The Daily Drop Podcast

In this episode, Mike answers one of our most common questions around here. He discusses how he justifies holding credit cards with high annual fees, using the Chase Sapphire Reserve as an example. Check out the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card here: https://www.dailydrop.com/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve Keep Up With Daily Drop: Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.com Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this episode, Megan dives deep into American Express Membership Rewards points. She explains the rules and limitations of American Express cards, the cards that earn Membership Rewards points, and how to earn additional points through Rakuten. Megan also discusses some secrets to earn more MR points. Enjoy!Resources:Favorite Amex MR earning cards: https://www.dailydrop.com/credit-card-issuers/american-expressRakuten + Amex: https://www.dailydrop.com/pages/how-to-earn-more-american-express-membership-rewards-points-with-rakutenWhat’s in your wallet episode: https://podcast.dailydrop.com/2253039/14554801Portals episode: https://podcast.dailydrop.com/2253039/13973904Card Match: https://www.dailydrop.com/pages/find-your-perfect-card-match-with-this-easy-toolEpisode Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to American Express Membership Rewards Points03:10 Rules and Limitations of American Express Cards06:43 Cards that Earn Membership Rewards Points10:39 Earning Membership Rewards Points with Rakuten13:27 Using Card Match for Elevated Signup Bonuses15:10 Redeeming Membership Rewards Points18:54 Amex and 2 playerKeep Up With Daily Drop: Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.com Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this episode, Mike and Megan are joined by Brendan from the Daily Drop Youtube channel to talk all about their mistakes. They cover topics such as booking upgraded hotel rooms with points, accidentally using the wrong free night award, using points for poor value, analysis paralysis in redemption, forgetting visa requirements, and passport expiration drama. Plus everyone learns a new hack that ends up saving Brendan thousands of miles on an upcoming trip! Resources:Virgin Companion Pass (Note all pricing is in RT but you can book One way too, just cut in half): https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/us/en/flying-club/spend-points/companion-seats.html Hang out on YouTube with Brendan: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropEpisode Time Stamps:1:45 - Booking Upgraded Hotel Rooms with Points4:23 - Accidentally Using the Wrong Free Night Award8:15 - Using Points for Poor Value in a Portal11:31 - …and then again14:40 - Forgetting Visa Requirements19:20 - Passport Expiration Drama25:01 - Being a Miles and Points Cheapskate30:30 - Waiting Too Long to Book Awards35:35 - Virgin Atlantic Companion Award SeatsKeep Up With Daily Drop: Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.com Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this episode, Mike discusses the major shakeup in the points and miles world, with Bilt Rewards adding Alaska Airlines as a transfer partner and why you should care about this!Resources:The Bilt Card: https://www.dailydrop.com/credit-cards/bilt-mastercard Episode Time Stamps:01:24 Changes to Alaska Airlines loyalty program05:09 Introduction of new award charts06:36 New sweet spots and improved pricing10:38 Free stopovers in partner airline hubs12:22 Future ability to combine partner airlines on a single ticket15:14 Expanded types of awards and unique pricingKeep Up With Daily Drop: Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.com Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this very fun episode, we give you the recording of our speech that we hosted live at the Travel and Adventure Show Atlanta 2024. Megan and Mike talk you through how we visited over 50 countries last year thanks to the magic of miles and points!Resources:Slides: https://bit.ly/tasslidesdd YouTube version of this ep: https://youtu.be/XjRpjlHZYKo Free gift as mentioned at the start - Miles and Points 101: https://www.dailydrop.com/course-videos/what-are-miles-points Episode Time Stamps:0:00 - What's going on in this ep!? 3:09 - Meet Megan and Mike 8:06 - 9 week trip around the world15:18 - Mediterranean cruise for free18:46 - An even more free cruise23:00 - Travel Hacking to Scotland with 10 people30:23 - United Excursionist Perk36:16 - Questions?Keep Up With Daily Drop: Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.com Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this episode, Megan provides an ultimate guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards. She explains what Ultimate Rewards are, how to earn them, and why people are kind of obsessed with them. She also explores the different cards that earn Ultimate Rewards and how to build a points family. Megan covers redemption options through the Chase portal and transfer partners, and more!Resources:Written guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards: https://www.dailydrop.com/pages/daily-drop-s-guide-to-chase-ultimate-rewards  2 player mode podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/2playerddpod Portal podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2253039/13973904 Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet: https://bit.ly/ddtransferpartners Miles and Points 101: https://www.dailydrop.com/course-videos/what-are-miles-points Episode Time Stamps:1:08 - What are Chase Ultimate Rewards 4:16 Prioritizing Chase Points5:55 Different Cards that Earn Ultimate Rewards10:10 Why is everyone obsessed with Chase Sapphire Preferred17:50 - Ultimate Reward Redemptions 20:20 - Final thoughtsKeep Up With Daily Drop: Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.com Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this episode, we are joined by Megan, Mike, and Tiffany to chat about what's in our wallets and why?! We answer questions like what's one card we frequently reach for? What's a favorite co branded card we have? What's our strategy for choosing our next card? And we answer some questions from you!Resources from this episode: Top Cards: https://www.dailydrop.com/credit-cards2 Player Mode article: https://www.dailydrop.com/pages/miles-and-points-in-two-player-mode2 Player Mode episode: https://link.chtbl.com/2playerddpod Mike's spreadsheet: https://bit.ly/ddcctrackerus   Keep Up With Daily Drop: Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.com Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this episode, Mike discusses fifth freedom flights and their travel hacking implications. He highlights several airlines that operate fifth freedom routes, including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Gulf Air, and Ethiopian Airlines. Resources:Weekend Round Up Newsletter: https://newsletter.dailydrop.com/forms/d7b781f6-5522-40bb-a818-f7cf9810662f Episode Time Stamps:01:33 Introduction to Fifth Freedom Flights03:13 Emirates Fifth Freedom Routes05:52 Singapore Airlines Fifth Freedom Routes08:04 Air France Fifth Freedom Route09:51 Gulf Air Fifth Freedom Route10:53 Ethiopian Airlines Fifth Freedom Routes13:58 Other considerationsKeep Up With Daily Drop: Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.com Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this episode, Mike and Megan (are back 🎉) discuss several exciting credit card offers. Who gets the spotlight… Southwest, World of Hyatt, Marriott, Capital One, and United.Resources:All elevated offers Here: https://www.dailydrop.com/ranked-credit-cards/increased-welcome-offers Southwest specific bonuses here: https://www.dailydrop.com/ranked-credit-cards/southwest-airlines-cards? Southwest Card Head to Head Episode: https://podcast.dailydrop.com/2253039/13884478 Episode Time Stamps:1:24 Southwest Elevated Bonuses5:03 World of Hyatt Elevated Bonus 11:08 Venture X Business Elevated Bonus16:55 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Elevated Bonus24:11 An honorable mention - United Biz card26:22 ConclusionKeep Up With Daily Drop:Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.comJoin the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroploungeCheck out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cardsFollow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPrefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this episode, Megan discusses the importance of award search tools and shares six award search tools, 3 for flights and 3 for hotels. The question "How do I find award bookings?!" comes up a lot around here and these are tools to add to your search toolkit! Resources:Seats.aero: https://bit.ly/ddseatsaero Points Yeah: https://bit.ly/ddpointsyeah Seat Spy: https://bit.ly/3SEVV66 Guide with tutorials: https://bit.ly/ddfreesearchtoolsMax My Point: https://bit.ly/ddmaxmypointtry Awayz: https://bit.ly/ddawayz Rooms.aero: https://bit.ly/ddroomsaero Episode Time Stamps:1:24 What To Know About Award Search Tools07:18 Three Flight Award Search Tools 18:35 Three Hotel Award Search Tools25:11 ConclusionKeep Up With Daily Drop:Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.com Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this episode, Mike discusses credit scores and credit card statements. He explains the components of a credit score, including payment history, utilization, average credit length, new credit, and credit mix.Episode Time Stamps:00:00 Intro and the basics00:57 Components of a Credit Score02:21 Payment History and Utilization02:49 Average Credit Length and New Credit04:17 Credit Mix04:46 Understanding Credit Card Statements06:38 Payment Due Date and Interest07:34 Importance of Making Payments on Time08:33 Managing Credit Utilization09:28 Strategies for Low Credit Utilization12:22 Strategies for Average Credit Length13:44 Keeping Oldest Credit Card Open16:36 Improving Bad Credit20:28 Increasing and Decreasing Credit LimitsKeep Up With Daily Drop:Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.com Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this episode, Megan discusses the strategy of two-player mode in travel hacking. You’ll learn how to maximize your points with someone else, the various bank rules to keep in mind, how to manage annual fees, and more.Episode Time Stamps:00:28 What is Two Player Mode?01:24 The Two Player Mode Process03:21 Example: Chase Sapphire Preferred05:08 Maximizing Two Player Mode with Different Card Families06:35 Managing Annual Fees07:28 Example: Maximizing Two Player Mode with Chase10:18 Referral Rules for Different Banks12:55 Combining Points and Authorized Users16:13 Booking Travel with Points from Different Accounts19:00 Combining Points within Banks20:52 Airline and Hotel Loyalty Programs23:18 ConclusionResources:Chase Referral Page: https://www.chase.com/referafriend/catch-all  Capital One Referral Page: https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/refer-a-friend/ Keep Up With Daily Drop:Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.com Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

