Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel – Details, episodes &amp; analysis

Chase Ultimate Rewards: Everything You Need to Know

Ep 23 – How We’d Spend 135,000 Points

Season 1 · Episode 23

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 • Duration 01:03:29

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In today’s episode, the 10x team tells you everything you need to know about these valuable points before breaking down how they’d each use them to book their own next-level trip. Armed with 135,000 hypothetical Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis each pitch their best trip and leave it up to you to decide who got the best value. And who knows? Listen now, find out how to cast your vote, and you might even win something yourself…

In This Episode:

Booking epic ski trips, European escapes, and Caribbean getaways with Chase Ultimate Rewards points
The true value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points
When (if ever) is it ok to use the travel portal to book your trip?
The best Chase transfer partners to use
An easy way for you to win some 10xTravel swag of your own

Resources & Links:

Which Chase Ink is Right For Your Small Business

10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course

Ep 22 – Spring Cleaning Your Points and Miles with My10x

Season 1 · Episode 22

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 • Duration 01:05:44

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It’s that time of year again! For most of us, spring means cleaning out our houses, cars, and… wallets?

In this special episode, Travis gives us a peek into his My10x wallet and walks us through his process for “spring cleaning” his points and miles. We also discuss the things you should evaluate when cleaning up your own points stash, such as annual fees, unused perks and benefits, airline elite status, and more.

Listen now and learn how to use My10x to keep your points and miles strategy on track.

In This Episode:

How to use My10x to track your points and miles in one place
How much is too much to pay in annual fees?
When does it make sense to chase airline or hotel elite status?
Evaluating the actual value of your cards’ perks and benefits
Does it make sense to open cards for specific trips or redemptions?

Resources & Links:

10xTravel Credit Card Consultation

My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles

Ep 21 - The Ultimate Guide to Mastering United MileagePlus

Season 1 · Episode 21

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 • Duration 01:07:25

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the StarAlliance United MileagePlus program. We have a bunch of tips and tricks that will help anyone become an expert flyer. We’re going to show you how to get the most out of your United miles, and introduce you to the great Excursionist Perk. We’ll discuss United’s co-branded credit cards and consider the benefits of having elite status. We’ll even share some funny stories about first-time experiences in business class. So, whether you’re dreaming of visiting Sydney or trying to earn that Global Services status, this episode is full of useful tips for savvy travelers.

In This Episode:

Would you consider yourself a lemon or a lime?
Star Alliance partners
Free legs on United between Australia and New Zealand
The United MileagePlus excursionist perk
Benefits of United Mileage plus
Award seat booking flexibility
Flying to Hawaii
Airport lounge pass limitations
Comparing United Business Card benefits
United Miles Award redemption favorites
Benefits of United Status

Resources & Links:

United Excursionist Perk Underrated United Card Strategy

Ep 20 – Things We Wish We Knew When We Started

Season 1 · Episode 20

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 • Duration 01:18:49

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Hey, we all start somewhere. Whether you’re new to this game or you’re a seasoned points veteran, there will always be a couple of lessons you wish you learned sooner.

That’s why this week’s episode is all about the things we wish we knew when we got into points and miles. Some are straightforward, like learning how to trust your instincts when choosing your next card. But other wisdom in this episode can only be gained from experience, like appropriately handling that uncle who “forgot” to use your referral link.

So tune in, learn from our mistakes, and then come share your own lessons in our Facebook group!

In This Episode:

How sustainable is this hobby in the long term?
The lessons that truly humbled us early on
How to spot the difference between a great offer and clever advertising
Tackling the points and miles conversation with family members
How this hobby has impacted Emily’s RSVP’s to destination weddings

Resources & Links:

10xTravel Credit Card Consultation

Ep 19 - Why You Should Pay Your Taxes on a Credit Card

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 • Duration 49:14

We know, we know. No one likes tax season. But if you’ve gotta pay ’em, you might as well be rewarded for it. That’s why this episode is all about paying your taxes on a credit card to earn major points and miles.

Join us as we explain how to do it, which cards you should use, and how to split the payments between cards to rack up even more points. We’ll also cover how to earn points and miles on other large expenses, like property taxes and tuition.

Finally, Bryce serenades the listeners with what might be 10xTravel’s new official jingle. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it!

In This Episode:

How to pay your taxes on a credit card
When do you have to pay taxes on your points and miles?
The best personal and business cards you should use
Using PayPal Bill Pay for utilities, tuition, and other major expenses
Mistakes to avoid when paying your taxes with a card

Resources & Links:

How to Pay Taxes With a Credit Card

Do I Need to Claim Points and Miles On My Taxes?

IRS Tax Payment Limit Chart

Introducing P2: The Dating App for Points People

Ep 18 – Perfect Pairs: Romantic Getaways You Can Book with Just 2 Cards

Season 1 · Episode 18

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 • Duration 01:11:15

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In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and all things love, we’re bringing our “2-Card Trips” series to the podcast — this time with a romantic twist.

Listen in as we put together the best Romantic Getaways using points and miles earned from just 2 credit cards. From Paris and Greece all the way to an island escape in French Polynesia, we’ll show you how to book a honeymoon-worthy vacation for you and your P2.

In This Episode:

Booking romantic vacations to Costa Rica, The Bahamas, and more
The crew hands out their own points and miles Valentines
Use Matt’s secret Bahamas daiquiri hack to get a free 10xTravel shirt!
The everyday cards you can use to book the trip of a lifetime
The business card that can help you book a next-level vacation for 2

Resources & Links:

Show your love with these cards on “P2 Day”

BILT Rewards: Everything you need to know

Ep 17 – The Awards Show: Most Overrated Card, MVP, Saddest Lounge, and More!

Season 1 · Episode 17

Wednesday, January 31, 2024 • Duration 01:09:46

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Ever wonder which credit cards are truly the MVPs of the travel rewards world and which are just riding the hype train? Then this is one awards show you won’t want to miss.

Join Bryce, Emily, Travis, and Matt as they hand out awards to your favorite cards, loyalty programs, lounges, and more. From the everyday earners worthy of the coveted “Workhorse” award to the big-name cards that simply don’t live up to the hype, this episode is your ticket to understanding the true value of the cards in our wallets – and yours.

In This Episode:

A surprising pick for the year’s MVP (Most Valuable Program)
The program that saw the biggest upgrade this year
Things get spicy between Travis and Matt over the most overrated card
The airline card that impressed – and the ones that underwhelmed
Bryce brings back his famously brutal teardown of a certain premium card
This year’s winner for the “Saddest Lounge” award

Resources & Links:

Citi ThankYou Rewards: Everything You Need to Know

Card Review: MasterCard Black Card