Frequently Asked Questions

Credit card points are rewards you earn every time you use your card. They're essentially a rebate on your spending — but instead of getting cash back, you accumulate points that can be redeemed for travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) at values that often exceed what you'd get in cash. Think of it like frequent flyer miles, but earned through everyday spending.

Your points are generally safe as long as your account is open and in good standing. However, points can lose value over time through "devaluations" — when airlines or hotels increase the number of points needed for the same trip. That's why we recommend using points regularly rather than hoarding them. We'll also alert you if any programs you use announce changes.

It depends on how you use them. A general rule: credit card points are worth 1–2 cents each when used for travel, but can be worth 3–10+ cents each when transferred to airline partners for business or first class flights. For example, 70,000 Chase points could get you a $200 gift card — or a $8,000 business class ticket to Tokyo. That's the difference WanderWise helps you capture.

Absolutely not — in fact, you may be sitting on a gold mine. Many of our members discover they have enough points for entire trips they never knew were possible. The sooner you start using them, the better, since points tend to lose value over time. Let us take a look — you might be closer to your dream trip than you think.

Cash back gives you a percentage of your spending returned as cash (or statement credit). Miles are typically earned through airline-specific cards and can only be used with that airline. Points (from cards like Chase Sapphire or Amex) are the most flexible — they can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel programs, giving you the most options and often the highest value per point.

A new application typically causes a small, temporary dip of 5–10 points due to the "hard inquiry." For most people — especially those with established credit history (which is likely you!) — this recovers within a few months. In fact, responsible use of a new card can actually improve your score over time by lowering your overall credit utilization ratio. We never pressure anyone to apply, and we'll explain the full picture before you decide.

Not necessarily. Many of our members get incredible value from the cards they already have — they just weren't using the points optimally. We always start by maximizing what you've got. If a new card would genuinely benefit you (like a welcome bonus worth $1,000+ in travel), we'll explain why. But there's never any obligation.

Often, yes — and by a lot. A card with a $95 annual fee that earns you $2,000+ in travel value is an excellent deal. Many premium cards also include perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and statement credits that offset the fee entirely. We'll do the math for your specific situation so you can see the value clearly.

Absolutely. You don't need to spend more to earn points — you just need to earn them more strategically on the spending you're already doing. Groceries, gas, utilities, insurance, dining out — all of these can earn significant points with the right card. Many retirees are surprised at how much travel value their normal spending can generate.

You shouldn't carry a balance — and we'd never suggest it. The strategy works by paying your full balance every month. You earn points on your regular spending and pay zero interest. This is about being smart with the spending you're already doing, not about going into debt.

We understand the skepticism — "fly business class for $47" does sound too good to be true. But it's simply how credit card rewards work when you know the system. WanderWise is a legitimate business operated by Make No Mistakes LLC. We make money through affiliate commissions (which we disclose openly) and optional paid memberships. We never ask for your credit card numbers or account passwords. And our free content has zero obligation attached.

Three ways, all transparent: (1) We earn commissions from credit card issuers when you apply through our links — the same way every credit card review site works. (2) We offer optional paid memberships (WanderWise Club and Concierge) for people who want more personalized help. (3) We earn small commissions when you book travel through our partner links. We'd recommend the same cards and strategies even if we didn't earn a cent.

WanderWise was built specifically for people who feel this way. Our guides use plain English, large text, and step-by-step instructions. If you can use email, you can use WanderWise. And if you'd rather not do anything yourself, our Concierge service handles everything for you — just tell us where you want to go.

Those sites are excellent — for 30-year-old points hobbyists who enjoy reading about "transfer partner sweet spots." WanderWise is built for you. We don't give you 47 options and say "compare." We give you one clear recommendation and say "here's your plan." And if you want, our Concierge team will do it all for you. No other points site offers that.

Our content and approach are designed for the 55+ traveler — the tone, the pacing, the level of explanation, and the types of trips we feature. That said, anyone who prefers clear, no-jargon guidance is welcome. Smart travel advice doesn't have an age limit.

The Concierge is $49/month for ongoing service, or $199 per individual booking if you prefer a pay-as-you-go approach. Both options start with a free consultation call where we assess your situation and recommend the best path. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee on the monthly plan.

Your free 30-minute call covers: a review of your current credit cards and points balances, a discussion of your travel dreams and priorities, an honest assessment of what's realistically achievable, and a recommended next step. There's zero obligation and zero sales pressure. Many people find the consultation alone gives them valuable insight.

Yes — and family trips are where the Concierge service really shines. Coordinating flights, hotels, and activities for multiple travelers across different points programs is complex. We handle all of it. Multigenerational trips (grandkids to Disney, anniversary trips, family reunions) are some of our favorite projects.

Cancel anytime with no fees, no penalties, and no awkward phone calls. Your first month includes a full money-back guarantee. After that, simply let us know and we'll cancel your subscription at the end of the billing period. Any trips already booked remain yours.

No. We never ask for your credit card numbers, login credentials, or account passwords. We work with information you share voluntarily — like which cards you have and approximate points balances. All bookings are made through official airline and hotel channels.

Yes. We take privacy seriously. Your email and personal details are never sold to third parties. We use industry-standard encryption, and our privacy policy is written in plain English (naturally). You can read it at the bottom of any page.

No. We send one weekly email with travel tips, deals, and points strategies — that's it. No daily bombardment, no "URGENT DEAL" alerts at midnight. Every email includes a one-click unsubscribe link. We respect your inbox because we want to stay in it.