#45: Points expert Richard Kerr joins Chris to discuss airline, hotel, and credit card loyalty points, including changes/expectations for 2022, which credit cards and loyalty programs you should avoid, how to assess whether a signup bonus is worth it, and the hottest redemptions in the market today.  

Richard Kerr (@kerrpoints) is a former Naval Officer who left that career behind to become one of the top experts in the world on travel loyalty programs, credit cards, and point strategy. He is currently the Director of Travel Rewards at Bilt and previously led travel partnerships at The Points Guy Loyalty and founded the Award Travel 101 Facebook Group.

Full show notes at: https://allthehacks.com/travel-points-2022-richard-kerr

Partner Deals

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Resources Mentioned

Connect with Richard Kerr: Twitter | Instagram | Bilt Rewards | Award Travel 101 FB Group

YouTube Video: How Frequent Flier Programs are like Banks

ATH Best Cards Page

Point.me: $1 for your first month with this link (and using the code HACKS)

Get the most out of your points: Cashback Monitor | CardPointers | MaxRewards | Card Curator

Points communities online: Travel on Points | The Frequent Miler | Miles to Memories | r/CreditCards | FlyerTalk

Travel points blogs to follow: The Frequent Miler | View from the Wing | Miles to Memories | Boarding Area

Atlanta Restaurants: Marcel | Yebo Beach Haus

Full Show Notes

(00:11) Introduction: Who is Richard Kerr?

(01:14) Transitioning from Navy to Points and Travel World

(03:01) Critiquing Modern Loyalty Programs

(05:08) Pros and Cons of Collecting Delta Skymiles

(06:03) Reevaluating the Value of Marriott Bonvoy

(07:03) The Pinnacle of Hotel Loyalty Programs

(07:55) Anticipating Changes in Hotel Loyalty Programs

(09:46) Forecasting AAdvantage Miles in 2022

(15:58) State of Credit Card Points in 2022: Race to the Bottom

(22:40) Unleashing Offer Stacking Potential

(23:32) Harnessing Offer Stacking Opportunities

(27:30) Holding Onto Premium Cards in 2022

(30:07) Cautionary Tale: Steer Clear from Citi Bank

(31:54) Bilt Rewards: A Boost for Renters and Landlords

(34:39) Where Bilt Points Hold Value

(35:08) Exploring Bilt's Mortgage Payment Capabilities

(37:59) Bilt's Revenue Model and Mortgage Support

(40:04) Empowering Customers with Bilt Points Flexibility

(42:53) Optimal Points Valuation Strategies

(44:15) Top Redemptions to Capitalize on Today

(45:53) Richard Kerr's Memorable Redemption Story

(47:58) Smart Ways to Acquire Cash While Traveling

(49:45) Benefits of Engaging in Points Communities

(50:51) Recommended Travel Blogs to Follow

(51:54) Exploring Atlanta: First Trip Suggestions

(53:37) Staying Connected with Richard Kerr

Connect with All the Hacks

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Chris Hutchins: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn

Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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