Toni Perkins-Southam's Image

Toni Perkins-Southam

Lead Editor

About

Toni is a points and miles enthusiast who has been leveraging loyalty programs to travel around the world (for nearly free) with her husband and their four young children. She’s passionate about sharing travel tips so that others can not only feel inspired but also confident in planning their own travel.

Toni Perkins-Southam is a lead editor for credit cards and travel rewards at Forbes Advisor. Her fascination with points and miles began when she and her husband realized that, following a trip to Europe, family travel would be a financial challenge. She was introduced to points and miles and delved into loyalty programs. Over the past 12 years, she has taken her family of six to over 20 countries for various vacations and extended summer stays worldwide.

Toni has also adventured as a solo parent, exploring the world with just her kids. Her mission is to inspire other parents to pursue their family travel dreams with confidence.

Expertise

  • Adventure seeker
  • Credit building and repair
  • Everything points and miles
  • Long-term family travel
  • Maximizing credit card rewards
  • Solo parent travel/traveling with kids

Achievements

  • Over 12 years of using points and miles to travel around the world with my family
  • For nearly five years, managed an online community dedicated to educating individuals on optimizing travel through points and miles
  • Backpacked through the Andes mountains of Peru at seven months pregnant
  • Overcame a lifelong fear of flying and is eager to help others conquer their fear
  • Spoke at various points and miles conferences and special events

Other Publications

Education

Arizona State University, Bachelor of Arts in History

  • Wells Fargo Attune Card Review 2024

    The is a lifestyle credit card that will reward you with unlimited 4% cash back when you spend on self-care, sports, recreation, entertainment and eco-friendly purchases. You won’t have to worry about an annual fee and can earn 1% on...
    Wells Fargo Attune Card Review 2024
  • Capital One Venture Rewards Card Debuts $250 Travel Credit In Welcome Offer

    Summer travel is in full swing and prices are as high as ever. If you’re looking for ways to save on upcoming travel purchases, you’re in luck. The popular is featuring a first-of-its-kind welcome offer. Here’s everything you need to...
    Capital One Venture Rewards Card Debuts $250 Travel Credit In Welcome Offer
  • Introducing The New One Key Cards From Wells Fargo And Expedia Group

    Wells Fargo is on a hot streak launching new cards, and it’s not done yet. The bank is partnering with Expedia Group and Mastercard to introduce two new co-branded credit cards, the and . Instead of traditional cash back or...
    Introducing The New One Key Cards From Wells Fargo And Expedia Group
  • Limited Time: Chase Boosts Welcome Offer On The Ink Business Preferred

    One of the best business credit cards, the , is now even more valuable. New applicants can earn an elevated welcome offer for the same minimum spending requirement. The catch—it’s only available for a limited time.
    Limited Time: Chase Boosts Welcome Offer On The Ink Business Preferred
  • Why I Chose The Chase Freedom Unlimited As My First Credit Card

    I was a beginner in the world of credit cards when I chose the as my first credit card, and it hasn’t left my wallet since I received it. With a minimum of 1.5% cash back on all purchases and...
    Why I Chose The Chase Freedom Unlimited As My First Credit Card
  • Visa Introduces Digital Card Replacement Service: How It Will Help Travelers

    Peak travel season is here, and as travelers prepare for their adventures, Visa is introducing an innovation to make their trips smoother: digital emergency card replacement service. Imagine you're enjoying an Aperol spritz while gazing at the sea in the...
    Visa Introduces Digital Card Replacement Service: How It Will Help Travelers
  • Best Hyatt Credit Cards Of July 2024

    If you’re a Hyatt loyalist, you may benefit from a Hyatt credit card. Hyatt co-branded cards aren’t as complicated as many co-branded cards from other hotel programs because you’ll find only one personal and one business card to choose from....
    Best Hyatt Credit Cards Of July 2024
  • Best Capital One Credit Cards Of July 2024

    Capital One credit cards remain popular for good reason: Its offerings run the gamut from cash back to travel rewards to cards aimed at small businesses. A common thread among all Capital One cards is no foreign transaction fees, making...
    Best Capital One Credit Cards Of July 2024
  • Best Crypto Rewards Cards Of July 2024

    Unless you have been living under a rock—and we wouldn’t blame you for doing so—you’ve heard about cryptocurrencies and their volatility. Fortunately, there are ways to get into crypto at a relatively low risk level and that is through crypto...
    Best Crypto Rewards Cards Of July 2024
  • How Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Saved My Family Trip To Machu Picchu

    My family of six recently spent nearly three weeks traveling around Peru plus another 2.5 weeks in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Guatemala—all on points and miles, of course. And while I used a variety of points to book the trip,...
    How Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Saved My Family Trip To Machu Picchu
  • Best Instant Approval Cards Of July 2024

    Sometimes you want to use a new credit card as soon as possible. Maybe you’re looking to get access to a credit line to take advantage of a 0% intro APR offer, or you have an urgent purchase you want...
    Best Instant Approval Cards Of July 2024
  • Best Mastercard Credit Cards Of July 2024

    Mastercard began more than 50 years ago as an interbank payment network. Today, it is a technology company in the global payments industry that serves businesses and consumers in more than 210 countries and territories around the world. The Mastercard...
    Best Mastercard Credit Cards Of July 2024
  • Best Credit Cards For Furniture Of July 2024

    Whether you're moving into a new place or looking to spruce up your existing space, picking the right furniture is crucial. The best credit cards for furniture offer excellent bonus rates on your purchases, and some also offer 0% APR...
    Best Credit Cards For Furniture Of July 2024
  • Best Chase Business Credit Cards Of July 2024

