#3 When you’re diving into the world of points and miles, one of the first questions that comes up is: “If I start opening multiple credit cards, won’t my credit score drop?”

It’s a fear that stops a lot of people from even getting started. And I get it your credit score is a big deal. It influences whether banks approve you for new cards, the rates you get on loans, and even how much trust lenders place in you. The idea of putting all that at risk just to chase points sounds scary… until you understand how credit scores really work.

In this episode of Rewarding Routes, we’re taking a deep dive into the truth about credit cards and your credit score. I’ll walk you through the five key factors that make up your score, how much weight each one carries, and what actually happens when you apply for new credit cards. Spoiler: it’s not nearly as bad as you think. In fact, if you use cards responsibly, opening more can actually help your score in the long run.

Here’s what we’ll cover in detail:

Why your credit score matters in the world of points and miles, and how it directly affects your ability to travel more often.
The five factors that make up your credit score:

Payment history (35%) Why paying in full and on time is non-negotiable.

Credit utilization (30%) How much of your available credit you use, and why having more cards can actually lower this ratio and improve your score.

Length of credit history (15%) Why closing old accounts can hurt, and how to let your oldest cards quietly work in your favor.

New credit/inquiries (10%) How hard pulls work, why the dip is temporary, and how to space out applications strategically.

Credit mix (10%) What it means to have different types of credit, and why you don’t need to stress about this one.

Real world examples of how utilization and average account age are calculated, so you can see exactly what lenders see.
Best practices that protect your credit score while still allowing you to rack up the welcome bonuses and ongoing rewards that make repeat travel possible.

I’ll also share my own experience: despite opening multiple new cards over the years to maximize points, my credit score has consistently stayed strong often at or above 800. That’s not because I did anything special, but because I followed the same practices I’m sharing with you in this episode: pay on time, keep balances low, and don’t close your oldest cards.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why your credit score isn’t something to fear. Instead, it’s a tool you can manage and protect while also using it to unlock flights, hotels, and experiences in Japan and across Asia. This knowledge takes away the fear and gives you the confidence to keep building toward your dream trips, not just once, but over and over again.

So if you’ve ever worried that applying for more credit cards might ruin your score, this episode is for you. By the time we’re done, you’ll see how to keep your score strong while stacking the points and miles that will get you back to Tokyo, Seoul, or wherever your rewarding route takes you next.

#2 I share the exact 9-step roadmap that transformed how I travel and made my dream of exploring Japan a reality. When I first started, I was completely overwhelmed too many cards, too many programs, and way too much confusing jargon. I remember sitting at my computer late at night thinking, “Where do I even start?” If you’ve ever felt the same, this episode is designed for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

1. Understanding the Basics: How points and miles work, why credit card companies offer them, and why setting a travel goal (like Japan) keeps you focused.

2. Choosing the Right Card: The difference between airline cards, hotel cards, and flexible point cards and which one is best for beginners. I’ll also cover why welcome bonuses are the fastest way to earn big points and how your credit score plays into approvals.

3. Creating a Spending Plan: How to meet minimum spend requirements without overspending. I’ll share creative strategies like prepaying bills, timing large expenses, or even using gift cards to reach those thresholds responsibly.

4. Paying Off Your Balance in Full: This step is non-negotiable. I’ll explain why carrying a balance wipes out your rewards and how simple systems like autopay can keep you on track.

5. Maximizing Category Bonuses: How to earn even more points by using the right card for the right purchase (dining, travel, groceries). I’ll also share stacking tips that can multiply your earnings.

6. Learning About Transfer Partners: Why airline alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld open up endless possibilities. You’ll discover how transferring points to one airline can unlock flights on its partners (like using United miles to book ANA to Japan).

7. Using Your Points & Miles to Book Travel: How to actually redeem your rewards for flights and hotels, what taxes and fees to expect, and how to identify “good” vs. “bad” redemptions. I’ll share my first redemption story and how it shaped my travel strategy.

8. Using Tools to Maximize Points & Miles: The apps and resources that make tracking and booking easier, from AwardWallet to Point.me. I’ll walk through which ones I personally use and why.

9. Rinsing and Repeating: Once you’ve redeemed your first trip, the fun doesn’t stop. I’ll explain how to keep the momentum going, align your next card with your next travel goal, and make this a repeatable travel system that works year after year.

By the end of this episode, you’ll see that learning points and miles isn’t about memorizing every single program or chasing every single offer. It’s about understanding the basics, starting small, and building confidence one step at a time.

Whether Japan is your dream destination, or you’re planning a trip somewhere else, this episode will give you the foundation you need to stop feeling overwhelmed and start planning real trips with points and miles.

So grab your notebook, hit play, and let’s get started on building your own rewarding route.

#1: Welcome to the first episode of Rewarding Routes! I’m John, and my mission is to make traveling to Japan possible year after year without breaking the bank by using credit card points and miles to turn everyday spending into flights and hotels.

In this episode, I share how my love of travel began. Back in 2016, my wife (then girlfriend) and I packed our bags for a one way trip to Manchester. That adventure took us across Europe, Asia, and a year living in Australia. It completely changed my life and showed me how much I loved exploring new cultures. The one regret? We couldn’t make it to Japan it was too expensive at the time.

After returning home, I went through a slump, but in 2019 I got a job with an airline, keeping travel in my life. When the world shut down in 2020, I dove into personal finance, budgeting, and paying off debt. That’s when I discovered the world of points and miles through a YouTube video. At first it felt too good to be true, but in 2022 my wife and I proved it works: we booked a five-night Hawaii trip with Hyatt and Southwest almost entirely on points, paying just $11.20 in taxes. That win showed me what’s possible.

Since then, I’ve focused on using points and miles to unlock the trips that matter most to us especially Japan. We finally made it in 2023, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Miyajima Island. The culture, food, and kindness of the people completely pulled us in. In 2025, we returned, this time adding South Korea to the trip, and it only deepened my obsession. My long-term goal? Visit all 47 prefectures of Japan.

On this podcast, I’ll share:

How to earn and redeem points and miles.
How to plan meaningful itineraries, not just tourist checklists.
Deep dives into Japan’s culture, food, and hidden gems.
Stories from my travels and conversations with other travelers.

Japan doesn’t have to stay a “dream trip.” With the right strategies, it’s possible for anyone to go and to keep going back.

In the next episode, I’ll dive into the basics of points and miles and how to use them responsibly to start building your own rewarding route.