Welcome to the wild and wacky world of points and miles! If you’re reading this, you’ve probably started your journey into the land of (almost) free flights and hotel stays, only to discover that the road to max rewards is paved with confusion, excitement, and the occasional rejection. Fear not! We’ve broken down the 10 stages of the points and miles mindset so you can laugh, learn, and, most importantly, level up your travel game.
1. The Skeptic Mindset (a.k.a. “Is This a Scam?”)
Mindset: “There’s no way people fly for free.”
Action Step: Reads one article but doesn’t trust it.
Conclusions
- You just saw someone post their “free” business-class flight, and you assume they have 1M Instagram followers or a rich uncle.
- You google “Are credit card points a scam?”
- You sign up for your first frequent flyer program and feel accomplished.
Tip: Credit card points are legit, but like any hobby, it requires learning. Start by finding a blog or account you respond to. Hey, Journey Currencies might be a cool place to start!
2. The First Credit Card (“I Want a No Annual Fee Card!”)
Mindset: “I’ll dip my toes in but I won’t let it cost me anything. No annual fee only!”
Action Step: Gets a Chase Freedom Unlimited or Discover It.
Conclusions
- You hear about travel credit cards but decide to “play it safe.”
- You earn a sign-up bonus, and suddenly your $200 cash back feels like winning the lottery.
- You tell a friend, and they roll their eyes.
Tip: Some annual fees are worth it, but at this point you may not realize what those fees are potentially going to get you in return.
3. The Transferable Points Epiphany (“Wait, I Can Do What With These?!”)
Mindset: “I thought points were just for cash back and 10% off gift cards?”
Action Step: Learns about transfer partners and suddenly feels like a financial genius.
Conclusions
- You log into your account, ready to redeem points for a $500 statement credit, but then… you discover airline and hotel transfer partners.
- You realize that the same points could book a $2,000 first-class flight instead.
- You spend an entire afternoon reading about sweet spots and award charts.
- Your mind is blown, and you now scoff at people who redeem for gift cards.
Tip: Transferable points offer the best value because of their flexibility. By transferring them to airline or hotel partners, you can stretch your points much further than booking through bank portals, unlocking more rewarding travel options!
4. The Application Denial (“My First Rejection!”)
Mindset: “What do you mean, I have too many inquiries? My credit score is through the roof!”
Action Step: Learns about 5/24, credit score factors, and reconsideration calls.
Conclusions
- You applied for a Chase Sapphire Reserve too soon and got the dreaded denial message.
- You realize you should’ve checked the rules first.
- You sulk for a week, then start learning about reconsideration calls and the well-known card application strategies in the points and miles world.
Tip: Don’t blindly apply—always use available pre-qualification tools and do some quick research on bank-specific application (written and unwritten) rules.
5. The Side Hustle Justification (“I Sold a Bike, Now I’m a Business Owner”)
Mindset: “Time to get a business credit card.”
Action Step: Applies for Chase Ink Unlimited after selling an old bike on Facebook Marketplace.
Conclusions
- You learn that any side hustle counts for a business card, and suddenly, you’re an entrepreneur.
- You nervously put “Sole Proprietor” on the application.
- You’re shocked when you’re approved.
- You now refer to yourself as the “CEO of flipping old stuff.”
Tip: Business cards unlock a new world of earning potential—don’t be afraid to try! Note: Always be honest and transparent on applications, even if you expect just $100 in revenue. In my experience, lenders mainly want to ensure you can repay what you charge.
6. The P2 Recruitment (“Honey, Just Trust Me…”)
Mindset: “Two-player mode unlocks double the points!”
Action Step: Convinces spouse/partner/roommate/dog to open their first card.
Conclusions
- At first, P2 (Player 2) resists and thinks this is a bad idea.
- You show them a free hotel stay, and suddenly they’re listening.
- You realize you now have double the spending power.
- P2 asks, “Wait, when can we go to the Maldives?”
Tip: Be patient—show, don’t tell. A free trip is the best persuasion tool!
7. The Wallet Explosion (“Wait, Where Do I Put All These Cards?”)
Mindset: “I need a spreadsheet.”
Action Step: Starts tracking cards, sign-up bonuses, and due dates.
Conclusions
- Your card stack no longer fits in a normal wallet.
- You officially need an Excel sheet or travel points app to track everything.
- You learn about category bonuses and now refuse to use the wrong card for a purchase.
- Your family thinks you’ve lost it.
Tip: Use apps like Travel Freely or Google Sheets to stay organized.
8. The First Major Points and Miles Redemption (“Holy Crap, This Actually Works!”)
Mindset: “I’m flying for free?! This is magic.”
Action Step: Books the first blow out trip using points & miles.
Conclusions
- You successfully transfer points to an airline for the first time.
- You do a happy dance when you book your first business-class seat or five-star hotel stay.
- You start texting people, “OMG this is real, you have to try this.”
Tip: Master the art of using points for maximum value—once you know the secret sauce, you’ll add flavor to every trip!
9. The Obsession Phase (“I Only Think in Points Now”)
Mindset: “Cash? What’s that?”
Action Step: Maximizes every point opportunity
Conclusions
- You find yourself explaining points to strangers.
- You start booking trips just because you have points.
- You only eat at restaurants with dining rewards programs.
- You tell everyone, “If you’re paying cash for flights, you’re doing it wrong.”
Tip: At this stage, be mindful not to burn out—and know that not everyone else you encounter is in the Stage 9 Obsessive phase of the Points and Miles mindset!
10. The Long-Term Points and Miles Strategy (“I’m Playing 3D Chess Now”)
Mindset: “I’m planning my cards 24 months ahead.”
Action Step: Understands credit card velocity rules, hotel elite status, and airline alliances.
Conclusions
- You get a premium travel card like the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve.
- You now plan sign-up bonuses strategically and time applications perfectly.
- You book trips a year in advance based on award availability.
- You have lounge access and judge airports based on their Priority Pass offerings.
Tip: Keep evolving your strategy. Be flexible, and always value experiences in your Points and Miles Mindset!
Packing It Up
So there you have it! From skeptical newbie to expert points master, each stage in the points and miles mindset brings you one step closer to booking your next dream vacation. Whether you’re nervously applying for your first credit card or relaxing in your own private first-class suite like you’re the CEO of travel, remember—it’s all part of the journey. Keep learning, stay organized, and above all, have fun as you rack up those miles!
So….What Stage are you Currently In?
