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Ryan Smith Latest Posts

Former Senior Editor
Distance Traveled in 2025
Visited in 2025

Ryan is a writer and editor who first wrote for AwardWallet team in 2021 but has been around points and miles for several years. He has written at Forbes Advisor, CNBC Select, Miles to Memories, The Points Guy, and USA Today Blueprint.

After someone at his hostel in China said “I flew here for free using points,” Ryan was hooked. In December 2023, he finished his goal of visiting every country and now plans to return to those that merit another visit.

His wife joins him on many of his trips, and they enjoy snowboarding, diving, and seeing animals in the wild. When not traveling, Ryan is probably answering questions from his family about how he travels so much and whether all of this is illegal.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Review: Good Delta Perks That Offset the Fee

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Review: Good Delta Perks That Offset the Fee
Ryan SmithIan Snyder
by Ryan Smith and Ian Snyder
May 27, 2025
30

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is one of four personal co-brand Delta cards offered by American Express and presents substantial value for cardmembers who can take advantage of the perks and benefits the card offers. However, the annual fee is a turn-off to some, and you'll need to regularly use the card's benefits to justify it. Our Platinum Delta Amex review can help you decide if this is the right card for you.

The Cost to Apply for Programs Like Global Entry Is Increasing on October 1. Will Your Credit Card Cover the Higher Fees?

The Cost to Apply for Programs Like Global Entry Is Increasing on October 1. Will Your Credit Card Cover the Higher Fees?
Ryan SmithScott Sikes
by Ryan Smith and Scott Sikes
October 9, 2024
0

If you missed the news, the cost of Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS will increase on October 1, 2024. Since October 1 is just a few short days away, now's a great time to apply for one of these trusted traveler programs before they become more expensive. Or, if you have a credit card offering an application fee waiver as a perk, you may not need to act so swiftly — here's why.

Capital One Venture X vs. Spark Cash Plus: Which Business Card Is Best for You?

Capital One Venture X vs. Spark Cash Plus: Which Business Card Is Best for You?
Ryan SmithTyler Glatt
by Ryan Smith and Tyler Glatt
April 15, 2025
4

Capital One's Capital One Venture X Business and Capital One Spark Cash Plus cards are both offering huge bonuses: up to 350,000 bonus miles and $2,000 Cash Back, respectively. The spending requirements are sizeable, but the value of these bonuses can't be understated. Which bonus should you pursue for your business? Here are the similarities and differences between these cards and their current bonuses.

Earn Up to a $2,000 (Or More) Cash Bonus with Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Earn Up to a $2,000 (Or More) Cash Bonus with Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Tyler GlattRyan Smith
by Tyler Glatt and Ryan Smith
September 10, 2024
4

Capital One is giving business owners the opportunity to earn up to a $2,000 cash bonus on its premier business cash-back card, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus — and an additional $2,000 for every $500,000 spent during the first year — with no caps or limits.. This card is one of the most straightforward rewards earners on the market, with a simple 2% cash back on all purchases and no cap on how much cash back you can earn. The spending requirement is high, but this bonus is massive.

Which Credit Cards Provide Free Roadside Assistance? [2024]

Which Credit Cards Provide Free Roadside Assistance? [2024]
Jess FarleyRyan Smith
by Jess Farley and Ryan Smith
April 12, 2025
57

Car-related frustrations are awful. Getting locked out, breaking down at the side of the road, or having a flat tire — whatever it is, it's frustrating. Luckily, there's a way to avoid expensive calls to a tow truck or mechanic when you've got car troubles. Holding the right credit card can give you this benefit for free. These are the best credit card options for complimentary roadside assistance.

