Travel Pro Shares 5 Tips to Save Money Using Credit Card Points

Brian Keith, founder of BryGuides, offers advice on maximizing credit card rewards for discounted flights and hotel stays.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Travel expert Brian Keith, founder of BryGuides, shares strategies on the latest episode of the In Your Corner podcast from CBS News Philadelphia for using credit card points to save money on travel. Keith discusses picking the right credit card, taking advantage of sign-up bonuses, aligning spending with bonus categories, using online shopping portals, and comparing point values to cash prices when redeeming.

Why it matters

As travel costs continue to rise, credit card points can help consumers stretch their budgets further and take more trips. Keith's advice provides practical tips for travelers looking to maximize their rewards and find discounted flights and hotel stays.

The details

Keith recommends credit cards that earn flexible, transferable points which can be used across multiple airlines and hotel partners. He says sign-up bonuses of 60,000 to 75,000 points can cover a flight or hotel stay, and aligning spending with bonus categories is an easy way to quickly accrue points. Using online shopping portals can also provide bonus points on top of what's earned from the credit card. When redeeming points, Keith advises comparing the cash price to the point value, as transferring points to airline partners can sometimes provide significantly more value.

  • The In Your Corner podcast episode featuring Brian Keith was released on February 4, 2026.

The players

Brian Keith

The founder of BryGuides, a travel company that teaches people how to travel the world using credit card points and miles.

CBS News Philadelphia

The local CBS News affiliate that produces the In Your Corner podcast, which featured Brian Keith as a guest expert.

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What they’re saying

“It's that nice hit of excitement right from the jump.”

— Brian Keith, Founder, BryGuides (In Your Corner podcast)

“That's double-dipping. You're getting points not only from the purchase that you're making on the card, but then additional points.”

— Brian Keith, Founder, BryGuides (In Your Corner podcast)

What’s next

Travelers interested in learning more can listen to the full In Your Corner podcast episode featuring Brian Keith's tips.

The takeaway

By strategically using credit card points and rewards programs, consumers can significantly reduce the cost of travel without changing their normal spending habits, making it more accessible for a wider range of budgets.