Here at TPG, we love our transferable credit card points and miles. You can use them to book award travel with various airline and hotel partners, even if you're not loyal to said airlines and hotels.

For instance, Rachel once transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt and redeemed them for a weeklong stay in Hawaii — even though she'd never set foot in a Hyatt.

You might be planning to transfer credit card rewards once you've earned a lucrative welcome bonus. Or, if a great redemption option comes up, you could find yourself transferring points or miles unexpectedly. In this case, you'll want to do this as quickly and painlessly as possible, so it's worth doing a little bit of setup now to save yourself time later.

Your point transfers could be slowed down if your partner loyalty account is relatively new, which can affect your redemptions. Here's why we recommend setting up loyalty accounts as soon as possible, even if you don't have any transfers planned.

Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card points and miles

Why transfer times matter

Even the most well-planned redemption can fall through if award availability gets snapped up while you're waiting for your points to appear in your airline or hotel account.

Transfer times range from a few seconds to several days, depending on the type of credit card rewards and the transfer partner. See our guides to transfer times for American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Wells Fargo Rewards to learn more.

But remember, these transfer times can be longer if you recently opened your partner account. The longer you have to wait for the transfer, the more likely award space will disappear before your points or miles make the journey.

Former TPG director of content Andrea Rotondo experienced this when she transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards points to her Air Canada Aeroplan account — which she had opened five days earlier — for a business-class redemption on Swiss.

Although Chase points typically transfer to Aeroplan instantly, Andrea's points took around 36 hours to reach her Aeroplan account. Thankfully, the seats she was trying to book were still available when the transfer was finally completed. If they hadn't been, she would have been stuck with no tickets and thousands of Aeroplan points that she may or may not be able to use.

Related: Who are the Chase Ultimate Rewards airline and hotel transfer partners?

Why you should register for loyalty accounts now

You can minimize your transfer times (and save yourself a step in the transfer process) by setting up loyalty accounts in advance. If your hotel or airline partner loyalty account is already established before you link your accounts and initiate a transfer, you can expect transfer times to be on par with our guides, and there won't be any added stress or complexity when you are ready to book that dream redemption.

This has the added benefit of helping you search for award availability, since some airlines and hotels make it harder or even impossible to search award rates if you're not logged into an account.

Bottom line

We recommend joining the loyalty programs of all the major U.S. carriers (or the most prominent airlines in your location) and hotel chains now. It's free to sign up, it can help you search for award availability and it will ensure your points or miles transfer as quickly as possible when you're ready to redeem them.

Just keep track of your login info to avoid getting locked out of any loyalty accounts.

Related: The 4 best Chase credit cards to apply for right now

Paying hundreds of dollars in annual fees for premium credit cards is not for everyone, especially when you're new to points and miles.

The good news is that there are plenty of travel credit cards on the market with annual fees of less than $100. These cards still earn lucrative rewards that can unlock dream trips.

Among the top cards in this category are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Both come with manageable annual fees for beginners and experts and a recommended credit score of 670 or higher.

Let's compare these two cards to help you determine which is best for your wallet.

Sapphire Preferred vs. Venture Rewards comparison

Here are the basics of each of these two cards in the major categories:

^Select brands are: Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa.
*Benefits are only available to accounts approved for the World Elite Mastercard. Terms apply.

Sapphire Preferred vs. Venture Rewards welcome offer

Both cards are currently offering solid welcome bonuses that can provide a ton of value to new cardholders.

The Sapphire Preferred is currently offering 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

TPG's July 2026 valuations place Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each, meaning this welcome offer is worth $2,050. It's a return of the highest offer we've seen in the card's history.

The Venture Rewards offers new cardholders 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

The Venture Rewards could be worth up to $1,388 if you transfer your miles to Capital One's airline and hotel transfer partners, per TPG's July 2026 valuation of Capital One miles at 1.85 cents each.

Winner: Sapphire Preferred. Its current offer is more valuable than the Venture Rewards.

Sapphire Preferred vs. Venture Rewards benefits

Both cards offer an array of benefits that add even more value.

The Venture Rewards' benefits include no foreign transaction fees, extended warranty protection and travel benefits such as secondary rental car insurance and travel accident insurance.

You'll also get up to a $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years. This perk is generally seen on cards with higher annual fees, and it can make a huge difference in speeding up your journey through the airport.

The Sapphire Preferred is a Visa Signature card and offers similar benefits but kicked up a notch. Most notably, it includes primary rental car coverage rather than secondary, meaning you can submit claims directly to your card's benefits provider without involving your personal insurance policy.

Similarly to the Venture Rewards, the Sapphire Preferred also offers a $120 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus every four years. It charges no foreign transaction fees as well.

The Sapphire Preferred's travel benefits are also superior — up to $500 per covered traveler in trip delay reimbursement if you're delayed more than 12 hours or overnight, up to $10,000 in trip cancellation and interruption insurance per person (up to $20,000 per trip) and up to $100 per day for up to five days in baggage delay reimbursement if your bag is delayed more than six hours.

On top of that, the card offers an annual $100 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel, which completely offsets the card's $95 annual fee.

Finally, Sapphire Preferred Card holders receive a one-year complimentary Apple TV subscription (activate by Dec. 31). You'll also get a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (valued at $120 each year; through Dec. 31, 2027; activation required) and a $10 DoorDash promo each month for nonrestaurant orders (alcohol orders may be exempt; through Dec. 31, 2027).

Winner: Sapphire Preferred. You'll enjoy more benefits with the Chase offering here.

Earning rewards on the Sapphire Preferred vs. Venture Rewards

With the Venture Rewards, you'll earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.

With the Sapphire Preferred, you'll get:

• 5 points per dollar spent on all travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining, gas, EV charging, select streaming services, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) and vacation homes booked with select brands^
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Travel is defined quite broadly with the Sapphire Preferred and includes some everyday expenses, such as tolls, parking and subway tickets. The dining category is also broad, including standard restaurants, bars and coffee shops, food delivery services and even most vending machines.

The Venture Rewards is a simpler option, but the Sapphire Preferred wins out for pure earning potential. Its categories cover a variety of everyday spending.

Winner: Sapphire Preferred. The Venture Rewards offers elevated earnings on all purchases, but it falls behind in bonus categories for everyday spending.

Redeeming rewards on the Sapphire Preferred vs. Venture Rewards

Both cards allow you to redeem rewards for many purchases. However, travel redemptions always provide the best value.

If you prefer a simple redemption option, you can redeem Capital One miles at a fixed value of 1 cent each toward travel bookings made through Capital One Travel or use them to offset any recent travel purchase.

If you're not seeking travel rewards, you can redeem your miles for gift cards, cash back or Amazon and PayPal purchases, but the redemption rates will be subpar.

Similarly, you can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points toward travel at a fixed value or transfer them to partners. If you book travel reservations through Chase Travel, you can redeem points at a value of up to 1.75 cents per point, thanks to Points Boost. (The exact value varies by redemption; see your rewards program agreement for details.)

Winner: Sapphire Preferred. Points Boost gives you greater potential value with the Chase card.

Transferring rewards on the Sapphire Preferred vs. Venture Rewards

You can squeeze more value from your Capital One miles by transferring them to Capital One's 15-plus airline and hotel transfer partners. Most transfers are at a 1:1 ratio. Noteworthy partners include Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles.

I've transferred 15,000 Capital One miles to Air France-KLM Flying Blue to book two one-way domestic Delta Air Lines flights.

Similarly, the best way to get top value from your Chase Ultimate Rewards points is to transfer them to Chase's airline and hotel partners. Chase's valuable options include United MileagePlus, World of Hyatt and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

TPG's managing editor for credit cards, Giselle Gomez, transferred 25,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (and paid $618 in taxes and fees) for two adults and one lap infant to fly Air France Economy Comfort from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Miami International Airport (MIA) during Roland Garros, one of Paris' busiest travel periods.

It's important to note the one negative change that came with the Sapphire Preferred's recent refresh: The transfer ratio for World of Hyatt is dropping from 1:1 to 4:3. For existing cardholders, this change will go into effect on Oct. 1, while new cardholders who applied on or after June 15 will see it take effect immediately.

Winner: Sapphire Preferred. While many transfer partners are shared between Chase and Capital One, Ultimate Rewards edges out the competition because it offers more lucrative transfer options (namely, United and Hyatt, despite the transfer ratio change for the latter).

Should I get the Sapphire Preferred or the Venture Rewards?

While the value you can get from the cards depends heavily on your spending habits, most cardholders will be better off with the Sapphire Preferred. However, if a simple earning rate and easy access to flat-rate redemptions matter most to you, the Venture Rewards may take the cake.

In most cases, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are more valuable than Capital One miles. Plus, the Sapphire Preferred earns more in bonus spending categories and offers better travel protections.

Related: How to choose the best credit card for you

Bottom line

Overall, either of these cards could work well in your wallet — but one stands out for most.

The Capital One Venture Rewards is one of the best Capital One credit cards currently available, and the Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best Chase credit cards on the market. They could complement each other well if you own both.

If sheer simplicity is more your speed, you may be happier with the Venture Rewards. That being said, the Sapphire Preferred generally provides more value. If you're truly stuck between the two, we generally recommend choosing the Sapphire Preferred for its higher benefits and earning rates.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Capital One Venture Rewards.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Legend has it that there are space aliens and lizard people living in the underground tunnels at Denver International Airport (DEN). But if it's true (and why not?), the reptilian and otherworldly beings will soon need to find a new place to hang out.

That's because DEN airport is planning to repurpose some of its subterranean real estate into pedestrian walkways that can serve as alternatives to, and backups for, the airport's troubled train system.

At DEN airport, trains connect the main Jeppesen Terminal to concourses A, B and C.

Related: 17 new security lanes open in Denver, the A bridge officially reopens

Passengers may skip the train and instead stroll or ride moving walkways from the main terminal to Concourse A. But the train — officially called the Automated Guideway Transit System — is the only transportation option for getting between concourses A and B and between concourses B and C.

The original circa-1995 train system is currently undergoing a much-needed $75 million upgrade as part of the DEN's "Vision 100" strategic plan to serve 100 million annual passengers in the next several years.

Improvements include 16 new train cars and the replacement of aging infrastructure that is prone to malfunctions. The glitches sometimes last just a few minutes, but as recently as May 2026, mechanical problems with trains forced the airport to deploy shuttle buses to move passengers between concourses.

Train to the Gates Updates: Crews have repaired the mechanical issue and trains are now fully operational. Shuttle buses from Concourse A to Concourses C are also running to help move passengers while the train operation returns to normal service. https://t.co/BZRJheqi7V

— Denver Int'l Airport (@DENAirport) May 6, 2026

Although DEN's records show that the airport trains run glitch-free more than 99% of the time, even short outages create stress, platform gridlock and missed flights "simply because we have so many people going through our airport," Jim Starling, DEN's chief construction and infrastructure officer, told TPG.

Finding an alternative to DEN's trains

Installing ziplines between concourses as alternatives to the train sounds fun but is sadly impractical. Connecting all the concourses with bridges was considered but rejected due to time and cost.

Instead, during planning workshops, airline and DEN officials determined that the best solution was to repurpose portions of the airport's existing underground baggage tunnels into pedestrian walkways. Those tunnels were originally built for the airport's ill-fated automated baggage system, whose technical failures delayed DEN's planned 1993 opening by 16 months and left sections of the tunnel network largely unused for decades.

Related: United adds new Turks and Caicos flight from Denver hub as stunning points hotels open on island

In a statement announcing the underground walkway plan, Denver mayor Mike Johnston called it "a big win for Denver's travelers." The tunnel transformation also got thumbs up from United Airlines (Denver's largest airline customer), American Airlines and Southwest Airlines (which counts DEN as its largest operation in terms of flights).

"The addition of pedestrian walkways at DEN is a significant investment and will give our customers more options for their connecting flights," Jonna McGrath, United's vice president of airport operations, said.

Lisa Hingson, vice president of customer experience and innovation at Southwest, said the new pedestrian walkways would be "a tremendous addition" to recent enhancements such as TSA PreCheck Touchless ID and Touchless ID self-bag drop. "The ​addition of ​pedestrian walkways adds flexibility ​and reliability ​for ​our customers and improves operational ​resilience," ​Amanda ​Zhang, American Airlines' vice president ​of corporate ​real estate, ​said.

Making it happen

The tunnels to be converted are wide enough for two-way pedestrian traffic and currently contain some of the equipment from the old, abandoned baggage system. So that will need to come out.

"If you go down there today, what you'll see is a lot of concrete," Starling said. "And that's not the environment we'd want to have for people to walk through."

Related: Delta unveils major Denver Sky Club expansion — and an even bigger upgrade is coming

Making pedestrian walkways out of tunnels built to move baggage would entail upgrading the floors, adding walls and appropriate HVAC systems, and possibly installing moving walkways, Starling added.

And then there's the challenge of what Starling termed "vertical circulation" — the tricky job of getting passengers down to the tunnels from one concourse and then back up at another.

Timeline and budget

DEN airport estimates the cost of creating pedestrian tunnels at DEN to be between $300 and $700 million.

"That's a wide range," Starling said, "but it reflects the fact that we are at the concept level." Once design plans are finalized, construction of the tunnels could begin as early as 2027.

And what about the lizard people?

Over the years, DEN has neither confirmed nor denied rumors of secret Illuminati, outer space aliens and, yes, lizard people making their homes in the airport's underground tunnels. Instead, the airport has good-naturedly leaned into the mysteries and conspiracy theories with exhibitions such as "Conspiracy Theories Uncovered."

Johnston is happy to play along. In the announcement of plans for the pedestrian walkways at DEN, he said: "And who knows… maybe along the way, travelers will finally get a closer look at the underground tunnels and decide for themselves what's fact and what's fiction."

Airbnb can be a great alternative to hotels, but choosing the right credit card isn't as straightforward. Unlike Marriott, Hilton or Hyatt, Airbnb doesn't have its own cobranded credit card, so you'll want to use a card that either earns bonus rewards on travel purchases or offers strong flat-rate earnings.

Here are the best credit cards for Airbnb stays and why each one stands out.

Why choosing the right credit card for Airbnb matters

Unlike major hotel chains, Airbnb doesn't have its own rewards program or cobranded credit card. Instead, you'll generally want to use a card that either earns bonus rewards on travel purchases or offers a strong flat earning rate on every purchase.

