Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

By Mary Ellen and JoSociety & Culture Places & Travel

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Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel episodes

October 21 262. Midweek Mini: Save 40% at Costco, Hyatt's Big Update & Rove News
This week's Midweek Mini is packed with points and miles news, money-saving tricks, and some exciting updates that could make your next trip even more affordable!
We're kicking things off with a Costco savings hack that could help you save nearly 40% by stacking discounts through DoorDash and Uber Eats. We're breaking down exactly how it works and why you might want to take advantage of these deals before your next Costco run!
Then we're diving into some important credit card and hotel updates, including changes to American Express Platinum benefits. Plus, Hyatt has finally introduced online points transfers between members, making it easier than ever to share points without all the paperwork!
We're also chatting about Rove's newest transfer partner, JetBlue, and what this addition could mean for your future award bookings. With more ways to earn and transfer points, we're always excited to see new opportunities to stretch those travel rewards even further.
And of course, we're sharing another reminder about our HUGE one million streams giveaway! We've got some incredible prizes up for grabs, and we don't want you to miss your chance to enter.
Whether you're looking to save on everyday purchases, maximize your credit card perks, or find new ways to book travel with points and miles, we've got plenty to talk about this week!
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
✈️💙Rove Referral Link- A FREE 1500 miles🎉
JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:
Get ad-free bonus episodes, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!
FIND US ONLINE:
Mary Ellen | Joanna
Wonderland on Points Facebook Group
OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:
Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN
Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN
CardPointers — Get Our Best Price
Comfrt — 15% off
Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND
16 min
October 20 261. Bonus Episode: Southwest Nerfs the Companion Pass
Southwest Airlines has dropped some MAJOR news, and we're breaking it all down in this episode of Wonderland on Points!
We're diving into the newly announced Companion Pass changes, including the introduction of new loyalty tiers, updated qualification requirements, and what these changes could mean for travelers who have relied on this incredible benefit to stretch their travel budgets. We're also talking about why this announcement isn't entirely surprising, how the timing could impact your strategy, and whether there's still an opportunity to earn the Companion Pass under the current rules before the end of the year.
But it's not all bad news! Southwest is also opening the door to international partner award flights, which could bring some exciting new redemption opportunities. We're discussing what we know so far, what we're still waiting to learn, and how these changes could impact the way we earn and redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points moving forward.
If you've been working toward earning the Companion Pass, already have one, or have been considering adding a Southwest credit card to your wallet, this is an episode you won't want to miss. We're sharing our thoughts on what these changes mean for everyday families and how to make the most of the Companion Pass while we still can!
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Southwest Credit Card Referral
JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:
Get ad-free bonus episodes, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!
FIND US ONLINE:
Mary Ellen | Joanna
Wonderland on Points Facebook Group
OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:
Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN
Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN
CardPointers — Get Our Best Price
Comfrt — 15% off
Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND
19 min
October 19 260. ELEVEN People to Italy on Points: Planning a Massive Multigenerational Award Travel Trip
We're welcoming back a familiar voice to Wonderland on Points this week! Our returning guest, Mari, is joining us to share all about her incredible multigenerational trip to Italy, where she managed to get 11 people to Europe using points and miles! Yes, ELEVEN.
From the logistics of planning an international adventure with such a large group to the unforgettable experiences they had along the way, Mari is taking us through all the details of this whirlwind Italian getaway. We're chatting about how she made it happen, what it was like traveling with multiple generations, and why this trip is proof that points and miles can make even the biggest family adventures possible.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
♥️ Agriturismo link ♥️
Blog Post with Trip Details
JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:
Get ad-free bonus episodes, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!
FIND US ONLINE:
Mary Ellen | Joanna
Wonderland on Points Facebook Group
OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:
Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN
Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN
CardPointers — Get Our Best Price
Comfrt — 15% off
Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND
46 min
October 14 259. Midweek Mini: ONE MILLION STREAMS! Plus Chase Deals, Hilton Offers & a Giveaway
This week's Midweek Mini is a BIG one, and we have some exciting news to share!
