When it comes to earning and redeeming points for travel, not all credit card rewards are created equal. In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis break down the 3 main types of credit card points—bank transferable points, airline and hotel-specific points, and cashback—to help you optimize your points and miles strategy.

From which types of points to prioritize based on travel goals to why flexible bank points often offer the best value, this episode will help you get clear on how to make the most of your credit cards.

If you're looking to optimize your points and miles earning strategy, this episode is a must-listen!

Protect Your Points: https://go.10xtravel.com/protectyourpoints

In this episode:
00:00 Welcome to Take Off: Meet the Hosts
00:15 Behind the Scenes: Recording Realizations
02:02 Introduction to Credit Card Points
03:47 Deep Dive: Bank Transferable Points
19:15 Understanding Airline and Hotel Points
20:53 Flexible Points vs. Co-Branded Points
23:07 Fun Analogies and Closing Thoughts
25:37 Buffets and Travel Value
26:07 Hotel Points Comparison
27:52 Risks of Points Devaluation
28:37 Bank Transferable Points vs. Hotel Points
29:33 Introduction to Cashback and Fixed Value Points
30:07 Cashback vs. Travel Points
31:36 Cashback Card Strategies
38:47 Business Spend and Cashback
43:01 Personal Points Strategy
50:41 Final Thoughts and Resources

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Three Types of Points: Which One Should You Prioritize?
Cash Back or Points: How to Choose the Right Card for You
Should You Use Airline Cards To Pay For Flights?
Take our free points and miles course
Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)
My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place
Let us book your next award flight for you
Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program
Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Podcast produced by MicMoguls.

Are you taking advantage of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club yet? In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis break down the program’s sweet spots and the incredible value it offers for points and miles enthusiasts.

Listen in as the crew discusses everything from flying to London for just 6,000 points to booking business class flights to Japan or New Zealand at unbeatable rates. They also explore Virgin Atlantic’s recent program changes, how to use their partnerships to your benefit, and share real-life examples of trips that can be booked in 2025. Finally, you’ll learn why Virgin Atlantic is a must-know program for affordable family travel and once-in-a-lifetime trips.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out in the points and miles space, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club should be on your radar. Tune in to this episode for tips to help you turn your points into unforgettable adventures with this program.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings
00:41 Travel Plans and Antarctica Adventure
02:18 Bucket List Travel Experiences
04:50 Virgin Atlantic Travel Club Overview
13:05 Earning Virgin Points
18:23 Redeeming Virgin Points
25:16 Changes to Virgin Atlantic Program
30:22 Maximizing Virgin Atlantic Points
30:36 Award Seat Availability and Elite Status Perks
31:39 Economy and Premium Economy Redemptions
39:34 Sweet Spots for Virgin Atlantic Redemptions
39:41 Partner Airlines and Award Charts
54:15 Tips for Booking with Virgin Atlantic
58:38 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: Your Ultimate Guide 
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Award Charts 
The Complete Guide to Virgin Atlantic Companion Seats 
Take our free points and miles course
Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)
My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place
Let us book your next award flight for you
Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program
Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Podcast produced by MicMoguls.

Get ready to track your points and miles redemptions like never before! In this episode, Matt joins Bryce and Emily to introduce the My10x Redemption Tracker, the new tool he developed to help travelers keep track of how they've used their points and miles.

In the episode, the crew dives into the innovative features of the new Redemption Tracker and guides listeners through the functionality of the tracker, which revolutionizes how travelers can organize and assess their trips with ease. The discussion includes detailed personal examples from Bryce, Matt, and Emily, showcasing how they maximize their points and miles for incredible travel experiences.

Tune in to learn more about how to efficiently manage your travel plans and share your own redemption stories with the My10x Redemption Tracker!

Enter the Redemption Tracker Giveaway!

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome and Announcements
01:12 Crew Banter and Catching Up
02:00 Introducing the Redemption Tracker
05:33 How the Redemption Tracker Works
13:08 User Feedback and Future Plans
26:52 Analyzing Card Usage and Points Redemption
27:31 Real-Life Redemption Examples: Emily's Australia Trip
33:56 Bryce's Family Trip to Portugal
37:33 Matt's Hawaiian Adventure
45:34 Introducing the Redemption Tracker Tool
46:03 Giveaway and How to Participate
47:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take our free points and miles course
Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)
My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place
Let us book your next award flight for you
Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program
Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Check out the Redemption Tracker in action:
Emily's Trip: https://my.10xtravel.com/trip/shared/24502290-af3d-49fa-8102-13c20bb823d5
Bryce's Trip: https://my.10xtravel.com/trip/shared/f5649fa1-0768-4837-b576-af004c94d41b
Matt's Trip: https://my.10xtravel.com/trip/shared/acc39391-d23e-4575-85e4-886ecd7530ab

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Podcast produced by MicMoguls.

