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Points for Normal People by Katie's Travel Tricks

by Katie's Travel Tricks · English · Learning

Travel isn’t just for the rich. I teach people how to supercharge their credit card points so they can pay for entire family vacations every year. I've been redeeming miles and points to pay for travel for over a decade. Points have taken our family around the world. But one thing sets

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New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 24 min
Latest: 2 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

2 Sep 2026 · 14 min

What's Going On With Chase Ink Approvals in 2026

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures If you've been avoiding Chase Ink cards because you heard about the "lifetime language," or because someone told you Chase is dead, I want to walk you through what I'm actually seeing. There's a lot of half-truths floating around right now, and it's leaving a lot of people confused. In this episode I break down why I think "lifetime" is a misnomer and what the approval data points tell us about who is still getting approved and who isn't. RESOURCES Sign up for...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S3 · E19 · 10 Jun 2026 · 24 min
Chase Sapphire Preferred Just 'Refreshed' [2026] — Is it still worth it?
Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Significant changes are hitting the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card program starting June 15th, and while there are some nice new perks, others might cost new cardholders as much as $700 in potential value in the first year alone. In this episode, I’ll be covering the bad news and the good news. Because these changes have different rollout dates depending on which card you have and when you applied, it can feel a bit complex. But don't worry—I'm walking y...
S3 · E18 · 13 May 2026 · 19 min
Award Travel Updates: Alaska, Avios, Citi & Bilt Changes Explained!
Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome back to the final episode of Season 3! This season has been a bit more drawn out than I originally planned, and because the world of miles and points moves fast, I wanted to take a moment to catch you up on all the significant changes that have happened since I first recorded these episodes over the last year. In this wrap-up, we are covering everything from the Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines merger, to the shifting sweet spots with Finnair and Avios. I'...
S3 · E17 · 22 Apr 2026 · 22 min
How to Book United Flights Without United Miles
Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Last episode I went deep on MileagePlus®, and today I'm following it up with the other half of the United puzzle: how to book United flights even when you don't have United miles, and when it might make sense to book that way even if you do. We're walking through Avianca LifeMiles®, Air Canada Aeroplan®, Singapore KrisFlyer, JetBlue TrueBlue® (through the new Blue Sky partnership), and a quick note on what happened with Turkish Miles&Smiles® after their De...
S3 · E16 · 8 Apr 2026 · 27 min
United MileagePlus® Explained: Earning, Cards, Pooling & More
Click MORE to see Ad disclosures If you fly United — or even if you're just thinking about it — this episode is your starting point for understanding their MileagePlus® program from the ground up. I'm covering how dynamic pricing and saver awards work, the full United credit card lineup and what cardholder pricing actually means for your bookings now, ways to stack your earnings with the MileagePlus X app, and one of my favorite United features that no other major airline offers: miles poolin...
S3 · E15 · 25 Mar 2026 · 25 min
How to Book Domestic Delta® Flights with Points (With SkyMiles + Airline Partners)
Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Today we’re doing a full deep dive on booking domestic Delta® flights using points. I’m covering how to earn SkyMiles®, how to find the best deals when you use them directly on Delta®, and when it actually makes more sense to book the exact same Delta® flight through a partner program like Flying Blue® or Virgin Atlantic® for fewer points. We’re also looking at fare class differences, cancellation policies, and how dynamic pricing works so you can make smarter...
S3 · E14 · 11 Mar 2026 · 24 min
S3: E14 Every Credit Card I Keep (And Why) — $3,000 in Annual Fees Explained
Click MORE to see Ad disclosures I pay almost $3,000 a year in credit card annual fees — and yes, that's more than our monthly mortgage. In this episode, I'm walking you through every single keeper card my husband and I hold year after year, showing you exactly how I value each benefit and how I personally decide whether a card earns its place in our wallet. I also want to be really clear: what works for our family isn't necessarily right for yours, and I don't think it should be. That'...
S3 · E13 · 25 Feb 2026 · 23 min
S3 E13: How to Book Southwest Flights with a Companion Pass (The Easy Way!)
Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Booking a flight with the Southwest Companion Pass used to be easier,, but with their recent switch to assigned seating, the process has become a lot more convoluted! If you're feeling confused about how to make sure you and your plus-one actually get to sit together without paying extra fees, you aren't alone. In this video, I'm walking you step-by-step through exactly how to book with your Companion Pass under the new rules so you can navigate the changes li...
S3 · E12 · 11 Feb 2026 · 28 min
S3 E12: Citi ThankYou® Points Overview: Cards and Sweet Spots