The good news is that Airbnb bookings typically code as travel with major credit card issuers, allowing eligible travel rewards cards to earn bonus points or miles. However, merchant category coding isn't guaranteed, so rewards may vary depending on how the transaction is processed.

By choosing the right card for your Airbnb stays, you'll earn valuable rewards that can go toward future travels.

Related: I've stayed in over 60 Airbnbs — here's why the Chase Sapphire Preferred just became my go-to travel card

Best cards for Airbnb stays

*Rewards value is based on TPG's July 2026 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

The information for the American Express Green 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.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Sapphire Preferred boasts strong earning categories for a reasonable annual fee, making it one of our favorite travel cards year after year.

Annual fee: $95

Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Airbnb earning rate: 3 points per dollar spent

Why we like it: This card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to one of Chase's travel partners.

Plus, you'll receive a $100 annual hotel credit on bookings made through Chase Travel℠. It's important to note that Airbnb bookings aren't available through the portal, so they aren't eligible for this credit.

TPG credit cards editor Olivia Mittak recently used her Sapphire Preferred's hotel credit to cover a large chunk of an overnight stay after a concert in Bend, Oregon.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

For small-business owners looking for a solid return on their Airbnb purchases, the Ink Business Preferred is a great choice.

Annual fee: $95

Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Airbnb earning rate: 3 points per dollar spent**

**On the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year in the following categories, then 1 point per dollar spent:

• Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines
• Internet, cable and phone services
• Shipping purchases
• Travel, including Airbnb

Why we like it: This is another Chase card that earns a fantastic 3 points per dollar spent on travel, including Airbnb stays.

While this isn't a consumer card, getting approved for a business card may be easier than you think.

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

Apply here: Ink Business Preferred

American Express Green Card

Some travel cards have more limited travel categories that don't extend beyond airfare and hotels. With the Amex Green's broad travel bonus category, however, you'll be sure to earn more than 1 point per dollar spent on Airbnb stays.

Annual fee: $150

Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Airbnb earning rate: 3 points per dollar spent

Why we like it: The Amex Green is the most flexible Membership Rewards card for earning bonus points on every dollar spent on Airbnb.

Plus, if you're flying to get to your Airbnb, you can take advantage of this card's up to $209 statement credit toward a Clear+ membership to make that process smoother. (Enrollment required; statement credit is offered each calendar year; subject to auto-renewal)

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Green Card.

Related: Is the Amex Green Card worth the annual fee?

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey is a solid option for earning bonus points on Airbnb stays, with a modest annual fee.

Annual fee: $95

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

Airbnb earning rate: 3 points per dollar spent

Why we like it: Expect to receive 3 points per dollar spent on purchases made with Airbnb when you pay with the Autograph Journey.

Wells Fargo points can be transferred to multiple transfer partners. While this list isn't as long as some of its competitors, it does include valuable partners such as British Airways Club, Iberia Club and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

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

Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards is an excellent choice for those who value a straightforward earning rate on all purchases, including vacation rental bookings through Capital One Travel and other purchases.

Annual fee: $95

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Airbnb earning rate: 2 miles per dollar spent

Why we like it: In exchange for a $95 annual fee, this Capital One credit card earns you a flat 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases with Airbnb.

You can also redeem your rewards to cover your Airbnb stay at 1 cent per mile. However, if you decide not to use your rewards for Airbnb bookings, you can use them to cover any travel purchases made with your card in the last 90 days or transfer them to one of 15-plus airline and hotel transfer partners.

To learn more, read our full review of the Venture Rewards.

Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Venture X card also offers a straightforward 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases, including your next Airbnb booking. It offers more luxury perks than its lower-annual-fee counterpart, the Venture Rewards.

Annual fee: $395

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Airbnb earning rate: 2 miles per dollar spent

Why we like it: The Venture X's earning rates are simple, making this a solid option for those who don't want to memorize multiple bonus categories.

Like with the Venture Rewards, you can redeem your Capital One miles to cover your Airbnb stay at 1 cent per mile. You can also use them to cover any travel purchases made with your card in the last 90 days or transfer them to a Capital One transfer partner.

The Venture X's $395 annual fee is offset by its valuable perks, such as a $300 annual travel credit for Capital One Travel bookings, reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, access to airport lounges (including Capital One's growing network) and rental car elite status.

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

Learn more: Capital One Venture X

Maximizing your next Airbnb stay

One of the most important factors in making the most of your everyday spending is choosing the best travel rewards credit card for every purchase. This isn't always an easy task, as some cards earn valuable transferable points while others give bonus points for certain categories of purchases. Deciding what is more important is a personal decision.

Tips for booking Airbnb with a credit card

• Use a card that earns bonus rewards on travel whenever possible.
• Check whether your card includes trip cancellation/interruption protections that may apply.
• Review Airbnb's cancellation policy before booking.
• Consider paying entirely with your credit card instead of gift cards if you want purchase protection.

Bottom line

The best credit card for Airbnb depends on how you value rewards.

Travelers who want to maximize points will likely get the most from cards like the Sapphire Preferred or Amex Green, while those who prefer simplicity may be better served by the Capital One Venture Rewards or Venture X.

Regardless of which card you use, paying with a rewards credit card can help you earn valuable points on your next vacation rental.

Related: Our Airbnb host canceled our vacation rental at the last minute. Now what?

When booking a hotel, most of us focus on the essentials: location, room type and amenities. Rarely do we consider what awaits us at turndown time. That is — until we experience one so thoughtful it becomes part of the story we tell about the trip itself.

The right turndown transforms a routine return to your room into something memorable. It can become a small, nightly surprise that elevates the entire stay. From the Maldives to Jackson Hole to Portugal, the hotels below have mastered the art of making guests feel special through thoughtful evening turndown services.

Imagine: You return from a day sailing in the Caribbean to find a custom canvas capturing a moment you enjoyed from the day before, or returning to your room after a long hike to find that a locally sourced treat and beverage await, accompanied by a note explaining their origins. These aren't just amenities; they are intentional gestures that make a stay distinctly personal.

It's never too early to book your next trip based around a hotel stay that gets all the details right — ensuring the most restful of sleeps and a memorable trip.

Related: Book with points at these 10 wellness-centric hotels for an active vacation

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

At The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, guests are treated like royalty, regardless of room category. Located along Grand Cayman's popular Seven Mile Beach, this retreat is available to Marriott Bonvoy members looking to redeem points at an ultraluxe Caribbean property.

Turndown service here is a carefully curated ritual, rather than a standard end-of-day procedure. For guests enjoying the hotel's Your Wellness Journey offer, turndown service essentially becomes an extension of the hotel's newly renovated spa, with turndown amenities including an ESPA lavender pillow mist, aromatherapy essence rings, locally designed sleep masks and wellness bonbons infused with plant-based ingredients and adaptogens. 111SKIN face and eye masks, and mineral-rich lavender bath salts, reflect the high-quality skincare products used in the spa, while the Myndstream soundscapes accessible via in-room iPads mimic the immersive sound platform used during spa treatments.

Drawing from the resort's on-property art gallery, select turndown experiences feature bespoke pieces by local artist Shane Dready, transforming guests into one-of-a-kind artworks set against iconic island or hotel backdrops. Showcasing the hotel's impressive culinary options, turndown service here reflects this during certain seasons, where guests may receive a rum cake and a miniature bottle of rum from a local distillery or mango presented in several variations, celebrating one of the island's prized fruits. These presentations arrive on a hand-crafted wooden serving board shaped like Grand Cayman, a keepsake that can be taken home. For milestone occasions like birthdays, rooms are transformed with personal photographs and custom decor, reflecting a level of care that is incredibly thoughtful.

Rates at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman start at $1,150 or 106,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for a Garden View King Guest Room.

Atlantis The Royal

Atlantis The Royal is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous hotels in Dubai. From striking LEGO-like architecture to epic views of Palm Jumeirah, Michelin-starred dining and a star-studded clientele, it's no surprise that the turndown service is just as exciting. In fact, turndown service at Atlantis is designed as a week-long wellness progression; the longer you stay, the more immersive the experience becomes, with a different amenity introduced each evening between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. across all room categories.

Monday ends with a Sweet Dream tea bath soak, blending magnesium salts and essential oils for a deeply relaxing wind-down. Tuesday introduces a sleep lotion enriched with melatonin, chamomile, lavender and palmarosa to encourage full-body calmness. On Wednesday, guests are treated to Dream Drops, a roll-on oil of sweet almond, chamomile, lavender and tonka, designed for pulse-point application and immediate relaxation. Thursday shifts to recovery with a lip repair balm formulated with soy wax, grapeseed oil, shea butter and peppermint, while Friday pivots towards energy with an energizing oil blend of grapeseed, bergamot, juniper and cedarwood, in time for the start of a social weekend. Saturday's Dream Mist, a soothing pillow and linen spray infused with chamomile, lavender and tonka, resets the tone for rest. The ritual concludes on Sunday with a cooling and hydrating under-eye serum enriched with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and vitamin E. On select evenings, turndown service also includes access to a curated wellness playlist from AWAKEN spa.

Rates at Atlantis The Royal start at $1,198 per night. Book through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades, early check-in and late checkout (based on availability), plus daily complimentary breakfast for two, and $100 property credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities. Book through The Edit by Chase Travel to receive the same value-added benefits, plus a welcome amenity.

VRetreats Cervino

Nestled in Italy's Aosta Valley, the alpine town of Breuil-Cervinia offers unbeatable views of the iconic Matterhorn. During the winter months, skiers at Cervino Ski Paradise are able to seamlessly ski in Italy and Zermatt in a single day, while summer transforms the region into an ideal place to hike and explore the Alps.

Part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and thereby bookable via Hilton, VRetreats Cervino fuses highend service, local design and expertly crafted cuisine. Located just a few minutes from the town center, the hotel offers a convenient shuttle bus to both the village and ski lifts. Rooms are designed with an Alpine aesthetic, incorporating natural materials, while spa suites feature private saunas.

Turndown Service at VRetreats Cervino is offered between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to prepare guests for a restful night's sleep. In addition to turning down the bed covers, placing slippers and fresh water bedside, and softening the lighting for the evening, a small treat is also left on the bed. Treats change nightly and include chocolates, bedtime infusion tea, and locally inspired postcards. In higher room categories, guests may find silk eye masks, bookmarks, and luggage tags placed on the bed to serve as mementos of the property and location.

Rates at VRetreats Cervino start at $350 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Spread across more than 150 private-island resorts, most of the islands in the Maldives operate on a "one island, one resort" philosophy, an approach that allows each property to craft a distinct experience. At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, exclusivity is at the core of everything they do. Overwater and beachfront villas, access to the nearby Fari Marina Village for dining and retail, and a thoughtfully designed kids club ensure it caters to multiple types of travelers.

What differentiates the experience, however, is the role of the Aris Meeha, a dedicated island butler assigned to every villa. More than a point of contact, this individual functions as the brains and creativity behind turndown service. Rather than a standard ritual, each island butler pays close attention to their guests' preferences to create a highly personalized nightly experience.

A dive excursion, a celebration, or even a casual comment may reappear in an intricate hand-drawn chalk illustration with a personalized message outside a guest's villa during turndown service. Each Aris Meeha is highly skilled at picking up on subtle clues and understanding preferences to curate thoughtful turndown amenities. For example, a mention of enjoying the flavored chocolate bonbons might result in an additional selection with a handwritten note. If a guest was mesmerized by a sea turtle they spotted earlier in the day, an Aris Meeha may create a turtle towel sculpture. Nighttime pillow mist may be subtly placed on each nightstand to help ensure a deep, restful sleep. For guests who mention their children back home, their Aris Meeha may create a Ritz Kids bag or a personalized luggage tag for them.

Rates at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands start at $1,700 or 166,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

Located within the gated community of Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is a beachfront haven that stands out among the rest in the area. Following a recent property-wide renovation, the resort blends effortlessly into the dramatic surrounding landscape, while guestrooms incorporate local materials that pay homage to the region. Guests can also immerse themselves in local traditions through experiences such as learning to make Mexican coffee and mezcal cocktails. At the spa, treatments draw on Mexican folkloric traditions and healing practices. Even the smallest details, including turndown service, are designed to give guests insight into the local culture.

Every room includes a customized miniature bottle of Casa Dragones tequila, but one of the most fun touches arrives daily between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., when complimentary chips, guacamole and Coronitas are delivered as part of a pre-turndown ritual. Along with the usual dimming of lights, drawing of curtains and turning down the bed, guests may also find a lemon balm pillow spray and a selection of authentic Mexican sweets, such as cocadas, glorias and alegrías, or miniature peanut butter, cinnamon, oatmeal, chocolate and butter cookies. On special occasions like Valentine's Day, the service may also include a rose.

Rates at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal start at $1,200 or 250,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino

Set within Costa Navarino, a sustainable luxury destination located three hours southwest of Athens, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort is one of five properties woven into this expansive coastal retreat. Surrounded by centuries-old olive groves and positioned along the shores of the Ionian Sea, the resort evokes the grandeur of a Greek temple, with its columned architecture and warm, sand-toned palette. Inside, guest rooms feature expansive windows and private terraces.

Each evening, a rotating selection of travel-sized sunscreen, after-sun lotion and hand cream is placed in the room, encouraging wellness throughout the stay and beyond. Pasteli, a traditional Greek snack made from sesame seeds and honey, which provides bursts of energy, is also placed on pillows during turndown, in preparation for whatever journey lies the next day. For guests staying in Ionian suites or beachfront villas, the experience is amplified by bespoke treats tailored to dietary preferences. These may include a variety of tarts, orange pie, chocolate bars, chocolate and coffee éclairs, pistachio and sour cherry balls, dragées (sugar-coated almonds), and lalagia, traditional fried dough rings or strips that reflect the region's culinary heritage.

Rates at The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino start at $452 or 88,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa

At the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks is The Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, a luxury boutique hotel with rustic Western charm, that has been around for over 30 years.

