Ask the Nerds: Booking Traps, Transfer Optimization and Card Strategy

Learn how to stretch modest points balances into business-class flights, and safer spending abroad.

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle answer travel questions from listeners to help you make smarter points, transfer and booking decisions. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Chase Sapphire Lounge's exit from the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks, Citi and American Airlines' refreshed Executive World Legend Mastercard, Amex Membership Rewards' new transfer partnership with Leading Hotels of the World's Leaders Club, and Citi and Mastercard's expanded Curated Table dining series for Strata Elite cardmembers.

Then, Sally and Meghan open up the mailbag, with tips and tricks on turning a modest Delta points balance into a business-class trip to Italy, deciding whether a Wise account makes sense for a teen's summer abroad, weighing whether to transfer Wyndham points to airline partners, and sorting out how new United MileagePlus earning rules affect which card to use for a flight.

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Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Citi AAdvantage Executive Review: Your Key to the Club

Citi Strata Elite Review: Premium Perks Can Offset Its Premium Fee

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business Review: Big Perks, Bigger Fee

American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits

Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards

Delta SkyMiles Platinum AmEx Review: One Big Perk Pays the Fee