You know how the experience of browsing the carefully curated shelves of a local boutique is a much more pleasant experience than shopping in a massive big-box store? Hotel stays are often the same way. Some of my favorite stays have been in boutique hotels with an intimate atmosphere and a distinct, personality-infused style.

Related: These boutique hotels around the US are full of character — and are bookable using Hilton Honors points

Historically, the trade-off for staying at a boutique property was giving up the ability to earn or redeem points from one of the major hotel loyalty programs. Luckily, those days are long gone, as dozens of independent brands and properties join big brands like Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott every year.

I've rounded up 12 of the newest hotels across the U.S. to join up with a major hotel brand this year, so you can maximize loyalty benefits without sacrificing the character and charm that comes along with a boutique hotel stay.

RESET Hotel Joshua Tree National Park

Location: Twentynine Palms, California

The Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy launched in September 2025, focusing on design-forward, outdoor-oriented accommodations from brands such as Trailborn and Postcard Cabins, and RESET Hotel Joshua Tree is the newest property to join the collection.

The hotel is located five minutes from Joshua Tree National Park and has 65 modular guest rooms with natural colors and textures, private patios with Solo Stove fire pits, daybeds and stargazing platforms from which to take in the expansive desert views, day or night.

Other amenities include communal fire pits, an on-site bar and cafe, a co-working space, a saltwater pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna and a cold plunge.

Rates at RESET Hotel Joshua Tree National Park start at around $150 or 27,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hilton Key West Resort & Marina

Location: Key West, Florida

Formerly Ocean's Edge Resort & Marina, the Hilton Key West Resort & Marina joined Hilton on July 1, 2026, bolstering the brand's presence in the Florida Keys. The 175-room waterfront resort has direct marina access, island-inspired dining, six saltwater pools and activities like kayaking, cycling, yoga, lawn games and poolside movie nights.

Hilton Key West Resort & Marina is located on Stock Island, 10 minutes from Key West International Airport (EYW) and six miles from Duval Street and Mallory Square, offering an island-resort experience close to the excitement in downtown Key West.

Rates at the Hilton Key West Resort & Marina start at around $172 or 53,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Related: The best resorts in Florida for a relaxing vacation in the Sunshine State

Sirata St. Pete Beach Resort

Location: St. Pete Beach, Florida

The Sirata St. Pete Beach Resort originally opened in the 1960s as the El Sirata motel, but, like the city of St. Petersburg itself, has grown and changed through the decades. The hotel recently joined Tapestry Collection by Hilton and unveiled a $25 million renovation, including refreshed guest rooms, upgraded dining and wellness facilities and more.

The 228-room oceanfront resort has modern rooms, a beachfront pool, an all-day restaurant with tropical-inspired dishes and direct beach access.

Rates at the Sirata St. Pete Beach Resort start at around $191 or 59,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Brandywine, Radnor

Location: Radnor, Pennsylvania

The Brandywyne, Radnor is an all-new Marriott Tribute Portfolio property located only a few minutes from Villanova University on Philadelphia's Main Line. The property feels warm and inviting, blending a classic, refined style with modern touches like in-room Nespresso machines, soft cotton robes and Adage bath amenities.

On-site, you'll find Merrick's Tavern, serving up seasonal comfort food, and Pomelo Rooftop Terrace for open-air drinks and dining, along with a 24-hour fitness center. In addition to being near Villanova's campus, guests can walk the Radnor Trail, visit the King of Prussia Mall and explore the colorful landscapes at Chanticleer Garden.

Rates at The Brandywyne, Radnor start at around $208 or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Le Petit Pali Laguna Beach

Location: Laguna Beach, California

Thanks to a recent partnership between the Design Hotels collection and Palisociety, Le Petit Pali Laguna Beach is now part of the Marriott Bonvoy program (all of the Palisociety hotels will eventually follow suit). The 41-room property is located near Treasure Island Beach on Laguna Beach's Coast Highway in a classic 1950s lodge outfitted with a colorful mix of vintage and custom furnishings and decor.

The hotel's classic kidney-shaped pool is surrounded by retro-striped loungers and umbrellas, and the property offers a complimentary daily continental breakfast in the lounge, including Champagne and mimosas.

Rates at Le Petit Pali Laguna Beach start at around $230; points pricing was not available at the time of our search.

Hotel Solaya Old Town Scottsdale

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Following a top-to-bottom transformation, Hotel Solaya in Old Town Scottsdale is now part of the JdV by Hyatt portfolio. The reimagined property's design is inspired by its desert surroundings, with 194 guest rooms outfitted with natural colors. Many rooms also have private patios with views of the expansive pool deck, which features a large pool, bar and grill, cabanas and loungers.

Rates at Hotel Solaya Old Town Scottsdale start at around $100 or 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

The Monarch San Antonio

Location: San Antonio, Texas

The Monarch San Antonio, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a brand-new property that opened in March 2026, just steps from the famed San Antonio River Walk, offering easy access to the Alamo, San Antonio Missions and all of the shopping and dining along the River Walk.

Guest rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Hemisfair Park or the city, and some rooms have balconies overlooking the park. The hotel also has three on-site dining outlets and a rooftop pool deck.

Rates at The Monarch San Antonio start at around $275 or 109,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Georgian

Location: Santa Monica, California

Open since 1933, the historic, brightly painted The Georgian Hotel joined The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in March 2026. The 84-room, oceanfront icon along Santa Monica's Ocean Avenue underwent a major renovation in 2023, but retained its turquoise, art deco facade, historic detailing and old Hollywood glamour.

Guests can enjoy all-day dining at Sirena, serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes, or channel Hollywood's Golden Age at the Georgian Room, featuring an Italian menu and fine wines, with live jazz on select evenings. The hotel is within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier and shopping at Santa Monica Place and along the Third Street Promenade.

Rates at The Georgian start at around $421 or 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

The Lowline Hotel

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Following a full renovation, the former Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District is now The Lowline Hotel, part of Hyatt's JdV lifestyle collection. The reimagined 197-room property is on King Street, within walking distance of Charleston's most popular restaurants, bars, boutiques, galleries and historic landmarks.

The property's design reflects Charleston's history and distinctive architecture, with warm oak furnishings, gold and navy accents and subtle nods to the city's maritime heritage. Dining options include the Leeward Restaurant and outdoor patio, a grab-and-go market and a rooftop pour-your-own lounge with more than 70 craft beers to choose from. The hotel also has an indoor pool and fitness center.

Rates at The Lowline Hotel start at around $185 or 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

The Valorian Los Angeles

Location: West Hollywood, California

The Valorian Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a reimagining of the Sunset Strip's well-known Mondrian Los Angeles. The hotel preserved much of what made it a West Hollywood icon, including a rotating art installation program, bold aesthetic, and a redesigned rooftop pool and lounge, White Rabbit Sky Lounge, with day-to-night programming and dramatic city views.

The Valorian has 236 guest rooms, including select loft rooms and suites with balconies. Rooms are bright, modern and stylish, with mostly white furnishings, wood floors and a pop of color in the form of a bright blue bed frame and headboard.

Rates at The Valorian Los Angeles start at around $282 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hotel Heron Alexandria Old Town

Location: Alexandria, Virginia

Housed in a century-old building in Old Town Alexandria, Hotel Heron joined the Curio Collection by Hilton in January 2026. Guests can enjoy unobstructed views of the Potomac from the rooftop lounge, which also hosts biweekly yoga classes, or settle in to a cozy booth at Kiln, the hotel's signature restaurant serving hearth-inspired Mid-Atlantic cuisine.

The hotel's 134 guest rooms feature local artwork, velvet headboards, soft Frette robes and bath amenities from Grown Alchemist. For an extra special stay, book a Terrace King room with a private outdoor space and city views.

Rates at Hotel Heron Alexandria Old Town start at around $176 or 58,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Trailborn Jackson Hole

Location: Jackson, Wyoming

Trailborn Hotels officially joined Marriott Bonvoy's Outdoor Collection in October 2025, but it wasn't until May 2026 that Trailborn Jackson Hole joined the fray following a major renovation. Formerly the Snow King Resort Hotel, Trailborn Jackson Hole is a 203-room modern mountain retreat.

In addition to ski-in/ski-out access in the winter, guests can enjoy duckpin bowling, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, a full-service spa, on-site dining and complimentary bike rentals. Guest rooms incorporate alpine lodge decor, and several rooms have balconies overlooking the mountains.

Rates at Trailborn Jackson Hole start at around $189 or 57,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Related reading:

• What is the best hotel loyalty program in 2026? How to choose the right one for your travel needs
• 15 hotels you can book with points that prioritize rest, recovery and relaxation
• The most romantic hotels near major US cities for a weekend getaway

Transfer bonuses can offer lucrative opportunities to help you maximize your points and miles and work your way toward fantastic award redemptions. You can sometimes get significantly more value from your rewards by transferring them to an airline or hotel partner during one of these bonus periods.

Remember, though, that these are limited-time offers: You'll need to act fast if you find one that suits your travel plans.

We've compiled transfer bonus updates for most major programs with transferable rewards to make it easier to track these offers. Just note that transfer bonuses are sometimes targeted, so some may not be available to you.

Active credit card transfer bonuses

We're currently seeing these transfer bonuses:

American Express Membership Rewards transfer bonuses

American Express Membership Rewards is offering a 30% bonus to British Airways Club, Iberia Club and Aer Lingus AerClub through Sept. 27. All three of these programs use the same loyalty currency (Avios), and you can transfer Avios between the programs in any direction at a 1:1 rate at no cost.

How to earn American Express Membership Rewards points

If you're looking to earn more of these valuable points, the following American Express cards could prove useful additions to your wallet:

• American Express® Gold Card: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
• American Express Platinum Card®: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards points for maximum value

Capital One transfer bonuses

Capital One is currently offering a 15% transfer bonus to Avianca Lifemiles through Aug. 31.

How to earn Capital One miles

If you're looking to earn more transferable miles, the following Capital One cards are solid options to consider:

• Capital One Venture Business: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

According to TPG's August 2026 valuations, Capital One miles are worth 1.85 cents each. Most transfers from Capital One will process instantly. For more details, read our guides to Capital One transfer partners and how to transfer Capital One miles.

Related: Should you transfer Capital One miles to partners or redeem directly for travel?

Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer bonuses

You can receive a 70% bonus by transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to IHG One Rewards through Aug. 31 and a 20% bonus when you transfer your Chase points to Air Canada Aeroplan through Sept. 30.

If you hold the Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees), you can potentially stack this offer with the card's 10% bonus on transfers of at least 50,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points in a single transaction. This cardholder benefit is capped at 25,000 bonus Aeroplan points per calendar year.

As always, it's best to transfer points only when you're ready to book an award since transfers are irreversible and award availability can change quickly.

How to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points

If you want to earn more Chase Ultimate Rewards points, the following Chase cards could make good additions to your wallet:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Related: Chase Ultimate Rewards points: How to redeem for maximum value

Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer bonuses

Citi ThankYou Rewards is offering a 20% transfer bonus to Air France-KLM Flying Blue through Aug. 22 and a 40% bonus to Turkish Miles&Smiles until Aug. 31.

You'll only unlock the bonus in its entirety if you hold the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees), the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees) or the Citi Prestige® Card (no longer available to new applicants). Other Citi cards do not unlock the full 1:1 transfer ratio, so the transfers aren't as valuable.

The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

How to earn Citi ThankYou Rewards points

To earn more Citi ThankYou Rewards points, consider these Citi credit cards:

• Citi Strata Elite Card: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Citi Strata Premier Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

TPG values Citi ThankYou Rewards points at 1.9 cents each, per our August 2026 valuations, and most transfers happen instantly.

Related: Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer partners: Redeem your points with airlines and hotels

Marriott Bonvoy transfer bonuses

Marriott Bonvoy is offering a transfer bonus to Cathay Pacific's Cathay program. Normally, you'll get 1,000 Asia Miles in the Cathay program for every 3,000 Bonvoy points you transfer; however, with the bonus, you'll get 1,100 Asia Miles for every 3,000 Bonvoy points transferred.

While you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to various airlines, it's generally not recommended because you'll receive a 3:1 transfer ratio.

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points

If you're looking to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, the following Marriott cards may be of interest:

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn four free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases (through June 30, 2027). (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 150,000 bonus points and a $250 statement credit after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn up to 125,000 bonus points: 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus an additional 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases (for a total of $9,000) in the first six months of card membership.

According to TPG's August 2026 valuations, Marriott Bonvoy points are worth 0.75 cents each. Some airlines take a few days (or even weeks) to receive the points.

Related: How to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for maximum value

Rove transfer bonuses

Rove currently has no active transfer bonuses available.

How to earn Rove miles

We're excited about the new "no credit card required" rewards program, Rove. You can book hotels and flights and shop online through the Rove portal; it lets you earn incredible amounts of transferable miles, including up to 54 miles per dollar spent on select hotels.

Rove is rapidly adding transfer partners, including Lufthansa Miles & More, a program that has traditionally been difficult to earn miles in. This enables you to book Lufthansa's incredible first-class product in advance with miles.

If you don't have any Rove miles, you can earn 1,000 miles at no cost right now just by signing up through TPG's offer.

A special transfer bonus to Cathay

While transfer bonuses are usually offered by one transferable currency at a time, until Aug. 28, you can receive a 10% bonus when you transfer any transferable currency that partners with Cathay Pacific's Cathay loyalty program. Here are the eligible programs and transfer rates with the bonus:

• American Express Membership Rewards: 1,000 points equals 880 miles
• Bilt, Capital One miles and Wells Fargo Rewards: 1,000 points or miles equals 1,100 miles
• Citi ThankYou Rewards: 1,000 points equals 1,100 miles if you have a Citi card that unlocks the full transfer ratio (1,000 points equals 770 miles with other cards)

Registration is required before converting points, and the bonus is capped at 10,000 Asia Miles per person.