This week the 10xTravel team tackles the most controversial topics in air travel. From the great seat recline debate to the dreaded barefoot passenger, Travis, Bryce, and Emily discuss the most shocking faux pas they've come across in their own travels.

Should you put your personal item in the overhead bin? Is it okay to take off your shoes? And who really gets the middle armrest? Tune in as Travis, Bryce, and Emily share their pet peeves, hot takes, and a few tips to practice your best plane etiquette on your next flight.

Got a strong opinion of your own? Let us know in the comments!

Enter the Redemption Tracker Giveaway!

00:00 Introduction: Travis Takes The Lead

01:55 Episode Overview and Travel Faux Pas

04:14 Airline Seat and Cabin Etiquette

04:25 The Great Seat Recline Debate

08:59 Middle Seat Armrest Dilemma

10:36 Barefoot on Planes: Yay or Nay?

15:52 Overhead Bin Etiquette

21:32 Standing Up When the Seatbelt Sign Turns Off

22:53 Gate Lice and Boarding Procedures

27:02 In-Flight Behaviors: Headphones and More

31:18 Headphones and In-Flight Entertainment

32:24 Flighty App and Flight Tracking Fun

34:16 Window Shade Etiquette: Short Haul vs Long Haul

42:40 Airport Security Line Etiquette

45:55 Food and Drink Etiquette on Planes

51:00 Lounge Etiquette and Final Thoughts

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Take our free points and miles course

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Let us book your next award flight for you

Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

2025 Meetup Dates:

Houston: April 12th

Chicago: April 13th

Columbus, OH: May 17th

San Diego: June 27th

San Francisco: June 28th

Seattle: June 29th

DC: October 10th

Tampa: October 11th

Atlanta: October 12th

More information for the meetups can be found here: http://10xtravel.com/events

Stay Connected:

Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Podcast produced by MicMoguls.

Distance-based awards programs may seem like a thing of the past, but not for Alaska Airlines! In this episode, Travis is joining Bryce to uncover the unique details and perks of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

Bryce and Travis jump into a discussion on the unique aspects of Alaska's Mileage Plan, including its distance-based earning structure, a rarity in an industry that’s largely shifted to revenue-based systems. They break down the best ways to earn Alaska miles and discuss the program’s key partnerships with American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

They also share examples of how to maximize the value of your miles and cover recent changes to Alaska's program, the mileage expiration policy, and the program's standout features that make it a favorite among frequent flyers.If you're a frequent domestic traveler, this episode will inspire you to take full advantage of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

Tune in and get ready to take off with Alaska!

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:03 Travis's Trip to The Seychelles
04:39 Bryce's Portugal Adventure
06:44 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Overview
16:30 Earning Alaska Miles
22:53 Caution on Transferring Points
26:30 Alaska Airlines Credit Cards Overview
26:37 Earning Alaska Miles
27:35 Redeeming Alaska Miles
27:56 Alaska's Partner Airlines
29:00 Domestic Award Tickets
30:18 International Award Tickets
37:37 Pro Tips for Alaska Miles
42:32 Sweet Spots for Alaska Miles
47:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take our free points and miles course
Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)
My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place
Let us book your next award flight for you
Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program
Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Podcast produced by MicMoguls.

In this episode of Takeoff by 10xTravel, Bryce and Travis share their top travel superlatives for 2024, diving into the best of airline and hotel loyalty programs, redemptions, lounges, and more.

Bryce and Travis discuss their top picks for airline loyalty programs, with Bryce favoring Air France’s Flying Blue for its family-friendly benefits and Travis backing United for its extensive partner network. They also discuss the most improved programs, with Alaska Airlines and Virgin Atlantic leading the charge. For redemptions, they highlight international airline perks like ANA business class to Japan and Qatar Qsuites.

They cover everything from unsexy redemptions to family-friendly loyalty programs. Bryce and Travis wrap up the episode with fun categories like “Worst Dining Experience” and “End of an Era Award.” Join them to see which programs made their 2024 superlative lists and see if you agree.

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
02:22 Course Refresh and My10x Tool
03:32 Superlatives and Awards Overview
06:43 Best Airline Loyalty Program 2024
12:23 Most Improved Loyalty Program 2024
18:28 Best Redemption Sweet Spot 2024
22:08 Most Reliable Airline for Award Availability
26:05 Best International Airline Cabin
32:21 Top Bucket List Airline Redemption 2024
34:24 Most Exciting New Hotel Bookable with Points
38:28 Best Value Destination Bookable with Points
42:52 Best Unsexy Redemption
46:26 Most Exciting New Feature or Trend
51:30 Best Program for Newbies
54:43 Best Family Friendly Loyalty Program
56:28 Best Airport Lounge Experience
01:01:09 Saddest Lounge Experience
01:04:19 MVP of the Year
01:07:14 Worst Dining Experience
01:11:25 Fun Superlative Awards
01:17:00 Join 10xTravel+ for Exclusive Benefits

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take our free points and miles course
Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)
My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place
Let us book your next award flight for you
Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program
Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. (edited) 

It's officially 2025, and in this episode Bryce and Travis are sharing their points and miles reflections, accomplishments, and resolutions for the New Year!

