rebate-on-award-nights-free-parking-dining-bonus-points/ 32:49 Is it worth getting the Hyatt credit card if you already have some Hyatt travel plans during the promo window? Note: The extra 10 elite nights from the credit card are available if you are approved by 8/31/20 31:51 Is it worth mattress running a Category 1 hotel if you're seeking Hyatt elite status? 41:36 Amex clawbacks: What happened and Greg's key theory about Amex's relationship with MS https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/amex-going-clawback-happy-for-grocery-store-spend/ 49:33 Picking points 51:04 Is it ever worth using a 2x everywhere card if you have a 2.62% back card? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/why-2x-everywhere-cards-arent-in-my-wallet/ 58:16 Nick wrote a post about picking one transfer partner from each program for all of your points. Greg picks at Nick's picks. https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/pick-a-single-transfer-partner-from-each-program/ 1:07:02 Nick picks back at Greg's Membership Rewards pick 1:12:41 Does purchase protection move the needle? Do you use this info? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/pick-a-single-transfer-partner-from-each-program/ 1:20:58 Question of the Week: Thank You points were shared with me and used to book a flight that is now canceled. What happens on the refund?Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

Subscribe and give us a like if you enjoy this episode. Timestamps and links below. 00:30 Reader Feedback: Were we too hard on IHG? 9:30 What crazy thing did Citi do this week? Our post about the minimum spend extension: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/citis-turn-use-prestige-credit-at-supermarkets-restaurants-more-time-to-meet-spend/ Report of no extension: https://grabamile.boardingarea.com/2020/06/citiextension2020/ 16:21: Chase adds temporary benefits Link: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/chase-summertime-bonuses-on-sapphire-reserve-and-preferred/ 30:23 Is the Radisson 5K promotion worth mattress running? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/radisson-rewards-earn-5000-bonus-points-per-stay-through-end-of-2020/ 39:19 Is this a good time to collect points for future travel? Related post about manufacturing free nights: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/manufacturing-free-nights-hyatt-hilton-marriott/ 48:03 Card Talk Commercial Intervention https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/traveling-with-six-credit-cards-for-four-a-card-talk-intervention/ 52:20 Is this a good time to book future travel given waived change fees and increased availability? 2 credit cards for a European vacation: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/2-credit-card-guide-european-adventure/ First class availability post: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/book-the-worlds-best-first-class-now-fly-next-year/ 1:02:20 Question of the Week: When can you get a Capital One bonus again? What should Nick do about a Capital One upgrade offer?Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

Like, subscribe, & comment! Links in timestamps below. 00:38 Reader Feedback: Facebook comments & changes to our group 8:31 Pandemic Vacation: How does Greg feel about it in hindsight? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/pandemic-vacation-is-it-safe/ 21:57 IHG Points: Are they now worth more? Did Greg's methodology make sense? Is basing RRVs just on big city US redemptions a reliable way to determine the RRV? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/what-are-ihg-points-worth-now-that-they-have-dynamic-pricing/ 38:18 Is manufactured spending dead? Gift Card Mall portal changes https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/giftcardmall-cap-reduced-from-60k-to-2k-for-cash-back/ 41:22 Plastiq becomes a bad play https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/another-hit-to-ms-plastiq-fees-increasing-to-2-85/ 47:44 MS time machine: a trip down memory lane. First up: US Mint coins 50:00 Vanilla Reloads 51:55 Visa Gift Cards Got PINs 52:42 Load Bluebird with VGCs 54:46 Golden Age of Redbird 1:00:19 Flipping the script: Easy purchase, but tough liquidationMentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

Like & subscribe! Links in the timestamps below. 3:28 Reader Feedback 5:25 What crazy thing did Citi do this week? 9:44 Why Greg wrote the Juneteenth / Black Lives Matter post and why he did it now. https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/hopeful-juneteenth/ 15:15 Marriott's big move: Free elite night credit https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/marriott-gifting-elite-night-credit-dropping-many-redemption-rates/ https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/which-marriott-elite-benefits-apply/ https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/covid-19-hotel-flexibility-policies-compared-for-future-trip-planning/ 40:25 How much are the suite night awards worth? How many points would you use to bridge the gap? (Is it worth mattress running for status or benefits?) 45:08 If you had Titanium last year, is it worth going after Titanium again for the extra choice benefit? 52:25 If you have Platinum now, how far should you go to get Titanium? 1:00:09 Hyatt Milestone benefit https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/which-hyatt-milestone-reward-should-i-pick/ 1:14:13 Question of the Week: Will elite status extensions countMentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

Like, subscribe, & comment! See timestamps for links to content below: Greg & Nick discuss: 1:12 Feedback time: Rakuten Visa rant https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/earn-6-cashback-on-rakuten-visa-at-grocery-stores-restaurants-mobile-wallet-purchases/ 8:00 What crazy thing did Citi do this week? 11:52 Economy class to Africa: The best deals are cheaper than flights to Europe https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/best-ways-to-get-to-africa-using-miles-economy-class-edition/ 15:09 Premium Economy: Vanished Air France award space https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/book-air-france-klm-with-virgin-atlantic-miles/ 21:55 Business Class: ANA's super sweet award chart https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/269000-ana-miles-expire-in-5-months-what-to-do/ https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/ana-strengths-and-sweet-spots/ https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/ana-now-charges-10-of-mileage-for-lap-infants/ 39:43 First class: The world's best, now bookable for next spring https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/book-the-worlds-best-first-class-now-fly-next-year/ 48:25 Are you tempted to transfer points to book this stuff? 54:16 Do the best Kimpton hotels in the US excite you? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/best-kimpton-hotels-united-states-canada/ https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/kimpton-ihg-platinum-experience-kimpton-muse/ https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/grocery-store-diamond-new-emirates-suites-from-new-york-ppp-enhancements-and-more/ (for a link to road trip post) 1:02:33 US Bank releases Altitude Go https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/us-bank-launches-altitude-go/ 1:07:41 Question of the Week: Which business cards are "easy" to get right now? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/complete-guide-to-plastiq-credit-card-payments/Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

Like, subscribe, and comment! Greg & Nick discuss: Reader feedback: You can't take my Joy of Free Ricardo's comment: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/is-it-now-irrational-to-hold-ultimate-rewards-points-on-nicks-mind/comment-page-1/#comment-2263474 See also: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/why-the-worst-rewards-are-the-best/ 9:16 Baby in business class debate (feedback rekindles an old discussion) Greg's old post: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/the-baby-in-business-class-debate/ Nick's response: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/why-travel-with-a-baby/ 11:02 What crazy thing did Citi do this week? Benefits added are too little, too late. See: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/citi-joins-the-party-5x-prestige-online-3x-groceries-on-premier-starts-now/ 18:05 Exciting opportunities in Aeroplan/Etihad partnership See: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/etihad-partners-with-air-canada-opportunities-abound/ https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/aeroplan-etihad-sweet-spot-first-class-to-australia/ 36:13 How Chase introducing a customer-friendly use of points ironically takes away the Joy of Free See: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/is-it-now-irrational-to-hold-ultimate-rewards-points-on-nicks-mind/ 52:56 IHG 4th Night Free: Good enough to upgrade the old credit card or consider applying for a new one? See: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/ihg-sweet-spot-dynamic-pricing-4th-night-free/Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network