The family-owned and operated hotel is part of SLH, and doesn't skip a beat when it comes to offering intimate, thoughtful experiences. If curious about the origin of its name, guests must ask a member of the Harrison family, and the story must only be told in person. In 2019, a fire devastated the original log structure of the hotel and caused significant damage, but, much like the strength of the wild west, the owner rebuilt The Rusty Parrot with more amenities and a more luxe atmosphere. Rooms mirror the spirit of the West with in-room fireplaces, regionally sourced artwork, abundant natural lighting and stunning views.

Taking the western theme further, The Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa's nightly turndown service carries on the hotel's long-standing storytelling tradition, offering chocolates paired with classic cowboy poetry. Each room also features the signature Rusty Parrot Teddy Bear, playfully staged each evening in different scenes.

Rates at The Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa start at $500 or 140,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Argos in Cappadocia

Within a village of luxury cave sanctuaries overlooking the iconic hot air balloon-filled skies over Pigeon Valley, guests will find Argos in Cappadocia. This village within a village was a detail-oriented restoration and preservation project that lets guests feel history and modernity at once. Glimpses of the past can be spotted in the facades of the historic chapel, mill houses and caravanserai, or trading hubs. At Argos, sustainability is at the forefront of each day. The property not only has no plastic amenities, but also recycles rainwater and harvests most of the ingredients for the kitchen.

The turndown service here is thoughtful and commemorates the local culture. Suites receive special items such as tahini halva (Turkish Delights), seasonal postcards, bespoke bookmarks or a hot water bottle during the winter months. An exclusive children's book may be placed in the room for families traveling together. Throughout the year, the hotel also marks special occasions with themed turndown moments, from wool-knit flowers for International Women's Day to handcrafted bracelets for Valentine's Day.

Rates at Argos in Cappadocia start at $619 or 46,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hotel Ranga, an SLH Hotel

Set in the secluded countryside of Southern Iceland, Hotel Rangá is the epitome of classic Icelandic hospitality. Originally built in 1999 as a rural retreat for horse enthusiasts, the property has evolved into a destination that attracts a wide range of travelers. Family-owned and operated, the hotel showcases artwork by local artists and features an on-site observatory equipped with two high-quality telescopes and a roll-off roof for optimal stargazing. Ideally positioned for viewing the mesmerizing Northern Lights, complete with a dedicated Northern Lights wake-up call, the hotel also offers easy access to Iceland's most striking natural wonders, including waterfalls, volcano-glaciers, black sand beaches and ice caves.

Beyond its landscapes, Iceland is also a nation of bookworms. Each year, the country celebrates Jólabókaflóðið, or the "Christmas Book Flood," where books are gifted on Christmas Eve, followed by an evening of reading, often accompanied by hot chocolate and Icelandic chocolates. Staying true to its roots, Hotel Rangá offers a winter "Book Lovers" turndown service, for an added fee, where guests receive a staff-selected, signed Icelandic book, along with a hot drink, candles and a deck of cards.

For a more whimsical touch, the hotel also offers a complimentary Poetry Hotline, allowing guests to dial in and listen to renowned Icelandic poet Þórarinn Eldjárn recite his work.

Rates at Hotel Ranga start at $487 or 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

One of the biggest advantages of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) is their broad definition of "travel."

Unlike many rewards cards that only award bonus points on airfare or hotels, Chase includes everything from parking garages and tolls to ferries, taxis and cruises.

That generous travel category makes it easier to earn bonus Chase Ultimate Rewards points on everyday trip expenses — not just flights and hotels. However, there are a few notable exceptions that can catch cardholders off guard.

What does Chase generally count as a travel purchase?

Chase has one of the broadest definitions of travel among major rewards credit cards. Eligible purchases generally include:

• Airlines (general travel on the Sapphire Preferred; elevated category on the Sapphire Reserve)
• Airbnb
• Buses
• Campgrounds (private and RV parks)
• Car rental agencies (excluding RV and boat rentals)
• Cruise lines
• Discount travel sites
• Ferries
• Hotels
• Limousines
• Motels (often categorized as hotels)
• Parking lots and garages
• Passenger trains
• Ride-hailing services (such as Uber and Lyft)
• Taxis
• Timeshares
• Toll bridges and highways
• Travel agencies

Compared with many competing rewards cards, Chase's travel category is among the most comprehensive. While cards such as the American Express® Gold Card and American Express Platinum Card® primarily reward airfare booked directly with airlines, Chase extends bonus earnings to nearly every stage of a trip — from airport parking to cruise fares.

Keep in mind that Chase awards bonus points based on a merchant's category code (MCC), not necessarily what you purchase. That means two similar businesses may not always earn the same rewards.

What doesn't Chase generally count as travel purchases?

While Chase's travel category is broad, there are several types of purchases that generally won't qualify for bonus points, even if they're related to travel.

• Campgrounds (public campgrounds are frequently categorized as government or recreation services)
• Educational merchants arranging travel
• Excursions
• Gift card merchants
• Inflight goods and services
• Merchants that sell points or miles
• Merchants that rent vehicles for the purpose of hauling
• Merchants within hotels and airports
• Onboard cruise line goods and services
• Real estate agents
• RV and boat rentals
• Sightseeing activities
• Tourist attractions

Remember, these exclusions are based on how the merchant is categorized — not necessarily what you're purchasing.

Common travel purchases that can be hit or miss

Most travel purchases code correctly, but a few exceptions have been encountered by TPG staff.

For example:

• Some VRBO* and vacation rental bookings have not earned travel bonus points.
• RV rentals generally do not qualify.
• Certain independently operated vacation rentals may code as professional services rather than travel, depending on how the property owner processes payments.

*Excluding the Sapphire Preferred; more on that below.

By contrast, Airbnb bookings have consistently qualified as travel purchases.

Ultimately, merchant coding determines whether you'll receive bonus points, and that's outside Chase's control. However, there are some steps you can take if a purchase doesn't code the way you hoped.

Related: The best credit cards to use for booking Airbnb stays

What if your purchase doesn't earn bonus points?

If an expense you expected to qualify doesn't earn bonus rewards:

1. Check how the transaction is categorized in your Chase online account.
2. If the merchant appears to be coded incorrectly (or you're unsure why it didn't qualify), contact Chase via secure message or by phone to request a review.

While Chase doesn't guarantee retroactive point adjustments, customer service can often explain how a merchant is classified, helping you avoid surprises on future purchases.

If you're testing a new travel merchant, making a small purchase first can help confirm how it codes before committing to a larger expense.

How many points do the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve earn on travel?

Once a purchase qualifies as travel, the number of Ultimate Rewards points you'll earn depends on which Sapphire card you carry and how you book your trip. Both cards offer elevated rewards on travel booked through Chase Travel℠. The Sapphire Reserve also rewards flights and hotels booked directly at a higher rate than the Sapphire Preferred.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns:

• 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar spent on vacation homes at these top brands: Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other eligible travel purchases

The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns:

• 8 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel
• 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly
• 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible travel purchases

To learn more about these two cards, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred and our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.

Bottom line

The Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve offer one of the broadest travel bonus categories among major rewards credit cards. In addition to airfare and hotels, eligible purchases typically include cruises, ride-hailing services, parking, tolls, ferries, trains, car rentals and more.

The biggest exceptions are attractions, tours, onboard purchases, RV rentals and some vacation rental platforms that don't code as travel.

If you're unsure whether a merchant qualifies, check the transaction category in your Chase account or make a small test purchase first. Because bonus points depend on merchant coding, two similar travel purchases may not always earn the same rewards.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

At first glance, it's obvious the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card is positioned as the premium card for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines loyalists.

Look beneath the surface, however, and there's a trove of rewards for multiple types of travelers to enjoy with this card and the Atmos Rewards program — especially if you frequently fly with Oneworld alliance members such as American Airlines, British Airways and Qantas.

Take it from me: I live in the southeastern U.S. (about as far from the Pacific Northwest as you can get), but I highly value Atmos Rewards points because I can use them to book tickets on American, the airline I fly most often, at an excellent value.

Of course, the Atmos Rewards Summit is a stellar option for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flyers and those based in the Pacific Northwest. But even if you're based outside of that footprint, there's a lot to love here. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

Atmos Rewards Summit: The basics

The Atmos Rewards Summit is a cobranded airline card for Atmos Rewards members. Atmos Rewards is the joint loyalty program for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The card earns Atmos Rewards points, which TPG's July 2026 valuations place at 1.55 cents apiece (one of the highest airline currency valuations).

The card charges an annual fee of $395.

The Atmos Rewards Summit provides a solid suite of airline-specific benefits when you fly Alaska or Hawaiian, including your first checked bag free and preferred boarding when you purchase airfare with your card. Cardholders also receive an annual 25,000-point Global Companion Award.

Cardholders also have a faster path to Atmos Rewards elite status, as they earn 1 status point for every $2 spent (with no spending cap) and receive an anniversary status points boost.

One of my favorite card perks is the Atmos Rewards Summit's standout earning rates, which are especially impressive compared to other airline cobranded cards. A top highlight is that cardholders earn 3 points per dollar spent on all foreign transactions, an unusual (and potentially quite lucrative) bonus category.

The best way to redeem the Atmos Rewards points you'll earn on the Atmos Rewards Summit is for flights on Alaska, Hawaiian, Oneworld airlines and other partner airlines. Since Atmos Rewards retained Alaska Airlines' advantageous partner award chart, there are multiple sweet-spot redemption options.

Related: 10 best ways to redeem 100,000 Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points

Atmos Rewards Summit pros and cons

Related: Why this is the most rewarding airline card for international travelers

Atmos Rewards Summit benefits

The Atmos Rewards Summit provides multiple benefits when you fly Alaska and Hawaiian, but there are perks to enjoy in other parts of the travel journey as well.

Airline-specific benefits

These three benefits kick in when you purchase a fare on Alaska or Hawaiian with your Atmos Rewards Summit:

• Free checked bag: The cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation get their first checked bag free.
• Free points sharing: Cardholders can send and receive Atmos Rewards points to and from up to 10 other Atmos Rewards members for no additional charge.
• Preferred boarding: The cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation receive preferred boarding.

The following perks are exclusive to Alaska Airlines flights, though they are expected to eventually be extended to Hawaiian Airlines flights as well:

• Departure delay voucher: Travelers will receive a $50 voucher if their Alaska Airlines flight is canceled or delayed more than two hours.
• No change fees: You won't pay a change fee for same-day changes with Alaska.

Annual companion award

The Atmos Rewards Summit provides an annual 25,000-point Global Companion Award that offers a discount on a second award ticket on Alaska, Hawaiian or a partner airline in any cabin class. When factoring in TPG's valuations, this perk is worth $388.

High-spenders who put $60,000 or more on their Atmos Rewards Summit can earn a second 100,000-point Global Companion Award. This is worth $1,550, per TPG's valuations.

Elite status boost

• Anniversary status points: Receive 10,000 status points every card anniversary. This points boost puts you halfway to earning Atmos Rewards Silver status.
• Faster path to elite status: Earn 1 status point for every $2 spent, with no spending cap. By spending $20,000 with the Summit card, you'll earn Atmos Rewards Silver status (which includes Oneworld Ruby status). If you spend $60,000 with the card, you'll earn Atmos Rewards Gold status (equivalent to Oneworld Sapphire status).

Lounge passes

Cardholders receive eight total Alaska Lounge passes each calendar year, earned as two passes each quarter. These passes can be shared with friends and family if you already have an Alaska Lounge membership.

You must be traveling on a same-day ticketed flight on Alaska, Hawaiian, Oneworld or a partner airline to receive access with your lounge pass. A standard day pass costs $65 per person.

Other benefits

Other key perks include:

• Eight Wi-Fi passes (two passes each calendar quarter)
• A $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years
• Access to Visa Infinite concierge services
• An auto rental collision damage waiver
• Extended warranty protection
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• No foreign transaction fees
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel and emergency assistance services

While these perks certainly help offset the Atmos Rewards Summit's $395 annual fee, it's worth noting that this card doesn't offer a full Alaska Lounge membership or statement credits. This could be a downside for cardholders who want more benefits from a premium card.

However, if you use the Global Companion Award and check one free bag each year, you'll come out ahead on the card's annual fee.

Related: Is the Atmos Rewards Summit worth the annual fee?

How to earn and use Atmos Rewards points

Earning points

Atmos Rewards Summit cardholders earn:

• 3 points per dollar spent on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
• 3 points per dollar spent on eligible dining purchases and foreign transactions
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Cardholders who have an eligible Bank of America account also earn a 10% rewards bonus on all points earned from card purchases.

The Atmos Rewards Summit's bonus category for all foreign transactions will be attractive to many travelers who frequently take international trips, making this a standout card for a wide range of spenders. The earning rate for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases is standard for an airline cobranded card.

Redeeming points

There are many ways to redeem Atmos Rewards points. The best choice is to redeem for free flights on Alaska, Hawaiian, Oneworld airlines or partner airlines.

I frequently redeem Atmos Rewards points for short-haul domestic American Airlines flights, starting at 4,500 points one-way. I've flown from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to visit friends for 4,500 Atmos Rewards points on multiple occasions.

If an international flight in luxury is more your speed, you can fly from the West Coast to Tokyo in Japan Airlines' business class or to Taipei, Taiwan, in Starlux Airlines' ultramodern, swanky business class from 75,000 points.

Transferring points

The Atmos Rewards Summit offers a unique benefit in the world of cobranded airline cards, as you can transfer the Atmos Rewards points earned on this card to certain hotel partners. These are:

• IHG One Rewards (1:1 transfer ratio)
• I Prefer Hotel Rewards (1:2)
• Marriott Bonvoy (1:1)
• Shangri-La Circle (8:1)
• Wyndham Rewards (1:1)

However, you may not want to use your points this way unless you have a specific hotel redemption you're ready to book and need to top off your balance. Otherwise, your best use of Atmos Rewards points is to book award tickets for flights.

Related: Beginners guide to finding award space with ExpertFlyer

Where the Atmos Rewards Summit falls short

The Atmos Rewards Summit may not be the best fit for all types of travelers. Here are some downsides to consider:

• Some benefits, such as free checked bags and preferred boarding, are only usable on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights; that could be a deterrent if you aren't frequently flying with these carriers.
• The card does not provide broad lounge access and grants only two Alaska Lounge passes per quarter.
• You have to pay a high annual fee.
• Your rewards are limited to Atmos Rewards points, which have fewer redemption options than transferable credit card rewards.

