Points for Normal People by Katie's Travel Tricks

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For a long time, the Citi ThankYou ecosystem has lived in the shadow of other rewards programs, but some massive changes in the last year have brought it back onto my radar. Between the addition of American Airlines as a transfer partner and a brand-new premium card—the Citi Strata Elite—there is new value to unlock. I’m especially excited to dive into the Preferred Hotels partnership, which is a hidden gem for anyone who loves booking unique, independent properties using points instead of just the big corporate chains.
In this episode, I’ll walk you through the current card lineup, including how to navigate calendar year credits to make sure you're getting way more value than the annual fee. We’ll also talk about my favorite hotel "sweet spots" where your points can effectively double or even quadruple in value. I’ll show you exactly how to make the most of this often-overlooked program.
ACTION STEPS:
Browse the Maps: If you already have points, check out the new map and database of Preferred Hotels to find high-value properties. https://katiestraveltricks.com/guide-to-booking-preferred-hotels-map/
Mark Your Calendar: If you want to maximize the "triple dip," set a reminder for early December to look into the Citi Strata Elite.
Stay the Course: If you are a beginner, stick to your current three-year plan and keep this info for later so you don't get overwhelmed by too many programs at once. See the three-year plan here https://katiestraveltricks.com/3-year-plan/ 
More Affiliate Card Offers Page: Visit this page to see more card offers available and support our work https://katiestraveltricks.com/more-affiliate-offers/ 
New Here?
Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.
Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks
🔗 Website
Instagram
💻 Free Course
💳 Best Current Card Offers
🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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 decide if it makes sense for your points strategy. I’ll explain the difference between their new "Bilt Cash" currency and the tiered spending system, and show you the exact math you need to know.
We’re also taking a look at the three new credit cards launching on February 7th: the Bilt Blue, Obsidian, and Palladium cards. I’ll give you my honest take on the pros and cons of each. While this new program isn't the game-changer many hoped for, there is a narrow group of people this might work for. Whether you want to go all-in or completely ignore Bilt, this episode will give you the tools and free calculators you need to make the right choice for your family.
ACTION STEPS:
Make a Decision: Use my free resources to decide if you want to open a Bilt card, shelve the idea for later, or forget it entirely.
Keep Working on Your Plan: If Bilt isn't for you, keep working on your three-year plan or opening cards at your own pace for your personal goals.
Use the Calculators: If you are considering Bilt, use this Bilt Card Guide to run the calculators for your specific spending scenario: katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-guide-to-cards-earning-on-mortgage-and-rent-payments 
Gather Your Numbers: Before using the calculators, figure out your monthly housing payment, your monthly grocery/dining spend, and your overall monthly credit card spend.
Act Before February 7th: If you decide to apply, you have until February 7th to sign up for a card with the current launch offers.
Listen to Previous Episodes: Go back and listen to last week's episode on earning Bilt rewards without a credit card here: https://youtu.be/0OkDkjBI7v0  Also, if you are new, listen to Season 1, Episode 1 of the podcast sequentially to understand the framework of travel points. Start here:
New Here?
Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.
Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks
🔗 Website
Instagram
💻 Free Course
💳 Best Current Card Offers
🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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 dive deep into the specific steps you need to take to optimize this strategy, especially before the introductory transfer rate changes in May. I’ll show you how to stack your earnings effectively and tell you about exclusive resources our team is working on to help you earn the most. Whether you are new to points or looking for a pivot strategy, this episode gives you the roadmap to supercharge your travel points with minimal effort.
ACTION STEPS:
Note: Use our digital checklist or download a PDF of these steps here: https://katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-rewards-explained-earn-points-even-without-the-credit-card/#ktt-checklist-wrapper 
Sign up for our Rakuten deal list to be notified daily of deals (through March 31) - https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/rakuten 
Create a Bilt Account: Sign up at biltrewards.com or download the app (skip the credit card application for now).
Add a Credit Card to Bilt: Link a card you use frequently (like a Freedom or Venture card) to your Bilt wallet to earn on Walgreens purchases.
Link Lyft & Bilt: Go to the "Neighborhood" tab in Bilt, select rideshare, and link your accounts. Ensure the payment card in Lyft matches the one in your Bilt wallet (ideally a Sapphire card).
Sign Up for Rakuten: Use my referral link to get the $50 new member bonus: https://www.rakuten.com/r/KMGALL29?eeid=44749 
Link Rakuten to Bilt: Ensure your email addresses match on both accounts and select Bilt Rewards as your payout option in Rakuten. https://www.biltrewards.com/p/rakuten
Maximize Referrals: Refer your spouse/partner (and then have them refer you back if applicable) or family members to earn referral bonuses.
Set Up Rakuten Dining: Link your dining credit card (li
New Here?
Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.
Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks
🔗 Website
Instagram
💻 Free Course
💳 Best Current Card Offers
🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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 changing with Sapphire and Ink cards and offering specific strategies to adapt so you can still get great value and vacations out of your points.
We will cover how to stretch your current Ultimate Rewards and how to maximize earnings on the cards you already hold. I’m also sharing five possible "pivots" for your 2026 strategy. I have been using points for over 15 years and have had to pivot many times; this is just another bump in the road, and I’m here to help you navigate it.
ACTION STEPS:
Sign up for Bilt and Rakuten: If you love Hyatt points, set up these accounts soon to take advantage of the 1:1 transfer ratio available through May 15th. Here is my Rakuten affiliate link: https://www.rakuten.com/r/KMGALL29?eeid=44749 
Link your accounts: Connect Rakuten to Bilt so your cashback earns Bilt points (which transfer to Hyatt).
Install the browser extension: Add the Rakuten extension to your computer and iPhone browsers to automate your earning.
Set a spending reminder: Set a notification to spend $50 through Rakuten within 90 days to trigger the welcome bonus.
Don't stress: Take a deep breath; changes are normal in the points world, and there are still plenty of ways to afford vacations.
RESOURCES: 
Bilt Guide (including Rakuten) Step-by-Step: https://katiestraveltricks.com/bilt-rewards-explained-earn-points-even-without-the-credit-card/ 
Preferred Hotels with Choice: https://katiestraveltricks.com/preferred-hotels-with-choice-points-map/ 
Timeshare Presentations: https://katiestraveltricks.com/timeshare-deal/ 
Amex Points Explain
New Here?
Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.
Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks
🔗 Website
Instagram
💻 Free Course
💳 Best Current Card Offers
🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...

