Brian Kelly (The Points Guy)
Brian Kelly is the founder of The Points Guy and author of How to Win at Travel, sharing ways to turn points, miles and everyday spending into memorable trips.
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Brian’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus their backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Avid Reader Press
Travel mediaOverview
- Known as
- The Points Guy
- Work
- Travel creator, author and founder of The Points Guy
- Started
- Launched The Points Guy in June 2010
- Education
- University of Pittsburgh, Class of 2005
- Breakout
- A 2011 New York Times feature helped bring the blog to a wider audience
- First book
- How to Win at Travel, published February 4, 2025
Mini bio
How it started.
At 12, Brian used his father’s points to book a family vacation to Grand Cayman. At the University of Pittsburgh, study abroad and student leadership gave him more reasons to travel. He graduated in 2005.
From side project to full-time work.
While recruiting for Morgan Stanley, Brian accumulated miles through frequent work trips. He launched The Points Guy in June 2010, initially helping people book award trips for a fee. A 2011 New York Times feature tripled his traffic in one day, according to his Forbes interview, and helped him make the leap into travel media.
Sharing the playbook.
The Points Guy grew from Brian’s blog into a travel media team. His 2025 debut, How to Win at Travel, became a New York Times bestseller and collects his advice on rewards, trip planning and handling travel problems in one place.
Travel that gives back.
Brian’s official biography lists roles with Rainbow Railroad, PeaceJam and the Gbowee Peace Foundation Leadership Council. His work also includes Make-A-Wish fundraising, with a personal travel-planning session included in TPG’s 2026 campaign.
Creditschronological, newest first
Books
- 2025How to Win at TravelAuthor and audiobook narrator
Travel media
- 2024Good Morning America: 2025 Travel Trends ReportGuest travel expert
- 2010The Points GuyFounder
Awards
Quotes
Find value in your everyday spendingBrian Kelly, The Points Guy
Advice from his June 2, 2025 anniversary letter: https://thepointsguy.com/news/brian-kelly-tpg-15-year-anniversary/
Trivia
- At 12, he booked a family vacation to Grand Cayman using his father’s points.
- He studied abroad in Spain while attending the University of Pittsburgh.
- His earliest points work included charging $50 to help readers plan award travel.
- He narrates the audiobook edition of How to Win at Travel.
Find Brian
Follow Brian’s personal travel updates and the official TPG channels.
Are you Brian Kelly (The Points Guy)?
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