Ryan Smith, The Points Guy

Ryan Smith

The Points Guy

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Recent:
  • Unknown
Past:
  • The Points Guy

Past articles by Ryan:

Points of View: Can I earn the miles if I buy someone a ticket?

You paid for an airline ticket, but someone else is the passenger. Can you earn miles in an airline loyalty program on this flight? Here's how it works. → Read More

Southwest cardholders: Earn up to 2,000 points with this anniversary bonus

Some Southwest Airlines credit card holders can choose an anniversary bonus. Here's how to check for your available bonus. → Read More

Traveling for spring break? Here are the best cards for making your trip more comfortable

You may wonder how to make your next trip more comfortable. Here's a look at the credit cards that add the benefits you're looking for on a vacation. → Read More

Points of View: Can I stop using my card after I earn the sign-up bonus?

You've earned a welcome bonus, and now you've applied for another credit card to earn another bonus. What should you do with that first card? → Read More

Venmo Credit Card review: Bonus cash back for fans of Venmo

Are you considering the Venmo Credit Card and want to know more about it? In this guide, TPG takes a closer look at the card's positives and negatives. → Read More

Readers say this credit card insurance provider isn't reliable: Here's what you need to know

Many Visa credit card benefits are backed by eClaimsline. Unfortunately, reviews for this company are not good. Here's what you should know and how to improve the claims process. → Read More

Capital One expands credit card benefits it deems taxable, surprises some customers with 1099s

Credit card rebates and statement credits are typically not seen as income by the IRS. So why is Capital One sending out 1099s? → Read More

Ignoring Chase's 5/24 rule? Here's how that could cost you 200,000 points

Here's a look at two hypothetical people who get into the points and miles hobby. We compare their credit card strategies to see how one person loses significant value over time. → Read More

Capital One Refer a Friend: What you need to know about this generous program

Did you know that you can earn thousands of bonus miles or hundreds of dollars in cash by referring friends and relatives for credit cards? Here's how the Capital One Refer a Friend program works. → Read More

What is a BIN attack on a credit card? Understanding this type of credit card fraud

This guide helps you understand reports of unauthorized transactions, how they come about and what you should do. → Read More

Proposal to limit late and overdraft fees: How to avoid them in the 1st place

The federal government has announced several initiatives to reduce late and overdraft fees. However, you can avoid these altogether — here's how. → Read More

Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin airports may get Chase Sapphire lounges

According to application documents, two airports in Texas might get Chase Sapphire lounges. Here's what we know. → Read More

Don't miss out: Get perks just for signing up with these loyalty programs

By signing up for these loyalty programs, you can enjoy benefits that save time and save money. Here's what you can get as a basic member. → Read More

Chase Sapphire cardholders: Earn up to 10 points per dollar with Peloton

You can earn up to 10 points per dollar on Peloton purchases. Here are the details and the eligible credit cards. → Read More

How to get presale tickets to the Beyoncé tour

Looking to snag hard-to-come-by tickets for Beyoncé? Here's how to get them even earlier, thanks to a special presale. → Read More

Wells Fargo Autograph Card review: Quality perks with no annual fee

It has no annual fee and good earning categories, but whether it's right for you depends on what you're looking for. Here's a closer look at the positives and negatives of the Wells Fargo Autograph card. → Read More

The best ways to use your Chase 5/24 slots

If you're new to credit cards or you haven't opened many recently, we guide you through the best Chase credit card options to start with as you build a long-term strategy. → Read More

Earn 20,000 bonus points with no annual fee: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card

Here are the details of the current welcome offer and other card highlights of the Wells Fargo Autograph Card. → Read More

A new hotel that needs to work out the kinks: A review of the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City

Here's what to expect if you book a stay at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City. → Read More

Check your Chase Offers to save money with Marriott, Lyft and Carnival

Here some several limited-time Chase Offers that can save you money on travel expenses with Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Tumi. → Read More