Let's Talk About Points, Baby

Let's talk about you and me. Let's talk about how you get this for free...

If you've ever wondered how we fly across the world, stay in five-star resorts, and still come home with money in our pockets — you're in the right place.

This is your crash course in points and miles 101, taught the Bargain Bougie way: no spreadsheets, no jargon, and definitely no boring lectures. We're breaking down what points really are, how to earn them strategically, and how to stop leaving free travel on the table.

First Things First: What Are Points & Miles?

Points and miles are loyalty currencies you earn from banks, airlines, and hotels that can be redeemed for free or discounted travel. They go by different names — points, miles, rewards — but don't get hung up on vocabulary.

Here's the truth: all points and miles are NOT created equal.

To earn them, you simply enroll in a loyalty program (it's free and easy). You don't need to join everything — just start with the ones that match your travel goals.

How to Think Like a Points Pro

Let's break it down Bargain Bougie style: simple, clear, and with maximum tea.

Not All Points & Miles Are Equal

A point is not a point is not a point. Think of it like this: a U.S. dollar, a Canadian dollar, and Monopoly money all say "dollar," but not all of them can buy you dinner.

Here's a general value benchmark:

• Airline Miles: 1–1.5 cents per mile

• Hotel Points: 0.5–0.8 cents per point

• Transferable Points (Chase/Amex/Citi): 1.75–2.25 cents per point

Quick example: 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points equal about $1,750+ in travel or roughly 2-3 round-trip domestic economy flights. (Remember our trip to Sardinia where we made this amount worth over $6,000?) Meanwhile, 100,000 Hilton points get you about $600 in rooms.

Value your points by what they GET you — not how many you have.

The exact moment points click for people: when you realize you can cross the Atlantic for the cost of a latte.

Not All Credit Cards Are Created Equal

Annual fees aren't scary when you know how to do the math.

Cards live in ecosystems: airline, hotel, or bank (Chase, Amex, Citi — the queens). A $550 card can actually save you money when you factor in lounge access, travel credits, elite hotel status, and giant point bonuses.

Here's the math: a $550 annual fee minus a $300 travel credit minus $200 in lounge value equals net positive value (plus bougie perks). Evaluate cards by value received, not fee amount.

The Four Types of Points & Miles

Know what you're earning — and why.

• Airline Miles are earned through airline cards or flying. Best use? Free flights. Think American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest.

• Hotel Points come from hotel cards or stays. Best use? Free nights at places like Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott.

• Transferable Points are the power players. They're earned through bank cards and can be transferred to airlines or hotels. These are your Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou points. They're like currency exchangers: flexible, valuable, and able to unlock both flights AND hotels.

• Cash Back is earned on general spending and used for statement credits. Examples include Chase Freedom and Citi Double Cash.

Transferable points are where the magic happens.

Common Myths & Misunderstandings

Most people stay broke because they believe bad information. Let's clear some things up.

• "Opening credit cards hurts your score." Not when you pay on time and keep utilization low — it can actually raise your score.

• "Cash back is safer." Not always — travel redemptions are often worth three to four times more.

• "Annual fees are bad." Only if perks don't exceed the cost. Many do.

• "All points are worth 1 cent." Wrong — that's only true for cash-back, not travel.

How to Think About Value

Value equals what the points get you. Don't obsess over cents per point — focus on outcomes.

100,000 airline miles gets you one business-class flight to Europe. 100,000 hotel points gets you two to four nights at a nice property. 100,000 transferable points gets you any of the above. Strategy beats hoarding every time.

Credit Score 101

Your credit score is the key that unlocks the points world. Aim for 750+ because that's enough to get approved for the best cards.

The four rules: never miss payments, keep utilization low, keep your oldest card open, and apply thoughtfully (not impulsively). Responsible card use equals stronger credit, not weaker.

The 3-Minute Points Mindset

Take this with you everywhere:

• First, identify your goal. Free flights? Free hotels? Luxury upgrades? Flexibility?

• Second, earn the right "currency." Pick cards based on what you actually want.

• Third, redeem smart. Points are not coupons. They're investments. Don't waste them on low-value redemptions.

The Bargain Bougie Way

Points and miles aren't complicated. They aren't scary. And they definitely aren't "only for rich people."

They're currencies anyone can learn, use, and maximize — once you know how. And when you do? You'll fly farther, stay bougier, and pay less than most people spending full price.

Because at the end of the day: we play dumb. We know exactly what we're doing.

Ready to stop leaving free travel on the table? Join a free workshop to learn the basics, or book a 1-1 strategy session if you want a game plan built around your goals.