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Ian Snyder Latest Posts

Freelance Writer
Distance Traveled in 2025
Visited in 2025

Ian Snyder has had a passion for award travel ever since entering the miles and points world over a decade ago. He enjoys using them to see places both near and far, whether he’s traveling solo, with friends, or with his kids. Especially well versed in frequent flyer programs, Ian understands their intricacies and often is able to maximize his points using the best award deals.

Ian is closing in on 30 countries visited, which may seem like too few for someone who loves to travel as much as he does. But he also loves life in rural Northern California, and returning home from a trip is its own reward. More than anything, Ian wants to demonstrate that extraordinary travel is possible for the ordinary family. He loves helping his friends and family with their own award travel.

How to Redeem Amex Membership Rewards Points — And Which Options Offer the Best Value

How to Redeem Amex Membership Rewards Points — And Which Options Offer the Best Value
Ian SnyderCameron Laufer
by Ian Snyder and Cameron Laufer
July 12, 2025
3

Have Amex points and wondering what to do with them? From luxurious business class flights to poor-value gift cards, not all redemptions are created equal. This guide breaks down the best (and worst) ways to redeem your American Express Membership Rewards points—including sweet spots with ANA, Virgin Atlantic, Iberia, and more — so you can get the most value from every point.

Citi Product Change Rules Explained: How (and Why) to Downgrade, Upgrade, or Switch Cards

Citi Product Change Rules Explained: How (and Why) to Downgrade, Upgrade, or Switch Cards
Ian Snyder
by Ian Snyder
June 30, 2025
15

Citi used to offer unmatched flexibility in credit card product changes, including the ability to switch between different card families. But recent rule changes have narrowed those options. That doesn’t mean product changes are off the table. Whether you’re looking to downgrade, upgrade, or sidestep an annual fee, we’ll walk you through what’s still possible with Citi and how to make the most of your options.

Business Platinum Card® From American Express Review: Is It Worth the Fee in 2025?

Business Platinum Card® From American Express Review: Is It Worth the Fee in 2025?
Ian Snyder
by Ian Snyder
July 9, 2025
4

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium business card that commands a high annual fee but offers tons of value through lounge access, hotel and car rental elite status, over $2,000 in annual credits, travel protections, and even cell phone insurance. Check out our detailed review of the card, covering the welcome offer, earning rates, travel perks, and the array of credits that can save you lots of money. These will help you decide if the card is right for you.

ANA Mileage Club Guide: How to Earn, Redeem, and Maximize This Valuable Amex Transfer Partner

ANA Mileage Club Guide: How to Earn, Redeem, and Maximize This Valuable Amex Transfer Partner
Ian SnyderCarissa Rawson
by Ian Snyder and Carissa Rawson
June 29, 2025
0

ANA Mileage Club is a frequent flyer program you don’t want to overlook — especially if you collect Amex points. With some of the best redemption rates for premium cabin travel and a strong lineup of airline partners, ANA miles can unlock serious value. This in-depth guide covers how to earn ANA miles, book award flights, maximize sweet spots, and navigate the program’s unique rules.

Is The Platinum Card® From American Express Worth It In 2025? Our Comprehensive Breakdown

Is The Platinum Card® From American Express Worth It In 2025? Our Comprehensive Breakdown
Ian Snyder
by Ian Snyder
June 28, 2025
13

Earn 5X points on flights, enjoy complimentary lounge access at airports worldwide, and save significant money each year with the many travel and shopping credits offered by The Platinum Card® from American Express. Excellent travel insurance protections also provide peace of mind. The downside of the Amex Platinum is its hefty annual fee and the difficulty of using some of the spending credits. Here's everything you should know about this card.

IHG Milestone Rewards: Earn Perks Every 10 Nights Stayed at IHG

IHG Milestone Rewards: Earn Perks Every 10 Nights Stayed at IHG
Ian Snyder
by Ian Snyder
June 14, 2025
0

IHG Milestone Rewards provide additional benefits to frequent guests of IHG hotels. You can earn rewards for every 10 nights stayed each calendar year, starting at 20 nights. The benefits range from bonus points, to food and beverage rewards, to confirmable suite upgrades. At two specific levels, you'll also have the option to select an annual lounge membership. IHG Milestone Rewards can offer excellent value to members, depending on how you use them.

Why Starting With Chase Cards Matters if You’re Under 5/24

Why Starting With Chase Cards Matters if You’re Under 5/24
Ian Snyder
by Ian Snyder
May 24, 2025
0

If you're new to the points and miles hobby or looking to dive deeper after just dipping your toes in, you'll want to develop a solid earning strategy. This applies to both welcome offers and ongoing rewards. To do so, you need to understand the rules and restrictions card issuers have in place. With Chase offering so many lucrative bonuses, we recommend designing your credit card strategy around their 5/24 rule. Here's how you best do that, and the potential cost of ignoring this unwritten rule.

Can You Use Credit Card Travel Credits to Pay Award Change and Cancellation Fees?

Can You Use Credit Card Travel Credits to Pay Award Change and Cancellation Fees?
Jess FarleyIan Snyder
by Jess Farley and Ian Snyder
April 27, 2025
37

One of the frustrating aspects of award travel is often needing to book well in advance to get the best price with your points and miles, knowing that your plans might change along the way. And some programs will charge you (handsomely!) if you have to make these changes. But if your credit card has travel credits, can you use these to cover the award change and cancellation fees?