Should you transfer points and miles?

We only recommend transferring points or miles if you have a short-term plan to use them. Transfers are irreversible, and you don't want to be stuck with thousands of points or miles in a program you have little use for.

If you don't have a specific redemption in mind but still want to earn points or miles, you're likely better off earning rewards through card welcome bonuses and everyday spending.

We always recommend verifying award availability before transferring your rewards.

Bottom line

When a program with a transferable currency offers a transfer bonus, it's important to run the numbers to determine whether it is worthwhile.

Generally, you won't want to transfer your points or miles unless you have a specific redemption in mind. After all, a large part of the value of transferable points and miles comes from their flexibility, which you'll give up when you convert them to a partner's currency. However, a transfer bonus can help you get more value from your points and miles if you frequently use a partner program or plan to redeem them soon.

At TPG, we're always looking for ways to help our readers get even more value from their travels.

That includes sharing discounts and exclusive offers on some of the travel services and tools we recommend the most. Whether it's saving on a faster way through airport security or on tools that help with finding award flights or tracking airfare for flight credits after you book, these deals can help you save money and make travel a little easier.

Below are the promotions available through TPG. We'll update this page as new offers become available. Some offers are available to all readers, while others are exclusive to TPG newsletter subscribers or TPG Talking Points Substack members. Check each offer for eligibility details, and we're happy to answer any questions in the comments.

TPG deals at a glance

Save $40 on Clear+ plus get a free Clear Concierge booking

• Get $40 off your first year of Clear+ membership and a complimentary Clear Concierge booking, a $99 value, through TPG.
• Clear+ normally costs $219 per year. TPG's offer reduces the first-year cost to $179. This is one of the largest publicly available discounts.
• TPG Tip: Some American Express cards offer a statement credit of up to $219 per year toward Clear+. If your card is eligible, you can stack that benefit with this offer to further reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

Terms Apply. CLEAR+ Membership renews at $219/year. Family Member accounts renew annually at $125 each per year after the initial term and are billed to the Primary Member account.

Related: Here's what Clear+ is and why travelers may want to use this service to get through security faster

Bonus Hilton Honors points to book award stays

• TPG recently offered an exclusive 125% bonus on purchased Hilton Honors points during a limited-time flash sale.
• Those who participated could purchase up to 160,000 Hilton Honors points and receive a total of 360,000 points with the bonus.
• This promotion was available only to select TPG email subscribers. Be sure to subscribe to be eligible for potential similar offers in the future.

Get four bonus months of Point.me to help find award flights

• Get four free months when you purchase a 12-month Point.me Standard plan using the code THEPOINTSGUY4.
• This means you get 12 months when you pay the regular price for eight months ($96 instead of $144 for the year).
• The Standard plan includes unlimited real-time award flight searches, award availability up to 365 days in advance, award deal alerts and more.
  TPG email subscribers can also get four months free on a 12-month Point.me Premium plan, which includes multi-city searches, a free points strategy consultation ($200 value) and additional features.
• Offer valid for first-time purchasers only. Expires Sept. 30, 2026.

Related: How to use Point.me to find award flights

Earn a $25 credit when you use Junova to save on booked flights

• New Junova members receive a $25 credit when signing up through TPG's referral link.
• Junova is free to join and tracks your flight after you book. If your fare drops and you're eligible for a flight credit, Junova helps automatically secure the savings for you in the form of a flight credit.
• If Junova successfully secures a credit for you, it charges a 20% fee based on the savings. Your $25 credit can be applied toward that fee.

Related: How Junova found me hundreds in flight credits on booked flights

Exclusive discounts for being a TPG Talking Points paid Substack subscriber

• TPG is on Substack with Talking Points, which is available at both free and paid tiers.
• Paid Talking Points subscribers receive additional subscriber-only articles, periodic chats with TPG experts, priority access to select TPG events and exclusive discounts on travel tools.
• Paid Talking Points subscribers get a 60-day free trial of Points Path Pro ($13.33 value) and a 30% discount on an annual Points Path Pro subscription after those 60 days ($55.99 per year) for as long as they are paid Substack subscribers.
• TPG's sister company, ExpertFlyer, also has an exclusive offer for paid Talking Points subscribers of two months free on an Expert Flyer Basic or Premium membership (valid for monthly or annual plans, up to a $25.98 value). Basic and Premium ExpertFlyer members can access flight alerts, searches and upgrade searches, but Premium members get more simultaneous and detailed searches.

Bottom line

The best way to get the latest on the ways to save on top travel tools and services is to subscribe to the free TPG Daily Newsletter, but also bookmark this page, as we'll keep this updated as new offers and discounts become available to the TPG audience.

If you haven't evaluated your credit card portfolio lately, now is a great time to do so.

Twice a month, we update this list to feature top welcome bonuses from cards that made the cut for our best credit cards list. Consider bookmarking this page and checking back regularly for the latest bonuses.

Earning new card bonuses is the fastest way to accumulate a stash of points and miles, so if you're working on building up your travel rewards balance, it's likely that one of the options below might be a good fit for you.

Since many issuers have restrictions on how often you can earn a bonus on a card, it's important to time your application for when there's a solid offer. Also, higher bonuses don't always stick around for long, so if you're considering one of these offers, you'll want to hop on it sooner rather than later.

If you're not ready to add a higher-end card, consider these great starter cards or even one with a 0% introductory annual percentage rate.

The best rewards card offers of August 2026

*The welcome offer value is determined using TPG's August 2026 valuations and is not provided by, nor reviewed by, the issuer.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Best for: Frequent business travelers who can maximize premium travel perks and statement credits.

This business card stands out not only for its extremely valuable welcome offer but also for travel perks that can easily cover its $895 annual fee.

Cardmembers enjoy automatic Gold status in both the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs (enrollment required), along with some of the best lounge access perks of any business card out there for eligible cardmembers.

As far as earning rates go, cardmembers earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com and 2 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Business Platinum.

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Best for: High-spending business owners who want premium travel perks and strong rewards on travel and advertising.

The Sapphire Reserve for Business is a solid choice for high-spending business owners who can maximize valuable statement credits and get the most out of the card's high earning rates.

These earning rates include:

• 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel℠ bookings
• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027)
• 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve for Business.

Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

American Express Business Gold Card

Best for: Business owners who want to earn bonus points in their highest spending categories.

The Amex Business Gold is a fantastic card for business owners looking to maximize earnings from a single card.

It has 4 points per dollar spent earning categories that automatically reflect your highest spending areas (on the top two eligible spending categories each billing cycle; capped at $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Gold.

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 200,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card

American Express Platinum Card

Best for: Frequent travelers who value airport lounge access, hotel elite status and other premium travel perks.

Often referred to as the king of the premium travel rewards cards, the Amex Platinum offers a slew of benefits for an annual fee of $895.

Cardmembers enjoy perks like automatic elite status with Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy and Leaders Club from The Leading Hotels of the World (enrollment required), plus some of the best airport lounge access of any card for eligible cardmembers.

Cardmembers also enjoy 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent), 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Platinum.

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Best for: Frequent travelers who want flexible rewards, lounge access, travel credits and strong travel protections.

Chase's premium rewards card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points and provides an excellent suite of statement credits to elevate your travels.

Highlights of the Sapphire Reserve include airport lounge access, the card's flexible $300 annual travel credit and useful travel protections.

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.

Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

American Express Gold Card

Best for: Travelers who spend heavily on dining and groceries and can maximize the card's statement credits.

The Amex Gold Card is a favorite of many TPG staffers, largely thanks to its terrific earning rates on dining at restaurants worldwide and groceries at U.S. supermarkets (subject to spending caps).

It earns at the following rates:

• 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™
• 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airlines, on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App
• 2 points per dollar spent on car rentals booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App
• 2 points per dollar spent on cruises booked on amextravel.com
• 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

The card also offers multiple dining statement credits to help offset its relatively manageable $325 annual fee.

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Gold.

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Gold Card

Atmos Rewards cards

Best for: Frequent Alaska and Hawaiian flyers who want travel benefits.

Right now, the three Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards cards are each providing solid offers for new cardholders to earn a haul of valuable Atmos Rewards points.

The Atmos Summit is the program's premium option, featuring two Alaska lounge passes each calendar quarter, free checked bags and priority boarding for you and up to six guests flying on the same reservation. The Atmos Ascent is an excellent mid-tier option to receive free checked bags and priority boarding perks. The Atmos Business card is a great choice for small-business owners loyal to Alaska and Hawaiian.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Atmos Rewards Summit, Atmos Rewards Ascent and Atmos Rewards Business.

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card Earn 80,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature credit card Earn 70,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $2,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Visa Signature Business Card Earn 70,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

Bilt Palladium Card

Best for: Bilt loyalists who want strong rewards on everyday spending and valuable hotel benefits.

The premium Bilt Palladium Card is an excellent choice for those all-in on Bilt. Cardholders will earn 2 points per dollar and 4% Bilt Cash** (as long as you choose to earn Bilt Cash) on everyday purchases, which guarantees a sky-high 4.4% return on everyday purchases, per TPG's August 2026 valuations.

You'll also receive a $400 Bilt Travel portal hotel credit each calendar year, split into two biannual $200 statement credits.

To learn more, read our full review of the Bilt Palladium Card.

**Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year.

Earn 50,000 bonus points and Gold status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive $300 in Bilt Cash upon approval.

Apply here: Bilt Palladium Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex

Best for: Marriott loyalists who value premium hotel perks and automatic elite status.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is Marriott's premium hotel credit card, but you don't need to stay at Marriott every week to get your money's worth.

The card offers an annual free night award after your card anniversary (certain hotels have resort fees), automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, 25 elite night credits each calendar year toward Bonvoy elite status and up to $25 each month in statement credits for eligible dining purchases at restaurants worldwide.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.

Earn 150,000 bonus points and a $250 statement credit after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex

Capital One Spark Cash

Best for: Business owners who prefer straightforward cash back and have significant business expenses.

The Capital One Spark Cash offers a straightforward way to earn rewards on everyday business spending.

Cardholders earn unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel.

Employee cards can be added at no additional cost and earn the same unlimited 2% cash back, making this card especially useful for businesses with employees who make purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Spark Cash.

Earn a $1,000 cash bonus and a $250 Capital One Business Travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Learn more: Capital One Spark Cash

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Best for: Hyatt travelers who value automatic elite status, an annual free night and valuable hotel points.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card is one of the best cobranded hotel cards on the market due to its automatic elite status, generous earning rates and anniversary free night award.

Hyatt has some outstanding hotels worldwide. Additionally, Hyatt is one of the few hotel programs that still uses a fixed award chart, which allows you to get solid value for your points.

With its valuable earning rates, complimentary elite status and a solid welcome offer, this card is strongly worth considering even if you don't stay at Hyatt hotels often.

To learn more, read our full review of the World of Hyatt card.

Earn up to 75,000 bonus points: Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2 bonus points total per $1 spent in the first six months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Apply here: World of Hyatt Credit Card

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Best for: Small-business owners who spend heavily on office supplies, internet, cable and phone services.

The latest offer on the Ink Business Cash is a fantastic value in exchange for the card's $0 annual fee.

Plus, cardholders earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year and 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases on dining and gas each account anniversary year (then 1% back), making this a solid card for many business owners.

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Cash.

Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

Apply here: Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Best for: Business owners with varied expenses who want simple, uncapped rewards on every purchase.

The Ink Business Unlimited earns an uncapped 1.5% back on all purchases, which is great for business owners who make purchases across a broad swath of categories.

Plus, you'll earn a hefty bonus for no annual fee.

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.

Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Bottom line

The quickest way to earn points and miles is by applying for a new credit card. If any of these offers interest you, act sooner rather than later, as several are only available for a limited time.

Remember that Chase's 5/24 rule means that it's often best to apply for Chase cards before other issuers' products. If you want some guidance on what card to go for next, here's some help on how to choose the best credit card for you.

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Bonvoy Brilliant, click here.

From bonus points on your next hotel stay to sales on award tickets, we're always looking for travel deals that help you earn more points and miles and redeem them for maximum value. In other words, we want to help you book the vacation of your dreams.

This week, you can book flights to Europe starting at just 18,750 miles, and American Airlines AAdvantage members can rack up valuable miles and Loyalty Points on vacation packages. Road tripping instead? Don't miss out on savings of at least $1 per gallon off gas this summer.

Each week, we help our readers by rounding up promotions so they don't have to scour the internet for the best reward redemptions and offers. This includes everything from frequent flyer programs and hotel rewards programs to credit card offers and rental car deals. Here's our latest list of noteworthy new points and miles promotions for August.

Airline loyalty program promotions (August 2026)

Airline loyalty programs can offer trip discounts on specific dates, the opportunity to earn more points or miles for future travel and exclusive deals to accumulate points or miles toward elite status. Below is one of the best offers we found for August.

Save up to 25% on Aeroplan award flights

The latest promotion from Air Canada Aeroplan isn't to be missed, especially since the program is a 1:1 transfer partner of several major credit card currencies.

You can save up to 25% on select economy-class award flights around the globe, including destinations within Canada, the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, South America and Asia-Pacific. For instance, you could fly from Los Angeles to Toronto from just 12,200 Aeroplan points and 172 CAD ($123).

Book by Aug. 18 for travel between Sept. 8, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

Related: How to choose an airline credit card

Hotel loyalty program promotions (August 2026)

Hotel loyalty programs regularly offer discounted award stays and new ways to earn extra points. Here are some August deals to consider when booking your next stay.

