Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards &amp; Budget Travel

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Southwest Credit Card Referral

Nov 2, 2026 37 min

264. Midweek Mini: FREE Walmart+ Perks, 20% Back on Flights & BIG Amex Changes!

Season 1, Episode 264

Show notes

This week's Midweek Mini is packed with travel updates, money-saving opportunities, and some BIG changes to popular rewards programs!

We're kicking things off with a surprising new perk for Sam's Club Plus members: Walmart+ is now included! We're breaking down the benefits and comparing them to Costco Executive to see which membership offers the most value.

Then we're talking about an exciting new Atmos Rewards benefit that gives families 20% back on eligible award flights for kids 12 and under! Plus, Mary Ellen is officially walking away from her Southwest Companion Pass strategy and making the switch to United. We're chatting about why she chose the United Quest card and a targeted Southwest offer you might want to check your inbox for!

We're also covering some great Paze promotions for StubHub and Domino's, Airbnb's upcoming crackdown on ridiculous checkout cleaning requirements, and an important change to the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts credit that could impact your future bookings.

And don't forget to join us over on Wonderland Besties for exclusive bonus episodes, after shows, and even more behind-the-scenes conversations!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Atmos Communities Page

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Bilt Credit Card Referral Link

Oct 28, 2026 30 min

263. The Bilt Deep Dive You've Been Asking For! Featuring Pointed by Jared

Season 1, Episode 263

Show notes

This week we're welcoming points and miles creator, Jared, to break down one of the most talked-about rewards programs right now: Bilt Rewards!

Between the new credit cards, Bilt Cash, spending requirements, and changes to transfer partners, there's A LOT to unpack! Jared is joining us to explain how Bilt 2.0 works and why he believes Bilt still offers some of the most valuable points in the game.

We're diving into the three Bilt credit cards, how to earn points on rent and mortgage payments, and how to maximize Bilt Cash without letting valuable rewards go to waste. We're also discussing the new accelerator feature, changes to Hyatt transfers, and some absolutely WILD transfer bonuses. Jared even shares how he turned 444,000 Bilt points into nearly ONE MILLION Japan Airlines miles!

Whether you're brand new to Bilt or trying to navigate all the recent changes, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you earn more points, maximize your rewards, and make your next dream trip a reality!

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Oct 26, 2026 1 hr 4 min

262. Midweek Mini: Save 40% at Costco, Hyatt's Big Update & Rove News

Season 1, Episode 262

Show notes

This week's Midweek Mini is packed with points and miles news, money-saving tricks, and some exciting updates that could make your next trip even more affordable!

We're kicking things off with a Costco savings hack that could help you save nearly 40% by stacking discounts through DoorDash and Uber Eats. We're breaking down exactly how it works and why you might want to take advantage of these deals before your next Costco run!

Then we're diving into some important credit card and hotel updates, including changes to American Express Platinum benefits. Plus, Hyatt has finally introduced online points transfers between members, making it easier than ever to share points without all the paperwork!

We're also chatting about Rove's newest transfer partner, JetBlue, and what this addition could mean for your future award bookings. With more ways to earn and transfer points, we're always excited to see new opportunities to stretch those travel rewards even further.

And of course, we're sharing another reminder about our HUGE one million streams giveaway! We've got some incredible prizes up for grabs, and we don't want you to miss your chance to enter.

Whether you're looking to save on everyday purchases, maximize your credit card perks, or find new ways to book travel with points and miles, we've got plenty to talk about this week!

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Southwest Credit Card Referral

Oct 21, 2026 16 min

261. Bonus Episode: Southwest Nerfs the Companion Pass

Season 1, Episode 261

Show notes

Southwest Airlines has dropped some MAJOR news, and we're breaking it all down in this episode of Wonderland on Points!

We're diving into the newly announced Companion Pass changes, including the introduction of new loyalty tiers, updated qualification requirements, and what these changes could mean for travelers who have relied on this incredible benefit to stretch their travel budgets. We're also talking about why this announcement isn't entirely surprising, how the timing could impact your strategy, and whether there's still an opportunity to earn the Companion Pass under the current rules before the end of the year.

But it's not all bad news! Southwest is also opening the door to international partner award flights, which could bring some exciting new redemption opportunities. We're discussing what we know so far, what we're still waiting to learn, and how these changes could impact the way we earn and redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points moving forward.

If you've been working toward earning the Companion Pass, already have one, or have been considering adding a Southwest credit card to your wallet, this is an episode you won't want to miss. We're sharing our thoughts on what these changes mean for everyday families and how to make the most of the Companion Pass while we still can!

