Points and miles, explained like a friend would.
Plain-English advice on travel rewards. How to earn a card’s welcome bonus without overspending, how to turn points into flights and hotel nights, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost people money.
Start with the basics
In-depth how-tos are on the way. Each one will open with a Quick facts box: time, cost, potential value, and who it’s best for.
Coming soon
The first guides — earning your first welcome bonus, choosing a first travel card, transfer partners, and more — are being finished. Meanwhile, start on the Start Here page for the vocabulary and ground rules.
Current deals, dated and labeled
Bank bonuses and limited-time offers will appear here, each marked Active or Expired. Expired deals stay up, clearly labeled.
Coming soon
The first dated deals and trip reports are not published yet. Check back soon, or read Start Here while we finish them.
What you’ll find here
Guides
How-tosIn-depth guides: earning, transfer partners, and award booking.
Deals
Dated offersShort posts on bank bonuses and limited-time offers, each marked Active or Expired.
Card Reviews
One formatWelcome offer, earning, annual fee, and who each card is best for.
Trip Reports
Real redemptionsReal trips with the full earned-and-redeemed numbers.
Tools
Coming soonCalculators and trackers: point values, spend deadlines, and a 5/24 counter.
About
Who writes thisWho I am, my running totals, and how this site makes money.
Why trust someone with a pen name?
Fair question. Here’s my answer.
Real numbers only
When I share results, they’re my actual results. I won’t invent trips, totals, or reader stories.
Running totals are public
My About page shows what I’ve earned and redeemed, mistakes included.
Offers checked at the source
Every offer links to the issuer’s own page, with the date I checked it.
Clear about money
You’ll always know how I make money. See the Advertiser Disclosure.