Earn 5k bonus Bonvoy points on a nature retreat

This Marriott Bonvoy deal is perfect for travelers who love the great outdoors. You can score 5,000 bonus points on a stay at three of the program's Trailborn adventure lodges, ranging from the Grand Canyon in Arizona to the North Carolina coast.

Book with promo code "S2449" by Aug. 31, and stay by Sept. 25.

Related: First look: Trailborn Jackson Hole is my new favorite mountain town hotel

Earn up to 30k bonus points at Hyatt

World of Hyatt is rewarding travelers with 3,000 bonus points per stay at select brands, up to a whopping 30,000 bonus points total. To qualify, each stay must be a minimum of three nights at participating Hyatt Place and Hyatt Select hotels in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America.

Register first, then book and complete your stay(s) by Sept. 30.

Double your Hyatt points when you dine

The Hyatt deals don't stop there. Members can also boost their points balance on dining purchases this fall.

This promotion is awarding double points on eligible dine-in and takeaway spending at participating Hyatt restaurants and bars across Asia Pacific from now through Sept. 30.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

Credit card promotions (August 2026)

Card issuers offer deals and discounts on a wide range of products, from airfare to dining. Here are some of the offers we've rounded up this week. Note that these are targeted, so they may or may not be available on your account. You must activate these offers on your card and use the enrolled card to make the purchase in order to earn bonus rewards.

Targeted Amex Offer on Marriott vacation rentals

Looking for a vacation rental for your next trip? Keep an eye out for this Amex Offer, which we found on the American Express® Gold Card.

If targeted, you could get a $350 statement credit after spending a minimum of $1,000 in qualifying purchases at participating Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy properties. Book here by Sept. 30.

Targeted Chase Offer on Uniworld cruises

If you're considering a river cruise for your next trip, check your Chase account for this offer. It could earn you up to 15% cash back ($50 maximum) on a Uniworld River Cruise purchase before Aug. 31. Uniworld offers luxury, all-inclusive sailings to Europe, Asia, Egypt and Peru.

Even better, we spotted this offer on the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees), which earns an impressive 3 points per dollar spent on all travel purchases — including cruises (on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases).

Targeted Chase Offer at Caesars hotels

This Chase Offer is perfect for gambling enthusiasts — though there are plenty of other activities to try in these iconic destinations. Until Aug. 31, you can get 10% back (up to $50) on a stay at select Caesars Rewards properties in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe.

We found this offer on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), which awards 4 points per dollar spent directly at hotels.

Related: The ultimate guide to saving money with Amex Offers

Ongoing travel deals

In addition to these new offers, many others from previous weeks are still available:

• Score 2,000 Hilton Honors bonus points per stay of up to three nights, or 4,000 points per stay of four-plus nights. This applies to any hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. Register first, and complete your stay(s) by Aug. 15.
• If you have not made and completed a reservation with Delta Stays in the last 24 months, you can earn 3 bonus SkyMiles per dollar on your next stay. Book by Aug. 23, and complete your stay by Dec. 31.
• Earn 3,000, 5,000 or 15,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points per stay at participating hotels and resorts across the Caribbean & Latin America, depending on the brand. Book by Aug. 27 with promo code S2449, and complete your stay(s) by Sept. 10.
• With Wyndham's summer sale, you can save 10 to 20% at participating hotels in the U.S., Canada and Latin America, depending on how long you stay. Book by Aug. 28 for stays through Dec. 31.
• After linking your Hilton Honors and Qatar Airways Privilege Club accounts, you can score 1,000 bonus Avios on your first stay at any hotel within the Hilton portfolio of brands. Register for the promotion first, then complete your stay by Aug. 31. Be sure to add your Privilege Club number as your preferred travel partner in your Hilton Honors account prior to check-out.
• If you're heading to Europe, Africa or the Middle East, you can earn 1,000, 2,000 or 5,000 bonus Bonvoy points on a qualifying two-night stay, depending on the brand. Book by Aug. 31 with promo code S2449 for stays through Sept. 15.
• Fast-track your way to Emirates Skywards elite status with this offer. Until Aug. 31, you can earn 20% bonus tier miles on flights, regardless of your booking date, and reach status with just 80% of the usual mileage or flight requirements.
• With IHG One Rewards' "Pick Your Points" offer, you can choose to receive 2,000 bonus points for every two nights you stay this summer or 8,000 bonus points for every four nights, with no earning cap. Register, then book and stay by Aug. 31.
• You can earn twice the IHG points when you dine at participating outlets in Korea and Southeast Asia by Aug. 31.
• Through Aug. 31, you can earn 50% more Miles & More miles and elite status qualifying points when you fly premium economy on Lufthansa or its partners. To take advantage of this promotion, simply book through the participating airline's website with your Miles & More number.
• You can get triple Wyndham Rewards points on up to three stays of two or more nights each in China. Register first, then book by Sept. 3 and stay by Sept. 30.
• Best Western Rewards members can earn 1,000 bonus points per eligible night (with no cap) for stays through Sept. 7. No registration is required.
• WorldHotels Rewards members can earn 1,000 bonus points (redeemable at both WorldHotels and Best Western properties) per night, with no maximum, at participating properties through Sept. 7. Log in here to register before booking.
• Earn 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points for every stay this summer at participating properties across the U.S. and Canada. Book with code "S2449" and stay by Sept. 8.
• AAdvantage members who link their World of Hyatt account can earn 1 bonus AAdvantage mile per dollar spent at Hyatt's Under Canvas collection with this deal. Register by Sept. 12, and complete your stay by Sept. 13.
• Earn 2,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points per night, up to 6,000 total, at 60 participating properties across Thailand. Book with code "S2449" and stay by Sept. 30.
• Earn 5,000 bonus points when you complete a stay at any Bonvoy hotel by Sept. 30. Link your accounts and register for the promotion here.
• With this lucrative World of Hyatt promotion, you can earn a Category 1-4 Free Night Award for every three nights you stay across Latin America and the Caribbean — up to five free nights total. Register by Sept. 30, 2026, then complete your stay(s) at participating hotels between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2027.
• Marriott Bonvoy is offering a whopping 50,000 bonus points per stay, plus complimentary breakfast for up to two guests, for guests who visit the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Kyoto by Sept. 30. Just be sure to book with the promo code, which can be found here.
• New members who join Chevron Texaco Rewards by Sept. 30 can save $1 per gallon on their first five fill-ups.
• Get a 15% points rebate on stays at World of Hyatt's Under Canvas locations. Register by Nov. 30 for stays through Dec. 1.
• New members of the Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards program can save up to $50 on their next flight simply by joining the program by Dec. 31. U.S. residents outside Alaska, California and Hawaii can register here for their discount code; residents of Alaska, California and Hawaii can register here.
• Earn 5,000 bonus Hyatt points on each stay of five-plus nights at participating Hyatt House and Hyatt Studios properties. Register, book and stay by Dec. 31.
• If you're targeted for Hilton's "Stay More, Earn More" offer, you can earn up to 15,000 bonus points in total on your next five stays. Check to see if you're targeted and register here by Dec. 31, then complete your stay(s) within six months of registration.

Targeted Amex Offers

• Earn a $40 statement credit on a Hilton purchase of at least $200 by Aug. 15. This offer applies only at participating properties in the U.S. and U.S. territories; Hilton Grand Vacations, AutoCamp and Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) are excluded, as are advance purchase rates and gift card purchases.
• Earn a $150 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $1,000 on eligible Cathay Pacific flights by Aug. 16.
• Earn a whopping 20,000 bonus Membership Rewards points after you spend $1,000 or more with Air France or KLM. To qualify, your flight must originate in the U.S. and be booked through the airline's U.S. website or U.S. mobile app. You must book and pay for your flight by Aug. 30 to take advantage of this offer, but the flight can take place later.
• Earn a $125 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $500 on room rate and room charges at select WorldHotels properties. Book on the World Hotels website and complete your purchase by Aug. 31.
• Earn 10% back on qualifying prepaid hotel purchases at Hotels.com by Aug. 31. There's a limit of $100 back in total statement credits.
• Get $50 back when you spend $200 in one or more purchases at participating Ascend Collection Hotels in the U.S. and Canada. Book here and stay by Sept. 1.
• Get $100 back when you spend at least $300 at select Cambria Hotels in the U.S. or online by Sept. 1.
• Earn a $40 statement credit after you make a qualifying purchase of $250 or more at viator.com. You can use this offer up to twice, for a total of $80 back, through Sept. 17.
• Earn a $50 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $250 in one or more qualifying purchases of flights booked with Allegiant Air online. This offer expires Sept. 30.
• Earn a $15 statement credit on a pet boarding purchase of $75 or more at meowtel.com. You can use this offer up to two times, for a total of $30 back, through Oct. 19.
• Earn a $100 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $500 on room rate and room charge purchases at select Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Luxury Destinations around the world. Book on the Wyndham website, and complete your purchase by Oct. 27.
• Earn a one-time $100 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $500 at participating Hyatt properties in the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America by Nov. 15.
• Get $50 back on a single purchase of $250 or more with Italo Treno when you book online or through the Italo Treno mobile app by Dec. 27.
• Earn a $30 statement credit after spending $150 or more on a Turo rental in the U.S. or Canada. Your car must be returned and paid for by Dec. 31 to qualify.

Targeted Chase Offers

• Earn 15% cash back on your Great Wolf Lodge purchase of $100 or more, with a $50 cash-back maximum. This offer ends Aug. 31.
• Earn $100 cash back on your Hyatt Inclusive Collection stay when you spend $1,000 or more in a single transaction. You can use this offer on up to two qualifying stays, for $200 total cash back, as long as you make a complete payment for both stays by Aug. 31.
• Get 15% cash back (up to $70 maximum) at Under Canvas, a collection of glamping properties that's part of World of Hyatt, when you spend $450 or more by Aug. 31.
• Earn $30 back on an eligible Turo car rental of $150 or more through Aug. 31.
• Get 8% back on tours and activities booked through Viator or TripAdvisor Experiences by Aug. 31. You can use this offer up to twice, with a maximum of $10 in total cash back.
• Earn 15% cash back on Airalo eSIM purchases of $15 or more (up to $25 back) through Aug. 31.
• Get $100 cash back when you spend $600 or more through Chase Travel℠ in a single transaction by Sept. 30.

Related reading:

• The 10 best places to travel in September
• The 'coolest' vacation spots to escape the heat this summer
• How to pick the right travel credit card for you
• Summer travel checklist: 12 things to do now to make your trip great

Your credit card's annual fee is due. For one reason or another, you've decided that it's not worth paying the fee to keep your card for another year. Or maybe it's a credit card you no longer use or want, so you're considering closing the account.

Your first inclination might be to cancel your card. However, other options exist: You could downgrade or product change your card instead.

Wondering what those options are and how they work? Let's look at what goes into the decision. Then you can make an informed choice to cancel, downgrade or product change your credit card.

What is downgrading a credit card?

Downgrading is when you switch your credit card to one that earns the same type of rewards but has a lower (or no) annual fee.

Here's an example: I previously held the United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) but wasn't flying United much, so the $150 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year) wasn't worth it to me.

I downgraded this card to the United Gateway℠ Card (see rates and fees), which has no annual fee.

Both cards earn United Airlines miles, so they're in the same family. I downgraded my card, but didn't need to open a new card. I also kept my credit history with this card, since it's considered the same account on my credit report.

It's worth noting that not all cards have downgrade options. For example, you can't downgrade the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees). That's because there's no other IHG business credit card, and you can't change between personal and business credit cards.

Related: When can you downgrade your credit card?

What is product changing a credit card?

Product changing means swapping out your current card for one that earns a different type of rewards currency. It's different from downgrading, which means switching to another card within the same family, i.e., earning the same type of rewards.

As with downgrading, your account history is preserved because you aren't canceling your credit card. You can also choose a card with a lower annual fee if that's your goal.

Both Bank of America and Citi allow you to product-change a credit card to one that earns a completely different type of rewards.

For example, I product changed the Air France-KLM World Elite Mastercard® to the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card. In another instance, I changed the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® to the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (see rates and fees).

The information for the Air France-KLM Mastercard and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

I was able to preserve my credit history by keeping my accounts open, while switching to a card that costs me nothing to keep open year after year.

Related: How your credit scores work

Should I downgrade, product change or cancel a credit card?

You can cancel your credit card, which will close your account permanently. Policies vary by bank, but you should receive a refund of your annual fee (or at least part of it) if you cancel your card within 30 days after the fee is posted.

However, when deciding whether to cancel your card or keep it open with a downgrade or product change, consider the following:

• How long have you had this card? We recommend against closing or changing a credit card before you've had it for a year. Additionally, if this is one of your oldest credit cards, preserving your credit history is beneficial.
• What options exist for downgrading or changing the product? If you can't switch your current credit card to another one, it reduces your options. Know in advance what your options are to make your retention phone call simpler.
• If you change to another card, could that limit your ability to receive a welcome bonus in the future? With American Express in particular, you could be blocked from receiving a welcome bonus if you've had a card in the past — even if you only had that card after a product change and didn't receive a welcome bonus on that card.
• Do you need to close a card with this bank? Banks like American Express and Capital One have limits on the number of credit cards you can have with them at any one time. If you're at the maximum, you may need to close a card before opening new cards and receiving welcome bonuses on those.
• If you close this card, can you replicate its benefits with other cards? You shouldn't close or downgrade your only credit card that provides airport lounge access unless you're willing to forgo this benefit. Be sure you know your card's benefits and if you'll lose anything important.
• What offers would you accept to keep this card for another year? Think through possibilities in advance so you know what retention offers you would and wouldn't accept.
• Will you lose your points or miles? If your card earns hotel or airline points, any points already transferred to your loyalty account are safe. If you're earning points from the bank's program, you could lose points if you don't have another card that earns those same points.