Atmos Rewards Summit vs. Atmos Rewards Ascent

If you're interested in an Atmos Rewards card but don't want to pay a $395 annual fee for premium perks, I recommend considering the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card instead.

The Atmos Rewards Ascent charges a $95 annual fee and offers perks similar to those of the Atmos Rewards Summit when flying on Alaska or Hawaiian, including free checked bags and preferred boarding.

Atmos Rewards Ascent cardholders can earn an annual $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) upon each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more within the prior anniversary year.

The Atmos Rewards Summit doesn't include this perk, and it may be more enticing to certain travelers. However, it's worth noting that the Atmos Rewards Summit's 25,000-point Global Companion Award is a comparable benefit and is valued at a much higher $350, per TPG's valuations.

To learn more, read our showdown of the Atmos Rewards Ascent versus the Atmos Rewards Summit.

When to apply for the Atmos Rewards Summit

The Atmos Rewards Summit currently offers new cardholders the chance to 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.

Per TPG's valuations, the points and the Global Companion Award included in this bonus are worth $1,628.

In terms of points awarded, this isn't the best offer we've ever seen in the Atmos Rewards Summit's offer history, but it meets our threshold of when to apply.

Since Bank of America issues the Atmos Rewards Summit, you'll most likely be subject to the 2/3/4 rule. This means you can only get approved for two new Bank of America cards in a 30-day period, three cards in a 12-month period and four cards in a 24-month period.

In addition, datapoints suggest Bank of America is inquiry-sensitive, so it may be worth waiting several months from your last hard inquiry before applying.

TPG staffers have also found that Bank of America strongly prefers prospective cardholders to have an existing relationship with the bank, so it's likely worth opening and using a checking or savings account with it for a few months before applying.

Related: Best welcome offers of this month

Other cards to consider instead of the Atmos Rewards Summit

If the Atmos Rewards Summit isn't the card for you, one of these competitors may be a better fit:

• If you prefer to earn transferable rewards: The Bilt Palladium Card (see rates and fees) earns transferable Bilt Points that can be moved to Atmos Rewards. It provides Priority Pass lounge access* and several perks for those ready to dive into Bilt's ecosystem. To learn more, read our full review of the Bilt Palladium.
• If you're considering another card in the Oneworld alliance: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) is a premium airline card that earns American Airlines AAdvantage miles to redeem with American Airlines, one of Atmos Rewards' Oneworld partners. It provides an Admirals Club membership for those interested in airport lounge access. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite.
• If you own a small business: The Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card is an excellent choice for small-business owners who want to earn Atmos Rewards points. It earns a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after you spend $6,000 in the previous account anniversary year and charges a modest $95 annual fee ($70 for your company and $25 per card). To learn more, read our full review of the Atmos Rewards Business.

For additional options, see our list of the best airline credit cards.

*A maximum benefit amount and certain restrictions and limitations apply. Please review the Mastercard Guide to Benefits for more details.

Related: Why I'm considering a Citi credit card as an Alaska Airlines fan

Bottom line

The Atmos Rewards Summit provides fantastic value for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flyers ready to go all in on their joint loyalty program. The card's 25,000-point Global Companion Award, Alaska Lounge passes and high earning rate on foreign transactions are unique benefits that new cardholders should consider.

However, if you're more of a casual traveler and aren't chasing Atmos Rewards elite status, you may be better off with its sister card, the mid-tier Atmos Rewards Ascent.

Overall, Atmos Rewards points are a standout currency that can unlock redemptions across the Oneworld alliance, so the Atmos Rewards Summit is worth a look regardless of where you're flying from.

Apply for the chance to 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: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card

World of Hyatt routinely ranks among the best hotel loyalty programs thanks to an easy-to-understand system of earning and redeeming points as well as the ability to transfer certain credit card points to your Hyatt account.

The program recently underwent a massive overhaul, so instead of just three tiers of pricing per award category, there are now five, which can vary by tens of thousands of points from night to night.

That means it's more important than ever to stock up on credit card points that you can transfer to your Hyatt account in case you are suddenly a few thousand points short for that award redemption you've been thinking about. Don't let the recent changes put you off, though. There is still value to be had in the World of Hyatt program.

Here's what you need to know about how to transfer credit card points to Hyatt and why you might want to do so.

Related: The best Hyatt credit cards

Which credit card points transfer to Hyatt?

The World of Hyatt program currently has two credit card partners:

• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Bilt

While the three Bilt cards all earn points that transfer to World of Hyatt, there are some other terms and conditions to be aware of based on your tier with the Bilt program.

Likewise, not all Chase credit cards earn points that transfer to Hyatt. You've got to have one that earns Ultimate Rewards points. And even then, your points might not transfer at a 1:1 ratio, which is a recent development.

Let's get into the nitty-gritty details.

Which Chase cards can you transfer points to Hyatt from?

In order to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt, you've got to have one of the following cards:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees)

Transfers must occur in increments of 1,000, and there are no limits on the number of points or transactions you can make, though the more transfers you process in a short time, the more likely Chase might flag your account for possible fraud.

Points earned with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business convert to World of Hyatt points on a 1:1 basis.

Points earned with the Chase Sapphire Preferred now transfer to World of Hyatt on a 4:3 basis, so if you transferred 40,000 Chase points, you'd only end up with 30,000 World of Hyatt points.

However, if you had the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred card before June 15, 2026, you can still transfer your points to Hyatt on a 1:1 basis until Oct. 1, 2026. If you applied for either card June 15 or after, then the 4:3 transfer rate will apply to your accounts immediately.

There is a work-around to keep your transfer rate at 1:1 if you also have the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Reserve for Business, though.

If you have either of those cards, then you can link your Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred (or both) — or another card that earns Ultimate Rewards points as cash back (yes, it's a little confusing) like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) or the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) — to your Sapphire Reserve account, shift your balance of points over there, and then transfer them to Hyatt. That way, your points will still transfer at a 1:1 ratio.

Related: The 3 best Chase credit cards to add to your wallet

How do you transfer Chase points to Hyatt?

If you're ready to transfer Chase points to Hyatt, then log into your Chase account online and pick the card account from which you would like to transfer points.

Then, click the "Redeem" button displayed next to your points balance.

The next page will have a tab at the top labeled "Book travel," and one of the dropdown options will be "Transfer points to partners."

Scroll down until you see World of Hyatt. Be sure to enter your account information, including the name on your account and your World of Hyatt membership number. Click on the World of Hyatt tile and then click the "Transfer points" button.

From there, you can enter the number of points you want to transfer and then click "Next."

You'll confirm the transfer details and your points will be sent. Just beware that once you transfer Chase points to an airline or hotel partner, that transfer is irreversible.

Transfers usually take just a few minutes to process and you'll get an email from Chase that your transfer is in process, then another when it's completed.

Related: The best Hyatt hotels to book with points

Which Bilt cards can you transfer points to Hyatt from?

You don't actually need a Bilt card in order to transfer your points to World of Hyatt, and points convert at a 1:1 ratio. You can create a free Bilt account and earn Bilt points by linking your credit cards and using them for purchases at Bilt's partners, such as restaurants, ride-hailing services, fitness centers, pharmacies and more.

However, you might want to carry one of the following Bilt cards to help you rack up those points faster as well as to gain elite status with the program so there are fewer restrictions on points transfers.

Here are the three Bilt cards currently available:

• Bilt Blue Card (see rates and fees)
• Bilt Obsidian Card (see rates and fees)
• Bilt Palladium Card (see rates and fees)

Bilt points must be transferred to Hyatt in increments of 1,000. Also, keep in mind that if you only have entry-level Blue status with Bilt, you must transfer a minimum of 2,000 points, whereas those with Silver, Gold, or Platinum status can transfer a minimum of 1,000 points.

Related: The best Bilt credit cards for travelers

How do Bilt transfers to Hyatt work?

To transfer your Bilt points to Hyatt, log in to your Bilt account.

Then select "Rewards" and "Travel."

From there, you'll see a travel booking engine and the option to "Transfer."

Click that, then select "Hotels" and you should see the tiles for the program's partners, including Hyatt. Select that tile and make sure your Bilt account is linked to your Hyatt account. Then, simply select the number of points you want to transfer (again in increments of 1,000), hit the "Transfer points" button and whoosh, your points will be on their way.

We have found that Bilt points transfers to Hyatt take only a few minutes. Like Chase transfers, these ones are also irreversible, so make sure you have a concrete, imminent redemption in mind before hitting that button.

Other credit cards that earn Hyatt points quickly

While transferring credit card points to Hyatt can be a great way to boost your account quickly, the program also offers two cobranded credit cards with Chase that let you rack up points quickly.

They include:

• World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees): This card earns 4 points per dollar on qualifying purchases at Hyatt hotels and resorts; 2 points per dollar on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, gym memberships, and local transit and commuting; and 1 points per dollar on other qualifying purchases.
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees): This card earns 4 points per dollar on qualifying purchases at Hyatt hotels and resorts; 2 points per dollar on your top three spend categories each quarter from a list that includes dining, shipping, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting, social media and search engine advertising, car rental agencies, gas stations and internet, cable and phone services; and 1 point per dollar on other qualifying purchases.

If you want to focus your activity on the World of Hyatt program and avoid transfers, you might consider one of these two cards.

Why you might want to transfer credit card points to Hyatt

Hyatt remains a solid points program for folks looking to save on hotel stays around the globe. In fact, I plan on using some of my Hyatt points for a stay at the Park Hyatt Sydney later this year.

Given the World of Hyatt program's new pricing tiers, being able to top up your account with a few thousand extra points just before redeeming for award stays is an invaluable benefit. While Hyatt doesn't price award nights dynamically, meaning they won't fluctuate in a totally coordinated fashion with paid room rates, the number of points you need at a hotel can vary dramatically even from one night to the next, so being able to add a few thousand points to your account can really come in handy to help insulate you against any unexpected price variations.

Do the math on credit card transfers to Hyatt

That said, you should always do the math on points transfers. You should calculate the value you're getting from your Hyatt points versus just redeeming your Chase or Bilt points directly through those programs' own travel portals since you can sometimes get a better value doing the latter, especially if you can take advantage of a feature like Chase's Points Boost. Or, if you're affected by the recent devaluation of Chase transfers to Hyatt because of the specific card you carry, just redeeming your Chase points directly for a Hyatt stay might be the better option.

For what it's worth, TPG's July 2026 valuations peg Hyatt points at 1.6 cents apiece, versus 2.05 cents apiece for Chase points and 2.2 cents for Bilt points, though those numbers are based on the value you can sometimes get through points transfers to airline and hotel partners.

To give you a quick example, though, if you are going to book a hotel stay that costs $800 for 50,000 World of Hyatt points, you're getting a solid value of 1.6 cents per Hyatt point in value. But remember, you might have to transfer around 67,000 Chase points to end up with that number of Hyatt points and that would mean you're only getting a value of 1.2 cents per Chase point. If it's a property where you can get a better per-point value via Chase's Points Boost, though, like 1.5-2 cents per point, that would be the preferred option.

It always pays to do a little homework before a points redemption to make sure you're getting the best value. Still, being able to transfer either Chase or Bilt points to World of Hyatt makes the hotel program one of the better and more versatile ones out there, since you can top up your account with extra points with minimal effort.

Related reading:

• Everything you need to know about World of Hyatt
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What is World of Hyatt elite status worth?
• Which credit cards offer the most lucrative rewards for hotel stays?
• The best hotel rewards programs in the world
• Best hotel credit cards

If Chase's Pay Yourself Back hasn't been on your radar in a while, it may be worth brushing up on it.

Not only does this potentially lucrative option expand to a broad list of Chase cards, but some redemption rates are eye-catching as well.

Chase offers its Pay Yourself Back benefit on some cobranded credit cards, including Southwest Airlines cards, United Airlines cards, the Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees) and the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees).

Many of these current offers are valid now through Sept. 30.

Here's everything you need to know about using Chase Pay Yourself Back.

What is Chase Pay Yourself Back?

Pay Yourself Back is a unique redemption option within Chase's Ultimate Rewards program, offering cardmembers an alternative to redeeming points for travel.

The categories have evolved over time, and it's worth checking them each quarter to see if they're a good use of your rewards.

In short, the Pay Yourself Back option allows many Chase cardholders to redeem rewards at a value similar to what they would pay when booking travel. This won't typically yield the same maximum value for your Ultimate Rewards points as strategic use of transfer partners can, but it can get pretty close.

And, it could be a good choice if you're looking for a simple redemption or have a pile of points that you cannot immediately use.

Some Chase-cobranded airline cards (and a Marriott card) are also eligible for Pay Yourself Back. The rate at which you can redeem for some categories with these cards' rewards is over the average return you'll likely get when using your rewards to book travel.

Related: The best time to apply for Chase credit cards based on offer history

What purchases are eligible for Pay Yourself Back?

Here are the current categories eligible for Pay Yourself Back:

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

The list of charities for Pay Yourself Back includes:

• Alzheimer's Association
• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross
• Equal Justice Initiative
• Feeding America
• GLSEN
• Habitat for Humanity
• International Medical Corps
• International Rescue Committee
• Leadership Conference Education Fund
• Make-A-Wish America
• NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
• National Urban League
• Out and Equal Workplace Advocates
• SAGE
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund
• United Negro College Fund
• UNICEF USA
• United Way
• World Central Kitchen

Let's say you wanted to redeem 10,000 points on your Chase Sapphire Reserve. For most purchases, you'll get a $100 statement credit when redeeming 10,000 points.

But for those same 10,000 points, you'll get a credit of $150 when you redeem them for an eligible charity donation.

Related: How much are Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth?

Requesting a credit

Requesting a credit through Chase's Pay Yourself Back program is relatively straightforward. Log in to your eligible Chase account via the mobile app or desktop and select the "Pay Yourself Back" option in the redemption menu.

Next, you'll see a list of eligible purchases for which you can redeem points. Points can be redeemed for purchases dating back 90 days. It typically indicates whether more value is available.

You can offset the full purchase amount, assuming you have enough points to cover it.

From there, you can confirm the redemption value and amount of points required and then choose to complete the transaction. Your statement credit should post within three business days.

Related: How to use Shop Through Chase to earn more points

Statement credit options on other purchases

Chase has long offered the option to redeem points for a statement credit. To do this, log into your Ultimate Rewards account, hit the drop-down menu and select "Cash Back."

