Ian Snyder

Ian Snyder

Freelance Writer

Ian has had a passion for award travel ever since he discovered the miles and points world over a decade ago. He enjoys using points and miles to see the world, whether traveling solo, with friends, or with his adopted kids. Well versed in frequent flyer programs, he loves exploring their intricacies and figuring out how to maximize his miles to see as much of the world as possible. More than anything, Ian wants to demonstrate that extraordinary travel is possible for the ordinary family.

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

If you're new to the points and miles hobby or looking to dive deeper after just dipping your toe, you want to develop a solid earning strategy for both welcome offers and ongoing rewards. To do so, you need to understand the rules and restrictions issuers have on new card approvals. 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.

Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions [2023]

Trying to figure out what your next credit card can be? Confused by all the credit card application rules by bank and issuer? This is our resource to help you navigate all the various restrictions, including Chase's infamous 5/24 Rule. There is a lot of incomplete information about credit card issuer restrictions, and much is unpublished. But we detail what we do know about major financial institutions' rules all in one place.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue Award Sweet Spots

We explore the Air France/KLM frequent flyer program, taking a look at some interesting Flying Blue award sweet spots. Flying Blue is a valuable program given its relationship with all six flexible rewards programs: American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One, Marriott Rewards and Bilt.

How To Get $100 Back at Saks With the Amex Platinum Card

Holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express $100 back in annual statement credits at Saks. Even though most things at Saks cost more than $50, there are still some great ways to use the credit without spending a ton of extra money. Let's look at how to maximize this benefit.

How to Use The Platinum Card® from American Express Travel Credit

The Amex airline fee credit is a staple of several premium American Express cards. It reimburses cardholders for several different types of incidental expenses they may incur while traveling. While not as flexible as similar credits offered by competitors' cards, it is still an excellent benefit. Here's how to get the most out of this perk.

All About The Business Platinum Card From American Express

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, up to $1,400 in annual credits, travel protections, and even cell phone insurance. Check out our detailed review of the card, covering the welcome offer, earning points, travel perks, and the array of credits that can save you lots of money.

A Guide to JetBlue’s Newly Revamped TrueBlue Loyalty Program

Effective today, JetBlue revamped its Mosaic elite status earning requirements and Mosaic elite perks. That makes now a great time to dig into the TrueBlue program. From earning and redeeming TrueBlue points to scoring Mint upgrades and complimentary BLADE helicopter transfers to the airport, here's our full guide to JetBlue's TrueBlue loyalty program.

Overlooking Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Can Be Costly

The best way to increase the value received from your miles and points is to use fewer of them! Here are a few of Virgin Atlantic Flying Club's best partners to help you maximize your next award redemption, like now when there's a points transfer bonus running. This combination is great for getting the most out of your points.

Delta SkyMiles Dashboard: Newly Improved Medallion Status Tracking

The new Delta SkyMiles dashboard is a much needed improvement to the old My SkyMiles page. This update has been rolled out to both the website and mobile app. You can see a wealth of information all on one page. The best feature is the projection of your upcoming travel into the Medallion status tracker. Gone are the days of manually totaling up your reservations! Here's how to access this useful new tool.