Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Save Money Eating Out: Paze $10 Off, Amex Resy Credits, Chase DoorDash/Instacart & More

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes returning guest Beth to share practical ways to save money eating out by using credit card benefits, restaurant loyalty programs, digital wallet promos, dining credits, and travel rewards strategies.

Recorded August 10, 2026, this episode focuses on ways to reduce restaurant costs without completely avoiding dining out. Justin and Beth discuss the time-sensitive Paze digital wallet promo offering $10 off purchases of $10 or more, up to 10 times per card, through early September 2026. They explain how they have used the promo at places like Dunkin’ and Wendy’s for low-cost or nearly free food.

They also cover Amex Resy statement credits across multiple American Express cards and ways to make the credits easier to use. The conversation also includes Amex Gold monthly dining credits, Hilton quarterly credits that can be used for hotel dining, and Chase Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables credits.

Justin and Beth also discuss Vegas dining deals, including birthday offers, MyVegas redemptions, MGM and Caesars dining options using credit card rewards.

Timestamps

00:00 Podcast Intro Theme
01:18 Meet Beth
03:04 Pickup Orders to Save Money
03:33 Paze Promo Savings
06:10 Amex Resy Credits
09:18 Amex Gold Monthly Dining
11:05 Hilton Credits For Dining
12:56 Chase Exclusive Tables
14:41 Support The Show
16:52 Cheap Dining in Las Vegas
20:08 Listener Question: DoorDash And Instacart
24:55 Annual Fees And Card Math
30:15 Aeroplan Grocery Payback
33:03 Cruises And All-Inclusive Food
33:58 Panera Sip Club
34:34 Upcoming Travel
37:30 Outro And Where To Follow
38:00 Closing Theme

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧
—

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:
https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:
https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:
www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool
https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:
https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more.
https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY
—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls with me
✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)
✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬
✨ Bonus content 🎁
—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:
https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

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📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

Hilton and Hyatt Credit Card Strategy, Citi AAdvantage Executive Changes & Amex Green Strategy with Matthew Dong

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes Matthew Dong to discuss building a smarter travel rewards strategy with credit cards, hotel programs, airline lounges, and upgrade opportunities.

Justin and Matthew compare Hilton and Hyatt strategy, including why Matthew is expanding beyond Hyatt and focusing more on Hilton for better resort options in places like Hawaii.

Matthew also explains his current Hilton Surpass Card strategy, including using referrals, buying groups, and planned spending to reach the $15,000 and $30,000 spending thresholds for Hilton free night certificates. He also discusses a possible future Hilton Surpass to Hilton Aspire upgrade to maximize resort credits, airline credits, and premium Hilton benefits.

Timestamps

00:00 Points And Miles Intro
00:32 Meet Matthew Dong
01:28 Where To Find Matthew
02:13 Getting Started In Rewards
05:02 Luxury Redemptions Highlights
06:55 Hyatt and Hilton Strategy
08:50 Hilton Surpass Spend Plan
09:29 Buying Groups
14:20 Hilton and Hyatt Certificates
16:55 Show Support And Announcements
19:03 Citi AAdvantage Executive Changes
26:39 Amex Green Card Case
33:57 Transfer Partners And Bilt
36:24 Advice For Leveling Up
39:04 Wrap Up And Outro

—
🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:
http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss
—
💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:
https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:
https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:
www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool
https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:
https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more. Descript offers tools, including studio sound, removal of filler words, and the ability to edit from a generated transcript.
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—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar →

https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:
✨ One-on-one calls with me
✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)
✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬
✨ Bonus content 🎁
—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:
https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

NextCard.com Tools to Maximize Points, Miles & Credit Card Credits | Bilt, Dining Stacks, Paze & Hotel Maps

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes John from NextCard.com to discuss tools for maximizing credit card benefits, tracking statement credits, finding dining stacks, comparing hotel booking programs, and getting more value from points and miles.

John explains how NextCard.com helps users manage credit card benefits and uncover stacking opportunities across programs like Bilt Rewards, Chase, Paze, dining portals, luxury hotel programs, and more. The episode covers NextCard’s maps, calculators, and tracking tools, including MealMaxxer, Bilt calculators, Bilt Mobile Dining maps, Paze credit maps, and HotelMaxxer.