You'll be given an option to enter the amount you'd like to redeem and where you'd like your rewards deposited. All cash-back redemptions are fixed at 1 cent per point, which is a little less than half of TPG's July 2026 valuation of Ultimate Rewards at 2.05 cents per point.

That redemption value is also lower than many of the above Pay Yourself Back options.

Even so, Chase's traditional cash-back option is more generous than what you can expect from some other issuers.

Related: If I cash out my points and miles, do I have to claim it on my taxes?

Bottom line

Chase's Pay Yourself Back feature provides valuable flexibility for many cardholders.

Ultimately, whether you should redeem your balance in this way depends on how you plan to use your points, how many you currently have and whether or not you'd benefit significantly from the statement credits.

If the categories for the third quarter of 2026 don't work out for you, be sure to check back in for the fourth quarter to see if you should use this benefit then.

Related: Supercharge your Chase Ultimate Rewards balance with these top 5 cards

I've had the American Express Platinum Card® for the best part of a decade, and for most of that time, United Airlines has been my selected airline for the card's up to $200 annual airline fee statement credit (enrollment required).

It was the right choice then.

Earlier this year, I used part of my 2026 credit toward a United Economy Plus seat assignment on a flight to Mexico.

A few months later, though, my travel habits had changed.

I now have a large balance of Atmos Rewards points, and I recently status matched to oneworld Sapphire (through Royal Jordanian). As a result, I'm much more likely to fly American Airlines than United for the rest of the year.

That wouldn't normally be a problem. However, when I contacted American Express to ask about switching my selected airline from United to AA mid-year, I was told I'd need to wait until the next January selection window.

So here I am with roughly $130 of airline fee credit left to use — and an airline selection that no longer reflects how I'm actually traveling.

That's what made me realize the Amex airline fee credit is starting to show its age.

My experience: When the airline selection rule backfired

The airline fee credit is built on a simple assumption: Cardmembers can pick one airline at the beginning of the year and stick with it for the next 12 months. But travel rarely works that neatly.

Award availability, elite status opportunities and changing travel plans can completely alter which airline makes the most sense over the course of a year.

When I selected United, it was a logical choice. I had successfully used the credit with United in prior years, and I expected to continue flying the airline regularly.

Since then, though, my travel priorities have shifted. Between my Atmos Rewards balance and my oneworld Sapphire status, American Airlines and its partners, such as Iberia and Qatar Airways, have become a much bigger part of my travel plans.

If my selected airline were AA today, I'd have no trouble using the remaining credit. Main Cabin Extra and preferred seat assignments and inflight purchases would quickly take care of the balance.

Instead, the credit is tied to a decision I made months ago under completely different circumstances.

The specifics of my situation may be unique, but I suspect the underlying problem isn't. Few travelers know exactly how they'll be flying in January for the rest of the year.

What the Amex airline fee credit actually covers

Cardmembers holding the American Express Platinum and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can receive up to $200 in statement credits each calendar year for incidental fees charged by one selected qualifying airline (enrollment required).

Qualifying airlines currently include:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

The credit is intended for incidental purchases such as checked bags, seat assignments, lounge day passes and inflight purchases. Airfare, upgrades, award taxes and fees, gift cards and mileage purchases generally don't qualify.

Checked bag fees have become significantly more expensive over the past several years, which arguably makes the credit easier for some travelers to use.

But the travelers loyal to a single airline often receive free bags and other perks through elite status or a cobranded airline credit card.

Why the credit became harder to use in 2026

For years, many cardmembers found unofficial ways to make the airline fee credit more useful than the terms suggested.

One of the most popular examples was United TravelBank. While TravelBank cash purchases were never listed as an eligible use of the credit, they frequently triggered statement credits for many cardmembers in prior years.

That changed in February, when reports from the points-and-miles community suggested that TravelBank purchases were no longer reliably triggering the credit.

Around the same time, reports also emerged that some Delta-related workarounds had stopped working.

I'm less interested in whether they were ever intended to work. American Express has long been clear that airfare, gift cards and similar purchases aren't eligible. What's more revealing is why those workarounds became so popular.

TravelBank wasn't attractive because people wanted stored-value balances with United. It was attractive because it effectively turned a restrictive incidental-fee credit into something that felt more like a general travel credit.

When a workaround disappears, it doesn't create the underlying problem — it simply exposes it.

American Express has become better at enforcing the terms; the terms themselves, however, haven't evolved very much.

Why this benefit no longer matches how some Platinum cardmembers travel

The American Express Platinum airline fee credit still works well for some people.

If you're loyal to a single airline, regularly pay incidental fees and know your travel plans well in advance, you can absolutely get full value from it.

The issue is some of us redeem points across multiple airline alliances, book based on award availability, chase elite status opportunities or simply choose whichever airline offers the best combination of schedule, price and convenience.

Travelers most likely to pay a premium annual fee are also among the least likely to incur the specific charges this credit reimburses.

Why Amex may be reluctant to change it

There are business reasons why benefits like this exist.

In the credit card industry, "breakage" refers to benefits that cardmembers don't fully use. When a credit is restrictive, some cardmembers won't use it to its full extent, reducing the issuer's overall cost.

A broad travel credit typically has less breakage than a narrowly defined airline incidental fee credit. That's one reason issuers may prefer more restrictive benefits.

But there's a balance to strike.

American Express refreshed the Platinum Card last September, yet the airline fee credit remained largely untouched. To me, that felt like a missed opportunity to modernize the benefit.

4 ways American Express could modernize this benefit

Fortunately, fixing this benefit wouldn't necessarily require American Express to spend more money.

Allow airline changes throughout the year

If Amex wants to keep the airline-specific model, it should consider making it more flexible.

Even allowing one airline change per quarter would solve many of the problems I experienced this year.

Travel habits can change quickly. A premium travel card should acknowledge that reality.

Expand eligible airline purchases

Alternatively, Amex could keep the current structure but broaden the list of qualifying purchases.

Airfare would be the most obvious addition, but upgrades and award taxes and fees would also make the benefit more useful.

The company already offers a more flexible airline credit structure on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Each calendar quarter, cardmembers receive up to $50 in statement credits to use on flight purchases made directly with an airline, on amextravel.com or through the Amex Travel App™.

This credit clearly shows that Amex has the infrastructure to support a different approach.

Convert it into an Amex Travel credit

If Amex could change only one thing, this would be my suggestion.

American Express has spent years encouraging cardmembers to engage with its travel ecosystem. So why not align the airline fee credit with that broader strategy?

Instead of limiting the benefit to airline incidentals, Amex could turn it into a general Amex Travel credit that works on flights, hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars or cruises booked through the platform.

We've already seen another issuer take this approach.

Chase already encourages bookings through its travel portal by allowing Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) to combine the card's $300 annual travel credit with The Edit by Chase Travel℠ statement credits.

Amex could take a similar approach by allowing cardmembers to stack a broader travel credit with the biannual Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection credit.

Cardmembers receive up to $600 in hotel statement credits each calendar year (up to $300 biannually) for prepaid bookings with Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties through American Express Travel®. (THC requires a minimum two-night stay.)

That would make the benefit easier to use while simultaneously encouraging more bookings through Amex Travel.

Related: Here's your guide to the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum prepaid hotel credit

Let cardmembers choose

Finally, Amex could give cardmembers options.

Some might prefer the traditional airline incidental fee credit; others might choose an Amex Travel credit instead.

Another possibility would be a lounge-focused credit that helps cover Centurion Lounge guest fees, which currently cost $50 per adult (unless you spend $75,000 on your card in a calendar year).

Giving cardmembers a choice would likely improve satisfaction without significantly changing the overall cost of the benefit.

Bottom line

I still have roughly $130 of my American Express Platinum airline fee credit remaining this year.

The problem isn't that I don't have travel planned. It's that the travel I have planned no longer matches the airline I selected months ago.

The disappearance of popular workarounds like United TravelBank didn't create the airline fee credit's shortcomings — it just made them harder to ignore.

The airline fee credit isn't a bad benefit. It just hasn't kept pace with the way many Platinum cardmembers actually travel.

American Express doesn't necessarily need to spend more money on this benefit. But if it wants the credit to remain relevant, it needs to make it fit the way people actually travel today.

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

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, we have an exclusive offer for TPG readers to save on their first year of CLEAR+ membership and get a free Clear Concierge booking. Plus, Amazon Prime members can save 50 cents per gallon on gas this holiday weekend. And don't forget to supercharge your earnings by activating the Q3 bonus categories on your rotating rewards cards.

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 July.

Airline loyalty program promotions (July 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 are some of the best offers we found for July.

Save big on Atmos Rewards redemptions

Alaska Airlines' latest Global Getaways sale is here with up to 50% off select flights — but you'll have to act fast.

Through July 4, you can book deals on Atmos Rewards redemptions to Hawaii, Dublin, Tokyo and more, with prices starting at just 11,500 points one-way plus taxes and fees. Travel must occur between Sept. 1 and Nov. 15.

Fly to Europe from 18,750 miles with Flying Blue

Air France-KLM Flying Blue is out with its July Promo Rewards, and there are some great deals this month. You can book a one-way ticket to Europe from 18,750 miles in economy, 30,000 miles in premium economy and 45,000 miles in business class.

Book here by July 31 for travel through Dec. 31.

Related: How to choose an airline credit card

Hotel loyalty program promotions (July 2026)

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

Earn up to 15k bonus points on a single Marriott stay

Double deals means double fun for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists.

First, you can earn a big chunk of points on a beachy stay this summer. This deal is offering 3,000, 5,000 or 15,000 bonus 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.

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.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

Credit card promotions (July 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 Priceline hotels

When you can't find the property you want through a hotel loyalty program or credit card travel portal, booking sites like Priceline can come in handy — and you can save with this Amex Offer.

Earn a $30 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $150 in one or more purchases of pre-paid lodging ("pay now") through Priceline. Book here by Aug. 13.

Targeted Amex Offer on Italy train tickets

If a trip to Italy is in your plans, check your Amex account for this offer, which could save you up to 20% on train tickets.

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.

Targeted Chase Offer at Hyatt Inclusive Collection

Chase has an interesting offer at Hyatt's Inclusive Collection, a portfolio of all-inclusive resorts around the world with both adults-only and family-friendly options. We spotted it on select United cobranded cards.

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 complete payment for both stays by Aug. 31.

Ongoing travel deals

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

• Earn 8,000 extra Choice Privileges points every time you stay twice at participating Choice hotels, up to 32,000 bonus points maximum. Register and book by July 6, then complete your stays by July 7.
• IHG One Rewards members can earn triple American Airlines AAdvantage miles on IHG hotel stays. Register with your AAdvantage number, then book and stay by July 6.
• With this American Airlines award sale, you can score deals on flights to select destinations within the U.S. as well as to Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean starting at just 9,000 AAdvantage miles one-way. Book by July 7 for travel between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30.
• Celebrate America's Semiquincentennial (250th birthday) with 2,500 extra Best Western Rewards points per night — up to 10,000 bonus points total — at any Best Western branded hotel. Register before booking, and stay by July 7.
• Score two times the base points on a Marriott Homes & Villas stay of four or more nights in the U.S. and Europe. Sign in and book a participating property by July 12, and complete your stay by July 31.
• Earn up to $80 toward future Uber rides when you fly Delta premium economy. Enroll in the Promotions section of your Delta SkyMiles account, then book and fly by July 19.
• This summer, World of Hyatt is offering up to 30,000 bonus points at Hyatt Place and Hyatt Select brands. That's 3,000 bonus points on every stay of three-plus nights at participating hotels in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. Register first, then book and stay by July 31.
• Get 20% of your World of Hyatt points back on award stays at participating Las Vegas hotels and resorts when you register, book and stay by July 31.
• Boost your Bonvoy earnings with 5,000 bonus points per stay at Marriott Design Hotels around the world, as long as you stay at least two consecutive nights. Book by Aug. 2 with code "S2449," and complete your stay by Aug. 3.
• Earn double Accor Live Limitless base points on an eligible stay of two-plus nights at a participating hotel in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Panama or Brazil. Activate this offer first, then book by Aug. 8 and complete your stay by Sept. 8.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 $150 cash back when you spend at least $375 at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties in the U.S., the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico. This offer ends July 22.
• Earn a $150 statement credit after you spend a minimum of $375 at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties in the U.S., the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico before July 22.
• Earn a one-time $300 statement credit after you spend a minimum of $1,500 at the Wander website or through the Wander mobile app by July 31.
• Earn 10% back on purchases of prepaid hotel bookings ("pay now") online at Expedia by Aug. 4, up to a maximum of $125 in total statement credits.
  Get $100 back after spending $500 or more with Omni Hotels & Resorts. Enroll by July 13 and make your purchase by Aug. 14.
  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 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 $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.

Targeted Chase Offers

• If you want to book a land tour or river cruise for your next vacation, you can get $200 cash back on your Trafalgar purchase of $2,000 or more before July 15.
• 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.

Related reading:

• The best places to visit in July
• The 'coolest' vacation spots to escape the heat this summer
• Airfares soar 27% as fuel costs spike: See our booking tips
• How to pick the right travel credit card for you
• 9 ways to save on your next family vacation

Yet another record-size cruise ship is about to debut — this time in Europe.

Dubbed Legend of the Seas, the 20-deck-high Royal Caribbean vessel will sail from Civitavecchia, Italy, on Saturday on a maiden voyage that will take it to Marseille, France; Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and La Spezia, Italy before a return trip to Civitavecchia.

Built at the giant Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Legend of the Seas is the latest ship in Royal Caribbean's much-ballyhooed Icon Class series, which is setting new records for ship sizes.

Two earlier vessels in the two-year-old series — Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas — each are about 6% bigger than the previous size leader among cruise ships, Royal Caribbean's four-year-old Wonder of the Seas.

Like both of its sisters, Legend of the Seas measures about 248,660 gross tons. But it's a foot longer than the two earlier Icon Class vessels, making it the new world's largest cruise ship — if only by a tad.

Room for nearly 10,000 people

Like its sisters, Legend of the Seas is able to hold up to 7,600 passengers with every berth full — a record-breaking number that tops any other vessels afloat by a significant amount.

