How We Already Earned Over 2,000,000 Points Halfway Through 2026

In this episode of the BoldlyGo Podcast, DeAndre and Taryn pull back the curtain on exactly what their points and miles strategy has looked like so far this year. They share the credit cards they've opened, the massive welcome bonuses they've earned, and the transfer opportunities they jumped on before valuable promotions disappeared. From Bilt's 100% transfer bonus to Japan Airlines and Citi's Preferred Hotels transfer ratio before devaluation, to Hilton free night certificate strategies and American Airlines loyalty planning, they explain the thought process behind every decision instead of simply listing card recommendations. The episode also shifts from earning points to putting them into action with a long weekend in Charleston, South Carolina. DeAndre and Taryn review their first experience flying Breeze Airways, break down their Hilton hotel redemption, and share why Charleston quickly became one of their favorite food destinations in the United States. Along the way, they discuss buying points when the math works, balancing multiple hotel loyalty programs, and how thoughtful planning continues to create luxury travel experiences for a fraction of the retail cost. Rather than focusing on a single perfect strategy, this episode offers a real-time snapshot of how experienced travelers continuously adapt, diversify, and maximize opportunities throughout the year. Timestamps: (00:00) Why This Is Our Biggest Mid-Year Strategy Update (03:51) Every Credit Card We Opened This Year (05:49) Bilt Rewards and the Japan Airlines Transfer Bonus (09:26) Amex Business Platinum and Hilton Strategy (14:04) Citi Transfer Bonuses Before the Devaluation (17:59) When Buying Points Actually Makes Sense (22:21) Flying Breeze Airways to Charleston (31:13) Our Hilton Hotel Stay Using Points (36:30) The Best Food We Ate in Charleston (43:23) Final Lessons From Our Mid-Year Points & Miles Strategy *Resources: BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 Registration - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boldlygo... Book a Free 30-minute points & miles consultation - http://www.boldlygo.world/book-a-call Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel - http://www.boldlygo.world/start-here Sign up for our newsletter! - http://www.boldlygo.world/newsletter BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group -   / 1851998971915571   *Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1016987... *Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game: Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel Again - http://withautopilot.com/?partner=BOL... Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year) - https://cardpointers.com/boldlygo Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card) - https://zilmoney.com/ref/boldlygo Travel Freely - https://my.travelfreely.com/share?ref... Point.me - http://point.me/?pid=440 FlightConnections.com - https://www.flightconnections.com/pre... Thrifty Traveler Premium - http://thriftytraveler.com/a/boldlygo LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course - https://www.luxtravelhacks.com/aff/bo... ➜ Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount! *Connect with DeAndre & Taryn: Instagram: BoldlyGo.world -   / boldlygo.world   TikTok: BoldlyGo.world -   / boldlygo.world   Website: BoldlyGo.world - https://www.boldlygo.world/ YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld -    / @boldlygoworld   YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels -    / @boldlygotravels   #podcast #pointsandmiles #travel #travelpodcast