Click MORE to see Ad disclosures UPDATE: Citi® is ending ThankYou® Points Sharing on May 17, 2026. If you've been pooling points with a partner, friend, or family member, May 16 is your last day to share. Remember, shared points expire 90 days after transfer — so have a plan to use or transfer them to a partner program before they expire! APRIL 2026 UPDATE: As of April 19, 2026 the transfer rates for both Choice and Preferred Hotels is reduced when transferring from Citi. New rates:&nbs...
S3 · E11 · 24 Jan 2026 · 25 min
S3E11: Bilt's New Credit Cards: Earning Points on Rent & Mortgage Explained
1/23/26 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures If you've heard the buzz about Bilt's new system for earning points on your rent or mortgage, you're not alone! A lot of people got really excited about the idea of earning rewards on their biggest monthly expense. But after Bilt rolled out their new options, many people have been confused, overwhelmed by the structure, and underwhelmed by the value. In this episode, I’m breaking down the convoluted new Bilt structure step-by-step to help you deci...
S3 · E10 · 21 Jan 2026 · 28 min
S3E10: How to Earn Bilt Rewards Without a Credit Card (Step-by-Step)
1/21/26 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Today I’m walking you through a great opportunity to earn Bilt Rewards points without ever opening a credit card. For the next few months, there is a unique sweet spot where you can maximize the partnership between Bilt and Rakuten to earn points on autopilot. I’m going to share exactly how you can set up your account to turn everyday spending—and even bank account sign-ups—into valuable points you can transfer to partners like Hyatt. We are going to d...
S3 · E9 · 24 Dec 2025 · 20 min
S3E9: Chase Ultimate Rewards 2026 Update: New Rules and How to Pivot
12/24/25 Click more to see ad disclosures It looks like it is going to get harder to keep earning Chase Ultimate Rewards in 2026, especially if you have relied on them to keep your points life simple. Chase has started limiting referrals and adding vague language to their card applications, making approval rules much less clear than the old timelines we used to count on. But don't panic—these changes just mean it is time to pivot. In this episode, I’m walking through exactly what is chan...
S2 · E12 · 10 Dec 2025 · 15 min
S2E12: Why You Should Open the New Southwest Debit Card NOW (December Strategy)
12/10/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Usually, I focus on talking about credit cards because debit cards just don't offer enough value for travelers. But the new Southwest debit card actually surprised me—it is way more valuable than I initially thought, especially if you plan to fly Southwest even once in 2026. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why I think this card is worth opening, specifically right now in December. If you’re looking for a quick win to save money on fli...
S3 · E8 · 26 Nov 2025 · 34 min
S3E8: Is the Capital One Venture X Still Worth It?
11/26/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures I used to call the Capital One Venture X a "no brainer," but with the major changes coming in 2026, I now consider it more of a "full brainer." In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what is changing and helping you calculate if the card is still worth the $395 annual fee. I cover the solid benefits that remain that still help to offset the cost. I’ll also walk you through the massive new limited-time welcome offer of 100,000 miles and share criti...
S2 · E11 · 12 Nov 2025 · 28 min
S2E11: The Best Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access (2025-2026 Changes)
11/12/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Finding the "best" credit card for airport lounge access is a trick question. The real answer depends on your home airport, who you travel with, and your budget. With changes to guest policies and new cards being released, the lounge landscape is totally different in 2025. In this episode, I’ll walk you through all the options, from airline-specific cards to the big bank lounges like Centurion, Capital One, and the newer Sapphire Lounges. I’ll cover t...
S3 · 5 Nov 2025 · 3 min
Podcast Update: We're Back! (Season 3)
Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Hey everyone, sorry for the long break! The podcast is officially starting back up, but first I'm adding some much-needed updates to the end of Seasons 1 and 2 so everything still makes sense for new listeners. For Season 3, I'm super excited to add new segments like your success stories and helping you plan trips! If you want to share your story or get help with a trip, just email [email protected], and don't forget to stay in the loop by signing ...
S2 · E10 · 29 Oct 2025 · 29 min
S2E10: Southwest is Changing - Here's What to Do!
10/29/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Southwest Airlines feels unrecognizable with all the changes in 2025 and 2026, and while new policies have lost my trust, I'm not abandoning the airline yet. Instead, I'm tweaking my strategy to adapt, and I want to help you do the same. In this episode, I'm digging into all the changes, from the new baggage and assigned seating policies to the breakdown of "Basic" vs. "Choice" fares. I discuss the current loopholes for extending flight credits that a...
S1 · E22 · 15 Oct 2025 · 20 min
S1E22: Chase 2025 Business Card Shake-Up: New Perks, Stricter Rules & A New Card
10/15/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures In this week's update episode, I'm breaking down all the big changes to the Chase business cards that have happened over the past year. I also cover some important new rules for getting approved for business cards and a major shift in how referrals work for the Ink cards that will require a strategy pivot for many of us. The biggest news of all is Chase's brand new premium business card: the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business(SM) Credit Card. It's de...
