Frequently Asked Questions
POINTS AND MILES
Yes, we provide free consultations on your basic credit card strategy. If you are just getting started or have a card or two and aren’t sure of your next steps, please email us for more information and we will send suggestions.
Yes, we provide personal consultations with either Robin or Bonnie based on their availability. The sessions could be outlining a credit card strategy, learning more about points and miles or how to use your accumulated points. These private consultations are $100 per hour and can be scheduled by emailing us with some of your questions and we will reach out to you to schedule a time.
These points can be earned through various financial institutions and can be transferred directly to partner airlines or hotels. These points offer the most flexibility and value because you can transfer them as-needed to a hotel or airline, but you aren’t locked into a specific brand. The primary credit cards that offer transferrable points include: Chase (Ultimate Rewards), Capital One Rewards, Citi (ThankYou Rewards) and American Express (Membership Rewards).
Generally, the answer is “No”. Although we can’t guarantee there won’t be any changes to your credit score, opening new cards typically has little long term effect on your credit score – assuming you pay your balance in full every month!
All credit card points are not created equal! Valuation of credit card miles and points gets a little confusing, but generally TRANSFERABLE points are valued at 2 cents per mile, whereas BRANDED points are valued at much less. Also, award charts are often dynamic, so it’s difficult to compare all the various points and miles programs.
BOOKING SERVICES
Yes, we have an award booking service. If you are interested in learning more about this service, please email us.
The cost is different depending on the situation and how much time is involved. It can very labor intensive to find flights on specific routes and dates. The process becomes easier if you have some flexibility (i.e. destinations, dates, etc.).
The beginning cost structure is:
- We book the flights you: ($300 for the first person and $125 for the second person if they are on the same flight) We will also need your credit card to pay for any taxes and fees charged by the airlines
- We find flights, but you book them: $150 (you need to know how to transfer the points to transfer partners and book flights using points). Guidance on booking is not included in this option
A $50 non-refundable deposit will be applied to any of the final invoices above.
If you are interested in using this service, please email us.
We will always strive to provide few different options, assuming availability. The liklihood of finding good redemptions increases if your plans are flexible. If we cannot find award space, the only fee you pay is $50.