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Welcome

Friends,

Let’s talk mechanics again today—specifically, the behind-the-scenes magic that makes flexible points (like Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, etc.) so powerful.

Because if you’ve ever had a stash of points sitting in your account and wondered what they’re actually good for, the answer is this: it depends entirely on the transfer partners.

Here’s what I mean.

When you earn a point with Chase, you’re not just earning an “Ultimate Rewards point.” You’re earning access to a whole ecosystem of airlines and hotels that Chase partners with. The value of those points isn’t fixed—it swings (sometimes wildly) based on how and where you use them.

A few quick examples:

• Chase → Virgin Atlantic: 72,500 points can book ANA first class from the U.S. west coast to Tokyo (if you can find space).

• Amex → Air Canada Aeroplan: Great for Star Alliance redemptions, especially when you want to fly Lufthansa or SWISS without fuel surcharges.

• Capital One → Turkish Airlines: Yes, 15,000 miles for a one-way to Hawaii in economy from the mainland U.S. (it’s real). Turkish is also stellar for (more expensive) last minute business class redemptions to Europe.

Each program has quirks, sweet spots, and award charts—and that’s what makes understanding transfer partners essential. This is the difference between spending 150,000 points for a round-trip to Europe in coach… and 120,000 points for round-trip business class.

So what do you do?

1. Know who your card's partners are. Bookmark the list. Read a few blogs (like this one 😉).

2. Use point transfer search tools. Seats.aero, Point.me and AwardTool are great. Or book time with me and we’ll make it happen together.

3. Look before you transfer. Transfers are (usually) irreversible. Find the space first, then move the points.

Big Picture: If you’re sitting on a stash of credit card points and only using them in the portal at 1–1.25 cents per point, that’s like driving a Ferrari in first gear. Learn your transfer partners—and unlock a much higher value.

Happy flying.

Remember, this life you are living has meaning. Thank you for reading. I am grateful you are here and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to write me a note, simply reply to this email. Otherwise I'll see you in the next one.

Be well today. -Tommy

P.S. If I can ever help you plan your next travel adventure (slash help make your points go farther), I’d be delighted. You can schedule time together here.