I've Got Points, Now What?

This episode hosted by Mike and Angie , opens with a highlight post from Ira asking about easy, at-home ways to use various Amex statement credits. Angie explains that some, like Dunkin’ and office supply store credits, can be used online, while others, like the dining credit, are best used in person or via services like Grubhub. In the news segment, they cover Chase co-branded card multiplier promos, confirmation that Hawaiian Airlines credit cards will remain available, a recently expired United flash sale to Asia and Oceania, and major Aeroplan program changes starting in 2026, shifting to revenue-based point earning with new status qualifying credits and milestone rewards.In personal updates, both Angie and Mike share recent credit card bonuses, including the Citi Strata Elite 100k in-branch offer, and trip planning changes. Angie rebooked Northeast hotels to leverage Chase Points Boost and Citi Elite’s $300 hotel credit, finalized a rental car for a golf trip, and planned a November “girls’ trip” with possible glamping. Mike lists upcoming travel to Nashville, New Orleans, New York (twice), Texas, and Miami for the AT101 September meetup.The main topic, “I’ve got points—now what?”, addresses people who have amassed rewards but feel overwhelmed deciding how to use them. Angie shares four recent examples, from someone feeling pressure to book the Maldives because “everyone does,” to travelers struggling with cash vs. points decisions, or comparing award flights unfavorably to friends’ paid fares. Mike and Angie discuss how destination choices are often influenced by personal bucket lists or others’ invitations—like Mike’s potential Jamaica trip offered by a friend—and emphasize tailoring redemptions to individual goals, timing, and comfort levels rather than trends.Links to Topics DiscussedChase Co-Branded Cards My Bonus PromoHawaiian Airlines Credit CardUnited Deal AlertAir Canada Aeroplan Program ChangesWhere to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at [email protected] your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Late Summer 2026 Meetup in Milwaukee now. award.travel/mke2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.