✈️ Ready to Earn Big? Top 5 Points and Miles Power Moves!

Good morning and Happy New Year 🎉 from Booked It On Points: A curated collection of travel tips and personal stories by me, Allie→ because you’re meant to experience meaningful travel no matter life’s constraints 👊🏽

Tomorrow begins 2025, and I’ve got a lot of feels about it…

In the meantime, let’s dive in.

Here’s what’s on today—

📉 I’m already planning your summer 2025 trip, you’re welcome. By opening 1 credit card, you and your favorite other human could fly round trip for (nearly) FREE to Greece this summer 🤯 Wondering what credit card? LOTS of them! For this deal, it could be this card, or this card, or any of the ‘blue’ bank favorites- need more clarification or different card suggestions? Hit reply and I’ll let you know even more options that might be a great fit.

Tomorrow is 2025 and I’m beyond excited to support you in creating your next over-the-top travel experience. Did you know, using my travel agent services is FREE?!

✈︎ Points + Miles

TOP STORY: 5 MOST Important Rules of Points + Miles (#5 is KING)

You may remember this newsletter where I explained the top 5 MISTAKES in points + miles. I think to ring in the new year, I’d like to write my top 5 DOs in points + miles to start things off on the right foot.

This week I share my 5 foundational pillars in Points + Miles (#5 is GOLD). Before taking the next step in your points + miles journey, make sure to keep these pointers in the front of your mind so you’re always winning with points + mile in 2025.

Do:

1. Pay Off Your Card in Full Each Month: The golden rule of using points + miles is to use all credit cards as if it were a debit card. Pay your balance in full each month. Interest wipes out any rewards. Stay debt-free.

2. Consider Downgrading Instead of Canceling: If a card is worthless or has a high annual fee, consider downgrading to a no-annual-fee card from the same issuer instead of canceling. This helps keep your credit line open, which can positively impact your credit score.

3. Have a Plan for Your Points: Since points + miles can depreciate over time, it’s wise to have a redemption plan. Set goals for specific trips, like a luxury hotel stay or an international flight. This way, you won't be stuck with points that may lose value. My motto: earn ‘em and burn ‘em.

4. Refer Friends for Points: Many cards reward you for referring friends. It’s a great way to earn additional points to an already lucrative card. With just a couple of referrals, you’ve scored enough points for another flight or hotel stay.

5. Transfer Points Out of the Portal: Transferring points to travel partners—like airlines or hotel brands—can often provide better value than booking directly through the card’s travel portal.

Look at this difference:

There are always questions that pop up with points + miles. Trust me, I’ve spent many, many hours learning this stuff. Simply hit reply and ask away, I’ll respond every time!

Looking for some more travel inspiration to make 2025 your biggest adventure yet?

✈︎ Travel News

Quick hits

• Here for a laugh? Geo tests the WORST 1-star Amazon travel products 😂

• Travel smarter with ultra savings- Daily Drop Pro let’s you search in points or cash for the best deals

• Top 10 travel books of 2024, according to some. #1 is on my list next

• Americans will need a visa to visit Europe, starting next week

✈︎ Poll

• Did you enjoy this newsletter? Send it to a friend because sharing is caring → Booked It On Points

• Want some help with understanding points + miles? Maybe a card recommendation or perhaps to strategize your points for 2025? Hit reply!

Thanks for being here and have a great Tuesday!

Allie