We're talking about why we're testing podcast ads, a Chase promotion that could earn you thousands of extra points, an exciting Hilton credit card offer, and a new reselling side hustle that's already bringing in extra travel money! Plus, Joanna has an update on her missing Chase Edit breakfast benefit from Vegas.
And we're saving the BEST for last! Wonderland on Points has officially hit ONE MILLION STREAMS!!! We're celebrating with a special listener giveaway, and we can't wait to share all the details. We truly couldn't have done this without you!
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Vinted Link
Hilton Honors Card Referral Link
JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:
Get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!
FIND US ONLINE:
Mary Ellen | Joanna
Wonderland on Points Facebook Group
OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:
Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN
Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN
Seats.Aero
CardPointers — Get Our Best Price
Halara — 10% off with code WONDERLAND
Comfrt — 15% off
Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND
30 min
October 12 258. Vegas Without Gambling: Park MGM, Points & Valley of Fire
What happens when you plan an entire trip around a concert...and then the concert gets canceled?! Today we're recapping Joanna's recent Las Vegas getaway, which didn't exactly go according to plan!
We're breaking down how she used Southwest points, the Companion Pass, and Chase Sapphire Reserve's The Edit benefits to save big on flights and four nights at Park MGM. From missing breakfast benefits to unexpected dining credits, we're sharing what worked, what didn't, and what we'd do differently.
Plus, we're talking incredible food, Cirque du Soleil, exploring the Strip, and an unforgettable day trip to Valley of Fire. And why Vegas might surprise you even if gambling and partying aren't your thing!
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Valley of Fire Audio Tour
JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:
Get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!
FIND US ONLINE:
Mary Ellen | Joanna
Wonderland on Points Facebook Group
OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:
Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN
Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN
Seats.Aero
CardPointers — Get Our Best Price
Halara — 10% off with code WONDERLAND
Comfrt — 15% off
Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND
47 min
October 07 257. Midweek Mini: Amtrak Points, Atmos Updates & Bilt Takes a Nose Dive
There is a LOT happening in the points and miles world this week, and we’re breaking down the updates that actually caught our attention.
We’re talking about a surprising new transferable points partnership from Bank of America, some very interesting premium airline experiences on the horizon, and new credit cards—including an Atmos Rewards debit card coming in 2027 and a new premium IHG card. We also have another Rove transfer bonus just in time to start thinking about holiday shopping.
Plus, Amtrak is entering the transferable points conversation, which could open up some really fun possibilities for train travel, and we need to talk about what’s happening with Hyatt transfer ratios and what it could mean for the way we move our points going forward.
And, as always, we get into what all of these changes actually mean for us—including how they might affect our own points strategies and the cards we’re keeping, using, or reconsidering.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Rove — Get 1,500 Free Miles
JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:
Get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!
FIND US ONLINE:
Mary Ellen | Joanna
Wonderland on Points Facebook Group
OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:
Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN
Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN
Seats.Aero
CardPointers — Get Our Best Price
Halara — 10% off with code WONDERLAND
Comfrt — 15% off
Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND
24 min
October 05 256. Travel with Flexibility on Points with Raise Her Roaming
What happens when the trip you planned suddenly isn’t the trip you need anymore? Today we’re joined by Rachel and Margaux, the dynamic duo behind Raise Her Roaming, to talk about one of our favorite benefits of points and miles: the freedom to change your mind.
We’re talking about traveling with kids, last-minute pivots, rebooking flights and hotels, unexpected family emergencies, and why we never stop checking our reservations even after everything is booked. From a child getting sick on a flight to swapping hotels in Japan and a trip to Santa Fe somehow turning into Portugal, Rachel and Margaux have some incredible stories of plans changing on the fly.
But this conversation goes so much deeper than points and miles. We talk about the incredible value of traveling with our kids and what they learn when they see us navigate unfamiliar places, solve problems, change plans, and keep going when things feel uncomfortable. Sometimes we have to “do it scared,” and there’s something really powerful about teaching the next generation that they can do that too.