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Oct 20, 2026 18 min

260. ELEVEN People to Italy on Points: Planning a Massive Multigenerational Award Travel Trip

Season 1, Episode 260

Show notes

We're welcoming back a familiar voice to Wonderland on Points this week! Our returning guest, Mari, is joining us to share all about her incredible multigenerational trip to Italy, where she managed to get 11 people to Europe using points and miles! Yes, ELEVEN.

From the logistics of planning an international adventure with such a large group to the unforgettable experiences they had along the way, Mari is taking us through all the details of this whirlwind Italian getaway. We're chatting about how she made it happen, what it was like traveling with multiple generations, and why this trip is proof that points and miles can make even the biggest family adventures possible.

And can we talk about agriturismos?! Because learning what these are might have just completely changed the way we want to travel through Italy! We're officially obsessed, and we have a feeling you will be too.

This is one of those episodes that will have you dreaming about booking your own Italian adventure before it's even over. You absolutely don't want to miss it!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

For Agriturismo link, message Mari on Insta ♥️

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Hilton Honors Card Referral Link

Oct 19, 2026 46 min

259. Midweek Mini: ONE MILLION STREAMS! Plus Chase Deals, Hilton Offers & a Giveaway

Season 1, Episode 259

Show notes

This week's Midweek Mini is a BIG one, and we have some exciting news to share!

We're talking about why we're testing podcast ads, a Chase promotion that could earn you thousands of extra points, an exciting Hilton credit card offer, and a new reselling side hustle that's already bringing in extra travel money! Plus, Joanna has an update on her missing Chase Edit breakfast benefit from Vegas.

And we're saving the BEST for last! Wonderland on Points has officially hit ONE MILLION STREAMS!!! We're celebrating with a special listener giveaway, and we can't wait to share all the details. We truly couldn't have done this without you!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Vinted Link

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Valley of Fire Audio Tour

Oct 14, 2026 30 min

258. Vegas Without Gambling: Park MGM, Points & Valley of Fire

Season 1, Episode 258

Show notes

What happens when you plan an entire trip around a concert...and then the concert gets canceled?! Today we're recapping Joanna's recent Las Vegas getaway, which didn't exactly go according to plan!

We're breaking down how she used Southwest points, the Companion Pass, and Chase Sapphire Reserve's The Edit benefits to save big on flights and four nights at Park MGM. From missing breakfast benefits to unexpected dining credits, we're sharing what worked, what didn't, and what we'd do differently.

Plus, we're talking incredible food, Cirque du Soleil, exploring the Strip, and an unforgettable day trip to Valley of Fire. And why Vegas might surprise you even if gambling and partying aren't your thing!

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Oct 12, 2026 47 min

257. Midweek Mini: Amtrak Points, Atmos Updates & Bilt Takes a Nose Dive

Season 1, Episode 257

Show notes

There is a LOT happening in the points and miles world this week, and we’re breaking down the updates that actually caught our attention.

We’re talking about a surprising new transferable points partnership from Bank of America, some very interesting premium airline experiences on the horizon, and new credit cards—including an Atmos Rewards debit card coming in 2027 and a new premium IHG card. We also have another Rove transfer bonus just in time to start thinking about holiday shopping.

Plus, Amtrak is entering the transferable points conversation, which could open up some really fun possibilities for train travel, and we need to talk about what’s happening with Hyatt transfer ratios and what it could mean for the way we move our points going forward.

And, as always, we get into what all of these changes actually mean for us—including how they might affect our own points strategies and the cards we’re keeping, using, or reconsidering.

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Oct 7, 2026 24 min

256. Travel with Flexibility on Points with Raise Her Roaming

Season 1, Episode 256

Show notes

What happens when the trip you planned suddenly isn’t the trip you need anymore? Today we’re joined by Rachel and Margaux, the dynamic duo behind Raise Her Roaming, to talk about one of our favorite benefits of points and miles: the freedom to change your mind.

We’re talking about traveling with kids, last-minute pivots, rebooking flights and hotels, unexpected family emergencies, and why we never stop checking our reservations even after everything is booked. From a child getting sick on a flight to swapping hotels in Japan and a trip to Santa Fe somehow turning into Portugal, Rachel and Margaux have some incredible stories of plans changing on the fly.

But this conversation goes so much deeper than points and miles. We talk about the incredible value of traveling with our kids and what they learn when they see us navigate unfamiliar places, solve problems, change plans, and keep going when things feel uncomfortable. Sometimes we have to “do it scared,” and there’s something really powerful about teaching the next generation that they can do that too.

This episode is such a good reminder that points and miles aren’t just about traveling for less. They give our families the flexibility to take more chances, experience more of the world together, and raise kids who know they’re capable of figuring things out—even when the plan completely falls apart.

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Oct 5, 2026 52 min

255. Midweek Mini: What Type of Points Traveler Are You?

Season 1, Episode 255

Show notes

What kind of points traveler are you? Are you constantly calculating cents per point, saving every point for the “perfect” redemption, hunting for impossible-to-find award space, or just happy your points saved you money?

In this episode, we’re breaking down eight types of points travelers: The Maximizer, The Hoarder, The Hunter, The Luxury Convert, The Strategist, The Chaotic Optimist, The Budget Boss, and The Churn & Burner.

We’re sharing which types we think we are (spoiler: neither of us fits neatly into just one 😂), calling each other out along the way, and figuring out what our points habits say about the way we travel.

Listen in and then tell us: What’s your primary points traveler type—and what’s your secondary?

And TAKE THE QUIZ here on our Blog!

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Sep 30, 2026 31 min

254. An $11,000 San Diego Hotel for $0?! Holly’s Incredible Points Trip

Season 1, Episode 254

Show notes

Today on the show, we’re joined by our friend and listener Holly to hear all about her incredible points and miles trip to San Diego! From staying at a hotel that would have cost nearly $11,000 for $0 out of pocket to using TWO Companion Passes for flights, this trip is a perfect example of just how far a good points strategy can take a family.

Holly breaks down the cards and strategies that made the trip possible, including how she used bank bonuses and Capital One miles to cover excursions and other vacation expenses. We also get into the details of where they stayed, what they did, and her honest reviews of the properties and excursions along the way. This was truly a mind-blowing vacation with next to nothing out of pocket!

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Chase Sapphire Reserve 10 Million Points Giveaway

Sep 28, 2026 54 min

253. Midweek Mini: Chase Q4 Categories, Qatar Gets Easier & Wyndham Gets Worse

Season 1, Episode 253

Show notes

The news just keeps coming! This week, we’re breaking down the new Chase Freedom Flex Q4 bonus categories, including why dining and groceries could make this an especially lucrative quarter. We also talk about Qatar making it easier to book award flights for friends and family, a huge 70% Chase-to-Marriott transfer bonus, reported delays with some Amex transfers, and a pretty painful Wyndham devaluation.

Plus, Chase is celebrating the Sapphire Reserve’s 10th anniversary with new limited-time perks and credits. We go through what’s included, which ones we think are actually useful, and how we might take advantage of them. And finally, we clear up the difference between joining Wonderland Besties through Patreon versus subscribing through Apple Podcasts—and why we wanted to give you both options.

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Sep 23, 2026 28 min

252. Grand Teton & Yellowstone: Points, Parks & Plot Twists with @Jamie.Travel.Tips

Season 1, Episode 252

Show notes

This week, Jamie joins us to recap her family trip through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks! She shares how they used Southwest points and a Companion Pass to fly into Boise and home from Bozeman, plus how they covered lodging with Wyndham points, Capital One miles, and credit card benefits. We talk about exploring Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls and String Lake in the Tetons before cold and rainy weather completely changed their plans.

Then it’s on to Yellowstone for bison, bears, Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, and some seriously wild traffic. Jamie also shares what she would do differently next time, where she would stay, and her biggest tips for planning a Yellowstone and Grand Teton trip with kids. This one is full of practical advice for planning your own national parks adventure—and a good reminder that sometimes the best family trips require a little flexibility!

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Sep 21, 2026 59 min

251. Midweek Mini: Global Entry, Alaska & Capital One News + Wonderland Besties Hard Launch!

Season 1, Episode 251

Show notes

This week’s Midweek Mini has some important travel updates plus a BIG Wonderland on Points announcement! We’re talking about the new Trusted Traveler app replacing the old Global Entry app, Alaska Airlines making international lap infant award travel much more affordable, and the current Capital One Venture offer. We also cover a major change to Chase-to-Hyatt transfers and what you may want to do before it takes effect. Then, Wonderland Besties is officially HERE! We’re breaking down everything included in our new membership, from bonus episodes and ad-free listening to timely news, voicemail questions, community input, giveaways, group trip access, and more—plus we explain the differences between joining through Patreon and Apple Premium.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Venture referral link

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Rakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)