Whatever you decide, remember that you are still responsible for paying any balances on your card. You should also check your closed accounts to ensure there are no unexpected charges.

Related: Quick tip: Check your credit card accounts 30 days after closing them

Bottom line

Each year, part of your credit card strategy should be deciding which cards you're keeping, closing and changing to a different card. Numerous factors go into the decision to cancel, downgrade or change a credit card.

After considering the factors above, you should have a good understanding of these factors. Now, you can make an informed decision about which cards will earn a spot in your wallet for another year.

Related: Pros and cons of downgrading your credit cards right now

Small Hotels of the World just welcomed its newest member — and Hilton Honors loyalists can rejoice. Casona Roma Norte, a Michelin-recognized member of Mexico City's boutique hotel scene, has joined the growing list of points hotels that go far beyond the cookie-cutter offerings.

Here's what you need to know to book a stay at this stylish property.

Related: The coolest SLH hotels you can book with Hilton Honors points

Casona Roma Norte joins SLH

Casona Roma Norte is the 17th hotel in Mexico and the sixth in Mexico City to join Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a curated collection of boutique and independent properties around the globe. According to Nessi Behar, the hotel's general manager, "This distinction is a testament to Casona's founding ethos: unmatched guest service, curated local experiences, and immersion within living history."

In keeping with those values, Casona Roma Norte is housed in a restored 1920s Belle Epoque mansion, preserving the building's original Art Nouveau architecture and iconic pink facade in an effort to immerse guests in a chapter of the city's history.

The 32-suite hotel, located in the vibrant Roma Norte neighborhood, boasts four dining concepts. La Macaria Matcha & Tea Room serves specialty morning cuppas and artisanal pastries, while wine bar and social club Somma Rooftop offers contemporary cuisine and cocktails with a view. Two more restaurants were recently unveiled: Terra, a fine dining experience pairing unique dishes with guests' beverage selections, and Tacos Romita, a taqueria inspired by the local gastronomic scene.

Casona Roma Norte is also one of just five in Mexico City to hold a prestigious 1-Michelin Key distinction. The hotel is pet-friendly, but young children are not allowed; Casona Roma Norte welcomes guests ages 12 and older.

You can book it with points

Thanks to SLH's partnership with Hilton, Casona Roma Norte is set to become bookable through Hilton Honors this month — meaning you can start earning and burning Hilton (and Amex) points on a fabulous boutique stay.

The property is also a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, a collection of boutique hotels that has a partnership with World of Hyatt. So, very soon, you will have the option to book award stays at Casona Roma Norte with either program.

Rates start around $450 or 32,500 World of Hyatt points per night. Award prices through Hilton Honors remain to be seen, so keep an eye on Hilton's website in the coming weeks.

I get asked some version of the same question all the time: what's the best travel credit card to actually keep in your wallet?

For me, the answer has changed over time. As my travel habits have evolved, so has the mix of cards I rely on. Some are great for earning points quickly, others help offset costs with built-in credits and a few simply make the overall travel experience more comfortable.

And honestly, those perks matter more than ever right now. Travel isn't getting any cheaper, award prices aren't going down and the perks that used to feel like nice extras — like lounge access or built-in credits — have become much more valuable if you're flying regularly.

In most cases, getting outsize value from a travel rewards card means paying an annual fee, though many of these cards can pair well with no-annual-fee products to maximize earnings. For this guide, I have focused on cards that offer a strong balance of earning potential, flexible points and genuinely useful travel perks — across a range of annual fees.

These are the travel credit cards I keep coming back to — and in some cases, the ones I'm planning to add next — based on how easy they are to use and the value I actually get from them.

How I chose these travel credit cards

I chose these cards based on the value they can provide travelers. In particular, I considered:

• Earning potential: How rewarding the card is for both travel and everyday spending.
• Rewards flexibility: How many useful options cardholders have for redeeming their rewards.
• Travel benefits: Whether perks like lounge access, elite status and travel credits can meaningfully improve the travel experience.
• Ease of use: How straightforward it is to maximize the card's benefits and statement credits.
• Long-term value: Whether the card offers enough ongoing value to justify its annual fee, if it has one.

I've also included cards for different types of travelers, from beginners and those seeking premium perks to airline and hotel loyalists and travelers who don't want to pay an annual fee.

Comparing my top picks for travel credit cards

*Welcome offer value is an estimated value based on TPG's August 2026 valuations and is not provided by the issuer.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Best for: Premium travel perks

The card I'm looking to add next is the Sapphire Preferred's more premium sibling, the Chase Sapphire Reserve. While the Preferred is my go-to recommendation for beginners, the Reserve makes more sense for frequent travelers who want premium perks that can genuinely improve their travel experience.

You might wonder why it's worth adding the Reserve when I already hold another Sapphire card, but the answer comes down to incremental value. The Reserve's $300 annual travel credit is one of the easiest credits to use in the market, automatically applying to a wide range of travel purchases — from flights and hotels to parking garages and tolls.

Lounge access also makes this card stand out. As airport lounges become increasingly crowded and access restrictions tighten across the industry, having access to Sapphire and Priority Pass lounges has become much more valuable for frequent travelers.

On top of that, the card offers up to $500 in annual credits for The Edit, Chase's curated hotel booking platform (issued as two credits of up to $250 per calendar year for stays of two nights or more). Add in additional recurring credits with partners like DoorDash, OpenTable and StubHub and the value proposition becomes much clearer for travelers who will regularly use the benefits.

To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earn 100,000 valuable points

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Best for: Beginner travel rewards

The Sapphire Preferred was the first travel card in my wallet — and that goes for a lot of us here at TPG. It's also the card I recommend most often to beginners or casual travelers who want flexible points without a sky-high annual fee.

The reason is simple: This card is one of easiest beginner travel cards on the market — if not the easiest. With beginner-friendly perks like a $100 annual hotel credit and strong travel protections, it delivers real value without overwhelming complexity.

The card also makes it easy to get quick, upfront value. After earning the welcome offer and maximizing bonus categories — like 3 points per dollar spent on dining and 2 points per dollar spent on travel purchased outside the Chase Travel portal — I was able to build a sizable stash of points within a few months. I ultimately redeemed those points for a trip through four European countries, which is exactly the kind of payoff that makes this card so compelling.

It's the travel card I recommend over and over again to friends and family because of its ease of use, strong earning potential and outsize value relative to its modest $95 annual fee.

To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Related: 6 ways to maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a beginner

Capital One Venture X

Best for: Straightforward premium rewards

Another top contender in the premium space — and one that's firmly earned a place in my wallet — is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Card. For travelers who want premium perks without overcomplicating their card strategy, I think the Venture X hits the sweet spot.

Part of the reason I added the card was to diversify my points and miles beyond Chase Ultimate Rewards. Up until recently, I'd been almost exclusively earning Chase points, but as I've gotten deeper into the points and miles world, I've realized how valuable it is to have access to multiple transferable currencies and transfer partners.

At the same time, the Venture X fits naturally into my everyday spending habits. Cardholders earn a flat 2 miles per dollar on nearly every purchase, which removes the need to track bonus categories or optimize every swipe. It's become my go-to catch-all card and the one I reach for whenever a purchase doesn't neatly fit into a bonus category on another card.

The card also delivers where premium travel perks matter most. The $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel and 10,000 anniversary bonus miles each year go a long way toward offsetting the $395 annual fee, while Priority Pass* and Capital One Lounge access make travel days noticeably more comfortable.

For me, the Venture X works because it combines simplicity with strong long-term value — whether I'm using it for everyday purchases at home or while traveling abroad.

To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture X.

*Limited to participating Priority Pass Lounges

Related: 5 reasons why I'm applying for the Capital One Venture X

United Quest

Best for: Frequent United flyers

For travelers who regularly fly a single airline — especially those based near one of that carrier's hubs — a cobranded airline card can make a lot of sense.

That's been true for me with United, but I think the same general strategy applies to frequent Delta and American Airlines flyers as well. If you consistently fly one carrier, the right airline card can make your travel experience cheaper, smoother and more comfortable through perks like travel credits, free checked bags and priority boarding.

For frequent United flyers — especially those based near a United hub — the United Quest is a strong long-term fit.

I wasn't always loyal to a single airline, but moving to San Francisco — a major United hub — changed that. The Quest quickly proved its value.

Despite its $350 annual fee, the card offers several easy-to-use benefits that help offset the cost. The $200 annual United travel credit, for instance, has helped offset flights home to visit family, making it feel more like a built-in discount than a benefit I have to actively track.

The card also offers award flight discounts, anniversary bonus miles, free checked bags, priority boarding and improved award availability, making it a strong companion for regular United flyers.

That said, I do wish it included lounge access — especially at this price point.

Still, for me, the Quest is less about airline loyalty and more about making my most frequent travel experience easier and more comfortable.

To learn more, read our full review of the United Quest.

Related: I just changed my airline loyalty — here's how the United Quest Card sealed the switch

Chase Freedom Unlimited

Best for: No-annual-fee rewards

Not every worthwhile travel rewards card needs to charge an annual fee. The Freedom Unlimited is one I'm interested in adding to my wallet because it could fill an important gap in my Chase strategy without adding another annual fee.

On its own, the Freedom Unlimited earns cash-back rewards. But when you pair it with an eligible Ultimate Rewards-earning card like the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve, you can combine your rewards and potentially get more value by redeeming them for travel or transferring them to Chase's airline and hotel partners.

That's particularly appealing to me because I'm working toward building the Chase Trifecta, a strategy that combines multiple Chase cards to maximize earnings across different types of purchases.

With no annual fee, the Freedom Unlimited could give me another way to earn rewards on everyday spending while letting my Sapphire cards handle travel purchases and unlock more valuable redemption options.

To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

Related: The best beginner Chase card combo for travel rewards

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Best for: Hilton perks without the premium price tag

The Hilton Surpass is the newest addition to my wallet — and my first hotel credit card.

For years, I've prioritized flexible rewards over hotel-specific points because I didn't want to commit to a single hotel program. But as I've started traveling more and spending more nights in hotels, I realized I was leaving some valuable perks on the table.

After comparing several hotel cards, I ultimately chose the Hilton Surpass because it struck the right balance between cost and benefits. One of the biggest draws for me is automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, which gives me meaningful hotel perks without requiring me to earn status through stays.

I'm also a fan of the card's up to $200 in Hilton statement credits each calendar year, issued as up to $50 each quarter. And Hilton's large footprint means I'm much more likely to find a property where I can actually put those benefits to use when I travel.

For me, the Surpass is a relatively approachable way to test-drive hotel loyalty while getting useful benefits from the start. As I spend more nights with Hilton, I'll be able to see whether a hotel card deserves a permanent place in my travel strategy.

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Surpass.

Related: How I chose my first hotel credit card — and the 4 cards I considered

Bottom line

Choosing the right travel credit card ultimately comes down to your habits, preferences and how much effort you want to put into maximizing rewards.

For beginners, the Chase Sapphire Preferred remains one of the strongest entry points thanks to its balance of value, flexibility and simplicity. Frequent travelers looking for a more premium experience — especially when it comes to lounge access and travel perks — may get more value from the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Meanwhile, the Capital One Venture X is a great fit for travelers who want premium benefits without overcomplicating their rewards strategy, and the United Quest offers a strong value proposition for frequent United flyers who prioritize convenience and United-specific perks.

For travelers who don't want to add another annual fee, the Chase Freedom Unlimited can be a useful complement to a Sapphire card, particularly if you're building a Chase trifecta. And for travelers who want hotel-specific perks, the Hilton Surpass offers a relatively accessible entry point to hotel loyalty with automatic Hilton Gold status and useful Hilton credits.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer — but the good news is that today's top travel cards offer more flexibility and value than ever before. The key is picking the one that fits how you travel.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Apply here: United Quest℠ Card

Apply here: Freedom Unlimited

Apply here: Hilton Surpass

For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass Card, please click here.

Every day, an auto manufacturer seems to release a new electric vehicle. EVs are certainly popular right now. Unlike traditional cars, EVs don't require trips to the gas station, but they do need to be charged, either at charging stations or at home.

If you're like me (and most EV owners), you often need to charge your car at public EV charging stations. To make the most of this unavoidable expense, it's smart to pay with a credit card that earns bonus rewards for EV charging. I stop by a charging station several times a week, and since I can't avoid the cost, I make sure to maximize my spending by earning extra rewards every time.

Below, I've compiled a list of the best cards for EV charging.

Comparison of the best cards for EV charging

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards

Welcome offer: Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Why we like it: The Customized Cash has higher quarterly spending caps than many competing cards. During the first year, you could earn 6% cash back on EV charging (on up to $2,500 spent each quarter).

To learn more, read our full review of the Bank of America Customized Cash.

Apply here: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Chase Freedom Flex

Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Why we like it: The Freedom Flex shines during the summer travel season. EV charging has been a Chase Freedom 5% bonus category every Q3 since 2023, making it a reliable choice for summer road trips (activation required). Outside those quarters, you'll earn just 1% cash back on EV charging purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.

Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Why we like it: The Sapphire Preferred is an excellent option for EV owners because it earns 3 points per dollar spent on EV charging. Unlike the Freedom Flex, the Sapphire Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on EV charging year-round. And you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to Chase's impressive roster of travel partners for high value.

To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Citi Strata Premier

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Why we like it: For a modest $95 annual fee, you'll earn an unlimited 3 points per dollar spent on EV charging with the Strata Premier. Additionally, you'll earn 3 points per dollar spent at supermarkets and restaurants (among other popular spending categories). Plus, this card offers some solid travel protections, and points are fully transferable to any of Citi's travel partners.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Strata Premier.

Apply here: Citi Strata Premier Card

Wells Fargo Autograph

Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Why we like it: EV owners will earn unlimited 3 points per dollar spent on EV charging with the Wells Fargo Autograph, with no annual fee. These points can be transferred to Wells Fargo's small roster of transfer partners.

