Best Credit Cards for Weddings: Turn Venue Bills Into Honeymoon Flights and Hotel Nights

Best Credit Cards for Weddings: Turn Venue Bills Into Honeymoon Flights and Hotel Nights

Find out which credit cards could turn your wedding costs into a business class honeymoon. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the best credit cards for wedding expenses and how to use the points you earn to pay for your honeymoon. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including data projecting a record number of Independence Day travelers and which days to avoid (or target) for flying and driving, Sally's preview sailing aboard Royal Caribbean's new Legend of the Seas, the Amex Platinum Saks Fifth Avenue credit disappearing on July 1st, and new data from AirDNA showing nightly average Airbnb prices are now surpassing hotel averages. Then, they dig into the best credit cards for wedding spending, with tips on how to match a card to your venue type (hotel versus non-hotel), why many vendors won't let you pay by credit card and how to maximize the ones that will, and how to reverse-engineer your honeymoon destination to pick the right points currency. They also answer a question from Jessie, who will be getting married at a Marriott Autograph Hotel, about whether the math works to pay with a Marriott card despite the processing fee. Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6 [https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6]  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: * Citi Double Cash Review: A Solid Choice for Everyday Spending [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-double-cash] * Capital One Venture Review: Easy Earnings, Effortless Redemptions [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/capital-one-venture] * Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/capital-one-venture-x] * Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-palladium] * Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Review: Choose Your Own Bonus Category [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bankofamerica-cash-rewards] * Costco Anywhere Visa Review: Bulked-Up Savings for Members [https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/costco-anywhere-visa] * Amazon Prime Visa Review: Perhaps the Ultimate Store Card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/amazon-prime-rewards] * Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Review: Ho-Hum for a High Price [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/marriott-bonvoy-bevy] * World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/world-of-hyatt] * Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/hilton-honors-aspire] * Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve] * American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum] * American Express Gold Card Review: Friendly for Foodies, Families [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-premier-rewards-gold] Resources discussed in this episode: * The Best Days to Fly Around July Fourth [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/fourth-of-july-travel] * BofA Rewards: More Rewards With Every Purchase [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/bank-of-america-preferred-rewards-credit-card-extra-rewards] * The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Offers Right Now [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/top-rewards-credit-card-offers] * 7 Stunning All-Inclusives to Book With Points [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/6-great-all-inclusives-you-can-book-this-winter-with-points] * PointsYeah Award Search Review: A Great Tool for Points Collectors [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/points-yeah-award-search-review-easily-find-your-next-points-redemption] Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travelnerd-free-newsletter?utm_source=st&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cm_organic_072325_podcast_st_desc_allepisodes_travel-nerd], our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The Hidden Costs of "Cheap" Countries: What $300 a Day in Madagascar Really Buys You

Learn what it really costs to honeymoon in one of the world's least-visited countries and how to get there on points. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French share what it actually costs to honeymoon in one of the world's least-visited countries. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the new Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits that went live June 15th, a full Wyndham Rewards card family refresh that added a brand-new premium card, why airfares are up more than 26% year-over-year amid broader travel price increases, and highlights from AAA's new Five Diamond Hotels list. Then, they discuss Sally's Madagascar honeymoon from every angle, with tips on whether a group tour could be the right call for destinations with little tourist infrastructure, why countries with the lowest cost of living can be among the most expensive places to visit, and how to score business class seats on Ethiopian Airlines for 80,000 United miles to one of the farthest destinations from San Francisco on earth. They also feature an interview with Madagascar guide Zu Rakuthu Nirina and answer a listener’s question about using 176,000 United miles for flights from SFO to Singapore. Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6 [https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6]  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: * * Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-preferred] * * 5 Things to Know About the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/wyndham-rewards-earner-business] * Wyndham Credit Cards Get a Glow-Up and a New Premium Sibling [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/wyndham-credit-cards-refresh-plus-premium-card] * * Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Review: Solid Rewards and Perks for Loyalists [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wyndham-rewards-visa-annual-fee] * * Wyndham Rewards Earner Credit Card Review: Ideal for Frugal Travelers [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wyndham-rewards-visa] Resources discussed in this episode: * PointsYeah Award Search Review: A Great Tool for Points Collectors [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/points-yeah-award-search-review-easily-find-your-next-points-redemption] Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travelnerd-free-newsletter?utm_source=st&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cm_organic_072325_podcast_st_desc_allepisodes_travel-nerd], our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Unpacking the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s Biggest Update in Five Years: What You Need to Know