Welcome to the weekly round up! Here we'll sum up what happened in the newsletter this week in 10 minutes.Monday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/my-current-favorite-travel-hack?Tuesday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/a-new-way-to-fly-to-mexico-with-points?Wednesday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/airline-status-match-through-2026?Thursday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/today-only-save-on-southwest-flights?Friday:Keep Up With Daily Drop: Stay up to date with the newsletter: https://dailydrop.com/ Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this episode, Mike shares lesser-known travel hacks that can help travelers maximize their experiences and rewards. He discusses booking unique accommodations with points and miles, earning extra loyalty points, using status matches for one-time perks, bidding for upgrades, and more. Keep Up With Daily Drop:Read the newsletter: https://www.dailydrop.com Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcastEpisode Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction 01:57 Lesser Known Travel Hacks02:27 Booking Unique Accommodation with Points and Miles03:53 Charging Hotel Expenses to Your Room05:46 Maximizing Status Matches 06:43 Bidding for Upgrades07:43 Alliance Benefits08:13 Suite Talking09:14 Maximizing Points through Small Tasks and Transfers12:04 Retention Offers for Credit Cards19:47 Conclusion

In this episode, Mike shares his 2023 travel stats and best hacks along the way!Find a newsletter referenced here: https://dailydrop.com/ Keep Up With Daily Drop: Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

In this episode Megan and Mike set a challenge to create the best itinerary booked with points using only $0 annual fee cards… and it was a challenge! Tune in to hear 2 very different strategies for earning and redeeming points, plus we want you to vote on the best itinerary! Join the Daily Drop Lounge here to vote: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Episode Time Stamps:1:00 - The Challenge Rules2:07 - 2 things to know… 4:21 - Our 3 card choices7:30 - How we “earned” on our cards17:15 - Mike’s trip25:49 - Megan’s trip 35:55 - Your time to voteKeep Up With Daily Drop: Stay up to date with the newsletter: https://dailydrop.com/ Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

Welcome to the weekly round up! Here we'll sum up what happened in the newsletter this week in 10 minutes.Monday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/what-i-d-do-if-i-could-only-travel-once-per-year?tid=podcastTuesday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/major-award-sale-to-basically-everywhere?tid=podcastWednesday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/how-to-use-hotel-points-for-flights?tid=loungeThursday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/family-travel-as-a-points-padawan?tid=podcastFriday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/end-of-year-credit-card-checklist?tid=podcastKeep Up With Daily Drop: Stay up to date with the newsletter: https://dailydrop.com/ Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

Join Mike and Megan as we dive in head first to the best travel hacking content. In this episode, we answer a handful of requests for points help. Including…A trip to Ecuador with Capital One miles…Off to Oktoberfest with Chase points (Reference resource, podcast on stopovers - https://podcast.dailydrop.com/2253039/13796833-how-to-book-stopovers-a-new-transfer-bonus-and-a-hostile-takeover)An around the world trip with Marriott (Reference resource, podcast on earning 1 million Marriott points - https://podcast.dailydrop.com/2253039/13699902-status-matches-and-how-to-earn-1-million-points)And finally, some luxurious ways to use Capital One miles.Episode Time Stamps:0:58 - Ecuador with Capital One miles and UR points5:50 - Oktoberfest with Chase points10:47 - Marriott for a WHOLE trip18:18 - Fun, luxurious ways to use Capital One miles23:19 - Summary + how to submit yoursKeep Up With Daily Drop: Stay up to date with the newsletter: https://dailydrop.com/ Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

Welcome to the weekly round up! Here we'll sum up what happened in the newsletter this week in 10 minutes.Monday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/this-hotel-just-launched-a-new-winter-promo-for-2024?tid=loungeTuesday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/business-class-to-europe-for-15k-points?tid=loungeWednesday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/should-you-chase-elite-status-in-2024?tid=podcastThursday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/how-to-get-easy-star-alliance-status?tid=podcastFriday: https://www.dailydrop.com/newsletters/upgrade-downgrade-or-cancel?tid=podcastKeep Up With Daily Drop: Stay up to date with the newsletter: https://dailydrop.com/ Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast

Join Mike and Megan as we dive in head first to the best travel hacking content. In this episode, we answer a listener's question about canceling or upgrading a card. We chat through the strategy of keep, upgrade, downgrade, cancel and when you should consider these options.Episode Time Stamps:0:21 - Listener question1:02 - Mike’s answer to the question1:54 - Why even consider doing a product change2:39 - When to keep a card4:30 - When to upgrade a card 8:17 - When to downgrade a card 9:16 - What to keep in mind for upgrade or downgrade 11:03 - When to cancel a card12:30 - Retention offers14:14 - Should I NEVER cancel a card?16:53 - Do we have any cards we’re thinking of upgrading, downgrading or canceling? 17:28 - Surprising thoughts on the Amex Platinum20:12 - What if I’m uncertain on what direction to go in?Keep Up With Daily Drop: Stay up to date with the newsletter: https://dailydrop.com/ Join the Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailydroplounge Check out our top cards: https://dailydrop.com/pages/our-top-credit-cards Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailydrop/ Hang out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDrop Prefer a video podcast? Head over here: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyDropPodcast