TPG staff discuss: What do our loved ones think of our points-and-miles hobby?
Points-and-miles enthusiasts are a different breed — particularly TPG staff.
If you're neck-deep in this hobby, there are probably many things you do that sound extreme to an outsider. Here are some things people have done over the past several years that come to mind — all in the name of discounted travel:
- Hand-writing personal details on 94 notecards and separately mailing each one to IHG.
- Booking 10 one-way flights between Madrid and Mallorca, Spain — and never showing up for any of them.
- Purchasing a cheap business-class flight between Philadelphia and Kyiv with no intention of traveling to Ukraine.
With no context, antics such as these sound pretty bizarre. This is what friends and family see us do — and when we routinely encourage them to do the same, we get the skeptical eyebrow.
Here are six TPG staffers who discuss how their loved ones feel about this crazy (and often consuming) hobby of points and miles.
What our loved ones think of our points-and-miles obsession
Stella Shon
My friends are always appalled at my travel habits when they see that I’m flying in a lie-flat seat across the Atlantic or I get cleared for a first-class upgrade at the gate (meanwhile, they're stuck in the last row in basic economy).
When asked how I'm able to travel so well, I always credit it to this lovely hobby of points and miles. I think they’re more amazed than anything, and they want to get into the hobby as well. The biggest detractor for them is the amount of time it takes to devote to this hobby (I mean, I write about this stuff full time, so I completely understand).
Regardless, my friends are thankful to have a free travel agent that is always willing and ready to answer any questions related to cards or traveling.
Related: TPG beginners guide: Everything you need to know about points, miles, airlines and credit cards
Katie Genter
Unlike with most other TPG staffers, my husband is just as into points and miles as I am. In fact, he actually got into the hobby before I did!
But now, we've both turned our points-and-miles hobby into careers writing about credit cards and travel rewards. We live on the road as digital nomads, so we maximize earning and redeeming as part of our everyday life. Our families think we are crazy, but they're also amazed by how much we can travel for relatively little out-of-pocket cost. And they don't hesitate to ask us when they need help with redeeming their own credit card rewards or finding award availability.
Related: 345 flights, 218 award nights, 132 cities: How I spent 3 years as a global digital nomad
Juan Ruiz
My wife and I are going on 10 years now of strategic spending (using the right cards for appropriate spending categories). I used to put labels on her cards to help her remember which ones to use for everyday expenses. Now she just asks me — because what normal person has time to memorize bonus spending categories for 20 cards?
Related: How I Swipe: TPG credit cards editor Juan Ruiz
Joseph Hostetler
My wife is incredibly understanding of my points-and-miles enthusiasm, and she's picked up a lot along the way. Some of the more drastic measures I take to earn rewards she thinks are a bit ridiculous, but I don't hear any complaints when she's sitting on the deck of an overwater villa.
At one point or another, nearly all my close friends (and plenty of acquaintances) have petitioned me for help to achieve their travel goals. I didn't ask for this role, but simply mentioning a recent adventure inflames their curiosity — and their suspicion. Flying to Hawaii in a lie-flat business-class seat for $5.60 sounds felonious.
Related: Why I lie to my friends and family about miles and points
Eric Rosen
I wanted this answer to come directly from my partner. Here's what he said:
"I had friends who were into points long before I met you, so I thought you were just one of those travelers who tried to get places the cheapest way possible. I never understood the way those friends did that or had so much interest since I liked to do road trips domestically in my 20s. I always figured I would travel internationally when I had the money to pay for better flights than my friends found.
"Over time, I learned you used points in a more elegant and sophisticated manner to create unique, life-changing experiences when you traveled. I still don't understand the ins and outs of how many points you need to do what. But I do understand it when you tell me we get to fly in style to fascinating international destinations I always wanted to go to for about the same cost of my old road trips, thanks to points."
Related: Fly more, spend less: These are some of the best airline awards in the world
Nick Ewen
My wife's general philosophy in tolerating my points obsession boils down to this: "I'm just here for the free trips."
Related: From family resorts to private islands: Where to stay in the Seychelles on points
Bottom line
TPG friends and family are largely understanding of the measures we take to discount and upgrade our travel experience. It's our job and our hobby — and therefore occupies a large portion of our thoughts.
Thanks to everyone who doesn't just tolerate our eccentric behavior but loves us despite it.
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| 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.