Learn how the Chase Sapphire Preferred's biggest refresh in years could change how you earn and redeem travel points. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down the latest travel headlines, including Delta's expanded free checked bag perk, a new ride-hailing credit on select Delta cards, a second Delta One Lounge coming to LAX, World of Hyatt's new 12-month advance booking window for cardholders and elite members, and two changes hitting Atmos Rewards members. Then, they dig into the Chase Sapphire Preferred's first major overhaul in five years. The annual fee is staying at $95 but the card is getting new benefits, updated earning categories, and some trade-offs worth knowing about. Meghan and Sally walk through every change, weigh the pros and cons, and compare the Preferred to other travel cards to help you figure out whether it still deserves a spot in your wallet. *In this episode, we misstated how the new $100 annual Chase Travel hotel credit applies to existing cardholders. Existing cardholders received an additional $50 credit on June 15, 2026 for their anniversary year. Help us plan our next live event! Take our quick survey to let us know where you would be most excited to meet our hosts and fellow listeners: https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6 [https://forms.gle/BqQz7JR6ThxdgSEY6]  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: * Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-preferred] * Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve] * World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/world-of-hyatt] * Bilt Obsidian Card: Fine for Foodies, Complex for Housing [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-obsidian] * Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph-journey] * Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-autograph] * Bank of America Premium Rewards Review: Big Bonuses for B of A's Best Customers [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bank-of-america-premium-rewards] * Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/citi-strata-premier] * Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Rare as They Are Valuable [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/atmos-rewards-summit] * Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx Review: Pricey for What You Get [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-gold-delta-skymiles] * Delta SkyMiles Platinum AmEx Review: One Big Perk Pays the Fee [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum-delta-skymiles] * Delta Reserve Credit Card: $650 Annual Fee, Sky Club Access [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/delta-reserve] * U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Review: Good for Travel and Gas [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/us-bank-altitude-connect] Resources discussed in this episode: * Citi ThankYou Transfer Partners: A Complete Guide [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/citi-transfer-partners-guide] Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travelnerd-free-newsletter?utm_source=st&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cm_organic_072325_podcast_st_desc_allepisodes_travel-nerd], our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Earn More Points on Purchases You Already Make: Online Shopping, Dining, Rideshares and More

Learn how to earn more points and miles on everyday shopping using portals, dining programs, and partner apps. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the sometimes-overlooked ways you could earn bonus points and miles on purchases you're already making. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including new summer airfare price drop data from Kayak's updated trends dashboard, T-Mobile Tuesday deals with travel perks for June, Hilton's new college-themed hotel brand called Undergraduate, and the opening of Alaska Airlines' renovated lounge at Portland International Airport. Then, Meghan and Sally dig into online shopping portals, explaining how tools like Rakuten, airline-specific portals (including American's AAdvantage eShopping, which earns loyalty points toward elite status), hotel booking platforms like Gondola, and the up-and-coming Rove Miles program could help you stack rewards on top of your credit card earnings. They also cover airline dining programs, brand partnerships with Uber, Lyft, and Starbucks, and the aggregator Cashback Monitor so you can see at a glance which portal offers the best rate for any retailer. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: * Choice Privileges Mastercard: Useful Bonus Categories, No Annual Fee [https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/choice-privileges-card]  * Choice Privileges Select Mastercard: Piles of Points for a $95 Annual Fee  [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/choice-privileges-select-card] * Bilt Blue Card: Complex Housing Rewards, Modest Everyday Ones [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-blue-card] * Bilt Obsidian Card: Fine for Foodies, Complex for Housing [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-obsidian] * Bilt Palladium Card: Rewards on Housing Are Almost Secondary [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-palladium] * American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits  [https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum] * American Express Gold Card Review: Friendly for Foodies, Families  [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-premier-rewards-gold] Resources discussed in this episode: * Inside the New Portland Alaska Lounge: A Treehouse in the Forest [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/alaska-lounge-portland] * Best Credit Card Bonuses for New Cardholders of June 2026 [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/best/bonus-offers] * Credit Card Transfer Partners At a Glance [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/heres-how-you-can-transfer-your-points-from-any-major-credit-card-issuer] * The Capital One Shopping Portal Is Changing How I Book Travel [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/book-with-capital-one-shopping-portal] * The Guide to Rove Miles [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/guide-to-rove-miles] Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travelnerd-free-newsletter?utm_source=st&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cm_organic_072325_podcast_st_desc_allepisodes_travel-nerd], our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Summer Travel 2026: How to Time Your Trip, Pick Your Destination, and Actually Save Money

Learn how summer 2026 travel costs are rising and which booking strategies could help you save money this season. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss what's driving up summer travel costs in 2026 and how to plan smarter despite them. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including what American Express's new partnership with Fanatics could mean for sports fans and points collectors, a new Bilt deal allowing certain cardholders to earn miles on rent payments with Air France/KLM and Alaska Atmos, major updates at Disney World and Disneyland, and findings from Expedia's summer travel report on the return of last-minute booking. Then, Meghan and Sally dig into the full picture of summer travel in 2026, with tips and tricks on when airfares and hotel prices hit their seasonal floor, which domestic and international destinations are trending this summer, and how to decide whether spending points or paying cash makes more sense when prices are climbing fast. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: * Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/alaska-airlines-credit-card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/alaska-airlines-credit-card]  * 5 Things to Know About the Air France-KLM Credit Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/air-france-klm-credit-card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/air-france-klm-credit-card]  * Fanatics Rewards Card from American Express https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/amex-fanatics-to-partner-on-credit-card [https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/amex-fanatics-to-partner-on-credit-card]  Resources discussed in this episode: * How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2026? https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations]  * 2026 Summer Travel Report: 42% Would Rather Stay Home Than Book Budget Travel https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/studies/summer-travel-report [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/studies/summer-travel-report]  * The Best Days to Book a Flight and When to Fly https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/best-days-book-flight-fly [https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/best-days-book-flight-fly]  Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travelnerd-free-newsletter?utm_source=st&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cm_organic_072325_podcast_st_desc_allepisodes_travel-nerd], our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]