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How to Take Your First Step Into the “Points Game” (2026 Edition)
If you’ve ever wondered how people earn free flights or hotel stays without obsessing over credit cards, the answer usually starts with one simple step: choosing the right first card.
The good news?
You don’t need to turn this into a hobby.
Latest Posts
The Complete Guide to Delta SkyMiles: How to Earn, Redeem & Maximize Your Status
If you’ve spent any time reading The Points Authority, you probably already know that I’m a Delta guy. I fly them regularly, I’ve earned Diamond Medallion status, and over the years I’ve gotten some genuinely great value out of both SkyMiles and the Medallion program. That doesn’t mean I think Delta has the best loyalty…
The Biggest Lie in the Points World
Stop Trying to Maximize Every Point Spend enough time reading about credit card points and you’ll eventually get the impression that you need to maximize absolutely everything. Which card earns the most on groceries? Which one should you use for gas? What about dining? Is 2X good enough, or should you be getting 3X? And…
The Easiest Redemption Beginners Overlook
Most beginners think redeeming points has to be complicated. Transfer partners. Award charts. Sweet spots. And while those can be valuable later, they’re not where most people should start. Because the easiest redemption is also the one most people ignore. The Overlooked Option: Booking Through Amex Travel Instead of transferring points to airlines or hotels,…
How to Hit a Credit Card Welcome Bonus Without Spending Extra
One of the biggest misconceptions in the points game is this: “You need to spend more money to earn a welcome bonus.” You don’t. In most cases, you can hit a welcome bonus using the same spending you already do—just with better timing. What a Welcome Bonus Actually Is When you open a new credit…
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