Tag: Travel Community
Quick Hits: Chase Sapphire Refresh Rumors, a New Caribbean Resort to Book With Points, and More!

Quick Hits: Chase Sapphire Refresh Rumors, a New Caribbean Resort to Book With Points, and More!

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke dives into the latest updates from the world of travel rewards and points strategies. He covers listener feedback, highlights a new all-inclusive Hyatt resort in Saint Lucia, unpacks the devaluation of Iberia Avios, shares tips for upgrading to Emirates First Class without elite status, and revisits the ZilMoney payroll-on-card saga. He also breaks down rumors about significant changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve and answers a listener’s question about building credit as a college student.

This episode provides timely guidance for maximizing redemption value amid changing reward structures and transfer ratios. DeAndre also shares personal insights on why booking all-inclusive stays with points can lead to outsized value—and how small booking details like guest count can make a big difference. If you’re managing your family’s rewards strategy or just starting to build credit, you’ll find plenty of smart, actionable insights packed into this week’s updates.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Chase IHG Certs Clarified: 60K certs cannot be topped off—unlike the 40K ones.
  • New Hyatt All-Inclusive: Secrets Saint Lucia Resort is now bookable with points.
  • Iberia Avios Devaluation: East Coast to Madrid redemptions increase by 19%.
  • Emirates Upgrade Workaround: Non-elites can still upgrade at check-in using miles.
  • ZilMoney Update: Payroll on credit card may return by end of June.
  • Sapphire Reserve Rumors: $795 fee and new travel and dining benefits may be on the way.
  • Building Student Credit: Capital One SavorOne Student is a solid early credit card option.
  • Authorized Users & Credit History: Adding children to fee-free cards can help build long-term credit.

 

Resources:

 

Interested in Financial Planning?

 

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

 

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Unpacking The One App that Will Make Earning Points & Saving Money Substantially Easier: CardPointers Explained (Ep. 78)

Unpacking The One App that Will Make Earning Points & Saving Money Substantially Easier: CardPointers Explained (Ep. 78)

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In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke sits down with Emmanuel, the founder of CardPointers—a game-changing app designed to help travelers optimize their credit card usage and maximize points and miles. Emmanuel shares how a personal challenge managing multiple cards led him to build CardPointers, and how the app has evolved into a powerful tool for both beginners and seasoned travel hackers.

The conversation highlights standout features, including automated offer tracking, an Autopilot mode that recommends the best card to use based on your location, and an Augmented Reality interface that displays savings opportunities at nearby stores. Emmanuel also breaks down the differences between the free and pro versions, upcoming features, and how CardPointers protects user privacy without requiring sensitive logins.

This episode delivers practical insights, pro tips, and plenty of inspiration for smarter travel.

 

Want to sign up for CardPointers? Use our link here

 

Key Highlights:

  • CardPointers origin: Born from Emmanuel’s personal need to simplify credit card tracking.
  • Smart card recommendations: The App shows which card to use for every purchase.
  • Built-in offers: Automatically integrates bank deals to boost savings.
  • Autopilot & AR mode: Recommend cards based on real-time location and store data.
  • No sensitive data required: Maintains complete user privacy and security.
  • Free vs Pro: Free version is great for beginners; Pro unlocks advanced tools.
  • Future features: Includes shopping portal integration and on-device analytics.
  • Maximized redemptions: Helps unlock luxury travel with points and miles.
  • Flexible strategy: Users are encouraged to take it slow and build over time.
  • Track Chase 5/24: Keeps tabs on account limits to help with time applications.

 

Resources:

 

Interested in Financial Planning?

 

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with CardPointers:

 

 

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The Psychology of Points: Mastering Behavior, Not Bonuses (Ep. 77)

The Psychology of Points: Mastering Behavior, Not Bonuses (Ep. 77)

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This episode isn’t about earning your next big bonus or finding the hottest travel deal—it’s about the mindset that makes all of it sustainable. 

DeAndre Coke shares a powerful solo session unpacking how mastering points and miles is less about tactics and more about behavior. Drawing insights from the book “The Psychology of Money” and over a decade of advising experience, he explains why understanding your habits, defining your version of “enough,” embracing optionality, and building identity-driven financial discipline can unlock not just better travel, but a better life. 

If you’re ready to stop chasing and start strategizing, this one’s for you.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Behavior > Bonuses: Winning with points is about patience and discipline, not just card hacks.
  • Define “Enough”: Set intentional goals to avoid endlessly chasing bigger redemptions.
  • Optionality = Power: Having points gives you choices—and that’s where absolute travel freedom begins.
  • Hedonic Adaptation: The more you redeem, the more you adapt—learn to appreciate and recalibrate.
  • Delayed Gratification: Waiting for the proper redemption often leads to the most significant wins.
  • Diversification Matters: Don’t hoard points in one program; spread risk and gain flexibility.
  • Self-Sabotage is Real: Overspending for bonuses or never redeeming points are behavioral pitfalls.
  • Identity Drives Action: Seeing yourself as a savvy strategist helps you naturally make better decisions.
  • Quiet Accumulation Pays: Consistent, smart habits lead to long-term travel wealth.
  • Points as Practice: This is more than travel—it’s training for financial self-mastery.

 

Resources:

 

Interested in Financial Planning?

 

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

 

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Quick Hits: More Zil Payroll Woes and More!

Quick Hits: More Zil Payroll Woes and More!

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke checks in from the stunning Park Hyatt Beaver Creek in Colorado, offering a glimpse into the luxury ski-in/ski-out experience. 

He shares the latest on the ongoing Zil Money payroll issues, including frustrations from users unable to process payments via credit card. The episode also covers recent turbulence with Southwest Airlines, from point devaluations to new passenger fees, and how American and Delta are stepping in with status match opportunities. DeAndre closes out by breaking down the new Chase and United card changes, which have sparked conversations around value, fees, and whether these cards still make sense for savvy travelers.

Whether you’re navigating the slopes of travel rewards or reassessing your credit card strategy, this episode delivers timely insights to help you make smarter moves with your points and miles.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Park Hyatt Beaver Creek: A true ski-in/ski-out luxury resort offering a premium travel experience.
  • Zil Money Update: The payroll-by-card system experienced downtime, impacting users across multiple platforms.
  • Southwest Airlines Devaluation: Points were devalued, and new fees were introduced, frustrating loyal customers.
  • Status Match Opportunities: American Airlines and Delta are offering matches for Southwest elites.
  • Chase & United Card Changes: Increased annual fees and reduced perks make co-branded cards less valuable.
  • Community Insight: Ongoing discussions in the Boldly Go Facebook group reflect traveler concerns and strategies.
  • Rewards Program Monitoring: Staying informed is key to adapting to the changing travel rewards landscape.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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