Bryce and Travis start by discussing their major highlights from 2024, including some fantastic trips and notable points wins. They also each share their biggest learnings and mistakes over the past year and what they would have done differently.

Looking ahead, Bryce and Travis outline their 2025 points and miles goals, from achieving Hyatt Globalist status to potentially pursuing more business class bookings. They also share predictions for industry trends in 2025, speculating about better award pricing between North America and Europe and increased travel to Thailand with the impending release of White Lotus Season 3.

Start the year off right and tune into this episode packed with valuable lessons and insightful forecasts for what's to come in 2025!

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:55 Housekeeping and Updates
01:36 Reflecting on 2024 Resolutions
04:12 Card Portfolio Adjustments
12:09 Travel Highlights of 2024
15:33 Biggest Mistakes of 2024
20:59 Lessons Learned and 2025 Resolutions
29:43 Unconventional Resolutions and Final Thoughts
35:57 Engage with Us: Share Your Resolutions
36:37 New Card Strategy for 2025
37:28 Travel Habits and Points Strategy
40:54 Upcoming Travel Plans for 2025
41:11 Travis' Travel Plans for 2025
49:11 Bryce's Travel Plans for 2025
55:23 Predictions for Points and Miles in 2025
01:05:33 Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead
01:06:22 Join 10xTravel+ for Exclusive Benefits

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take our free points and miles course
Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)
My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place
Let us book your next award flight for you
Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program
Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean sacrifice, especially when you know how to leverage points and miles for the whole family! In this episode, host Bryce is joined by seasoned family travelers Katie and Raya, who share their wealth of knowledge about navigating the world of points and miles with kids in tow.

Throughout the episode, Raya, Katie, and Bryce share essential tips and strategies for booking award flights for families, maximizing hotel redemptions, and preparing for long flights with kids. From tackling school schedules to managing car seat challenges, Katie and Raya break down practical advice to make family travel smoother and more enjoyable.

Hear about their highlight trips, upcoming plans, and how they strategically earn points to keep traveling as a family without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a parent looking to plan your next getaway or just starting your points journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your family travel game.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Special Guests

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Stay Connected:

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Known for its flexibility and valuable redemption options, Flying Blue is quickly becoming a favorite among points enthusiasts.

In this episode, Bryce, Travis, and Matt take you on a deep dive into Flying Blue, Air France, and KLM’s loyalty program. Tune in and learn how to score incredible deals on Europe flights with Flying Blue Promo Rewards, why it’s so easy to earn Flying Blue Miles, some of the best sweet spots in economy and business class, and more!

In this episode:

(00:00) What is Flying Blue?

(13:49) Stopover Benefit

(18:54) Flying Blue Award Pricing and Fees

(29:33) Sweet Spot Strategies

(36:09) Flying Blue Destinations

(40:48) French Caribbean and Tahiti

(51:28) Insider Community Discussion

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Air France and KLM’s Flying Blue Program: Your Ultimate Guide

How We’d Use 100k Flying Blue Miles

Take our free points and miles course

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Let us book your next award flight for you

Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:

Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Japan is on everyone’s bucket list—and for good reason. With world-class food, fascinating culture, and a blend of ancient and modern cities, it’s a dream destination for travelers. But how can you make the long-haul trip to Japan without spending a fortune?

In this episode, Bryce and Travis walk you through everything you need to know to fly to Japan using points and miles. From luxury options like flying business class in ANA’s “The Room” to budget-friendly economy seats, you’ll learn the most efficient ways to book award travel, including the best programs, transfer partners, and tools to use. Plus, they share hotel recommendations that cater to every budget, from iconic luxury properties to mid-range stays, all bookable with points.

In this episode:

(00:00) Traveling to Japan With Points

(08:22) Flying to Japan With ANA

(17:16) Best Business Class Options for Japan

(28:00) Booking Japan Flights With Partner Airlines

(38:55) Alternative Options for Flying to Japan

(49:27) Luxury and Budget Options in Japan

Best Ways to Visit Japan with Points and Miles

ANA Mileage Club: Everything You Need to Know

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank: Everything You Need to Know

Exploring Japan with the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

Podcast: From Credit Repair to ANA First Class: A 10xTravel Success Story

Two-Card Trip: Explore the Wonder of Japan

Take our free points and miles course

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Stay Connected:

Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.