7 Characteristics of a Travel Points Pro

Do you have what it takes to travel using loyalty points? I’ve compiled a list of the characteristics I believe every good points pro must have in order to be successful!

How would I know?

I’ve been doing this for the past 8 years and have saved over $70,000 in travel expenses for my family of four!

Here are the seven characteristics:

1. Financially responsible.

   You don’t have credit card debt, you pay your bills on time and in full, you budget and actively manage your money.

2. Organized.

   Not only do you have good money skills, you keep important information in order. You track the “who, what, when, and where” of things that are a priority to you.

3. Motivated. You are excited by the financial benefits to be gained by earning travel loyalty points and know it’s worth the effort.

4. Good research skills.

   Google is your BFF. You know how to get creative and search the right words to get to the content you want to read. This is how you learn more tips and tricks!

5. Time available.

   You have capacity in your schedule to fit in the hours required for your points hobby — whether it’s researching, planning, earning, or redeeming points and miles.

6. Enjoys a challenge.

   Sometimes earning and using points feels like solving a puzzle or math equation. Various steps to go through, coordination of efforts, obstacles to overcome, and even compromises to make.

7. Patience.

   You accept the fact that becoming a points pro is a process and there are several steps that must take place before you reap the rewards of free travel.

So what is the risk if you don’t meet the qualifications above? Really two things:

1. Missed opportunities by losing out on points through inefficient earning and redemption, as well as point expiration

2. Financial repercussions (due to the credit card component of hacking) which

   could include late fees, interest charges, annual fees without utilization of the card benefits.

Earning and redeeming travel loyalty points is an exciting and valuable hobby/interest/activity, but you must be willing to put in the effort and meet the personal requirements needed to do it successfully!