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Who is The Points Guy?
Brian Kelly, better known as “The Points Guy,” is an influential figure in the world of travel. He started his journey as a Wall Street road warrior, traveling over 125,000 miles annually and accumulating a significant number of frequent flyer miles and hotel points. Recognizing the potential of maximizing these rewards, Kelly launched a blog in 2010 named “The Points Guy” to share tips on how to leverage travel points and miles.
The blog started as a side project but quickly gained traction. The practical advice Kelly provided became immensely popular, transforming him from a Wall Street professional to a full-time travel guru.
What is The Points Guy website all about?
The Points Guy is a resource hub for everything related to travel points, airline miles, and credit card rewards. The site aims to make travel more affordable and accessible by helping individuals maximize the potential of their travel rewards.
The website offers in-depth guides on using points and miles, credit card reviews, travel news, and tips on maximizing travel experiences. It has become a trusted resource for millions of people looking to navigate the complex world of travel rewards and airline miles.
How does The Points Guy make money?
While The Points Guy provides valuable advice for free, it’s also a thriving business. The site makes its money primarily through two revenue streams: affiliate marketing and advertising.
Affiliate Marketing
A significant portion of The Points Guy’s revenue comes from credit card companies. The site provides comprehensive reviews of various travel-related credit cards, breaking down their benefits, annual fees, and reward structures. When a visitor applies for a card using a link from The Points Guy’s site and gets approved, the site receives a commission from the credit card issuer. This is a common practice in the affiliate marketing industry.
Advertising
The Points Guy also generates revenue through traditional display advertising. Advertisers pay to have their products or services displayed on the site, typically in the form of banner ads.
It’s important to note that while The Points Guy does receive compensation from credit card issuers and advertisers, all reviews and recommendations are based on objective analysis. The site places a strong emphasis on maintaining editorial independence to ensure the advice provided is in the best interest of its audience.
How much did Points Guy sell for?
In 2012, just two years after its launch, The Points Guy was acquired by Bankrate, a consumer financial services company, for an undisclosed sum. Under Bankrate’s ownership, the site has grown significantly, expanding its team and content offerings.
In 2017, Bankrate, including all its owned websites like The Points Guy, was acquired by Red Ventures for $1.4 billion. While the individual sale price for The Points Guy was not disclosed, its substantial growth and influence in the travel rewards niche suggest that it played a significant role in the overall value of the acquisition.
Final thoughts on The Points Guy
The story of The Points Guy demonstrates the potential of turning personal expertise into a successful online business. Brian Kelly leveraged his knowledge of travel rewards to create a valuable resource that not only helps millions of travelers but also generates significant revenue.
As with any site that relies on affiliate marketing, The Points Guy walks a fine line between providing objective advice and promoting products. However, the site’s commitment to editorial independence, along with its detailed reviews and guides, has helped it maintain trust with its audience.
If you’re seeking to maximize your travel rewards or navigate the world of airline miles and credit card points, The Points Guy offers a wealth of resources to get you started. And remember, as with any financial decision, it’s crucial to do your own research and consider your personal financial situation before applying for any credit cards.