Wonderland Besties Subscription

Sep 16, 2026 21 min

250. The 2026 Best (and Worst) Airline & Hotel Loyalty Programs, Ranked with U.S. News & World Report's Elizabeth von Tersch

Season 1, Episode 250

Show notes

Elizabeth von Tersch from U.S. News & World Report joins us to break down the latest rankings of the best airline and hotel loyalty programs—and there are definitely some surprises! We talk about why American took the top airline spot, what caused Atmos and United to fall, why JetBlue is gaining ground, and where Delta struggles. On the hotel side, we dig into Wyndham taking #1, why Hyatt remains strong despite its smaller footprint, and how programs like Choice, Hilton, Sonesta, and IHG compare. Plus, we talk about devaluations, transfer partners, redemption value, and why your points are almost always worth more today than they will be tomorrow.

Mentioned in this episode:

http://travel.usnews.com

@USNewsTravel

Travel Essentials Links

Elizabeth TikTok

Elizabeth Youtube

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Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)

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Sep 14, 2026 41 min

249. Midweek Mini: Southwest Lounges Are Coming + A BIG Wonderland Announcement

Season 1, Episode 249

Show notes

This week’s Midweek Mini is packed with good news! We’re talking about Southwest’s plans for new airport lounges and how a potential new premium Southwest card could impact Companion Pass strategy. We also break down the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s DoorDash restaurant credit increasing, Rove adding Copa Airlines as a transfer partner with a limited-time bonus, and some great Copa redemption sweet spots. Plus, we’re sharing a BIG Wonderland on Points update that you don't want to miss!

Mentioned in this episode:

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Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)

Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)

Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)

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Sep 9, 2026 27 min

248. Alaska on Points: Glaciers, Whales, Bears & an Epic Father-Daughter Adventure

Season 1, Episode 248

Show notes

We’re recapping Joanna’s incredible father-daughter trip to Alaska and breaking down how she made such an epic trip surprisingly budget-friendly! We talk about flying from St. Louis to Anchorage for just 17,500 points each way, using Hyatt points for the hotel, renting a car and exploring on our own, and deciding which experiences were actually worth the splurge. From trekking and rappelling on Matanuska Glacier to hiking in Girdwood, exploring Whittier, spotting beluga whales, picking wild blueberries in Hatcher Pass, cruising Kenai Fjords National Park, and finally finding a moose at sunset, this trip was packed with bucket-list moments. Joanna also shares why experiencing Alaska with her dad made this one of the most meaningful trips she’s ever taken—and why she came home already wanting to go back.

Mentioned in this episode:

Matanuska Glacier Youtube Review

Nova Alaska Tours

Whittier Marine Charters

Borealis Custom Fishing Experience

Hatcher Pass ATV

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Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)

Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)

Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)

Old Companion Pass Episode

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Sep 7, 2026 1 hr 21 min

247. Midweek Mini: Vikings, Fraud and Companion Passes

Season 1, Episode 247

Show notes

This week, we’re catching up on a little bit of everything! We share an incredible VIP Minnesota Vikings experience made possible by one of our listeners, plus how we used points for the trip and checked out some unique Priority Pass options at MSP. We also talk about a recent credit card fraud scare, why we prefer credit over debit cards, and our strategies for earning the Southwest Companion Pass. Plus, we’re covering spring break planning, an important reminder to always register for Hyatt promos, and some new Rove features we’re excited about.

Mentioned in this Episode:

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Our Favorite Travel Necessities

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Sep 2, 2026 27 min

246. Puerto Rico on Points: A $12,000, 6-Night Family Trip That Cost $1500

Season 1, Episode 246

Show notes

Kirsten, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor and mom of three, joins us to break down how her family spent six nights in Puerto Rico for just $1,500 out of pocket on a trip that would have cost around $12,000 in cash. We get into exactly how she pulled it off using JetBlue points, Hyatt points, credit card travel credits, rental car status, and a Hyatt Guest of Honor award. Kirsten walks us through their stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, why Guest of Honor benefits saved them hundreds of dollars on breakfast and parking, and how Puerto Rico turned out to be an incredibly easy family destination for a February school break. We also talk about their adventures in El Yunque, natural waterslides and cliff jumping in the rainforest, a canceled snorkeling excursion that led to a great backup day at Luquillo Beach, and exploring historic Old San Juan. Plus, we cover the Capital One offer that earned Kirsten an incredible 30X on a Viator excursion, her favorite points and travel tools, and why Puerto Rico deserves a spot on your list if you want beaches, adventure, history, and tropical weather without needing a passport.

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