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 flights or push you over the edge for a Companion Pass, this might be the travel trick you’re looking for.
ACTION STEPS:
Open the Account: Apply for the Southwest debit card by December 20th (or absolutely before December 31st) to ensure your account is active to receive the 20% off coupon in January.
Set Calendar Reminders: Set a calendar reminder for January to confirm that your 20% off coupon and 7,500 Companion Pass boost points have been deposited, and to ensure you use your $35 travel credit. You should also set a specific reminder for February to transfer all your funds to another bank and close the account so you can avoid paying any additional monthly fees.
Sign Up for the Newsletter: https://katiestraveltricks.kit.com/news
RESOURCES: 
Southwest Debit Card Application: southwestdebit.com 
Free Companion Pass Guides: https://katiestraveltricks.com/southwestcompanionpasstrick/ 
New Here?
Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, using everyday expenses and welcome offers to supercharge your points earning. When you learn to do this, you can cover entire vacations every year.
Our family has been to Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe — and more — all thanks to strategically earning and redeeming points. We've done this on a limited travel budget and now want to help you do it, too.

More from Katie’s Travel Tricks
🔗 Website
Instagram
💻 Free Course
💳 Best Current Card Offers
🎒 Favorite Travel Gear

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this podcast are from companies which Katie's Travel Tricks will earn an affiliate commission. Katie's Travel Tricks is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this podcast is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the autho...