To learn more, read our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph.

Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph Card

Consider a flat-rate rewards card

If none of the options above appeal to you, consider a flat-rate cash-back card (also known as a catch-all card). These cards typically earn the same rate on all purchases (including EV charging), meaning you don't have to remember bonus categories and ensure you're using the right card for each purchase.

Some of our top picks include:

• Apple Card: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases when you pay with Apple Pay.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases.
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Earn at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees): Earn at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
• Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 2% cash back (1% back when you buy and another 1% cash back when you pay for your purchases).
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 2% cash back on purchases.

The information for the Apple Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The best credit cards to add to your wallet

What if I charge at home?

EV owners who charge at home are usually billed by their utility company. Therefore, many of the options listed above would likely earn only 1% in rewards.

If you charge at home most frequently, my pick is the Venmo Credit Card. With this card, you'll earn 3% cash back in the category you spend the most in, including utilities. You don't have to select any categories; Venmo will automatically update this category based on your spending patterns.

This was my go-to EV charging card when I lived in a townhome and charged my car in my garage, since all my charging costs appeared on my electric bill.

The information for the Venmo Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Cash back vs. travel rewards: How to choose a credit card

Bottom line

Owning an electric vehicle can save you hundreds each year on fuel costs. However, you will have to stop at EV charging stations to keep your car powered.

Adding one of these cards to your wallet can help you maximize the rewards you earn the next time you plug your car in.

Related: The best gas credit cards to add to your wallet

Delta Air Lines crossed the Atlantic Ocean this summer with a host of elaborate new destinations, from the Italian island of Sardinia to Malta and Porto, Portugal.

Don't expect a whole lot more where that came from.

Going forward, the Atlanta-based carrier plans to increasingly look across a different ocean — the Pacific — for its long-haul growth.

"Asia, to us, is where we have opportunity for growth in the future," Delta chief commercial officer Joe Esposito made clear in an interview this week in Austin.

That Pacific build-up is already in motion.

This summer alone, Delta resumed flying to Hong Kong for the first time since 2018, and announced a new nonstop route to Manila.

Last week, it revealed a surprising return to Tokyo's Narita Airport (NRT), where it once operated an overseas hub.

And the airline isn't keeping much secret about what might be ahead: "We're going to be back in Singapore," Esposito said.

While no route has been formally announced, my money's on nonstop service from Delta's Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) hub; Esposito ruled out nonstop Singapore service from its other West Coast hub in Los Angeles.

Top rival United Airlines is currently the only U.S. carrier flying to Changi Airport (SIN). Delta last flew there — via Tokyo — in 2019.

Why Delta is focusing on Asia

Potential Singapore service, though, is just part of a larger Pacific push Delta is plotting — growth that it's prioritizing over adding a bunch of new destinations in Europe.

"There's still unique destinations to fly to," Esposito said of Europe. "But we have really great access already. We don't have as much access to Asia."

Delta already boasts an extensive European route network, Esposito explained. It also has deep partnerships with three European carriers in Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic, which allow passengers to make one-stop connections to an almost endless array of final destinations.

Looking ahead, the airline wants to simply reach more major cities on the other side of the globe — which, in many cases, are key business markets.

"The big economies," Esposito said, "is where Delta's going to be."

In some ways, it's a strategy with roots in the company's heritage.

Harkening back to Northwest … sort of

When Delta acquired Northwest Airlines in 2008, it inherited a sprawling Asia route network anchored by a unique hub at Tokyo's Narita.

Back then, you could fly Delta to Tokyo and then connect — on its planes — to places like Guam, Shanghai, Saipan and Taipei.

However, Delta significantly scaled back its footprint in Asia over the course of the 2010s. Over that same stretch, the airline upped its focus on transatlantic service.

United, meanwhile, emerged as the biggest U.S. airline in the skies over the world's biggest ocean.

Now, though, Delta has its eyes on restoring a presence in top Asia-Pacific markets that were once the bread and butter of Northwest.

But these would be routes Delta would operate directly from the U.S. mainland — thanks to its duo of West Coast hubs at LAX and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

"When you think about where we were the past 20 years we merged with Northwest Airlines, they had a great Pacific network — but really didn't have the strength on the west [coast] to launch from," Esposito said. "Now we've got great launching platforms."

With those big transpacific plans in mind, it's no coincidence that Delta has opened a trio of new, high-end Delta One Lounges between LAX and SeaTac over the past two years. Among them: a new facility that just opened this summer in Southern California.

Not just Pacific growth

To be clear, transpacific service to Asia and the South Pacific isn't Delta's only focus for expansion.

The airline will launch nonstop service to Riyadh in October, becoming the first U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service to Saudi Arabia.

And just this week, it doubled down on its fast-growing focus city in Austin, Texas, by announcing a new route to Paris. Those flights will begin in 2027.

Related reading:

• Your complete guide to the Delta SkyMiles program
• How to redeem Delta SkyMiles for maximum value
• Best Delta credit cards
• The best credit cards to reach elite status in 2026
• Delta leaves Medallion status requirements unchanged in 2026
• Best US airlines: Delta edges out rivals to win 8th straight title

Modern married life can be hectic. My husband and I balance demanding jobs, caring for our (fur) baby, friendships, hobbies, travel and all manner of household chores.

That's why we've found it's important to set aside time for a romantic date night every so often. We get to do something fun, reconnect away from the hustle and bustle of daily life … and inevitably talk about where we want to travel next.

And as the points-and-miles person in the relationship, there's one thing I do before almost every night out: check which credit card benefits and offers we can stack.

It takes just a few minutes, and between dining credits, merchant offers, rideshare benefits and even entertainment credits, this habit saves us hundreds of dollars each year.

Here's what I look for before we head out.

Related: The dining statement credits that save me over $1,000 every year

First, I check my dining credits

Dining credits are usually the first place I look because several of my cards offer them.

Chase Sapphire Exclusive Tables

Last year, Chase launched its new Sapphire dining program in partnership with OpenTable, which gives special access to reservations to folks with the following cards:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees)
• J.P. Morgan Reserve Card

The information for the J.P. Morgan Reserve Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

In addition to special access, my Sapphire Reserve also offers up to $300 in annual statement credits at participating Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants, split into two up-to-$150 credits from January through June and July through December.

In order to take advantage of this benefit be sure to link your eligible card to your OpenTable account. No prior reservation is required.

My husband and I used these credits last year for a tasting menu at Jeune et Jolie, a French-Californian bistro in Carlsbad, California, and dinner with friends at Anajak, a Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in Los Angeles. For our next one, I've got my eye on either Bestia or Bavel in downtown L.A.

Related: Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables: How to book and maximize the Chase Sapphire Reserve's dining benefit

Amex Resy Credit

I also carry the American Express® Gold Card which offers cardholders up to $100 in annual statement credits on dining at eligible U.S. Resy restaurants when you use your card to pay; up to $50 from January-June and up to $50 from July-December. Enrollment is required.

Several other Amex cards also include Resy perks.

This credit is so easy for me to use that I actually have to make a special effort to save it for date night rather than accidentally triggering it on a random meal out.

You don't even have to make your reservation through Resy. You just have to use your card to pay at an eligible restaurant. Just be sure to link your card to your Resy account beforehand.

We recently used our second $50 credit of the year out of the $100 total at Alba, a gorgeous Italian restaurant near us in West Hollywood. I love the bentagliati pasta with duck ragu and stone fruits.

Related: How I get this monthly credit on my Delta Amex without even trying

A little saving with my Marriott card

I recently got the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card when it was offering a historically high welcome offer (no longer available).

The card offers up to $25 in statement credits toward eligible restaurant purchases worldwide each calendar month. That's up to $300 in annual statement credits over 12 months.

It's not a huge amount, but I can split the bill between cards to stack this credit with another dining benefit and save an additional $25.

Related: The dining statement credits that save me over $1,000 every year

Then I look for offers I can stack

Finding a restaurant where I can use a statement credit is great. Finding another offer I can stack on top of it is even better.

Credit card offers

I'll be honest, I don't always remember to do this. But I'm always glad when I do. Several of the major credit card issuers have special merchant offers their credit cardholders can take advantage of.

Among them are:

• Amex Offers
• Capital One Offers
• Chase Offers
• Citi Merchant Offers

These offers can vary dramatically by issuer as well as which card you have. To take advantage of them you'll need to add the offer to your eligible card and then use that card to make your purchase. Sometimes you'll need to spend a minimum dollar amount or your savings are capped based on a certain percentage.

It's also a "set it and forget it" situation where I tend to add offers at restaurants I like to my cards and if I end up using them, I'm pleasantly surprised to see a statement credit appear in my account.

One of my favorite examples was a date night at Uchi Sushi, one of our go-to neighborhood spots.

I had an Amex Offer on my Gold Card that gave me $25 back after spending $125. Uchi was also an eligible Resy restaurant, so paying with the same card triggered one of my up-to-$50 biannual Resy statement credits.

All told, I got $75 back on a single dinner.

It only takes a few minutes to check, and sometimes the savings stack with benefits I was already planning to use.

Related: Everything you need to know about credit card merchant offers

Fire up my InKind app

Although OpenTable and Resy are my go-to reservations platforms, lately, I've been using another dining rewards app called InKind to see which participating restaurants are nearby where we can save money on date nights.

InKind is a dining rewards network with around 8,000 participating restaurants across the U.S. These range from coffee shops to cocktail bars to high-end restaurants.

Once you sign up, you'll get $25 off your first purchase of $50 or more.

And when you dine at an InKind restaurant and pay through the app using a linked credit card, you'll typically earn around 20% cash back. You can then put those earnings toward future dining purchases made through InKind.

We've saved hundreds of dollars through InKind at restaurants we already enjoy. One of our favorites is Pizzana, where we'll order a few piping-hot pizzas, a huge Caesar salad and a glass or two of Italian wine.

It's just a good old-fashioned pizza date night, with a little extra savings attached.

Related: This overlooked dining program is one of the most generous and gets you $25 off your very first meal

I don't forget about the ride there and back

If we're venturing farther afield, we sometimes like to take a rideshare so we can indulge in a cocktail or two without worrying about the drive home.

That's another opportunity to check our card benefits.

My Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides and gives me up to $10 each month (through Sept. 30, 2027; does not apply to Wait & Save, bike or scooter rides).

Likewise, my Amex Gold Card provides up to $10 monthly in Uber Cash that can be used on U.S. Uber and Uber Eats orders.*

So we can take a Lyft one-way and an Uber the other and save up to $20 on our rides by playing the field.

*Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Gold as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card.

Related: The best credit cards for ride-hailing apps

And sometimes date night isn't dinner

It's not just about dining and driving for us, though. We love theater and concerts, so one of the other fantastic statement credits we've been able to use has been my Sapphire Reserve's StubHub credit.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive up to $300 per year to use on purchases made through StubHub or its sister site, Viagogo. The credit is split into two biannual credits of up to $150 (activation required; through Dec. 31, 2027). One is good for purchases from January-June, and the other applies to purchases from July-December.

We recently used these credits for a last-minute date night in New York City when we purchased tickets to "Schmigadoon!" It had us singing the songs for the rest of the weekend. Last year, I used one of these credits to see "Oh, Mary!" on a date night just for myself.

Related: Real ways the TPG team maximizes the Sapphire Reserve's StubHub credit

My pre-date-night credit card checklist

Before your next night out, take a few minutes to run through these five things:

• Check your cards for dining statement credits and where they apply (OpenTable, Resy, etc.).
• Check which of your cards offers ride-hailing statement credits.
• Check whether any of your cards offer entertainment category statement credits for purchases like those through StubHub.
• Create calendar reminders to use your dining, entertainment and ride-hailing statement credits since some of them are monthly, quarterly, biannual or annual.
• Regularly check merchant offers with your credit card issuer and add any interesting ones to your card just in case.

Bottom line 

It might not sound particularly romantic, but before my husband and I head out for date night, I spend a few minutes checking the credit card benefits, merchant offers and dining programs we already have. Knowing we've saved some money or earned bonus points makes the things we already love doing even more enjoyable.

I'm not choosing restaurants solely because a credit is available, and I'm certainly not suggesting spending money just to use a benefit. Instead, I look for ways to save on the things we already want to do.

Sometimes that's a Resy credit. Other times it's an Amex Offer, an InKind restaurant, a discounted rideshare or tickets to a show.

Those few minutes of planning saves us hundreds of dollars each year while helping us make time for each other.

And if that's not rewarding, I don't know what is.

Related: Best travel credit cards

At the start of this week, I had no intention of trying to see the solar eclipse. London, my home of almost 20 years, was set to experience more than 90% partial coverage, and that felt good enough for me.

After an intense year of work and travel — and celebrating my 40th birthday last week — I'd put myself on a self-imposed travel ban for August. It felt like time for some rest.

Then, this past Monday afternoon, I felt some familiar tingles: the urge to escape, have an adventure and do something a bit different.

The chance to experience eclipse totality was tantalizingly close to home.

Both northern Spain and the Balearic Islands were in the path of totality and easily accessible from London. A points and miles aficionado to the bitter end, I turned to two of my favorite tools, SeatSpy and Seats.aero, to see if I could get there at the right time, on the cheap, using points.

To my amazement, despite being in the peak of British school holidays, there was plenty of availability on several ideal British Airways flights.

Then it dawned on me: What if I could get on a flight that would cross the path of totality and see the eclipse from the sky?

One quick Google search suggested that if I could get it right, the payoff would be mind-blowing.

Finding the perfect flight for a shot at totality

I poured hours of research into my first attempt and thought I had nailed it. I even made an Instagram reel encouraging others to take my selected flight to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), which had wide-open award availability and, I believed, an incredible chance of seeing totality.