Liked what you heard about in the show? Use Justin's NextCard.com affiliate links:
https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

Timestamps

00:00 Podcast Intro Theme
01:04 Meet John From NextCard
01:49 What Is NextCard?
02:43 Who NextCard Is For
03:35 MealMaxer Dining Maps
04:00 Bilt Calculator Explained
05:18 Bilt Redemption Planning
06:20 How John Uses Bilt
07:26 Bilt Mobile Dining Map
08:38 Stacking Rewards Strategies
11:52 Paze And Clover Credits
13:41 Keeping Maps Updated
15:25 Chase Sapphire Reserve Dining
16:44 Hotel Maxer Overview
17:57 Using Hotel Credits
19:22 Free Vs. Pro Features
20:06 Automation And Security
20:47 Support the Show
22:49 Upcoming Features Roadmap
26:14 App Plans For iOS And Android
26:33 DoorDash Credit Map
28:25 Listener Question: P2 Accounts
30:00 More Tools, Maps, And Bonuses
33:33 Japan Trip Bonus Math
35:12 Wrap Up And Credits

—
🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:
http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss

—
💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:
https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:
https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:
www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool
https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:
https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more.
https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY
—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls with me
✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)
✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬
✨ Bonus content 🎁
—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:
https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

Bilt Bulletin July 2026 | Palladium Card Value, Alaska Transfers, Bilt Cash Expiration & More

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast is joined by returning co-host Darren covering the latest Bilt Rewards updates, Bilt Palladium Card strategy, Bilt Cash expiration concerns, and tools from NextCard that help Bilt users.

Justin and Darren explain how Bilt Rewards works as a loyalty program with credit cards, transfer partners, and ways to earn rewards on rent and mortgage payments. They focus on the Bilt Palladium Card, including its 2X earning structure, value from Bilt Cash redemptions, hotel credits, and the ability to earn points paying rent or mortgage.

Justin shares his first transfer from Bilt to Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards, using points to book Philadelphia to Savannah flights for 7,500 points each way. Darren also discusses heavy Alaska mileage usage for family travel and a business-class redemption.

They also review progress toward Bilt Platinum status, spending stats, and whether Bilt Cash expiration at year-end may reduce late-year card spend. Justin and Darren discuss why cardholders may want to redeem Bilt Cash aggressively before expiration rather than letting value go unused.

Timestamps

00:00 Podcast Intro
01:25 Bilt Program Basics
02:37 Palladium Card Highlights
05:27 Earn Points on Rent And Mortgage Payments
06:37 Real Redemptions: Alaska Flights
09:28 Spend Stats And Status Progress
13:49 Bilt Cash Expiration Concerns
19:33 Support The Show
22:13 NextCard.com Tools For Bilt
25:43 Upgrade And Downgrade Questions
30:00 Rakuten Card Earns Bilt Points
33:01 Wrap Up And Listener Feedback
34:00 Outro And Credits

—
🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:
http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss
—

💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:
https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:
https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:
www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool
https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more.
https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY
—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls with me
✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)
✨ A custom podcast episode
✨ Bonus content
—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:
https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

Rove Adds Qantas Transfer Partner | 50% Transfer Bonus, Qantas Sweet Spots & July 2026 Rove Update

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes Carissa Rawson from Rove to discuss Rove’s July 2026 update, including the addition of Qantas Frequent Flyer as Rove’s new transfer partner.

Rove now offers 1:1 transfers to Qantas, along with a limited-time 50% transfer bonus through August 14, 2026.

Carissa explains how Rove Miles work as a flexible travel rewards currency that does not require a credit card. She highlights Rove’s hotel booking platform, high hotel earning multipliers, shopping portal, Chrome extension, 13,000+ online merchants, instant miles on prepaid and non-refundable hotel bookings, and ways to earn through Rove events and meetups.

Justin and Carissa also discuss potential Qantas sweet spots, including distance-based award pricing, low-cost domestic U.S. awards, Caribbean and Central America options, Tahiti flights, and the possibility of booking Emirates First Class through Qantas, including important status-related restrictions and booking considerations.

Timestamps

00:00 Podcast Intro Theme
00:32 Welcome And Guest Setup
01:08 Qantas Partner Bonus
01:36 What Is Rove?
02:33 Earning Miles And Meetups
03:26 Qantas Sweet Spots
04:39 Emirates First Class Access
06:53 Frontier And Other Partners
08:40 How Partnerships Happen
10:17 Uzbekistan Team Retreat
11:35 Sponsor Announcements Break
13:38 App And Status Roadmap
15:07 Popular Partners And Europe
16:53 Underused Award Search Tool
18:45 Beyond Points And Miles Crowd
20:24 Dave Ramsey Credit Debate
23:30 Where To Find Rove
24:38 Closing And Outro Theme

—
🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:
http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss
—

💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:
https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:
https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:
www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool
https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more.
https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY

—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls with me

✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)

✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬

✨ Bonus content 🎁
—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:
https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/