What They Don't Tell You About Points & Miles
Video Overview & Insights
The Redemption System is my step-by-step course for turning the points you have into booked award flights → https://nursemichaeltravels.com/trs
What's something you wish you knew about points and miles before starting?
Sign-up for Travel Freely here: https://my.travelfreely.com/share?bref=nup
Get the best points and miles newsletter for free: https://nursemichaeltravels.com/newsletter/
Wondering if credit card rewards are worth the hype? This video serves as a beginner's guide, with points and miles explained through 6 honest truths. We break down the reality of using points and miles to help you decide if this travel strategy is truly worth it for you.
Get Travel Freely Affiliate Link: https://my.travelfreely.com/share?bref=nup
Money in a savings account is a depreciating asset too - INFLATION
RESOURCES:
1️⃣ New to points and miles? Here's where to start: https://nmtravels.ck.page/guide
All very true but I will say cash back just isn’t worth it for almost anyone who travels especially in like mid luxury. If you can justify a premium travel card you can get 16% back easily with chase. Book 8x in portal and redeem points boost 2cpp
2️⃣ Never Miss a Deal with my Miles Roundup Newsletter: https://nmtravels.ck.page/newsletter
3️⃣ Be Less Stressed Around Annual Fees by Staying Organized: https://my.travelfreely.com/share?bref=nup
Great video from a great channel. Thanks again
4️⃣ Finally know which credit cards transfer to which airlines: nmtravels.ck.page/txr
5️⃣ More Award Travel Tools from Me: https://nmtravels.ck.page/profile/free
5:24 “these influencers”, you also mean yourself, yes? This video is full of recommendations so please include yourself.
SUPPORT:
💳 Get Your Next Big Sign-up Bonus: https://www.nursemichaeltravels.com/cards/
Learned this with Qantas. Cancelled a flight and it ate half the transfer after I found a flight on Alaska for half the price before the Amex to HA to AS loop closed. Hopeful the B6 to UA is worth it when it goes live
💰 RAKUTEN Get $30 or 3000 AMEX Points for shopping: https://www.rakuten.com/r/MGANDA25?eeid=28187
💡 Accepting Video Requests in the Comment Section or Privately Here: https://forms.gle/nDUkMLaSGCwSsh6r9
Most influencers are either single, or traveling with a partner. When you factor in traveling with infants or toddlers, it becomes much more difficult to be flexible. Thankfully, if you play the game right, you can easily do 3-5 luxury getaways a year if you are okay with economy redemptions.
WATCH NEXT:
Beginners Start Here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLit73482mR3hiYe2FMz5hhG-P45-C1UlW
Hey Michael, Great info! Quick question... I'm getting rid of a Chase card with 175,000 points. I travel to S.E. Asia... should I move points to: British Airways (30% transfer bonus), IHG (80% transfer bonus) or another Transfer partner? Very flexible in my travels... Love your content!
Which Credit Cards I Recommend for Travel: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLit73482mR3gH32wVNA7RD5jPlyNZlvq8&si=2urC8RRzb4QV8-i_
How I Find Award Availability: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLit73482mR3h4xgd0MuZOhrbfaN4cTTq5&si=h0TY7tMuE9hTFgFJ
My travel is usually too specific for optimization so I usually can’t turn 100,000 points into $2000 value. Still, an extra $1000 for travel is an extra $1000 for travel
CHAPTERS:
0:00 The Foundational Truth
Cancellation Fee after Reward Travel is booked. A detail that I do not always find out in the open. I'm a fan of an Alaska Air (now ATMOS) which is pretty straight forward. Fully refundable.
Lifemiles (Avianca) or Aeroplan (Air Canada) not always as clear.
Any comment or reference perhaps to a NM video covering this concern will be appreciated. Thank you for your work!
1:04 Truth 1
2:20 Truth 2
2:49 There’s a third option no ones talks about. Referrals are also a huge way to gain point. It applies mainly for Youtubers/Influencers (not for us peasants 😂).
However, I have a friend who has another friend that works at high end nail salon. And they refer their clients using their code and my buddy usually has half a million in points for travel. I’m still jealous.
3:41 Truth 3
5:35 Truth 4
The harsh reality of rewards travel is that PTO days are typically much more valuable than any points/miles currency. 80-90% of the "best redemptions" require you to be super flexible, and if you're limited by PTO days, don't expect to get great redemptive value.
6:55 Truth 5
8:18 Truth 6
One of the biggest truth is that not talked about is that people who complain about annual fee increase in premium travel cards often have too many card so they get mad at any change. I got 4 cards and got out the bonus chasing. 1 premium travel (Amex plat) and 3 everyday drivers (Rh gold, Amex gold, Schoolsfirst rewards card). Couldn't be happier 😂😂
9:55 Is points and miles worth it?
11:00 A middle ground not talked about often
All good points. I think another one that is often overlooked is how much you must track the credits from the credit cards to make sure you are getting value from the cards with fees. More and more now are becoming coupon books.
Disclaimer:
This video may contain links through which we are compensated when you click on or are approved for offers. The information in this video was not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Thanks for the info + video!
At the time this video was published, all information and offers were up to date. Offers are subject to change at any time. Please click links to see current offers
The owner of this channel is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal professional. Anything mentioned here is of an opinion and general nature, and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances.
Thanks for this content, not many people are giving us the full facts.
More User Perspectives
The part Award flights is very true. They are extremely hard to come by. I gave up and just started booking premium economy with points. Is that the most optimal CPP? No clue but it’s simple and easy😂
@ThatGuyAlonOne thing to add is that Chase UR points can be cashed out at 1 CPP so the Chase Trifecta is an S tier setup
@aaronarce7789Hey Michael, I just came across your video and really enjoyed your content.
I’m a video editor and specialize in making videos more engaging and viewer-friendly.
I can improve pacing, add text, animations, and motion graphics to make your videos stand out.
I’d be happy to create a free sample so you can see my work firsthand.
Let me know the best way to connect and discuss this further!
Back in the day, before all the influencers were everywhere emphasizing the game / hobby continuously, on my very first travel card (an airline card of course ... another beginners misstep), I didn't pay enough attention to the spend rules & T&C's & missed the SUB. Doh!
@XrayThreeFiveNinerI think that Amex should be considered the best cash-back play. Amex generally has the biggest points sign up bonuses on their cards, especially on the business side. It's also easier to get large additional blocks of points, either through referrals or limited time raised rewards on cards, as well as through Rakuten. Their high multiplier cards also have high caps. And you can turn your MR points into cash at 1.1 cents per point (via the Schwab Platinum card) if transfer partners aren't making you happy.
@JBRothmanTHE TRUTH. IG influencers show that points and miles can always be free and always be Biz class. Not true!!
But still, if played well, one can still save tons, especially in my case when my family needs to fly annually across the globe.