13 ways to get the most bang for your buck with TPG
TPG celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and over the past decade, we've grown quite a bit.
Not only has our team expanded tremendously, but our presence on the internet has as well. From Brian Kelly's first blog post to Facebook groups and webinars, we're so much more than what's on the website.
To keep you up to date with all that TPG has going on right now, we've rounded up all the ways you can stay in touch with us.
Here's the full list:
The TPG daily newsletter
To get travel news and deals delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for the TPG daily newsletter, where Editor-at-Large Zach Honig curates all of the top travel updates you need to know about.
Sign up for TPG's daily newsletter.
Brian Kelly's weekly newsletter
TPG himself, Brian Kelly, just launched his own weekly newsletter, a direct line from TPG to all of you. Every Sunday, read about the week in travel, including Brian's take on the state of the industry, trends in award availability and so much more. You’ll also get exclusive content like data from our Points Lab team.
Sign up for Brian Kelly's weekly newsletter.
Gene Sloan's biweekly cruise-letter
TPG's resident cruise expert, Gene Sloan, has launched a biweekly newsletter dedicated to — you guessed it — the world of cruising. This read is for the many people like you who are hungry for cruise planning advice and the latest news about lines, ships, itineraries and ports.
If you need a reminder, Gene has written about cruising for more than two decades, and his stories have appeared in more than 100 publications including Afar Magazine, USA TODAY and more than 60 Gannett-owned newspapers. He's written cruise guides for Frommer’s and served as a cruise expert for The Travel Channel. He's also sailed on more than 150 different ships operated by 40 lines.
Sign up for Gene's biweekly cruiseletter.
New: Ben Mutzabaugh's biweekly aviation newsletter
TPG Senior Aviation Editor Ben Mutzabaugh is bringing you our newest newsletter about all things aviation. Sign up for a biweekly update on the latest in airline news and trends, delivered straight to your inbox. It will serve as your main source to keep up with all the trends and developments affecting the airline industry. Readers should look forward to a weekly Q&A that will alternate between reader questions and interviews with industry insiders.
You might remember Ben from his days at USA Today, where he launched the award-winning Today in the Sky blog in 2002. It was one of the first blogs to focus on the airline industry, where Ben covered some of the most exciting aviation stories of the past two decades – including numerous airline mergers and failures, the first-ever commercial passenger flight on the then-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner and interviews with top industry CEOs.
Sign up for Ben's biweekly aviation newsletter.
Have a question for the TPG community? You're definitely going to want to join one (or all) of our TPG Facebook groups.
- TPG Lounge: By joining the TPG Lounge, you'll help drive the conversation when it comes to travel, plus you'll be able to virtually mingle with tens of thousands of other travel-savvy individuals who share your same enthusiasm for points & miles.
- TPG Family: If you’re always looking for ways to make travel more fun, less stressful and less expensive for you and your family then this group is the place to be.
- TPG Women: TPG Women is a safe space exclusively for women to ask questions about all things travel, with an emphasis on points and miles. In this group, women share tips for safe solo travel, discuss how to maximize travel rewards, and get the opportunity to network with fellow women travelers.
- TPG Small Biz: This community is meant to help small-business leaders learn strategies to maximize their rewards on small-business expenses and how to redeem points and miles to help maximize their business’ budget.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAkymdQHPTJ/
Looking to spice up your Instagram feed with some killer travel photos and tips? Follow @thepointsguy on Instagram. TPG's own Summer Hull also brings you everything you need to know about family travel (including Disney) at @mommypoints. And, if you're looking for a mix of travel content with a nice dose of dogs, be sure to follow TPG himself on his personal account @briankelly. (Oh, and don't forget about @thepointspups!)
If Twitter's your preferred social media platform, give us a follow @thepointsguy to stay up to date with the latest stories on TPG. If you're interested in deals in particular, follow @TPG_Alerts to automatically get notified when we publish a deal. Finally, for all things family travel you're going to want to give @MommyPoints a follow.
TikTok
You won't find us doing any coordinated dances (yet) on TikTok, but you will find a behind-the-scenes look at where crew sleep on the airplane and what it's like to fly private (spoiler alert: it's pretty amazing).
"The Future of Travel with Brian Kelly" Webinar
“The Future of Travel with Brian Kelly” is a series of live events looking ahead at what’s in store for the travel industry as it begins to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Join Brian as he interviews top experts and company executives on a range of topics, including traveler health, cleanliness measures, loyalty programs and what it all means for the traveling public.
Catch up on past webinars with everyone from award-winning journalist and television host Oneika Raymond to Joanna Geraghty, President and Chief Operating Officer of JetBlue.
Sign up for our next "Future of Travel" webinar.
'TPG Talks'
‘TPG Talks’ is a free webinar series where we offer an in-depth look into loyalty programs, how to navigate flight changes and more with our experts here at TPG. Catch up on past episodes such as navigating travel changes and cancellations and the future of cruising here.
Register for the next 'TPG Talks'.
YouTube
Over on YouTube, you have access to everything from the latest changes in the travel industry and what that means for travelers to getting some inspiration for a future trip. You can also check out all of TPG's travel adventures in Brian's "Being the Points Guy" vlog series.
Follow us on Pinterest for all the travel inspiration, tips, and hotel and flight reviews you need to plan the perfect trip.
Easily pin and read your favorite TPG stories and browse the latest news on our curated Flipboard page.
Coming soon: The TPG App
This year, we’re launching the new TPG App, which will make you a better traveler in three key ways:
- Learn: You’ll get relevant content based on where you live, what airlines you fly and where you want to travel.
- Earn: We’ll help you determine which credit cards and loyalty programs make the most sense for your exact needs and spending habits.
- Burn: We’re giving you the tools you need to maximize every mile and point you redeem.
Don’t worry, we'll be sharing plenty of information about it as we get prepared to launch, and invite you to help beta test the app when that time comes.Sign up to receive the latest updates on the TPG App.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.