Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points

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

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

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

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

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