Episodes

Welcome to Points for Normal People! This podcast aims to teach you the easiest ways to earn and redeem points for travel. Because travel isn't just for the rich. And travel points can be used by normal people who just want to devote a few hours a month to this hobby -- and still pay for entire vacations every year. New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks! On my podcast, Points for Normal People, I am here to help you learn the secrets that my family has been using for over a decade, ...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this very first episode, I'll be sharing more about what exactly I mean by "Points for Normal People," and some of the methodology I've developed in my past 13 years in the travel points and miles hobby. Points and miles isn't just for people flying business class -- it's for anyone who wants to slash travel costs to travel more. ACTION STEPS: Subscribe to this podcast Grab my *brand new* Free Beginners Guide {download} - h...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In today’s episode, I share the benefits of opening multiple credit cards each year. I help you understand the time investment and I’ll give you an overall strategy to earn points the easy way. Opening multiple cards doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’m here to be your guide. Let’s unlock the secret of travel points, together! ACTION STEPS: Figure out your average monthly credit card spend. This will help you choose cards with...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! This episode has everything you need to know about credit scores and points. I share my credit scores, lay out key habits to keep your score high while opening cards for points, and help you understand the factors that influence your credit score. Enjoying the benefits of travel points does not have to negatively impact your credit score. Let me show you how to keep your credit score high as you grow your travel points. ACTION...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! If you’re wondering where to begin when it comes to picking the right credit cards for travel points, I am here to be your guide. In this episode, I help show you how to choose the right cards, tune out the marketing noise, and let you know exactly where to start. Choosing the right credit cards and following a proven plan will help you get the most out of travel points! ACTION STEPS: Pick one new card to open. This is the eas...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, I’m sharing everything you need to know about the Chase 5/24 rule, and teach you all the best tips on how to navigate it. If you’re getting started, understanding the Chase 5/24 rule will help you develop the best strategy to travel more with points. ACTION STEPS: Find your 5/24 Status: Get a copy of your credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com and add up all new cards in the past 24 months. Don’t forget...

(Click "MORE" to see Ad Disclosure) Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today we're diving into mindset around booking trips. We'll explore the switch from cash bookings to points--and how some shifts in the way you think can help you plan your points trips with less stress. We'll also discuss how valuable tools like transfer partners and sweet spots can unlock amazing deals. ACTION STEPS: Look into a few sweet spots and pick one or two as a small goal to get started: https://katiestraveltricks...

(Click MORE to see Ad Disclosures) Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, I’ll share mistakes I’ve made when I didn’t have a system to track my credit cards and points. Then I’ll give you the information and resources you need to stay organized, getting the most out of your points. ACTION STEPS: Set up a system to track your credit cards. To do this best, you'll need to know every credit card you’ve opened in the last 24 to 48 months. List the card name, open date, and close date ...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Join me today for a conversation about the shopping and purchase benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. It offers so much more than points, and I have all the details to help you make the most of your card. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on next week’s episode, where I cover the travel benefits of Chase Sapphire Preferred. ACTION STEPS: Decide on a time that you will begin checking for Chase ...