This episode is such a good reminder that points and miles aren’t just about traveling for less. They give our families the flexibility to take more chances, experience more of the world together, and raise kids who know they’re capable of figuring things out—even when the plan completely falls apart.
JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:
Get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!
FIND US ONLINE:
Mary Ellen | Joanna
Wonderland on Points Facebook Group
OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:
Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN
Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN
Seats.Aero
CardPointers — Get Our Best Price
Halara — 10% off with code WONDERLAND
Comfrt — 15% off
Rove — Get 1,500 Free Miles
52 min
September 30 255. Midweek Mini: What Type of Points Traveler Are You?
What kind of points traveler are you? Are you constantly calculating cents per point, saving every point for the “perfect” redemption, hunting for impossible-to-find award space, or just happy your points saved you money?
In this episode, we’re breaking down eight types of points travelers: The Maximizer, The Hoarder, The Hunter, The Luxury Convert, The Strategist, The Chaotic Optimist, The Budget Boss, and The Churn & Burner.
We’re sharing which types we think we are (spoiler: neither of us fits neatly into just one 😂), calling each other out along the way, and figuring out what our points habits say about the way we travel.
Listen in and then tell us: What’s your primary points traveler type—and what’s your secondary?
And TAKE THE QUIZ here on our Blog!
JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:
Get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!
FIND US ONLINE:
Mary Ellen | Joanna
Wonderland on Points Facebook Group
OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:
Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND
Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN
Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN
Seats.Aero
CardPointers — Get Our Best Price
Halara — 10% off with code WONDERLAND
Comfrt — 15% off
Rove — Get 1,500 Free Miles
32 min
September 28 254. An $11,000 San Diego Hotel for $0?! Holly’s Incredible Points Trip
Today on the show, we’re joined by our friend and listener Holly to hear all about her incredible points and miles trip to San Diego! From staying at a hotel that would have cost nearly $11,000 for $0 out of pocket to using TWO Companion Passes for flights, this trip is a perfect example of just how far a good points strategy can take a family.
Holly breaks down the cards and strategies that made the trip possible, including how she used bank bonuses and Capital One miles to cover excursions and other vacation expenses. We also get into the details of where they stayed, what they did, and her honest reviews of the properties and excursions along the way. This was truly a mind-blowing vacation with next to nothing out of pocket!
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND
JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:
Get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!
FIND US ONLINE:
Mary Ellen | Joanna
Wonderland on Points Facebook Group
OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:
Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN
Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN
Seats.Aero
CardPointers — Get Our Best Price
Halara — 10% off with code WONDERLAND
Comfrt — 15% off
Rove — Get 1,500 Free Miles
55 min
September 23 253. Midweek Mini: Chase Q4 Categories, Qatar Gets Easier & Wyndham Gets Worse
The news just keeps coming! This week, we’re breaking down the new Chase Freedom Flex Q4 bonus categories, including why dining and groceries could make this an especially lucrative quarter. We also talk about Qatar making it easier to book award flights for friends and family, a huge 70% Chase-to-Marriott transfer bonus, reported delays with some Amex transfers, and a pretty painful Wyndham devaluation.
Plus, Chase is celebrating the Sapphire Reserve’s 10th anniversary with new limited-time perks and credits. We go through what’s included, which ones we think are actually useful, and how we might take advantage of them. And finally, we clear up the difference between joining Wonderland Besties through Patreon versus subscribing through Apple Podcasts—and why we wanted to give you both options.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Chase Sapphire Reserve 10 Million Points Giveaway
JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:
Get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!
FIND US ONLINE:
Mary Ellen | Joanna
Wonderland on Points Facebook Group
OUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:
Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND
Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)
Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLEN
Joanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNN
Seats.Aero
CardPointers — Get Our Best Price
Halara — 10% off with code WONDERLAND
Comfrt — 15% off
Rove — Get 1,500 Free Miles
28 min