Then some viewers of that reel pointed out a slight problem: I had gotten the science wrong.

Even if everything else went our way, the flight would be too far north to experience totality. I'm no astronomer, so, grateful for the advice, I went back to the drawing board to hash out a new plan.

I'm very fortunate to live with an airline pilot, and together we plotted the path of totality and analyzed three days of FlightRadar24 data, replaying flights that had crossed the right area at the right time. Then we narrowed them down to flights departing from London or nearby.

One stood out: British Airways Flight 2644 from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP).

Recent flight data showed it typically took off about an hour after its scheduled 5:10 p.m. departure — exactly the delay we needed to put us in the right place at the right time.

I nervously pulled up the British Airways website and searched for award availability.

And there it was. Wide open award availability in both economy and business class.

I recruited some friends, double-checked that window seats were still available on the right-hand, west-facing side and booked my flight for 14,000 Avios plus 2.50 British pounds (about $3) in taxes and fees. Thanks to my British Airways Club Gold status, I could select my ideal seat assignment for free.

Then I went to bed, satisfied with the plan and hoping for the best.

Would we actually see the eclipse?

After a busy morning, we took the train to Gatwick, where security was quiet, leaving enough time for a "cheeky Nando's" before heading to the gate, incredibly nervous but excited. We seemed to be the only passengers testing cameras and trying out protective equipment.

In a reversal of my usual airport instincts, I was delighted when boarding started later than planned. I even decided to board last; somehow, it felt like everything might slow down a little if I were one of the final passengers.

Once aboard, a few more minor delays helped our cause.

We pushed back and joined a line of aircraft waiting to take off. I was laser-focused on the time.

Finally, at 6:05 p.m., we were airborne — about five minutes earlier than our dream target takeoff time. At this point, we really had no idea what we would see.

Wearing our solar-protective glasses, we kept checking the sun as it was slowly but surely eaten away by the moon.

It was then that I realized we were among a very small group on board who even knew there was a chance we'd see totality. Our "paper sunglasses" attracted plenty of interest, and passengers around us took turns using them to look out the window at the disappearing sun.

Around 40 minutes after departure, the captain made an announcement and mentioned the eclipse for the first time.

He'd been watching the path of totality and, based on our route and timing, believed we would pass through it at the perfect moment.

He explained that we had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the moon's shadow sweep across the Earth beneath us from a vantage point we'd otherwise never experience — and then see the full darkness of totality.

Experiencing totality from 35,000 feet

When the giant shadow began rushing across the Earth below us, the energy in the cabin was electric.

As darkness descended over the slice of Earth beneath us, everyone gasped and then fell silent.

Seconds later, the silence broke into cries of excitement. The faces around me were filled with wonder and disbelief as we were witnesses to this incredible sight.

I was floored. But at the same time, I knew I had a job to do to capture this moment.

I cycled through my various cameras, adrenaline coursing through my body. Eventually satisfied that I had enough — and desperate even for a fleeting moment to myself — I stared out the window and took in the scene.

That moment is seared into my memory. I'm not sure I'll ever see anything like that again with my own eyes.

Totality lasted for about 90 seconds before the "diamond ring" took form as one tiny corner of the sun started to emerge from behind the moon.

The whole plane erupted into excited conversation. New friends were made, photos were shared and AirDrop did a roaring trade in those 20 minutes.

And the show wasn't quite over. On approach to Malaga, we were treated to an incredible partial-eclipse sunset during the final 10 minutes of the flight.

It was the experience of a lifetime.

Luck was certainly on our side, but we'd also made some of that luck ourselves by putting in the work to find the perfect flight.

And paying just a few dollars out of pocket — plus the Avios, of course — made the whole adventure even more incredible.

You can bet I'm already planning my 2027 eclipse adventure.

If you've flown United, you've probably wondered whether you're leaving value on the table by not carrying one of the airline's cobranded credit cards. And after United's MileagePlus changes earlier this year, the answer is more likely than ever to be yes (more on that below).

As a United cardholder myself, I've seen that value increase firsthand: I now earn 20% more miles on United flights than I did before the changes.

But with several different United cards offering different combinations of perks, figuring out which one is right for you isn't always straightforward.

United offers a range of airline cards with varying perks, from a straightforward personal option for occasional flyers to premium personal and business cards for travelers seeking lounge access and elite status. Choosing the right card comes down to how often you fly United, which perks you'll actually use and whether those benefits justify the annual fee.

Here's how the United consumer and business cards compare — and how to decide which one is the best fit for your wallet.

United cards at a glance: Annual fees and welcome offers

Here's a quick look at each United credit card's annual fee and current welcome offer:

United Explorer Card

Best for: Occasional United flyers who want the core travel perks without a premium price tag

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150

Standout perks:

• A discount of at least 10% when booking flights with miles (Premier status members can save even more)
• One complimentary checked bag for the primary cardmember and one companion
• Priority boarding for the primary cardmember and companions on the same reservation
• Two United Club℠ one-time passes per year

The United Explorer Card covers the basics that matter most on a typical trip, such as a free bag, priority boarding and a couple of lounge passes, without asking you to pay a premium fee for perks you'd rarely use. It's the right fit for someone who flies United a handful of times a year and wants the card to pay for itself without overthinking it.

TPG credit cards editor Olivia Mittak says the two United Club passes alone tend to make the card worth it for her: "A day pass into a United Club costs $59, so if I use both of my passes, I've almost entirely covered my annual fee." She adds that the 9-miles-per-dollar-spent rate on standard United fares booked with the card is the other reason it's stayed in her wallet (earning rate may vary for those with United MileagePlus status and for those flying basic economy).

Compared to the United Quest Card, the Explorer is the more accessible option for less frequent flyers, while the Quest makes more sense once you're checking bags and chasing status often enough to justify the higher fee.

To learn more, read our full review of the United Explorer Card.

Apply here: United Explorer Card

United Quest Card

Best for: Regular United flyers who check bags often and want a real head start toward Premier status

Annual fee: $350

Standout perks:

• Two complimentary checked bags for the primary cardmember and one companion
• Priority boarding for the primary cardmember and companions on the same reservation
• One $200 annual United travel credit
• Premier Access travel services, including priority check-in, security screening and boarding where available
• A discount of at least 10% when booking flights with miles (Premier status members can save even more)
• An annual 10,000-mile award flight discount

The United Quest Card is built for travelers who fly United often enough to want more than the free bag and priority boarding the Explorer offers — and who want a card that actively pushes them toward Premier status.

Between the $200 credit and the two free checked bags, much of the $350 annual fee can be offset for anyone flying United a few times a year, especially if you prefer to check a bag rather than tow a carry-on. For example, United charges $45 for a first checked bag and $55 for a second on domestic flights (when you prepay), so checking two bags on a round-trip flight could otherwise cost $200. Take a few similar trips each year, and those savings can quickly add up.

Clint Henderson, a principal spokesperson at TPG, says the $200 trip credit and elevated earning on United flights initially won him over, with "free checked bags and priority boarding" giving him reason enough to keep the card long-term.

One major shortcoming of the Quest, especially compared to the lower-fee Explorer, is its lack of lounge access — as a reminder, the Explorer offers two, one-time United Club passes per year. However, it makes up for that with a more robust collection of statement credits, an annual award flight discount and an additional complimentary checked bag.

While the Club Card includes enhanced perks and unlimited access to the United Club, the Quest is the better pick for flyers who can do without lounge access on every trip.

To learn more, read our full review of the United Quest Card.

Apply here: United Quest Card

United Club Card

Best for: Frequent United flyers who want lounge access

Annual fee: $695

Standout perks:

• Unlimited United Club access for you and a guest (a $750-plus value per year)
• Free first and second checked bags for the primary cardmember and one companion on the same reservation
• Priority boarding for the primary cardmember and companions on the same reservation
• Premier Access travel services, including priority check-in, security screening and boarding where available
• More than $875 in annual partner credits, including hotel, ride-hailing, car rental and Instacart credits
• A discount of at least 10% when booking flights with miles (Premier status members can save even more)

The Club Card is for travelers who treat lounge access as a need rather than a nice-to-have. The unlimited visits for two can outweigh the $695 annual fee on their own for anyone who flies regularly with a plus-one, before factoring in the checked bags, Premier Access or partner credits.

Christine Gallipeau, a senior loyalty program editor at TPG, says the card's "fantastic benefits," including its complimentary United Club membership, discounted United awards and up to $150 in annual ride-hailing credits (yearly activation required), "have justified keeping the card in my wallet, especially as a frequent traveler based near United's Washington, D.C., hub."

Against the Quest, the Club costs nearly double, but that gap effectively replaces what would otherwise be a separate United Club membership. Flyers who rarely set foot in a United Club are usually better served sticking with Quest's travel credit and PQP earnings instead. The Club only pulls ahead once lounge access becomes a habit rather than an occasional treat.

To learn more, read our full review of the United Club Card.

Apply here: United Club Card

United Business Card

Best for: Small-business owners and frequent United flyers who want lounge passes and perks without a premium annual fee

Annual fee: $150

Standout perks:

• Two United Club one-time passes per year
• Complimentary first checked bag for the primary cardmember and one companion on the same reservation
• Priority boarding for the primary cardmember and companions on the same reservation
• $125 United travel credit (after making five United flight purchases of $100 or more each calendar year with your card)
• A discount of at least 10% when booking flights with miles (Premier status members can save even more)
• Elevated earning rates in common business categories, such as dining, gas stations, office supply stores, local transit and commuting

The United Business Card packs a surprising amount of value into a moderate $150 annual fee, pairing a travel credit and lounge passes with a PQP boost that can meaningfully nudge business travelers toward Premier status.

It carries the same annual fee as the Explorer (after the first year; the Explorer has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150), but is built for business travelers who can turn everyday business expenses into progress toward Premier status.

Unlike the United Club Card, it offers just two one-time passes a year, which should be enough for someone who only wants occasional lounge access.

That's part of the appeal for Carly Helfand, TPG's director of site content strategy. She says the card works particularly well alongside the United Quest Card: "That card doesn't include any lounge access, so the United Business Card fills a gap with its two United Club one-time passes per year." She also appreciates the 5,000 bonus miles she gets each anniversary for holding both cards: "It's not a ton of miles, but it's a nice reward for keeping a card combo I was going to carry anyway!"

To learn more, read our full review of the United Business Card.

Apply here: United Business Card

How to choose the right United credit card for your travel style

When choosing the right United card, it's helpful to think about how often you fly the carrier and the benefits you're looking to gain. Here's a framework to help you decide:

• You fly United at least once a year and mainly want to save on baggage fees: The United Explorer Card is usually sufficient.
• You check bags often and want a real shot at Premier status: The United Quest Card tends to deliver the most tangible annual value, between the travel credit and the PQP earnings.
• You fly frequently and want lounge access built in: The United Club Card is built for this type of traveler, offering unlimited club visits and a deep bench of partner credits.
• You run a small business and fly United regularly: The United Business Card offers a lighter-weight path to lounge passes and elite-qualifying points.

What about the United Gateway and United Club Business cards?

United also offers the no-annual-fee United Gateway℠ Card (see rates and fees) and premium United Club℠ Business Card, but neither made my main comparison.

While the Gateway is United's only no-annual-fee card, most United flyers will get more practical value from the Explorer, which also offers no annual fee for the first year (then $150). The Explorer includes a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and one companion, while Gateway cardholders must spend $10,000 in a calendar year to earn two free checked bags.

The United Club Business Card is a more compelling option, but its $695 annual fee makes it best suited to business owners who regularly use United Clubs and can maximize the value of its collection of travel and lifestyle credits. For everyone else, the $150 United Business Card offers many of the core United benefits — including two annual Club passes and a free checked bag — at a fraction of the cost.

The information for the United Club Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: How to choose an airline credit card

Why it's more valuable than ever to be a United cardholder

It's arguably never been a better time to be a United cardholder. United MileagePlus overhauled its earning rates earlier this year, and the message was clear: cardholders and elite members come first.

As of April 2, mileage-earning rates dropped across the board for members without a United card or status, while eligible cardholders can earn substantially more. A general MileagePlus member, for example, now earns 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible United flights, compared with 6 miles per dollar for a cardholder before factoring in the additional miles earned from the card itself.

Basic economy fares became even less rewarding for non-cardholders, with most travelers booking those tickets no longer earning miles at all unless they hold status or an eligible cobranded card.

On the flip side, cardholders now get more substantial award ticket discounts of at least 10%, with deeper savings for Premier members, stacked on top of the extra miles per dollar spent their card already provides.

Altogether, the changes significantly widen the gap between United cardholders and travelers without a card or status, making a cobranded card considerably more valuable than it was before.

Related: How the United Quest Card changed my airline loyalty

Bottom line

The best United card isn't necessarily the one with the most perks. Instead, it's the one that matches how you actually travel.

Occasional flyers will likely get plenty of value from the Explorer, while frequent travelers may find the Quest or Club cards easily justify their higher annual fees. And for small-business owners, the United Business Card offers many of the same travel benefits at a lower price point.

With United now rewarding cardholders more generously than ever, carrying the right cobranded card can help you save money, earn more miles and unlock a better travel experience every time you fly.

Related: How many credit cards should you have?

Over the last few years, Delta Air Lines has become a major player at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).

Now, the airline is taking its biggest step yet in the Texas capital.

Delta on Thursday revealed it will launch its first long-haul service from Austin, with nonstop Paris flights set to begin in the spring of 2027.

The new flight will give the city of Austin its fourth destination in Europe.

And for Delta, it'll be its biggest bet yet on an airport that it has made one of its top non-hub "focus cities." Announcing the news, chief commercial officer Joe Esposito called the new route a "defining milestone" for the carrier's push in Austin.