Add in 2,350 crew members, and Legend of the Seas, like its sisters, can sail at times with nearly 10,000 people on board — also a record for a cruise vessel.

As is typical for the world's largest cruise ships, both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas debuted in Florida, the cruise capital of the world. But Legend of the Seas will sail in the Mediterranean through late October, when it will reposition across the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades.

Related: The 7 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

That makes it by far the largest cruise vessel ever to debut in Europe.

Legend of the Seas' Mediterranean sailings, mostly seven nights in length, will begin in Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Barcelona.

After repositioning to Florida, it'll operate alternating six- and eight-night sailings to the Western Caribbean and Southern Caribbean with calls at some ports such as Falmouth, Jamaica and Willemstad, Curacao that haven't traditionally seen Icon Class ships.

All Legend of the Seas voyages will also feature calls at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's hugely popular private island in the Bahamas.

Designed for families

Like the two other vessels in the Icon Class series, Legend of the Seas has been designed with families in mind.

The Icon Class series of ships boasts more cabins offering extra bunks to accommodate families with children than earlier Royal Caribbean vessels. They also have more amenities geared to families, including new-for-the-line outdoor "neighborhoods" called Surfside that are dedicated to families with young children.

The Surfside areas, notably, feature splash areas for babies and kids, pools and lounge spaces for parents, family-friendly eateries and shops.

The Icon Class ships also feature seven pools and the largest water parks ever built on a cruise ship, with a record six waterslides each. No other vessels come close to such extensive water attractions on a cruise ship.

Related: Royal Caribbean ships ranked from newest to oldest

Among new features on Legend of the Seas are a Hollywood-themed Supper Club and new food venues at the top-of-the-ship AquaDome Market.

New entertainment offerings include a version of Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", which played on Broadway and London's West End.

Initial fares for seven-night sailings on Legend of the Seas in the Mediterranean start at $1,480 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares for sailings out of Florida start at $1,582 per person, based on double occupancy.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Each of Chase's personal Sapphire cards earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

While the mid-tier Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and the premium Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) are in the same family, the two cards diverge in benefits, earning rates and annual fees.

The Sapphire Reserve offers many perks in exchange for a high $795 annual fee. Meanwhile, the Sapphire Preferred — which has recently added new benefits and changed some features — is a simpler option for $95 a year.

Consider your travel style and your overall points and miles strategy before choosing. Let's compare.

Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve comparison

*This is a new or enhanced Sapphire Preferred benefit.
^The top brands eligible for 3 points per dollar spent include Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa.
#Cardholders receive up to $100 in statement credits for prepaid hotel stays booked through Chase Travel; current cardholders who have already used their $50 will receive an additional $50.

Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve welcome bonus

New applicants for the Sapphire Reserve earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

These points are worth $2,050, according to TPG's July 2026 valuations.

Meanwhile, you can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening with the Sapphire Preferred. This is worth $2,050, when considering TPG's valuations. It's the highest offer we've seen in the card's history.

You can hold both the Sapphire Reserve and the Sapphire Preferred, but there are restrictions that may make some new applicants ineligible for bonus offers.

If you've previously earned a bonus on the Sapphire Reserve, you almost certainly won't be eligible for a second bonus on the Sapphire Reserve. If you previously earned a bonus on a Sapphire Preferred, you almost definitely will be ineligible for a second bonus on the Sapphire Preferred.

It's important to remember Chase's 5/24 rule when applying for one of the issuer's cards.

Winner: Sapphire Preferred. Its current offer requires $1,000 less in minimum spending to earn it.

Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve benefits

The Sapphire Preferred and the Sapphire Reserve are separated most distinctly by their benefits. Let's break down what you can expect.

With the $95 Sapphire Preferred, you'll receive:

• Annual hotel credit: Receive a $100 hotel credit when you book through Chase Travel. This has doubled from $50.
• Apple TV subscription: Enjoy one complimentary year of Apple TV (when activated by Dec. 31). This is a new Sapphire Preferred perk.
• DoorDash: Enjoy a complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription for at least one year (when you activate by Dec. 31, 2027) and $10 in monthly credits ($120 annually) for nonrestaurant purchases (through Dec. 31, 2027).
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus: Receive up to $120 in statement credits every four years. This is a new benefit on the Sapphire Preferred.

It's worth noting that the Sapphire Preferred discontinued the 10% annual anniversary points bonus for cardmembers who applied on or after June 15. If you applied before then, eligible purchases made through Oct. 1 will continue to earn the 10% bonus. If eligible, you'll receive your last anniversary bonus by Jan. 31, 2027.

The $795 Sapphire Reserve provides:

• Apple Music and Apple TV: Receive up to $288 in statement credits annually for subscriptions (one-time activation for both services is required; through June 22, 2027).
• DoorDash: Receive up to $25 in monthly promos, plus at least one complimentary year of DashPass (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus: Receive up to $120 in statement credits every four years.
• Lyft: Receive up to $120 annually (up to $10 each month; through Sept. 30, 2027; does not apply to Wait & Save, bike or scooter rides).
• OpenTable: Receive up to $300 annually (split into two up-to-$150 biannual credits) for dining at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants (no prepayment, payment or reservation through OpenTable required).
• Peloton subscriptions: Receive up to $120 annually (up to $10 each month) for Peloton subscriptions (through Dec. 31, 2027).
• StubHub/Viagogo: Receive up to $300 annually (activation required; split into two up-to-$150 biannual credits; through Dec. 31, 2027).
• The Edit: Receive up to $500 annually (split into two up-to-$250 credits that can be used at any time but cannot be combined) for prepaid The Edit bookings (of two nights or more).
• Travel: Receive up to $300 toward all travel purchases.

You can enjoy extra benefits after spending $75,000 on the Sapphire Reserve in a calendar year, including:

• IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status
• Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List status
• World of Hyatt Explorist status
• A $500 Southwest Airlines credit when booking through Chase Travel
• A $250 credit for The Shops at Chase

A distinction for many travelers will be the Sapphire Reserve's lounge access. Chase currently has eight Sapphire Lounges and plans to open at least two more. Plus, the Priority Pass network includes over 1,900 lounges worldwide.

The Sapphire Reserve's beloved travel credit broadly applies to travel purchases and is automatically applied. Conversely, the Sapphire Preferred's $100 hotel credit is limited to bookings through Chase Travel.

Both cards come with a suite of travel protections. The more premium Sapphire Reserve has broader coverage with certain policies. However, the Sapphire Preferred now includes emergency evacuation and transportation coverage as part of its benefits with the refresh, which is a solid addition for the lower annual fee.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve. The more premium card comes with lounge access, a more flexible travel credit and a list of statement credits to maximize.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve statement credits: What they are and how to use them

Earning points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve

There are notable variations in how the Sapphire Preferred and the Sapphire Reserve earn points.

With the Sapphire Preferred, you'll earn:

• 5 points per dollar spent on all travel booked through Chase Travel, eligible Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027) and eligible Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (through Dec. 31, 2027)
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining, gas and EV charging, vacation homes at multiple top brands, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) and select streaming services
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel worldwide
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Sapphire Reserve earns:

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

The two cards earn at the same rate on Lyft rides and dining.

The Reserve outshines the Preferred on Chase Travel purchases and flights and hotels booked directly, an important consideration for frequent travelers.

In contrast, the Sapphire Preferred earns more in a diverse set of categories, including select streaming services, gas and EV charging, vacation homes and online groceries. Plus, it has a general travel bonus category that the Sapphire Reserve does not.

If you book Airbnb stays, the Sapphire Preferred certainly wins out. If you book cruises or other general travel (outside of flights or hotels booked directly or through Chase Travel), you're better off earning 2 points per dollar spent on the Preferred instead of 1 point per dollar spent on the Reserve.

Winner: Tie. This depends on what you value. While the Sapphire Reserve offers higher earning rates in many travel categories, the Sapphire Preferred earns bonus points for multiple everyday purchases, so the best option will depend on your spending habits.

Related: Which purchases count as dining with the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Redeeming points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve

Chase's Points Boost feature lets certain cardholders get more value per point when booking eligible travel through Chase Travel (up to 2 cents per point; the exact value you get depends on which card you have and what you're booking; check your rewards program agreement for the full details).

• Sapphire Reserve cardholders can get up to 2 cents per point on select hotel and flight bookings made through Chase Travel.
• Sapphire Preferred holders can get up to 1.75 cents per point on select flight bookings and up to 1.5 cents per point on select hotel bookings.

The base redemption rate for Chase Travel redemptions not eligible for Points Boost on both the Sapphire Preferred and the Sapphire Reserve is 1 cent per point.

Holding the Sapphire Reserve unlocks higher potential value through Points Boost than the Sapphire Preferred. However, you'll have to make a Points Boost-eligible booking with select hotels and flight itineraries to get more than 1 cent per point in value.

You can also redeem your points for cash back or gift cards, but these redemptions typically offer poor value.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve. You could get up to 2 cents per point with select Points Boost bookings, which is higher than the Sapphire Preferred rate of up to 1.75 cents per point.

Related: Why Chase's Points Boost is an outstanding (kind of surprising) way to book hotels on points

Transferring points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve

The best way to get maximum value from your points earned with the Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve is to transfer them to one of Chase's travel partners.

These partners include valuable loyalty programs such as Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt. When you transfer points, you can make stellar redemptions. Not to mention, Chase often offers transfer bonuses that add even more value to your points when you transfer them.

There is a key change to factor in with the Sapphire Preferred's latest refresh. If you applied for the card on or after June 15, your transfer ratio to World of Hyatt is reduced to 4:3 (down from 1:1). If you applied before June 15, the new ratio takes effect Oct. 1.

The Sapphire Reserve's 1:1 World of Hyatt transfer ratio is not changing.

Given that World of Hyatt is one of the most popular programs for transferring Ultimate Rewards points, this Sapphire Preferred change is worth noting.

Credit cards managing editor Giselle Gomez has transferred her Chase points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio for two stays. She used 24,000 points to book three nights at the Hyatt Place North Charleston in South Carolina during a holiday weekend. The same booking would've cost $200 per night in cash, netting her 2.5 cents per point in value.

Giselle also used 20,000 points at the Hyatt House Scottsdale/Old Town in Arizona for a two-night stay in a two-bedroom suite that would've cost $800, getting 2 cents per point on this redemption.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve. Given that the Sapphire Preferred is in the process of changing its World of Hyatt transfer ratio from 1:1 to 4:3, the premium card wins out.

Related: How I got a 20X return on my Chase Sapphire Preferred last year

Should I get the Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve?

The Sapphire Reserve outperforms the Sapphire Preferred in key earning rates, travel perks and redemption value (especially since it will maintain the 1:1 transfer ratio for World of Hyatt). However, those advantages come with a much higher $795 annual fee.

Before choosing, think carefully about how often you travel and whether you'll realistically use the Reserve's many travel and lifestyle credits.

If you value airport lounge access, want top-tier travel protections and can maximize the Reserve's credits, the Sapphire Reserve will likely deliver more overall value.

If you prefer simplicity, want strong earning rates on everyday spending and don't want to manage multiple statement credits, the Sapphire Preferred remains one of the best mid-tier travel cards on the market.

Related: 10 reasons to choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred over the fancier Chase Sapphire Reserve

How to upgrade from the Sapphire Preferred to the Sapphire Reserve

You can upgrade from the Sapphire Preferred to the Sapphire Reserve by calling the number on the back of your card. You can do the same if you want to downgrade your Sapphire Reserve to the Sapphire Preferred.

You have to hold your card for at least 12 months before you can downgrade. However, you won't be eligible for a welcome offer on your new card if you choose to upgrade or downgrade your existing card.

Related: 6 reasons to upgrade your Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Sapphire Reserve

Bottom line

Both the Sapphire Preferred and the Sapphire Reserve have earned a strong reputation among travelers for their valuable rewards and flexible redemption options.

If you value airport lounge access, can maximize statement credits and appreciate high earning rates, the Sapphire Reserve is the pick for you.

If you're into simplicity, don't mind the less advantageous transfer ratio for World of Hyatt and don't want to pay a high annual fee, apply for the Sapphire Preferred instead.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Sapphire Preferred and the Sapphire Reserve.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

The summer travel rush is here, and for travelers headed to the airport, that can mean unexpected travel snafus.

Recent years have brought all too many reminders about the importance of knowing your air travel rights as a passenger. From summer storms to government shutdowns, it's clear that knowing what to ask for when your flight is delayed or canceled is critical when you're preparing to fly.

A big part of that is knowing when an airline owes you a refund.

Your rights to a refund

For domestic flights, as well as international flights departing or arriving in the U.S., you're covered by the rules of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Under the DOT flight refund policy, you are entitled to a refund, no questions asked, if your flight is canceled and you ultimately choose not to travel. It doesn't matter whether the cancellation was the airline's fault or due to something beyond its control, like bad weather.

The policy applies to any unflown portion of your ticket.

Here's an example

Let's say you book a weekend round-trip from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), but your outbound flight gets canceled. The airline offers to rebook you on a later flight, but you decide to just scrap the trip and decline the rebooking. The airline would then owe you a refund for the whole itinerary.

Now, let's say you made it to Boston, but a storm canceled your return flight to Washington, D.C. You decide to take the train instead. In this case, the airline would owe you a refund for the return portion of the trip.

Refund rules apply only if you choose not to travel

Remember, you're only owed a refund if you choose not to travel, and you don't accept rebooking.

That second point is key. If the airline cancels your 8 a.m. flight and rebooks you on, say, a 1 p.m. flight the following day — and you take that (very late) flight — your carrier would not technically owe you a refund.

Didn't the federal government just pass stricter rules?

In recent years, you may have heard about the federal government passing stricter rules when it comes to refunds for flights.

But the rules still aren't ironclad.

Here's what's new.

As part of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act passed by Congress in 2024, airlines are expected to automatically notify passengers when a disruption could make them eligible for a refund.

Under the new rules, when a passenger is owed a refund, carriers must issue the refund promptly and automatically. In other words, the customer shouldn't have to fight the airline for the refund.

How fast do airlines have to refund you?

By law, airline refunds are expected "promptly" — within seven days for passengers who paid by credit card and within 20 days for those who paid by another means.

Does the airline owe me a refund for a flight delay?

