POINTS & MAGIC

THE UNCOMPROMISING GUIDE TO TRAVEL HACKING

MANIFESTO

Credit card points are free money. Airlines hold the keys to the kingdom. The portals are a trap. This is a system, and you can master it.

CORE TENETS

01

Transfer to Airlines

Always transfer your credit card points to airlines. Don't buy travel in the portals.

Chase Transfer PartnersAmex Transfer GuideTransfer Ratio Calculator
02

Buy Saver Seats

Know your mileage levels. Hunt for saver awards, not standard pricing.

ANA Saver ChartUnited Saver SpaceAward Hacker Tool
03

Be Airline Agnostic

Unless you travel extensively for work. But even then, your leisure should be flexible.

Alliance BenefitsPartner Award ChartsStatus Match Guide
04

Skip Hotel Points

Don't focus on hotel points. Your ROI is better elsewhere.

Why Hotels Are SecondaryCash vs Points Analysis
05

Earn Everything

Earn points however you can. Optimize every purchase category.

Category MultipliersSign-up Bonus TrackerReferral Strategies
06

Know Point Values

Don't spend at $0.01. Aim for $0.08-0.10 value per point minimum.

Point Valuation GuideSweet Spot AwardsValue Calculator

CARDS

Strategic sign-ups

FLIGHTS

Maximum value redemptions

ROUTES

Sweet spot hunting