Route details: Delta's flight from Austin to Paris

Delta's service from AUS to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris will begin March 27, 2027.

The carrier will operate daily flights during the summer flying season, so expect the service to temporarily wind down come autumn.

Flying on the route will be Delta's Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, which has 29 Delta One suites, 28 Delta Premium Select (premium economy) recliners, 56 extra legroom Comfort seats, along with 168 seats in the main cabin.

The next big step in Austin

This Austin-to-Paris service will be a unique route for Delta for a few reasons.

When it launches next spring, it'll be one of the airline's only routes that originate in a city that isn't one of its actual hubs.

It's no coincidence, though, that Austin made the list.

Delta has expanded its flight offerings at AUS in a big way over the past three years, with its total departures from the airport this year up 85% from just three years ago, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

And the carrier plans to further expand its footprint at the airport in the coming years: It's slated to add 15 more gates as part of a major expansion at AUS.

Included in those plans? A second Sky Club lounge, which the airline has said will be bigger and more centrally located than its current Austin outpost.

Still No. 2 in town

Despite its growth, Delta remains the No. 2 carrier in Austin, with longtime market leader Southwest Airlines more than holding its own in the Lone Star State capital. Southwest recently announced plans to fly its biggest schedule ever at the airport in 2027.

"We've made some very good inroads. I think we're really focused right now on making sure we give people more reason to travel on Delta and building out that presence," Amy Martin, Delta's vice president of network planning, told TPG in an interview earlier this summer.

"But," she added, "we are gaining in market share as well."

Austin's nonstop routes to Europe

With the addition of Delta's Paris service, Austin will have at least four nonstop destinations in Europe by next year — with Delta's route the only one operated by a U.S. carrier.

SkyMiles or Flying Blue — take your pick

Worth noting: Two of those four routes involve SkyTeam alliance partners: Delta and KLM.

That means you'll be able to use Delta's SkyMiles to book AUS-CDG or AUS-AMS service. You'll also be able to use Air France-KLM's Flying Blue miles to book either route.

Most major credit card rewards programs offer direct 1:1 transfers to Flying Blue.

American Express is a Delta transfer partner.

Delta adds additional US route from AUS, bolsters 2 more

Delta had some additional Austin route news, albeit of the less splashy variety.

The airline said it will launch new nonstop service from AUS to San Diego International Airport (SAN) beginning April 12. It'll go head-to-head with both Southwest and Alaska Airlines on the route.

Plus, Delta plans to add a second daily nonstop flight to San Jose, California, in April. Keep in mind, the airline hasn't even launched its first daily nonstop to San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) — that's on tap for October.

And the carrier revealed that its flight from Austin to Cancun — currently just a wintertime route — will become year-round service.

Related reading:

• Your complete guide to the Delta SkyMiles program
• How to redeem Delta SkyMiles for maximum value
• Best Delta credit cards
• The best credit cards to reach elite status in 2026
• Delta leaves Medallion status requirements unchanged in 2026
• Best US airlines: Delta edges out rivals to win 8th straight title

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) is one of the most popular premium rewards cards thanks to its strong earning rates, luxury perks and valuable statement credits.

And right now, new cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Even with the card's eye-watering $795 annual fee, its long list of premium benefits still makes it a top option in the premium travel category.

Here's what to know about the Sapphire Reserve's current offer and perks.

Related: 5 things to do once you get your Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve current offer

New cardholders can currently earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Per our August 2026 valuations, this bonus is worth $2,050.

We've seen higher welcome offers on the card in the past, so if you're not in a rush, you may want to wait for an offer of at least 125,000 bonus points. However, if the card fits your needs now, a 100,000-point offer can still provide substantial value.

How much are 100,000 Chase points worth?

The value you get from 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points depends on how you redeem them.

At the simplest level, 100,000 points are worth $1,000 when redeemed for cash back or statement credits at 1 cent apiece. With Chase Points Boost redemptions, those same 100,000 points can be worth up to $2,000 toward select travel booked through Chase Travel℠.

You can potentially get even more value by transferring your points to Chase's airline and hotel partners. That's why our valuations peg 100,000 Chase points at $2,050, though particularly valuable award redemptions can exceed that.

Check out our favorite Chase Ultimate Rewards sweet spots and ways to redeem 100,000 points for incredible trips.

Why you should apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve

In addition to its valuable welcome bonus, the Sapphire Reserve has other benefits that make it an excellent premium option to keep in your wallet for the long term.

This card is particularly ideal for frequent travelers, Chase Sapphire Lounge enthusiasts and those who would find value in the card's list of statement credits and perks. Let's break it down.

Earning rate highlights include:

• 10 points per dollar spent on eligible Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (up to $5,000 spent; through Dec. 31, 2027)
• 8 points per dollar spent on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft purchases (through Sept. 30, 2027)
• 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining
• 1 point per dollar spent on everything else

Plus, the card's multiple statement credits help make up for its $795 annual fee. These include:

• $500 in annual statement credits (two up to $250 credits) for bookings of two nights or more made with The Edit, Chase's luxury hotel booking platform
• $300 in statement credits for travel purchases each account anniversary year (this credit is flexible and applies to all travel purchases automatically, up to $300)
• $300 in annual dining credits (up to $150 biannually) when you dine with restaurants included in the Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables program (which can be booked through OpenTable)
• $300 in annual statement credits (up to $150 biannually) for concert and event tickets purchased with StubHub and viagogo (activation required; through Dec. 31, 2027)
• $300 annually in monthly DoorDash promos (up to $25 monthly; through Dec. 31, 2027; you'll also receive a complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription through the same date; activation required)
• $288 in annual statement credits for Apple TV and Apple Music subscriptions (through June 22, 2027; one-time activation per service required)
• A $250 statement credit for select Chase Travel hotel bookings (for eligible bookings of two nights or more; one-time use only; through Dec. 31, 2026)
• Up to $120 in statement credits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus every four years
• $120 in annual statement credits (up to $10 monthly) toward a complimentary Peloton membership (through Dec. 31, 2027)

Cardholders also receive access to Chase Sapphire lounges for themselves and up to two guests, as well as a Priority Pass Select membership.

Authorized users can also receive lounge access for themselves and up to two guests. The authorized user fee on the Sapphire Reserve is $195.

The card comes with complimentary mid-tier IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status (through Dec. 31, 2027) as well.

If you spend $75,000 or more on the card in a calendar year, you'll also unlock:

• Top-tier IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status
• Mid-tier World of Hyatt Explorist status
• Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List status
• A $500 Southwest Airlines credit when booked through Chase Travel
• A $250 credit to The Shops at Chase, Chase's new online shopping experience

Related: How to make the most of Chase Sapphire Reserve's 5 lifestyle credits

Application rules and restrictions

If you've been eyeing the Sapphire Reserve but also hold another personal card in the Sapphire family, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), we have good news: Chase allows cardholders to hold both Sapphire products at the same time.

However, if you are considering holding both cards, you'll want to be aware of Chase's welcome offer eligibility, which limits how many times you can earn a welcome offer.

Per Chase's rules, if you have earned the welcome offer on a card before, you likely cannot earn a welcome offer again with the same card. You can, however, earn welcome offers on more than one Sapphire card.

For example, if you hold the Sapphire Preferred and previously earned its welcome bonus, you can still earn the welcome offer on the Sapphire Reserve, as long as you've never earned a Sapphire Reserve bonus before.

This is a key restriction on earning bonuses within the Sapphire family, so keep it in mind before applying.

Chase's 5/24 rule

You'll also want to consider Chase's 5/24 rule before applying. Although Chase doesn't officially publish this restriction, you'll generally have difficulty getting approved for a new Chase card if you've opened five or more personal credit cards across all issuers within the past 24 months.

Because the Sapphire Reserve is subject to this rule, it's worth checking your 5/24 status before submitting an application.

What credit score do you need for the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

The Sapphire Reserve is a premium rewards card, and we recommend having a good to excellent credit score before applying. Generally, that means a FICO score of at least 670, though having a score in that range doesn't guarantee approval.

Chase will consider other factors when evaluating your application, including your income, credit history and existing relationship with the issuer.

Related: Why I'll never cancel my Chase Sapphire Reserve

Bottom line

If you've been eyeing a premium travel rewards card, now's a great time to consider adding the Sapphire Reserve to your wallet. It features a generous welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus points, making now the time to apply if it has caught your attention.

The card features an eye-watering $795 annual fee, but if you can maximize the credits it comes with, you'll come out ahead. It offers valuable benefits and provides access to a growing number of top-tier airport lounges. Just be sure to consider your traveling style and how the new statement credits factor into your spending strategy before applying.

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

United Airlines is growing where it can.

The Chicago-based Star Alliance carrier will add two new routes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) this winter even as it indefinitely postpones 10 new routes Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), where the Federal Aviation Administration has capped flight numbers.

From SFO, United will launch daily flights to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) on Oct. 25, and Saturday-only flights to President Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT) in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Nov. 7, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows. Both routes will be flown with a Boeing 737-800. DJT was previously known as Palm Beach International Airport and used airport code PBI.

The new routes come days after the FAA eased restrictions on the number of hourly flights allowed at SFO. The agency cut flights to 36 an hour in April citing runway construction and safety concerns. It raised the number of flights to 40 an hour on Aug. 12 and is expected to bump it up again to 42 an hour by the end of August, The San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Even at 42 flights an hour, SFO will continue to operate below the up to 54 flights-an-hour that were allowed before the caps were implemented.

The improvements follows comments by United chief operating officer Toby Enqvist in June that the airline expected "improvements in landing rates in San Francisco" soon.

Chicago flight caps continue

As United grows at SFO, it remains hamstrung at ORD where the FAA implemented strict flight caps in April. The move was in response to turf war between United and its competitor American Airlines in an effort to control gates under the airport's program that annually redistributes gates based on flight numbers.

In July, the FAA extended the flight cap at ORD through October 2027 from this October.

MORE: Why I keep 2 United credit cards — even though United isn't my primary airline

United, which unveiled numerous new ORD routes prior to the FAA's April decision, was forced to put some of those in ice until it could again increase operations at the airport. Now, with the restriction on flight numbers in place for at least another year, the airline is indefinitely postponing 10 previously announced new routes:

• Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal (BMI) in Illinois
• Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) in Wausau, Wisconsin
• Champaign-Urbana Airport (CMI) in Illinois
• Erie International Airport (ERI) in Pennsylvania
• Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) in Michigan
• La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE) in Wisconsin
• Lansing Airport (LAN) in Michigan
• Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (MQT) in Michigan
• Rochester International Airport (RST) in Minnesota
• Tri-Cities Airport (TRI), near Johnson City in Tennessee

"Following the extension of FAA's Chicago O'Hare's flight schedule cap through October 2027, we are delaying the start of ten new routes announced earlier this year and removing them from our schedule," a United spokesperson said. "We remain committed to providing important connectivity to these cities and hope to start service from Chicago once the FAA order expires."

As a result of the limits on the number of flights at ORD, United will grow seats at the airport by nearly 14% this year compared to 2025, Cirium schedule data shows. The airline can grow seats without adding flights by switching existing flights to larger planes, for example swapping flights on Airbus A320s or Boeing 737 Max 8s with 150-166 seats for larger A321neos and 737 Max 9s with 179-200 seats.

United does not serve any of the 10 destinations where flights are indefinitely suspended to ORD from any of its other hubs, Cirium schedules show.

Related reading:

• Best credit cards for airport lounge access
• The do's and don'ts of visiting an airport lounge
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• 9 domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for

When Bilt underwent its 2.0 transformation earlier this year, it introduced Bilt Cash as one of the types of rewards you can earn if you have a Bilt credit card.

One of the most anticipated ways to use Bilt Cash — at least, for those who live in or visit the New York City area — was for Blade helicopter transfers. These flights can whisk you between Manhattan and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) — and beyond — in minutes rather than leaving you stuck sitting in traffic.

However, as the months have ticked by, Blade has remained a "coming soon" redemption option for Bilt Cash. And since only $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over at the end of the year, some Bilt members have been anxiously waiting for more ways to use the currency before that fast-approaching deadline.

Now, the wait is over: Blade flights are available to book directly in the Bilt app using Bilt Cash, Bilt Points or a combination of the two.

Here's how the new redemption option works.

Related: Bilt: Earn points on housing, card benefits and more

How to use Bilt Cash to book Blade flights

Bilt members can redeem Bilt Cash for up to two Blade flights per calendar year, with up to $350 in Bilt Cash available toward each seat.

Scheduled Blade helicopter transfers between Manhattan and JFK or EWR often start around $200 to $250 per seat, so you may not need to use the full $350 Bilt Cash maximum per seat. However, flights to farther-flung destinations can cost more. (Flights to the Hamptons, for instance, start at $795 per seat.) If your flight costs more than $350, you can cover the difference with cash or Bilt points.

Since the Bilt Palladium Card (see rates and fees) comes with $300 in Bilt Cash as part of its welcome offer, which also includes earning 50,000 bonus points and Bilt Gold status through the next calendar year after spending $4,000 on nonhousing purchases in the first 90 days from account opening, you could have enough to cover a helicopter transfer to/from JFK or EWR just by signing up for it.

You'll find your available Bilt Cash displayed as a payment option for Blade bookings when checking out in the Bilt app. Just keep in mind that Bilt Cash can only be applied toward the cost of the seat itself, not additional charges, such as incidental luggage fees.

If you choose to use Bilt points to cover some or all of your flight, you'll get just 0.7 cents per point, which is less than the 1.25 cents per point available for other bookings through the Bilt Travel portal.

