149. 2025 Points Year in Review: A Look Back at Cards, Strategies & Earning (Part 1) with Dr. Andrea Mabry

Do you ever wonder what cards other people have, how they use them, and exactly how many points they're earning each year? I'll be honest—I'm nosy when it comes to other people's points, and I love getting a peek inside someone else's points earning strategies. In this first part of a two-part year-in-review series, I've invited Dr. Andrea Mabry back to the show to break down everything that shaped our points earning in 2025. This has become one of my favorite Point Me to First Class traditions, and this year marks the third installment of this annual series. We're pulling back the curtain on the credit cards we opened, the unexpected opportunities we seized, and the total number of points we earned across all our points ecosystems, from Chase and Amex to Capital One, Citi, and beyond. Andrea and I each share our total points earned for the year, then break those numbers down by transferable versus airline-specific currencies, welcome bonuses versus organic spend, and the earning methods that delivered the most value. We talk about why this was an unusually busy year for new card acquisitions, what happened when an entire points program collapsed overnight, and what's on our radar for 2026. Whether you're mapping out your own points strategy or just curious how two points enthusiasts approach earning at scale, this conversation offers real numbers, honest reflections, and the lessons we're taking into the new year. Get full show notes and transcript: www.pointmetofirstclass.com/2025-points-year-in-review-part-1 Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy