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TPG Talks episode eight: Advanced redemption tactics
Nick Ewen
Senior editorial director
Nick Ewen is TPG's senior editorial director and helps readers leverage credit cards (he has 23 of them) and loyalty programs to travel more for less. He's been at TPG for over 11 years.
June 13, 2020
•
4 min read
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In some cases, redeeming points and miles can be simple, but in many instances, it's quite complex. How do you find availability for premium-class flights? What's the best program to use to book those awards? And what are some advanced strategies for maximizing your loyalty rewards?
We attempted to answer these questions (and more) on this week's TPG Talks webinar, when Loyalty and Engagement Editor Richard Kerr joined me to discuss advanced redemption tactics. We shared some of our favorite strategies for making the most of your points and miles, then did a rapid-fire overview of key transfer partners from Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards.
If you're looking to learn more about maximizing your credit card rewards, check out the recording of this week's talk:
Show notes
- 2:00 - Fast Facts about What's Going on in Points and Miles
- 5:10 - The Power of Transfering Points
- 8:01 - Stopovers and Open Jaws
- 10:27 - Multiple Award Seats on the Same Flight
- 12:30 - Singapore KrisFlyer
- 16:00 - United MileagePlus
- 21:18 - Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- 26:00 - Etihad Guest
- 30:50 - Air Canada Aeroplan
- 34:43 - Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
- 39:06 - Iberia Avios
- 42:00 - All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- 46:42 - How Far in Advance Should You Search for Award Availability?
- 47:17 - Clarity Around Transfering Miles
- 48:11 - Turkish Miles and Smiles
- 51:55 - Avianca LifeMiles
- 55:09 - Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
- 58:35 - What is the Process for Booking an Award?
- 1:02:10 - Booking One Way vs. Roundtrip Flights
- 1:04:46 - How to Research What Non-Stop Flights are Available?
- 1:06:55 - Singapore KrisFlyer Fifth Freedom Routes
- 1:08:10 - Websites for Finding Availability By Airline Alliance
Follow-on reading and important links
- A guide to earning transferable points and why they're so valuable
- Maximizing stopovers and open jaws on award tickets
- How to beat limited award availability once and for all
- How to travel more for fewer miles with the United Excursionist Perk
- The ultimate guide to Etihad partners
- Turkish Miles & Smiles: Why you should care about the hottest frequent flyer program of 2020
- How to book cheap Delta awards with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- The best ways to maximize Air Canada's Aeroplan program
Bottom line
TPG Talks is a series of live webinars hosted by team members from The Points Guy, covering various aspects of the travel, credit card and loyalty industries. Join from anywhere in the world on any device to learn tips and tricks that'll get you closer to your next dream vacation.
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For a list of previous sessions, visit our TPG Talks hub page, or click on any of the links below for individual recaps:
- TPG Talks #1: Online shopping portals
- TPG Talks #2: Under-the-radar loyalty programs
- TPG Talks #3: Future of cruising
- TPG Talks #4: Beginner's guide
- TPG Talks #5: Travel changes and cancellations
- TPG Talks #6: New era of flight deals
- TPG Talks #7: Credit card strategy
And if you haven't already be sure to sign up for our daily newsletter where we have lots of tips on award booking.
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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for businesses with high spending
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
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Intro Offer
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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.740-850Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
- The Capital One Venture X business card has a very lucrative welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
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Cons
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- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
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- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month