S1 · E21 · 1 Oct 2025 · 33 min
S1E21: Chase Sapphire 2025 OVERHAUL: Is the $795 Reserve Card Worth It?
10/1/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! When it comes to our favorite points programs and credit cards, change is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be discouraging! In this episode, I'm breaking down all the huge updates that rolled out for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® card in the summer of 2025. We'll walk through everything from the new standard welcome offer and increased minimum spend on the Preferred card to the eli...
S3 · E7 · 30 Apr 2025 · 22 min
S3E7: Partner Airline Deals for Booking Alaska & Hawaiian Flights
4/30/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. APRIL 2026 UPDATE: FinnAir pricing has really increased for many Alaska Airlines flights. See our updated article for up to date pricing: https://katiestraveltricks.com/using-finnair-avios-to-book-american-alaska-flights/ Welcome to Points for Nor...
S3 · E6 · 16 Apr 2025 · 18 min
S3E6: Alaska and Hawaiian Miles for Domestic Award Flights
4/16/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today we're diving into two airlines perfect for trips to and from the West Coast and Pacific Northwest, or flights to Hawaii and Alaska: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines! With their merger underway, thing...
S3 · E5 · 9 Apr 2025 · 29 min
S3E5: Amex Points Explained: The Good, The Bad, and The Rules You Need to Know
4/9/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Let's tackle a topic I get asked about a lot: Amex Membership Rewards. Honestly, I have mixed feelings – the points themselves can be fantastic for travel, but the cards? They definitely come with extra rules an...
S3 · E4 · 2 Apr 2025 · 23 min
S3E4: Best Avios Strategies for Domestic American Airlines Flights
4/2/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m sharing the current best strategies on how to use Avios to book American Airlines domestic flights! With these methods you can book flights to Hawaii from anywhere in the US for 30,000 points round tri...
S3 · E3 · 26 Mar 2025 · 25 min
S3E3: American Airlines Miles: Best Ways to Earn & Redeem for Domestic Flights
3/26/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, we're diving into American Airlines miles. I know a lot of you want to use points for domestic travel, and American is a good option. We'll talk about the best times to use your miles on Americ...
S3 · E2 · 19 Mar 2025 · 20 min
S3E2: Award Flights Made Easy: My Simple Research Process
3/19/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode I'm sharing my exact process to research the best domestic award flights. I’ll walk you through the initial steps I always take before even thinking about searching for award availability. I'll ...
S3 · E1 · 12 Mar 2025 · 21 min
S3E1: Season 3 Premiere: Unlocking Domestic Flights with Points & Miles
3/12/25 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Hey everyone, welcome back to Points for Normal People! I am so excited to kick off Season 3 with you today! We're going to get into all things domestic flights and points this season, which is going to be a bi...
S2 · E9 · 18 Dec 2024 · 22 min
S2E9: Listener Travel Tricks: Your Best Tips for Saving Money and Maximizing Rewards
12/18/24 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today is special because I’ll be sharing the tips and tricks I’ve learned from you. The Points for Normal People community is full of great information and on occasion some of you have reached out to me with r...
S2 · E8 · 20 Nov 2024 · 29 min
S2E8: Hidden Gems: Unique Ways to Use Venture Miles
11/20/24 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today in part two about the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, I’ll be showing you a lot of unique ways to use your Venture miles. We’ll cover ways for the average person to get the most out of their m...
S2 · E7 · 13 Nov 2024 · 25 min
S2E7: The Venture X Card: A Deep Dive into Perks and Benefits
11/13/24 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures NEW: Starting Feb 2026 — Venture X will no longer have access for any guests in lounges. Read more here https://katiestraveltricks.com/venture-x-lounge-benefits-destroyed-strategy-tips/ All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. Welcome to Points for Normal People! This episode is part on...
S2 · E6 · 6 Nov 2024 · 26 min
S2E6: Best 2024 Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
11/6/24 Click MORE to see Ad disclosures All information was accurate at time of recording, however benefits and credit card details can and do change. Please always review the links in the show notes and check our blog for the most up-to-date info. For up to date lounge info, check out these links to our guides: Guide to Chase Sapphire Reserve: https://katiestraveltricks.com/sapphirereserve/ Guide to Venture X: https://katiestraveltricks.com/venturex/ Guide to airport lounge access for fami...

About Points for Normal People by Katie's Travel Tricks

Points for Normal People by Katie's Travel Tricks is a English learning podcast from Katie's Travel Tricks. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Katie's Travel Tricks
Language: English
Category: Learning
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 24 min
Latest episode: 2 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1738776739

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