What is the Travel Rewards Optimizer?

Frank McBride • May 1, 2023

Over the past few decades, the number of credit card travel reward programs for airlines and hotel chains has exploded. Every week, new products and offers become available with eye-popping bonuses of points and miles. But these opportunities are as bewildering as they are exciting.


The Travel Rewards Optimizer is a customized plan to help you negotiate the array of credit card products so that you can choose the cards that will turn your routine credit card spending into travel as quickly and efficiently as practicable. The Travel Rewards Optimizer factors in your travel goals and style, spending patterns, and currently available credit card offers to determine which cards will give you the best return. Additionally, the TRO takes into consideration timing and sequencing of credit card applications, coordination with other members of your household, and the rapidly changing credit card and loyalty program landscape. 


The TRO costs $150 for a one year plan. The TRO plan provides specific guidance for which credit cards to apply for, when to apply for them, and projections for the expected travel value. In order to keep you abreast of changes in the points and miles landscape, you will also receive updates addressing any significant opportunities or issues pertaining to your plan that we become aware of.



You can download a sample TRO plan here:     


Sample Report
By Frank McBride • September 21, 2026
Chase is about to devalue Chase UR point to World of Hyatt point transfers
By Frank McBride • September 4, 2026
In case you missed them, here is your "one-stop shopping" for posts from the past week. For some, recent changes with the Resy restaurant reservation platform might limit dining options when using the credit. Learn more here . Perhaps your next US domestic award flight should be booked through . . . Air France. Check out why . The Amex Platinum card might have the highest annual fee for mass marketed cards. Find out if the benefits are worth it for my household here . Hope you have a great Labor Day weekend!! We are ready to help you turn your routine credit card spending into the travel of your dreams.
By Frank McBride • September 3, 2026
A walk through one household's use of the Amex Platinum card
By Frank McBride • August 28, 2026
For some domestic flights, Air France might save transferable miles
By Frank McBride • August 27, 2026
Recent changes in the Resy reservations platform might limit use of the Amex dining credit
By Frank McBride • June 25, 2026
Changes are a mixed bag but Hyatt regulars won't be happy
By Frank McBride • June 5, 2026
Some good news in points and miles (and one warning)
By Frank McBride • May 29, 2026
A change in favor of airline passengers (for a change)
By Frank McBride • May 19, 2026
The Autograph Journey's transfer partner list grows slowly but steadily
By Frank McBride • April 29, 2026
Points and miles free up the travel budget for pilsner, paprika, and pastizzi*