(Click MORE to see Ad disclosure) Welcome to Points for Normal People! Thanks for joining me again for Part 2 as I share about all of the great travel benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. I’ve read all of the details so that you don’t have to! Let me fill you in and help you get the most out of your card. If you missed Part 1, be sure to subscribe and then go back to hear all of the shopping benefits of Chase Sapphire Preferred. ACTION STEPS: - Take advantage of the $50 hotel credit. A...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’ll be introducing you to the easiest way to use your Ultimate Rewards points! I’ll be talking about how to use points for hotels, how my family has used it, and how you can get the most out of your points. Remember that using points is most rewarding when you get to use it for things that you value. Be sure to subscribe and join me next week, when we cover part 2 of how to use points for hotels. ACTION STEPS: Set a goa...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I want to show you how I use my Chase Ultimate Rewards for Hyatt. I book Hyatt regularly to simplify my decision making process and to save me a lot of time! So let me introduce you to all the ways you can make the most of your points with Hyatt. If you’re worried about Hyatt reservations that don’t seem to be available with points, I also want to show you some special tips on how to book those hard-to-get reservations. ...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m going to introduce you to the three different families of cards within the Chase Ultimate Rewards universe. I’ll show you how to earn the most points over the long run and how to do this in single player or two player households. There are a lot of Chase cards available, but don’t worry, I’m going to give you thoughts on how to manage your cards and points in a way that keeps it simple. ACTION STEPS: Take stock of al...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m going to cover some of the best and most underrated ways to use Chase Ultimate Rewards points. The exciting news is that there is a lot of flexibility, allowing you to book all kinds of travel options including, flights, hotels, cruises, Disney tickets, or Airbnb. If trying to get the most cents per point and navigating your way through content that only promotes using your points for luxury travel feels exhausting, ...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m going to take the complicated topic of booking flights with points and give you ways to keep it simple, save you time, and help you use your points for the things you value most. In addition to helping you understand the world of booking flights with points, I also have lots of free resources to tell you about that will do a lot of the work for you. ACTION STEPS: If you have a trip goal, take some time to make notes ...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, I am going to walk you through each airline partner that is available for you to transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to. I’ll explain the benefits of each one, point out any downsides, and tell you about a few sweet spots so that you can get the most out of your points. If you’re worried that it will be too overwhelming, don’t worry. After you’re finished with the episode, I have a guide that includes a char...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m going to show you how doing something as small as selling a single item on Facebook Marketplace each year can qualify you for business credit cards (and the awesome welcome bonuses that come with them). If you’re feeling intimidated by the process, I’m here to help keep it simple for you. I want to see you make the most of everyday expenses and credit card welcome offers to help you supercharge your travel points so ...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’ll be sharing a big picture strategy for your first few years in points. I’ll go over my three year plan and take you through some common scenarios that will help you determine what’s best for you so that you can meet your specific goals. One common mistake is when people get started without a strategy, simply applying for the highest welcome offers. While it might be good for the short-term, if you really want to maxi...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m going to be answering your questions about season one of Points for Normal People. We’ll cover flights, hotels, benefits, and more! I’m so thankful that you’ve been on this journey with me and I know that your questions will be helpful for others, too! ACTION STEPS: If this season has been helpful for you, leave a comment and let me know about your journey with points. MORE RESOURCES: You can always check this page f...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m going to cover perks and benefits that belong to some of my favorite cards, including a new DoorDash benefit, how to use your points to book experiences like Broadway shows, and a great way to maximize your online shopping. Next week I’m excited to share success stories from season one, so be sure to follow along and join me as we unlock these secrets of travel points, together! ACTION STEPS: If you have one of the c...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, I’ll be wrapping up season one by sharing five stories from individuals who have made the most of points and miles in ways that they value. You won’t believe some of the savings, and more importantly, the experiences they’ve been able to plan for their families. I’m thrilled that you’ve been here for season one and look forward to sharing more with you as we dive into season two, soon! I’ll be sharing about th...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! I’m so excited to be here with you again for season two, where I’ll teach you everything you need to know about the Southwest Companion Pass. My family has earned these for years and this is one of the best ways I can help you to save money on travel. In this episode, I’ll go over three methods for earning the Companion Pass so that you can find what’s best for you, no matter your situation. This works for families, for couple...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, I’ll be sharing about the most requested topic for this podcast; when to close your credit cards for maximum value. I’ll break down the various reasons that you may want to cancel a card and then give you a list of questions to ask yourself, to make sure that you get the most out of your card before you cancel. If you find yourself new to credit cards and points, I’m here to help you with all the details, keep...

Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, I’ll be going over all of my favorite ways to save money when booking flights with Southwest Airlines. I’ll give you background information on the Southwest booking process, explain what makes their ticketing different from other airlines, and give you step-by-step tips and tricks to save you lots of time and money. My family has been flying Southwest regularly for over a decade and we love it! Be sure to chec...