The Best Credit Cards for Trip Interruption and Trip Cancellation Insurance [2024]

The Best Credit Cards for Trip Interruption and Trip Cancellation Insurance [2024]
Ryan SmithJess Farley
by Ryan Smith and Jess Farley
April 12, 2025
73

Wondering if you should purchase trip insurance to cover trip cancelations or interruptions? Enter credit card trip interruption and cancellation insurance, which can cover you for extra expenses when you must end a trip early (interruption insurance) or cancel it (cancellation insurance) for covered reasons. Which cards provide the best policies? Here's a closer look.

How To Earn Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status and the Perks of Each Tier

How To Earn Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status and the Perks of Each Tier
Ryan SmithMax Prosperi
by Ryan Smith and Max Prosperi
June 6, 2025
105

Interested in earning elite status with Marriott's Bonvoy rewards program? Marriott Bonvoy elite status consists of five elite tiers (in addition to the base level). The program has a huge worldwide footprint and offers various perks, depending on your status level and the hotel brand you're staying at. In this article, we deeply dive into Marriott's elite status tiers, what they offer, and how to attain these perks.

Who Is Eligible for the Bonus on the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®?

Who Is Eligible for the Bonus on the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®?
Ryan Smith
by Ryan Smith
June 19, 2024
1

Every time I see a good bonus on a credit card, my fingers get itchy. I'm ready to apply. I'm already dreaming of where those points and miles can take me. However, I always need to bounce back to reality for a minute. "Am I eligible for this sign-up bonus?" is an important question to ask. Here's a look at some common questions and answers about eligibility for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®.

You Can Now Earn and Redeem Flying Blue Miles on Oman Air…Which Is Surprising

You Can Now Earn and Redeem Flying Blue Miles on Oman Air…Which Is Surprising
Ryan Smith
by Ryan Smith
June 10, 2024
0

Mere days after confirming the timeline for Oman Air joining Oneworld, which should happen by the end of 2024, Oneworld's next airline has gone and partnered with founding members of the rival SkyTeam alliance. That's interesting, to say the least. That's good news for those who love additional options for earning and redeeming their miles, though. And the fact the partnership comes with one of the easiest programs in which to accrue miles should make you especially happy.

Hyatt Releases Further Details on Hyatt Studios: First Locations, Brand Explorer & Reduced Earnings

Hyatt Releases Further Details on Hyatt Studios: First Locations, Brand Explorer & Reduced Earnings
Skye ClassRyan Smith
by Skye Class and Ryan Smith
June 5, 2024
0

Hyatt Studios is the newest hotel brand to join the ranks of other extended-stay properties, with the first built-from-scratch locations originally scheduled to open by the end of 2024. However, that date has been pushed back, though other updates on Hyatt Studios include some positives and negatives, as well as details on the first two locations of this new brand and how it will participate in the World of Hyatt program.

Earn Delta SkyMiles at Starbucks, Plus Increased Earning Rates on Reloads

Earn Delta SkyMiles at Starbucks, Plus Increased Earning Rates on Reloads
Sam HelmyRyan Smith
by Sam Helmy and Ryan Smith
June 5, 2024
1

Delta and Starbucks have a loyalty partnership that lets you earn SkyMiles on purchases at Starbucks. You will also earn double Starbucks stars on days you make a purchase and have a scheduled Delta flight. The partnership offers more than earnings, with a few new benefits and an exciting welcome bonus. Plus, new changes incentivize reloading your Starbucks card with higher amounts by providing extra Delta SkyMiles as the balance increases.

How To Meet Minimum Spending Requirements on New Credit Cards

How To Meet Minimum Spending Requirements on New Credit Cards
Ryan Smith
by Ryan Smith
June 5, 2024
50

There's a hesitation I see regularly about applying for travel rewards credit cards is about the minimum spending requirement to earn a welcome bonus. Some people feel the spending requirements are too high for their income levels. Others think that much spending sounds rash — as if it's a surefire way to get into credit card debt. Thankfully, there are ways to put spending on a new credit card without increasing your overall spending. Here are our tips on how to meet minimum spending requirements to earn a new bonus without busting your budget.