    With Chase’s business credit card lineup, small business owners can streamline expenses while enjoying excellent rewards and benefits. Whether you’re spending on office supplies, client dinners or travel accommodations, Chase has a business card that will fit your needs.
    Best Chase Business Credit Cards Of July 2024
  • Best Credit Cards For Costco July 2024

    Wholesale clubs like Costco have grown in popularity because of the high-quality products offered and opportunities to save on necessities and indulgences alike. Paying with a credit card can unlock valuable rewards and benefits like cash back and flexible travel...
    Best Credit Cards For Costco July 2024
  • Bilt To Last? Bilt Says Partnership With Wells Fargo Remains Solid

    The made waves when it partnered with Wells Fargo to earn points for paying rent. Now, a Wall Street Journal report cites current and former Wells Fargo employees who claim the Bilt card is costing Wells Fargo as much as...
    Bilt To Last? Bilt Says Partnership With Wells Fargo Remains Solid
  • Best Discover Credit Cards Of July 2024

    Like American Express, Discover is both a payment network and a card issuer. While it’s the youngest payment network, it’s also known for having exceptional customer service. In fact, 2023 saw Discover tie with Bank of America on J.D. Power’s...
    Best Discover Credit Cards Of July 2024
  • Best Credit Cards Without A Social Security Number Requirement Of July 2024

    Most card issuers in the U.S. will request credit card applicants to provide a Social Security number (SSN). This helps credit card companies prevent fraud and protects the general public from identity theft. This requirement is not universal for all...
    Best Credit Cards Without A Social Security Number Requirement Of July 2024
  • The Easiest Credit Cards To Get Of July 2024

    While there are hundreds of credit cards to choose from, they aren’t all easy to get. Many require an excellent credit score, strong finances or years of credit history. If you haven't built up a credit history yet or if...
    The Easiest Credit Cards To Get Of July 2024
  • Maximizing Credit Card Points For Spontaneous Summer Getaways

    It happens to the best of us: We mean to book summer vacation in advance only to find ourselves scrambling as the season approaches. If summer’s here and nothing’s on your travel schedule yet, don’t worry. You can still snag...
    Maximizing Credit Card Points For Spontaneous Summer Getaways
  • Wells Fargo Launches Attune Card With Unconventional 4% Bonus Categories

    Applications are open for the new . This no annual fee card is focused on care and offers members 4% cash rewards for purchases in several categories rarely offered by other cards.
    Wells Fargo Launches Attune Card With Unconventional 4% Bonus Categories
  • Is Staying At The Alila Ventana On Points Worth It?

    Credit card points have the power to unlock exceptional experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That was the experience my wife and I had during our recent visit to the Alila Ventana in Big Sur, California. Located just...
    Is Staying At The Alila Ventana On Points Worth It?
  • How To Use American Airlines Miles To Visit Europe Without Fuel Surcharges

    The American AAdvantage® program has several airline partners with routes to Europe, making it an ideal choice for flyers seeking options. Additionally, American Airlines is one of the few major frequent flyer programs that still publishes a partner award chart,...
    How To Use American Airlines Miles To Visit Europe Without Fuel Surcharges
  • NEA RateSmart Credit Card Review 2024

    Issued by the National Education Association, the offers educators a generous APR period. With a , the is an excellent choice for those who are trying to pay down their debt. However, if you’re looking for extra perks like cash-back...
    NEA RateSmart Credit Card Review 2024
  • How Much Can The Average Family Earn In Cash Back From Credit Cards Each Year?

    Rewards credit cards are a great tool to have in your financial arsenal. If you’re going to be spending money anyway, you might as well get rewarded in the form of cash back, hotel points or airline miles for the...
    How Much Can The Average Family Earn In Cash Back From Credit Cards Each Year?
  • Best Airlines To Travel In And How To Book With Your Credit Card Rewards

    If you’ve spent the past few years planning a big trip and it’s finally time to book, you may be wondering what airline is the best. Whether you’re looking for an over-the-top first-class experience or just looking to save a...
    Best Airlines To Travel In And How To Book With Your Credit Card Rewards
  • Choice Privileges Sweet Spot Rewards

    Saving money by using points for hotel stays is nice, but saving money and points is even better. Choice Hotels runs a quarterly promotion, Choice Privileges Sweet Spots, where loyalty members can save big on award nights. The catch—the available...
    Choice Privileges Sweet Spot Rewards
  • Avianca LifeMiles American Express Credit Card Review 2024

    Frequent Avianca flyers will find solid value in the , especially if they often find themselves traveling in and out of airports with Avianca VIP lounges or typically pay cash for Avianca flights. But for the occasional traveler just looking...
    Avianca LifeMiles American Express Credit Card Review 2024
  • Best Credit Cards That Offer Preapproval Or Prequalification In July 2024

    Applying for a new credit card can come with concerns. Will you be approved? Will the APR be low enough? What will your credit limit be? Besides the unknowns, issuers make hard inquiries against your credit report(s) when evaluating your...
    Best Credit Cards That Offer Preapproval Or Prequalification In July 2024
  • Complete Guide To Capital One Rewards Transfer Partners

    With the ability to earn miles through multiple Capital One cards, Capital One Rewards offers lucrative possibilities for all travelers. But for strategy-minded points and miles enthusiasts, a whole world of exciting opportunities can be opened up through simply digging...
    Complete Guide To Capital One Rewards Transfer Partners
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About

Toni is a points and miles enthusiast who has been leveraging loyalty programs to travel around the world (for nearly free) with her husband and their four young children. She’s passionate about sharing travel tips so that others can not only feel inspired but also confident in planning their own travel.