Travel is NOT Free

00:00 Show Kickoff

Matt and RJ get things started, with Lani on assignment, and jump into a viewer-question-heavy episode before moving into the increasingly messy state of credit card ecosystems.

Viewer Questions

01:32 Hard Truths in Points & Miles

If you had to pick one “hard truth” of the points & miles game that everyone should know, what would it be and why?DDAF

The biggest one: travel is not actually free. Points and miles still require spending, annual fees, opportunity cost, and sometimes a surprising amount of work. Another uncomfortable truth is that people in this hobby may not be quite as clever as they think they are.

04:35 Bilt Collections Glitch

Where would you place “improper collection actions on cardholders’ credit reports” on a list of best Bilt Rent Day bonuses of the year? Better than an Odell Beckham Jr. football, not as good as a Madonna exclusive Confessions II vinyl?SJDP1234

Matt and RJ discuss reports that some longtime Bilt users received erroneous collections notices tied to Bilt’s previous issuer relationship.

Bilt has reportedly been working to remove the marks and offering affected users 2,500 points, but the potential consequences are much more serious if someone happens to be applying for a mortgage or another major loan.

Not exactly the Rent Day bonus anyone was hoping for.

13:38 Rent Day Guests Talk