This new redemption option comes on top of Bilt's existing Blade benefits, which include:

• One complimentary Blade flight from Manhattan to JFK or EWR per year for Bilt Platinum elite members
• Access to Blade lounges and up to two drinks per visit, whether flying with Blade or not, for Bilt Gold and Platinum elite members
• 10% off Blade bookings made in the Bilt app for Bilt Silver, Gold and Platinum elite members
• The ability to earn 2 Bilt points per dollar spent on Blade bookings made through Bilt Travel for all Bilt members

Related: Bilt Palladium Card review: High earnings for Bilt-focused travelers

Bottom line

There was already a long list of ways to use the Bilt Cash you can earn with Bilt credit cards, but for members who rack up the currency quickly, the arrival of Blade is a particularly fun high-value option.

While it's arriving a bit later than some Bilt members likely hoped, with several months left in the year before all but $100 of unused Bilt Cash will expire, there's still time to put this new redemption option to use.

I have to imagine Blade is about to see an influx of Bilt-inspired bookings. So, if you've been waiting to use your Bilt Cash to fly above the traffic and get between Manhattan and a New York-area airport in just a few minutes, it may be worth locking in your flight using Bilt Cash sooner rather than later.

Related reading:

• I earned points paying my mortgage via Bilt — how to set up your account to do the same
• Should you pay your rent or mortgage with Bilt? We crunch the numbers
• How good are Bilt's first-ever welcome offers? Earn up to 50,000 points

Hyatt is a large hotel chain with more than 30 brands across six continents globally. Here at TPG, we love the World of Hyatt loyalty program, which often offers some of the best-value redemptions among the major hotel chains. Hyatt points are valued among the highest of any hotel loyalty program, according to TPG's August 2026 valuations.

It's also one of the few hotel loyalty programs that still uses an award chart, meaning you can get relatively consistent value when redeeming points.

World of Hyatt has a suite of cobranded cards issued by Chase (one personal and one business) that frequently top our list of the best hotel credit cards. We're hoping a premium personal card will be launched soon.

Here are details on the World of Hyatt credit card welcome bonuses over time, including the best-ever welcome offers and when it's best to apply. (It's important to note that we will only discuss publicly available welcome offers, and you might receive targeted offers with more bonus points or free nights.)

Best World of Hyatt credit card welcome offers

World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card is one of the most valuable hotel cards due to its strong earnings and benefits that can easily outweigh the $95 annual fee.

It comes with perks like automatic Discoverist elite status with a pathway to higher status tiers, an annual free night award (which can be used at Category 1-4 hotels), the ability to earn another free night award after spending $15,000 or more on your card each year and numerous travel protections.

Here are the offers we have seen on the World of Hyatt Credit Card:

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new cardholders can earn up to 75,000 points: Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2 bonus points total per dollar spent within the first six months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Highest welcome offer

The best offer we've seen was to earn five free nights at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening (no longer available).

When to apply

If the offer is 65,000 bonus points or more or includes free nights, it's a good time to consider submitting an application.

To learn more, read our full review of the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Learn more: World of Hyatt Credit Card

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card offers an interesting variety of perks for business owners, including the ability to earn a 10% redemption bonus, Hyatt statement credits and Discoverist elite status for you and up to five employees.

The card carries a $199 annual fee.

Here are the offers we have seen on the World of Hyatt Business Card:

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new cardholders can earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $7,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Highest welcome offer

The highest bonus we've seen was an opportunity to earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 within the first three months from account opening (no longer available).

When to apply

If the offer is 65,000 bonus points or more, it meets our criteria for applying.

To learn more, read our full review of the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card.

Learn more: World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Application restrictions

Before applying for World of Hyatt credit cards, you must ensure you are under the infamous Chase 5/24 rule. If you're not, you're unlikely to be approved for these cards.

The 5/24 rule is a widely known, unpublished rule that means you cannot have opened five or more personal credit cards across all banks in the past 24 months.

Additionally, to be eligible for the welcome bonus, you can't have received a welcome offer in the past 24 months if you previously held either of these cards.

It's also important to note that you can hold both the personal and business versions of the World of Hyatt cards.

Related: Should I get the World of Hyatt Credit Card or transfer points from Chase instead?

Bottom line

Timing your application for a World of Hyatt credit card can mean the difference between an extra free night and thousands of points.

Before you fill out an application, use our historical data to help you determine the best time to apply, as welcome bonuses are higher in some months than others.

Related: Why the World of Hyatt credit card is great for family travelers

The American Express® Gold Card has long been one of the most popular rewards cards for people who spend heavily on food. Between its high earning rates at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (subject to spending caps), and its collection of dining-focused statement credits, it can deliver significant value for the right cardmember.

But that doesn't mean it's the best card for every purchase. To maximize the value of the Amex Gold, you'll want to know exactly where it shines — and when another card in your wallet is the better choice.

Here's when you should (and shouldn't) reach for the Amex Gold.

Overview of the Amex Gold

The Amex Gold occupies a unique space in the rewards card market. It isn't a beginner card, but it also doesn't carry the premium price tag of cards like the American Express Platinum Card®, which has an annual fee of $895 (see rates and fees).

Instead, at a more reasonable annual fee of $325 (see rates and fees), it focuses on rewarding everyday spending, particularly food purchases.

With this card, you'll earn:

• 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™
• 4 points per dollar spent on up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar)
• 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
• 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App
• 2 points per dollar spent on car rentals booked through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App
• 2 points per dollar spent on cruises booked through amextravel.com
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Beyond its earning rates, the card also includes valuable statement credits and travel protections. You'll get up to $424 in annual value through an assortment of statement credits (more on that later) as well as up to $100 in hotel credits for stays at The Hotel Collection properties* (minimum two-night stay required) booked through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App.

New Amex Gold cardmembers can find out their offer and see if they're eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

According to TPG's August 2026 valuations, this welcome offer is worth up to $2,000.

*Eligible charges vary by property.

When should you use the Amex Gold?

For dining

The Amex Gold isn't the only card to offer a bonus category on dining at restaurants worldwide, but it might just be one of the most valuable.

Cardmembers earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year (1 point per dollar spent thereafter). According to TPG's valuations, this equates to an 8% return on spending before the spending cap is hit.

For that reason, it tops our list of the best cards for dining out.

To get the most out of your Amex Gold for this category, you must maximize its dining statement credits.

Cardmembers can earn up to $10 per month (up to $120 per calendar year) in statement credits when paying with the Amex Gold at the following dining partners (enrollment required):

• Grubhub (including Seamless)
• The Cheesecake Factory
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Wonder
• Five Guys

Additionally, cardmembers can receive up to $120 per calendar year in Uber Cash (up to $10 each month) to use on U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders when they pay with an Amex card after linking their Amex Gold to their Uber account.

The Amex Gold also offers up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year for purchases made at U.S. restaurants affiliated with Resy. These statement credits are split into biannual, up-to-$50 statement credits (up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December).

Simply use your Amex Gold to pay at participating Resy restaurants; no reservation is required. Enrollment is required.

Finally, an annual Dunkin' Donuts statement credit of up to $84 per calendar year is allotted in up to $7 monthly increments. Just use your Amex Gold to pay at U.S. Dunkin' Donuts. Enrollment is required.

Related: How to maximize Amex Gold credits when traveling abroad

For groceries

If groceries make up a large portion of your monthly budget, the Amex Gold can be one of the most rewarding cards to keep at the top of your wallet. The 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; 1 point per dollar spent thereafter) is among the highest available on a consumer rewards card.

Therefore, you should definitely use the card for your next U.S. supermarket run, as it tops our list of the best cards for groceries.

Related: 7 of the best cards to pair with the Amex Gold

For flights

While not as strong as some of our other favorite travel cards, the Amex Gold is a great card to use for flights if you don't have a more premium travel card in your wallet. Its 3-point-per-dollar-spent earning rate on flights booked directly through the airline, amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App is substantial.

That said, it may not be the best card for frequent flyers. The Amex Platinum, for example, earns 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked through American Express Travel® or directly with airlines, on up to $500,000 of such purchases per calendar year (1 point per dollar spent thereafter).

If airfare is one of your largest spending categories, using a card like the Amex Platinum instead could help you earn even more rewards.

For many cardmembers, though, the Amex Gold offers a nice balance of rewards and a lower annual fee than many premium travel cards.

Related: Does it make sense to hold an Amex Platinum and Amex Gold card?

When shouldn't you use the Amex Gold?

For everyday spending

The Amex Gold really shines in its bonus categories, but it isn't the card you should reach for on every purchase. Spending outside of U.S. supermarkets and eligible airfare earns just 1 point per dollar spent.

Instead, consider pairing the Amex Gold with a card that rewards everyday purchases.

For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase, making it a strong option for purchases that don't fall into the Amex Gold's bonus categories.

Similarly, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) earns at least 1.5% cash back (or 1.5 transferable points per dollar spent when paired with an eligible Chase Ultimate Rewards card) on most purchases, helping you maximize rewards on everyday spending.

Using the right card for the right purchase is one of the easiest ways to earn more rewards, and the Amex Gold works best as part of a broader strategy rather than as your catch-all wallet card.

Related: Why the Venture X should be your first premium card

For hotels booked directly

The Amex Gold earns 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App, but it isn't always the best choice for hotel stays.

If you typically book directly with a hotel brand, another travel rewards card may be a better option.

In addition to earning bonus rewards on a broader range of travel purchases, many travel cards offer more comprehensive travel protections. Booking directly with a hotel can also help ensure you receive eligible elite status benefits and hotel loyalty points.

CHRIS DONG/THE POINTS GUY

One of the most popular travel rewards cards on the market is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), with a $95 annual fee. On the travel front, these are the current earning rates:

• 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
• 2 points per dollar on other travel

In addition, you'll also receive the following non-travel bonuses:

• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
• 5 points per dollar spent on eligible Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (through Dec. 31, 2027; limit of 25,000 bonus points)
• 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online groceries (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
• 3 points per dollar spent on gas and EV charging
• 3 points per dollar spent on vacation homes at these top brands: Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

If hotel stays are a regular part of your travel, the Sapphire Preferred is likely the better card to reach for, thanks to its combination of bonus rewards on travel and valuable travel protections.

Bottom line

The Amex Gold delivers its best value when your spending naturally aligns with what it rewards most. Pair that with regular use of the card's dining-focused statement credits, and its annual fee can be much easier to justify.

At the same time, it isn't a one-card solution. For purchases outside its bonus categories, you'll likely earn more rewards by reaching for a different card.

Used alongside a strong flat-rate or travel rewards card, the Amex Gold can be one of the most valuable earners in your wallet.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Gold.

Apply here: American Express Gold Card

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, please click here.

American Express' flagship American Express Platinum Card® is firmly positioned as one of the top premium travel rewards cards on the market.

With an $895 annual fee (see rates and fees), the Platinum delivers lounge access, hotel elite status, extensive statement credits and strong earning rates on flights and hotels.

Combined with a potentially valuable welcome offer for new applicants, the Platinum continues to offer exceptional rewards and travel perks for those who can maximize its benefits.

Here's a closer look at the current offer and what you'll get with the Amex Platinum.

Amex Platinum welcome offer

American Express takes a different approach to welcome offers for the Platinum compared to some of its other cards: Applicants must submit an application to see their personalized welcome offer, which is displayed before they accept and complete the process.

New Amex Platinum applicants can find out their offer and see if they're eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

The exact offer will be shown after you submit the application, with the spending requirement and time frame generally consistent across offers.

Viewing your personalized welcome offer typically won't affect your credit score because American Express generally performs a soft credit check during the initial application process.

If you're happy with the welcome offer and accept, American Express may perform a hard inquiry, although existing cardmembers are at times approved using information already on file.

You can decline to proceed if you want to wait or try to find a higher offer.

Since Amex has a one-bonus-per-lifetime restriction, it's worth trying to receive the highest personalized offer you're eligible for before applying. Under this rule, you generally won't be eligible to earn another welcome offer on a particular Amex card if you've earned one on that card in the past — even if you haven't held the card for many years.

What is the Amex Platinum's welcome offer worth?

That welcome bonus is worth up to $3,500, according to TPG's August 2026 valuations. This personalized welcome offer structure is the standard application process for the Amex Platinum.

In order to get maximum value from this welcome offer, you'll want to transfer your points to Amex's top partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue and ANA Mileage Club.

How to get the highest offer for the Amex Platinum

While receiving the highest possible welcome offer for the Amex Platinum isn't guaranteed, you may be able to improve your chances by opting in to receive targeted offers via email or mail.

Related: What is the difference between a hard and soft pull on your credit report?

Amex Platinum benefits

The Amex Platinum's $895 annual fee may trigger some sticker shock. But when you dive into its long list of benefits, there's the potential to recoup that value — and then some.

Earning rates

• 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases

Statement credits

The card offers over $2,700 in potential annual value (including the prorated value of the Global Entry statement credit) if you maximize all of the statement credits:

*Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Other card perks

Beyond its earning rates and credits, the Amex Platinum delivers a wide range of premium benefits*:

• Lounge access: Eligible cardmembers receive entry to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta flights, except for basic economy tickets; up to 10 visits per calendar year unless you spend $75,000 in a calendar year to unlock unlimited visits) and Priority Pass Select lounges (excluding restaurants)
• Hotel elite status: Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, plus Leaders Club Sterling Status with The Leading Hotels of the World
• Comprehensive travel protections and shopping protections when using your card
• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)

*Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Related: Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee?

Bottom line

For travelers who regularly fly, stay at luxury hotels and can maximize the card's extensive statement credits, the Amex Platinum remains one of the most rewarding premium travel cards on the market.

Combined with the opportunity to receive a valuable welcome offer, now is a great time to see which personalized offer you're eligible for.

While its $895 annual fee is steep, those who maximize the Platinum's perks will find the card more than earns its place in their wallet.

To learn more, check out our full review of the American Express Platinum Card.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.