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Strategy Saturday

The Platinum Power Play: How to Turn Amex’s 2025 Refresh Into Real Return-on-Spend

Strategy Saturday

The Platinum Power Play: How to Turn Amex’s 2025 Refresh Into Real Return-on-Spend

American Express just pulled off the biggest Platinum shake-up since Centurion went metal. Both the personal Platinum and the Business Platinum have been rebuilt for 2025 - and the new structure is tailor-made for people who treat points like an asset class, not a side hobby.

Airline Alliances Decoded: How Your Business Can Exploit Routes Most Companies Ignore

Strategy Saturday

Airline Alliances Decoded: How Your Business Can Exploit Routes Most Companies Ignore

Most businesses leave value on the table by ignoring airline alliances. Mixing carriers, leveraging hubs, and layering points can unlock hidden routes, premium seats, and higher ROI. Plan like a strategist, not a traveler - every flight can become a business asset.

The Points Derivative: Hedging, Speculating, and Arbitraging in the Travel Market

Strategy Saturday

The Points Derivative: Hedging, Speculating, and Arbitraging in the Travel Market

Points aren’t coupons - they’re derivatives • Businesses can hedge against airfare inflation, speculate on sweet spots, and arbitrage transfer bonuses • Treat your points like futures contracts, not freebies, and you’ll turn everyday spend into protection, profit, and outsized travel returns.

Stopover Science: How to Add Cities Without Adding Costs

Strategy Saturday

Stopover Science: How to Add Cities Without Adding Costs

Safari, sushi, and a side of the Seine - on one award. That’s the promise of stopovers done right: more trip for the same (or barely more) points, cash kept clean, and availability that survives real-world needs (two seats, sometimes four).

The Lie of “Dynamic Pricing”

Strategy Saturday

The Lie of “Dynamic Pricing”

“Dynamic pricing” isn’t innovation - it’s obfuscation. Airlines and hotels dress up yield management as progress, but the math hides a truth: you’re paying more for less. This Strategy Saturday tears apart the myth, exposes who profits, and shows how points are your only real hedge against the lie.

Redemption Architecture: How to Lock in Maximum Cents-Per-Point Value

Strategy Saturday

Redemption Architecture: How to Lock in Maximum Cents-Per-Point Value

Most SMBs treat points like loose change: spend them fast, take the 1¢, move on. That’s the rookie play. The real game is Redemption Architecture: engineering every burn to hit 3¢–10¢ per point so your “rewards” become a six-figure travel asset, not a line item buried in your budget.

Summer of 2025: Flex Point Dynamics

Strategy Saturday

Summer of 2025: Flex Point Dynamics

So many travelers think all points are equal. They are wrong. This August your Amex, Chase, Citi, CapOne, and BILT points don’t just earn differently - they play differently. Some unlock first class, others trap you in coach. The flex game isn’t fair. But it is winnable (if you know where to look)

Mastering Citi ThankYou Points: Unlocking Elite Award Travel Strategies in 2025

Strategy Saturday

Mastering Citi ThankYou Points: Unlocking Elite Award Travel Strategies in 2025

Citi ThankYou points have quietly become one of the most powerful travel currencies of 2025. From 15k roundtrip redemptions to Hawaii to 110k ANA First Class to Japan - the right strategy unlocks outsized value. Our guide shows you how to earn smarter, transfer sharper, and redeem like a pro.

BILT Miles in 2025: A Strategic Traveler’s Guide

Strategy Saturday

BILT Miles in 2025: A Strategic Traveler’s Guide

BILT isn’t just for rent anymore. In 2025, it’s becoming a full-blown lifestyle engine - rewarding mortgages, HOA dues, even your gym. With 1.25× earning on housing and insane transfer promos, smart users are stacking 100k+ points fast. The game’s changing - are you ready to play it right?

Capital One Miles in 2025: A Strategic Traveler’s Guide

Strategy Saturday

Capital One Miles in 2025: A Strategic Traveler’s Guide

The travel rewards program has matured into the most practical, consistent, and powerful ecosystems in the credit card landscape. While it doesn’t offer the aspirational hotel partners of Chase or the luxury polish of Amex, it makes up for that with broad flexibility, fast earning, and low friction.

The Revitalized Chase Ultimate Rewards Ecosystem: A Strategic Look

Strategy Saturday

The Revitalized Chase Ultimate Rewards Ecosystem: A Strategic Look

Chase’s 2025 ecosystem dazzles with 8× travel rewards and $2,700+ in credits—but leans too hard into couponization. Monthly activations, split credits, and platform-specific perks demand high maintenance. It's powerful for pros, but casual users may drown in hoops before seeing real value.

The End of an Era: Why July 2025 Marks another Turning Point in Amex Redemption Strategy

Strategy Saturday

The End of an Era: Why July 2025 Marks another Turning Point in Amex Redemption Strategy

July 2025 just shattered two of Amex’s most valuable redemption plays. Emirates transfers are devaluing by 20%, and the secret Hawaiian → Alaska points bridge is gone for good. If you’re relying on MR for premium cabins or cheap domestic flights, it’s time to pivot—fast.