Unlocking Travel with Credit Cards from Spencer Howard of Straight to the Points
Spencer Howard on board a flight - photo credit Spencer Howard
Ep 162 - Maximizing Your Travel Experiences: Tips from Spencer Howard (Straight to the Points) on Travel Points and Rewards
My 162nd guest episode on the Winging It Travel Podcast is with Spencer Howard, the founder of Straight to the Points, which searches for premium award availability and flight deals to popular international destinations
Imagine jet-setting across the world in business or first class, staying in luxurious hotels, and creating unforgettable travel experiences—all without breaking the bank.
For many, this dream has become a reality thanks to savvy use of credit card points. In this blog, we dive into the world of travel hacking with expert insights from Spencer Howard, founder of Straight to the Points.
Spencer’s journey from a career in politics to a points guru highlights the transformative power of strategic credit card usage, and his advice has helped thousands of travelers maximize their rewards and upgrade their travel experiences.
From choosing the best credit cards to navigating award flights and flexible booking strategies, let’s explore how you can travel better, smarter, and in style using credit card points.
Let’s dive into some topics.
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How to Use Credit Cards for Travel
Using credit cards effectively can make a huge difference in the affordability and experience of travel. Here’s how to start:
Choose a Strategy: Spencer outlines three main strategies for using credit cards for travel points:
Maximalist: Collect cards, hit signup bonuses, close cards after a year if they don’t serve ongoing purposes, and repeat with new cards.
Moderate Strategy: Establish a “card hub” of 4-6 versatile cards that provide useful bonuses like lounge access or additional points for specific categories. Supplement with occasional signup bonuses.
Keep It Simple: Use just one to three cards that cover everyday spending and still earn travel points.
Understand Signup Bonuses: Signup bonuses are often the quickest way to accumulate points. Look for cards with attainable spending thresholds and use the bonus to book high-value travel redemptions.
Maximize Spending Categories: Some cards offer higher points on particular spending categories (e.g., groceries, dining, or travel). Utilize this by matching your regular expenses to these categories, which can help build points quickly without overspending.
Pay Off Balances Monthly: Spencer emphasizes the importance of paying off balances each month to avoid interest. This discipline keeps the benefits of points-based travel while protecting your financial health.
Choose Points with Versatile Transfer Partners: Select programs like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards, which transfer to a variety of airlines and hotels, increasing your flexibility in redeeming points for travel.
Straight to the Points: Spencer Howard’s Journey and Offerings
Spencer Howard, founder of Straight to the Points, built his platform to help travelers use points efficiently to elevate their travel experiences. Here’s a closer look at his background and services:
Spencer's Journey into Points and Travel
Spencer started in politics, working at the U.S. Travel Association, where he was exposed to travel-related policies. Fascinated by the mechanics of points-based travel, he dove deep, spending hours studying the nuances of airline routes and credit card points. He transitioned from a career in politics to freelancing in the travel points world, eventually founding Straight to the Points in 2021.
Straight to the Points Services
Award Alerts Newsletter: This is the core service of Straight to the Points, offering alerts for award flights in business and first class. Here’s how it works:
Premium Membership: Subscribers get early access to alerts, often receiving deals for flights up to 72 hours before free subscribers. The premium service costs $14.99 monthly or $99 annually.
Economy (Free) Membership: This offers a limited, delayed version of the premium newsletter. Free subscribers still receive valuable travel deals but with a lower chance of snagging the best ones before they’re gone.
Educational Resources: The website offers a “Quick Start Guide” and other resources to help people new to points understand the basics of loyalty programs, which cards to prioritize, and how to maximize points based on individual spending habits and travel goals.
Referral Program: Premium members can refer others and earn rewards if new users sign up for the premium service through their referrals.
Customized Advice on Using Points: Spencer provides specific recommendations on redeeming points, such as the best routes or ways to combine different airlines’ points to maximize savings.
Community-Centric Approach
Spencer’s approach to Straight to the Points is both community-driven and educational. He tailors his advice based on feedback and often relies on readers for referral points, which he then shares with those looking for the best credit card deals.
Tips for Starting Your Travel Points Journey
Begin with Flexible Cards: Start with a card that earns transferable points, allowing you to redeem with multiple airlines or hotels.
Stay Organized: If you have multiple cards, track their rewards categories and expiry dates for points to maximize the value of each.
Join Points and Travel Communities: Engaging with communities, like Spencer’s Straight to the Points or larger travel forums, helps you stay updated on new deals, points promotions, and travel advice.
Spencer’s insights showcase how anyone can use credit card points to make travel more affordable and luxurious with the right strategy.
His career shift to a travel-focused business reflects his dedication to helping people explore the world on a budget while enjoying enhanced travel experiences.
Spencer Howard’s Straight to the Points service is perfect for travelers looking to unlock premium travel experiences without paying premium prices.
His tailored award alerts and expert tips save you time and effort, helping you find and book hard-to-access business and first-class flights using points.
With his guidance, you’ll learn how to make the most of your credit card rewards, maximize value on flights, and enjoy perks that elevate your travel—all while staying within your budget.
Spencer’s service makes points-based travel both accessible and efficient, whether you’re a seasoned points collector or just starting out.
Business Class flight - are you dreaming of this?
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Who is Spencer Howard?
Spencer Howard is a pioneer in the world of points-based travel, transforming his passion for aviation and travel hacking into a career that helps others experience the world in comfort and style.
With Straight to the Points, Spencer has built a trusted community, guiding travelers to make the most of their credit card rewards and unlocking memorable journeys that might otherwise feel out of reach. Known for his deep industry knowledge and down-to-earth advice, Spencer demystifies the points game and proves that luxury travel is achievable for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to optimize your current points or learn the basics of travel rewards, Spencer’s expertise and commitment to helping others make him a go-to resource in the world of travel.
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