The DOT refund rules don't just apply to canceled flights. Under the policy, airlines must also provide you a refund for the unused portion of your ticket when a flight is significantly delayed or when the airline makes a significant schedule change.

Again, though, this is only if you choose not to travel.

What constitutes a 'significant' change or delay?

According to the recent law passed by Congress, a significant change or delay occurs when a domestic flight arrives at its destination at least three hours late or an international flight arrives six hours late.

What should you do if an airline is offering a voucher instead of a refund?

Airlines are allowed to offer passengers a voucher (or miles) instead of a refund.

However, refund-eligible passengers don't have to accept a voucher. They can insist on simply getting their money back instead.

Under the DOT's policy, airlines offering passengers a voucher or some other form of compensation as an alternative to a refund must clearly explain to the passenger that they're entitled to an actual cash refund if that's what they want.

Should you ever take miles instead of a cash refund?

Think carefully before accepting airline miles instead of a cash refund. You'll want to make sure you're truly getting better value. Consult TPG's points and miles valuations to check the value of what the airline is offering in loyalty currency.

For instance, let's say you're hoping American Airlines will give you a refund for a $217 ticket, and the airline offers you 10,000 miles instead. As of July, TPG values AAdvantage miles at 1.4 cents apiece, so 10,000 miles would be worth about $140.

Clearly, in such a case, accepting miles wouldn't be in your best interest. But, it might be a different story if American offered, say, 50,000 miles (worth about $700, per our valuations) for your $217 flight.

Remember: Airlines tend to devalue miles over time, so if you do accept miles, we'd suggest using them as soon as possible.

What about compensation for food, hotels and ground transportation?

Compensation for things like meals, an unexpected hotel stay or an Uber ride in the event of a flight delay or cancellation falls under a different category than refunds.

Many airlines make guarantees about what they'll provide in the event of a cancellation or significant delay. Those promises are laid out on the DOT's airline customer service dashboard.

However, there are two things to know.

These guarantees are far from ironclad

These promises are more discretionary forms of compensation. In other words, the airlines don't technically have to offer those meal vouchers or hotel bookings. Think of this as more of a goodwill gesture that the airlines have promised their customers they'll provide ... depending on the circumstances.

It matters who caused the delay or cancellation

Also, airlines are generally only going to offer up hotel, meal and ground transportation compensation when it's a "controllable" disruption — in other words, when it's the airline's fault (think maintenance issues or airline staffing problems).

I wouldn't count on that hotel voucher if your flight is scrapped because of a winter storm or air traffic control delays.

This is where a credit card that offers travel insurance protections can be crucial (and, for me, really eliminates the financial stress of flight troubles).

Check out TPG's guide to passenger rights for a better sense of what you might be owed.

Didn't the feds propose compensation?

Just prior to leaving office, the Biden administration proposed rules requiring airlines to pay passengers additional cash compensation when the carrier caused a cancellation or major delay.

However, the Trump administration opted not to move forward with that measure.

Bottom line

It can be challenging to keep track of airline policies, but the federal rules that govern refunds are relatively straightforward.

You are owed a refund for any unused portion of your ticket if your flight is canceled, significantly delayed or has a significant schedule change (no matter the reason) and you ultimately choose not to travel with that airline. That refund should come automatically and within seven days if you paid by credit card, or 20 days if you paid using a different method.

It's likely you are not entitled to a refund if:

• Your flight is canceled or delayed, and you allow the airline to rebook you on a later flight
• You accept a voucher or some other form of compensation as a clearly stated alternative to a full cash refund

Passengers who feel that an airline hasn't followed protocol or has unfairly denied a refund request can file a complaint with the DOT.

Related reading:

• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• TPG's favorite credit cards with travel insurance
• Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is right for you?
• EU261 compensation: What is it, and how does it work?
• Best Airlines Report: Tips for 2026 travel after cancellations hit 3-year high
• Why it's so important to make sure your boarding pass says 'TSA PreCheck'

Rewards cards are frequently rolling out high-value welcome offers. If you're a travel enthusiast like us at TPG, it's likely you're keeping your eyes peeled for standout bonuses.

This month, we've compiled seven of our favorite cards with stellar offers right now. These range from top-tier business cards to cobranded options for your next trip — and you won't want to miss out on the value.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (see rates and fees).

Plus, there are even more limited-time offers available, so don't stop your search here if none of these currently suit your needs.

Our favorite credit card welcome offers in July 2026

*Welcome offer value is determined using TPG's July 2026 valuations and is not provided or reviewed by the issuer.

Related: Easiest credit card welcome bonuses to earn

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Chase's premium business card offers multiple benefits, including useful statement credits and travel perks.

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

Why we love it: TPG editor-in-chief Nick Ewen recently used half of his up to $500 in annual statement credits for The Edit properties for a two-night stay at the Park Hyatt Chicago.

With the recent changes to the World of Hyatt's award chart, the price of Nick's stay in points wasn't the best redemption. However, booking this property via Chase Travel℠ triggered up to $250 in statement credits and counted as a loyalty-eligible stay, helping him requalify for Hyatt Globalist this year.

Note: The Edit statement credit is only eligible on prepaid stays of two nights or more.

Nick said the cherry on top was finding a lower rate directly through Hyatt and successfully using Chase's new price-match feature for select cardholders, which gave him another $50 credit.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

American Express Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum Card is one of our favorite luxury travel cards thanks to its long list of useful benefits, including airport lounge access and valuable statement credits.

Welcome offer: 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.)

Why we love it: TPG credit cards editor Olivia Mittak finds solid value in the Amex Platinum's benefits. Specifically, Olivia enjoys receiving the up to $155 Walmart+ statement credit per calendar year (up to $12.95 monthly, plus applicable taxes) that covers the cost of a monthly membership when paying with the Amex Platinum (on one membership, subject to auto-renewal); Plus Up is excluded. Walmart+ includes a complimentary Paramount+ subscription (separate enrollment is required), which allows her to avoid paying out of pocket for the streaming service.

She also uses the card's up to $300 annual Lululemon statement credit per calendar year at U.S. stores (excluding outlets) and online (allocated as up to $75 per quarter) and up to $400 annual Resy credit (distributed as up to $100 per quarter; simply pay with your Amex Platinum at an eligible U.S. Resy restaurant; no reservation is required). Olivia recently used her quarterly U.S. Resy statement credit to pay for dinner for herself and friends.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

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

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Sapphire Preferred is an excellent card for many types of travelers, packing in high earning rates and solid benefits for a modest $95 annual fee.

Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Why we love it: I've been a happy Sapphire Preferred cardholder for years, but I'm even more pleased with it now that it includes 3 points per dollar spent on gas and electric vehicle charging, as well as vacation home rentals booked at Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa.

Plus, the card added a new statement credit of up to $120 every four years to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus, and doubled its hotel credit to $100 each account anniversary for bookings made through Chase Travel. I recently paid just $35 for a night away with the updated credit.

For the $95 annual fee, this card is a no-brainer.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

American Express Gold Card

The Amex Gold is one of our favorite credit cards for dining since it earns a stellar 4 points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter.

Welcome offer: 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.)

Why we love it: Lyndsey Matthews, TPG's managing editor for points and loyalty programs, easily redeems up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash credits (up to $120 uber cash)† and up to $10 in monthly dining statement credits (up to $120 annually) with select partners (enrollment is required for both benefits) on her Amex Gold. She said she uses her dining statement credit with Grubhub "without even trying."

Plus, Lyndsey uses the Membership Rewards points earned with the card for solid redemptions. Last year, she booked one business-class flight and one premium economy ticket on Finnair by transferring 106,000 Amex points to British Airways Avios, which she then transferred to Finnair Plus.

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

†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. Valid for U.S. Uber and Uber Eats orders.

Apply here: American Express Gold Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

The Bonvoy Boundless is a standout hotel credit card for Marriott loyalists who enjoy racking up Marriott Bonvoy points and perks when they stay with the brand.

Welcome offer: Earn 125,000 bonus points and a free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Additionally, you can receive 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.)

Why we love it: TPG lead points and miles writer Katie Genter said there are two benefits on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless that keep it in her wallet long term.

First, earning 15 elite night credits each year helps her requalify for at least Platinum Elite status. Second, she can easily get more value from the free night award she receives on each account anniversary, which helps justify paying the $95 annual fee.

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

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

The Ink Business Cash card earns a fantastic 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.

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

Why we love it: TPG credit cards managing editor Giselle Gomez said she loves this card because it rewards expenses she'd be paying anyway.

Since her internet, cable and family cellphone bills are all on autopay, Giselle earns roughly 2,250 points a month by using this card and transferring its rewards to a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

She said the Ink Business Cash is one of the easiest cards for her to justify keeping long term, especially since it charges no annual fee.

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

Apply here: Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited features a simple rewards structure to earn cash-back rewards on a variety of business expenses. You'll get an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business.

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

Why we love it: TPG director of site content strategy Carly Helfand said she uses this card for business expenses that fall outside traditional bonus categories (think digital tools and subscriptions).

Carly finds that it's a great complement to the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees), which earns bonus points in categories like travel and shipping. She said she consolidates all the points she earns so she can transfer them to travel partners like United MileagePlus.

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

Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Bottom line

These offers can help you boost your transferable points and miles balance or unlock meaningful discounts on your next trip.

As always, be sure to factor in each issuer's unique set of application restrictions and ensure you can meet any spending requirements to earn the bonus.

But with so much value on the table, you won't want to miss out on adding one of these top credit cards (and its bonus) to your wallet.

Related: 25 cards currently offering welcome bonuses of 100,000 points or more

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

Rove continues to add new transfer partners, and the latest addition — Frontier Miles — is an interesting one. Even better, the credit card-free loyalty program is celebrating with a 25% transfer bonus.

In the world of points and miles, Frontier Airlines often flies under the radar. That's because this Denver-based budget carrier has not historically partnered with any transferable credit card rewards currencies, making it harder to earn Frontier miles — until now.

Frontier flyers will appreciate having a way to transfer rewards to their Frontier Miles account at a 1:1 ratio (or a 1:1.25 ratio through July 31, thanks to the 25% transfer bonus). The program's only other transfer partner is Marriott Bonvoy, which offers a less-than-ideal 3:1 ratio.

Although Frontier Miles may not offer aspirational redemptions like business-class flights across the pond, it is a solid loyalty program for travelers who fly Frontier. You can typically redeem miles for around 1.3 cents each, based on TPG's July 2026 valuations.

In the year or so since the program launched, Rove's roster of transfer partners has grown rapidly.

Rove members can earn miles on everyday purchases, travel and more — including up to 28 miles per dollar spent on select hotels. Even better, you can double-dip hotel rewards at some properties.

Bottom line

You may be able to get better value from your Rove miles by transferring them to one of the program's 18 other partners, including valuable options like Air France-KLM Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. But if you're planning a trip to one of Frontier's destinations across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, take a look at Frontier's award prices and see if it makes sense to book with your Rove miles.

You have until July 31 to take advantage of Rove's 25% transfer bonus to Frontier.

Chase's Ultimate Rewards program can offer some incredible value. It's no surprise that the currency appears near the top of TPG's July 2026 valuations, checking in at 2.05 cents per point each.

But one of my favorite things about the Ultimate Rewards program is how you can easily transfer points between your Chase credit cards.

By combining Ultimate Rewards points into a single account, you can maximize the value you get out of every redemption. And you can even do this with a household member.

With solid offers across Chase's product portfolio, including the return of the highest-ever welcome bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), now could be the perfect time to familiarize yourself with this strategy for maximizing your Chase points.

So, here's a tutorial on how to transfer Ultimate Rewards points between accounts and a look at when to consider doing so.

Overview of this strategy

Let's start with a brief overview of why this is so powerful. The various cards that participate in the Ultimate Rewards program have different redemption structures. Some are billed as cash-back. Others allow transfers to partner programs and feature Points Boost, which can extend the value of select redemptions via Chase Travel℠.

Bottom line: Chase allows you to easily pool your rewards into the account that offers the most value.

Even better? You can also do this with a member of your household, putting that next dream trip within reach.

Which cards allow you to combine points?

Here are the cards that allow this strategy:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
• Chase Freedom (no longer available to new applicants)
• Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees)

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

The Ink Business Premier® Credit Card (see rates and fees) is also issued by Chase, but you can't combine those rewards with other cards.

Savvy readers may notice five cash-back cards on this list.

However, when you hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Ink Business Preferred, you can effectively convert those cash-back rewards into more valuable points.

There are two different types of transfers you can make:

1. Transfer points between accounts where you're the primary cardholder.
2. Transfer points between your account and a member of your household.

Related: How much are Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth?

How to get started

The first thing you'll need to do is ensure that your Ultimate Rewards-earning credit cards are all associated with the same online account — especially if you just got a new one, which should automatically appear shortly after getting approved.

Note that you can have other (non-Ultimate Rewards) accounts associated with the same Chase username. I currently have several others on the same online account, making it easier to manage all my cards.

Related: The power of the Chase Trifecta: Sapphire Reserve, Ink Preferred and Freedom Unlimited

How to combine Chase Ultimate Rewards points

To combine your Chase points, start by logging in to the account from which you want to transfer points — be it yours or a household member's account. Click on an Ultimate Rewards card from the homepage, then click "Redeem" next to your rewards balance.

This will launch the Ultimate Rewards portal. At the top, click on "Rewards details" to see the "Combine points" option.

How to transfer Chase points between your cards

The easier method is moving points among your cards. After clicking the "Combine points" option, enter the number of points you want to transfer (or click the link to move all of them). Then, choose the account where you want to move your rewards and click "Next" at the bottom.

Review the details, then click "Submit" when you're ready to process the transfer.

This will likely trigger a security verification (typically in the Chase app), so follow the prompts on the screen.

Once successful, you'll see a confirmation page with the details.

Your new balance should also be reflected at the top of the page, as these transfers happen instantaneously.

For a visual of how this process works, click through this gallery of images:

How to transfer Chase points to another person

In addition to combining your points in a single account, you can also use this functionality to transfer points to (or from) another person's account.

However, before doing so, read the terms and conditions of combining Ultimate Rewards points:

You can move your points, but only to another Chase card with Ultimate Rewards belonging to you, or one member of your household. If we suspect that you've engaged in fraudulent activity related to your credit card account or Ultimate Rewards, or that you've misused Ultimate Rewards in any way (for example by buying or selling points, moving or transferring points with or to an ineligible third party or account, or repeatedly opening or otherwise maintaining credit card accounts for the sole purpose of generating rewards or manufacturing spend, repeatedly opening or otherwise maintaining credit card accounts for the sole purpose of generating rewards) we may temporarily prohibit you from earning points or using points you've already earned. If we believe you've engaged in any of these acts, we'll close your credit card account.

When you transfer points to someone else's Ultimate Rewards account, they must be a member of your household (or an owner of the business for Chase Ink cards).

Currently, when you transfer points to another individual's account for the first time, you'll need to call the number on the back of your card. Explain to the agent that you'd like to combine your points with a household member. The agent will then ask for the card number of your household member before you can initiate a transfer.

After calling, your household member's account should appear online for future transfers.

Once you've added a household member's account, the process is identical to what I outlined above. You'll choose how many points to transfer, review the details and then submit the transfer request.

When to transfer Ultimate Rewards points between accounts

Now that you know how to combine Ultimate Rewards points into a single account, you may wonder when it makes sense to do so.

Here are three times you'll want to consider combining Ultimate Rewards points into one account.

Converting cash-back rewards to Ultimate Rewards points

As I discussed earlier, cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited are not simply cash-back cards. If you also have a premium card, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can convert your cash-back rewards into Ultimate Rewards points.

Ultimate Rewards points are typically most valuable when redeemed directly for travel, particularly when you transfer to partners like Hyatt and United Airlines.

For example, let's say you have both the Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Freedom Unlimited. The Freedom Unlimited offers these bonus categories that the Sapphire Preferred does not:

• 3% back on drugstore purchases
• 1.5% back on all non-bonused spending

However, those cash-back rewards can be converted into full Ultimate Rewards points if you also have the Sapphire Preferred. As a result, this is equivalent to earning 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent at drugstores and 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on non-bonused spending.

That's better than using the Sapphire Preferred for these purchases, which would net just 1 point per dollar.

This gets even better with the redemption options. With a cash-back card like the Freedom Unlimited, your rewards are generally worth just 1 cent apiece (though Chase occasionally runs specials for gift cards or even Apple products).

But with higher-end cards like the Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred or the Ink Business Preferred, your points can potentially be used for more value through Chase Travel thanks to these two features:

• Points Boost: With the Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred, you'll receive up to 1.75 cents per point on eligible bookings, depending on the card and the specific redemption (see your rewards program agreement for full details). This jumps up to 2 cents for the Sapphire Reserve (see your guide to benefits for more information).
• Points transfer: You can transfer your points to Chase's 14 airline and hotel partners, which can unlock even more value when you utilize individual program sweet spots.

This is also a great option if your partner or spouse only has cash-back cards with no annual fee, which is precisely the case in my family. My wife has an Ink Business Cash and a Freedom Unlimited, and we periodically transfer her rewards into my Chase Sapphire Reserve account. I can then use these points for more valuable redemptions than she'd get on her own.

Boosting accounts for a specific redemption

Another reason to combine points is if you have a specific redemption in mind. You can book some outstanding awards with Ultimate Rewards points, but you may not have enough points in your account for the one you want. If your designated household member has some extra points, they could transfer those points to you through Ultimate Rewards so you can book the redemption you want.

When you want to cancel a card

A final rationale for combining points is if you want to cancel a card.

Before doing so, transfer your rewards to another of your accounts (or to your designated household member). That way, you don't lose your rewards.

Related: Here's why you should never close your credit cards before the 1-year mark

Bottom line

The Ultimate Rewards program is incredibly valuable, and much of that value comes from the flexibility of the points you earn, especially when combining points across your accounts or transferring them to a designated household member.

If you've recently signed up for a new Ultimate Rewards-earning card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, I hope this post has given you some insight into how you can extend the value of your points even further.

Related: Chase Sapphire bonus eligibility changes: Here's what to know

One of the rarest, most popular credit card offers we've ever seen is back.

In fact, I'll let you in on a secret: Last year, no credit card offer generated more excitement at The Points Guy than the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) when it returned with a limited-time 100,000-point welcome bonus.

It wasn't even particularly close. It wasn't just a good offer — it was the offer everyone wanted in on.

There's a good reason for that. A 100,000-point bonus on a card with a $95 annual fee is exceptionally rare. In fact, this is only the third time we've seen it since the card came out in 2009. And when paired with Chase Ultimate Rewards' airline and hotel transfer partners, it can unlock thousands of dollars in travel rewards.

And now, for a limited time, the 100,000-point offer is back.

Limited-time offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

And while the annual fee is just $95, TPG currently values the 100,000 bonus Chase points at $2,050 (based on June 2026 valuations), making this one of the most incredible welcome offers we've seen all year since you can get over $2,000 in travel from a card that costs less than $100!

If history is any indication, this elevated offer won't be around forever. Here's why it's such a big deal and why now may be the best time to apply.

Sapphire Preferred at a glance

How you can use 100,000 Chase points

Numbers like "100,000 points" sound impressive — but what does that actually mean for your next trip?

Depending on how you redeem them, these 100,000 points could help pay for things like:

• Lie-flat business-class flight to Europe from 40,500 points transferred to Iberia Avios (plus taxes/fees)
• Flights to London in economy from 6,000 points transferred to Virgin Atlantic per ticket (plus taxes/fees)
• Multiple domestic economy flights via United Airlines, Southwest and more from 5,000 - 15,000 miles for many routes
• A couple of round-trip flights to Hawaii on United
• A few nights at many resorts that cost hundreds of dollars per night (such as the Hyatt Regency Maui or Hyatt Hill Country Resort)
• $1,500+ in travel bookings by leveraging Points Boost via Chase Travel

Of course, the exact value depends on how you want to redeem your points, but that's one of the biggest advantages of Chase Ultimate Rewards — you have plenty of options.

Just how good is this 100,000-point offer?

If you've followed the Sapphire Preferred for a while, you know the welcome bonus doesn't stay at 100,000 points year-round. And if you haven't, here's the quick history lesson.

We've only seen the Sapphire Preferred bonus reach this 100,000-point level three times in the card's 16-year history.

That's why many savvy rewards travelers intentionally wait to apply until Chase brings back this elevated offer ... though sometimes they've been left waiting years. But since you generally only get one chance to earn a welcome bonus on the card, timing your application can make a meaningful difference.

The previous public offer was 75,000 points. Based on TPG's June 2026 valuations, the current limited-time bonus is worth more than $500 more in potential travel.

Here's who is eligible for this 100,000-point offer

There's good news for some, because earlier this year, Chase changed the eligibility rules for the Sapphire cards.

Now, having a Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) no longer disqualifies you from having a Sapphire Preferred. It's fine to have both.

Before applying, though, keep these rules in mind:

• The Chase 5/24 rule (explained here) still applies.
• You'll likely need a good credit score.
• If you've had the Sapphire Preferred before, the rules say you cannot get the welcome bonus again (so get it while it's increased).

However, being an authorized user on someone else's Sapphire Preferred does not prevent you from getting one in your own name as the primary cardholder.

How long will the 100,000-point Sapphire Preferred offer last?

Chase hasn't announced when this offer will end, but it has said it's only available for a limited time.

Last year's 100,000-point Sapphire Preferred promotion lasted about six weeks, but there's no guarantee this one will follow the same timeline.

If you're hoping to lock in the highest welcome bonus we've ever seen on the Sapphire Preferred, I wouldn't wait too long. While no one knows exactly when this offer will end, bonus promotions at this level on a card with such a low annual fee rarely become the new normal.

Don't miss: Limited-time offer to earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months on the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Bottom line

If you're eligible for the bonus and have been waiting for the best time to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, there's no better time than the present.

A 100,000-point welcome bonus has only appeared a handful of times, the annual fee remains just $95, new perks have recently been added, and the card continues to offer exceptional flexibility long after you've earned the initial bonus.

Want the full rundown? Read our complete Chase Sapphire Preferred review.

Entering summer, it seemed like a shortage of jet fuel could be the biggest problem for travelers heading to Europe. Instead, it has been ultralong lines at airports across the continent.

Travelers entering and exiting some European airports have run into massive backups amid a rocky rollout of the European Union's new Entry and Exit System, or EES.

Launched in April, the new setup requires biometric checks for each passenger entering or leaving Schengen Area countries.

The idea: to more closely track who's entering and leaving the EU.

But so far, the rollout of the new high-tech setup has significantly slowed passenger departures and arrivals — and fueled travel chaos.

At some of Europe's busiest travel destinations, flyers have faced hourslong backups after landing and stressful delays while rushing to catch flights.

This past weekend, I arrived nearly three hours before my flight out of Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Denmark. But because of the border control line I had to pass through, I barely made it to the gate before my American Airlines flight to Philadelphia started boarding.

Read more: How Europe's EES works, and what it means for travelers

Airlines call for 'immediate intervention'

The aviation industry has seemingly had enough.

In a public letter released Wednesday, European airports called for "immediate intervention" by EU leaders before the situation at airports deteriorates further. The group cited five-hour wait times at some hubs on busy days, along with flight delays and passengers with missed connections.

And all of this has happened before the start of the peak summer travel rush for European-based travelers.

In its own memo Thursday, low-cost carrier Ryanair called on EU leaders to suspend the EES program until September, arguing that it's clear the new border program "is not ready for peak summer volumes."

Related: EU plans to strengthen passenger rights, compensation rules

"Passengers and families should not be used as guinea pigs for a half-baked passport control system that risks creating long queues, missed flights and unnecessary stress at airports this summer," the Irish carrier said.

What is the EU doing about the backups?

So far, there are no signs that EES will go away for the summer.

In a statement to TPG Thursday, EU leaders said they had called an "urgent meeting" with industry leaders for the coming days, as the crowds grow at airports.

But the commission argued the EES impact was "limited" at most airports, and it also seemed to blame individual European countries for the recent backups.

"Member states are the ones who need to ensure that the necessary operational capacity is in place," a spokesperson said. This includes "sufficient numbers of border guards" and "appropriate infrastructure."

What should travelers flying out of EU airports do?

In the meantime, U.S. travelers currently in Europe or heading there soon should be mindful of the potential delays before going to the airport.

Arrive at the airport early, even if you don't normally

Even if you're a traveler who typically cuts it close when arriving for a flight, I'd get to the airport at least three hours early before an international flight — or more, if you want to completely avoid stress.

During a flight back to the U.S. from Rome in May, I arrived at Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) two hours before departure and reached my gate with just minutes to spare.

Two hours and 45 minutes of padding was barely enough time for my June 28 departure from Copenhagen.

Be prepared to stand in line before or after your flight

Beyond that, I'd prepare for the possibility of a long wait — potentially in less-than-comfortable conditions.

In Copenhagen, the border control area was weakly air-conditioned as the region battled its latest heat wave.

Buy a bottle of water after clearing security so you'll be hydrated if you have to stand in a long line. And have water when you deplane from a long flight, too, in case the post-arrival line is long.

Don't linger in a lounge too long

Be careful about spending too much time in an airport lounge or sit-down restaurant without knowing what line might be between you and your departure gate.

You know those social media jokes about how some travelers like to check and "make sure their gate exists" before grabbing a bite to eat? That should be the norm in Europe this summer: Make sure you can reach your gate without having to stand in a long border control line before settling in at a table for an extended preflight meal.

Related reading:

• TPG's 2026 travel trends report
• The best travel credit cards
• Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is right for you?
• Where to go in 2026: The 17 best places to travel
• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• 7 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Clear
• Which US airline is best? TPG's latest rankings

Many rewards cards come with a list of monthly benefits that help offset annual fees. Whether you have two credit cards or 12, it may feel overwhelming to keep track of them all.

If you want to ensure you're getting the most out of your cards' monthly benefits, you're in the right place. Here, we've compiled a checklist of every card perk you may be eligible for this month.

This is what you need to keep in mind for July.

American Express

Many American Express cards award statement credits monthly. These statement credits are "use it or lose it" benefits, so if you don't redeem them each month, you'll lose out on that value. These statement credits will not roll over.

It's also important to note that these values are described as "up to" amounts, meaning this is the maximum you will receive in statement credits. If you spend less than this amount, you will be reimbursed only for that lower amount.

American Express Platinum Card

There are multiple monthly statement credits you won't want to forget on the American Express Platinum Card®. These benefits and statement credits can help offset the card's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees).

• Up to $25 digital entertainment monthly statement credit: This can be used for Disney+, Disney+ Bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium and YouTube TV.
• Up to $15 in Uber Cash monthly (additional up to $20 in December): This can be used for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Add your card to your Uber account as a payment method and then redeem with any Amex card.
• Up to $12.95 monthly statement credit for a Walmart+ monthly membership: Pay with your Amex Platinum, then receive reimbursement in statement credits for one membership fee per month. (Subject to auto-renewal. Plus Up Benefits are not eligible.)
• Up to $9.99 monthly statement credit for Uber One: Receive a monthly Uber One statement credit that fully covers an auto-renewing $9.99 monthly membership.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

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

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has one monthly statement credit.

• Up to $10 monthly wireless statement credit: Pay for an eligible U.S. mobile service provider and receive a statement credit of up to $10 each month.

Enrollment is required.

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

American Express Gold Card

Use the following benefits to help offset the American Express® Gold Card's $325 annual fee (see rates and fees):

• Up to $10 Uber Cash monthly: Like the perk on the Amex Platinum, this applies to Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Add your Amex Gold to your Uber account as a payment method to receive this benefit, and note that it can stack with the monthly credit on the Amex Platinum if you have both cards. Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Gold as a payment method to use and redeem with any Amex card.
• Up to $10 monthly dining statement credit: Use your card to pay at Five Guys, Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Buffalo Wild Wings and Wonder to receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits.
• Up to $7 monthly Dunkin' Donuts statement credit: Cardmembers receive up to $7 in monthly statement credits to be used at Dunkin' Donuts locations within the U.S. This credit can also be used to load your mobile Dunkin' Donuts account.

There's also one limited-time offer expiring soon. This one is part of the celebration for the Amex Gold's 60th anniversary:

• Amex Travel offers at select The Hotel Collection properties: Access various special offers, including a complimentary third or fourth night, 25% or more off select rooms, 30% or more off all suites or a property credit of $150 or more to use toward eligible charges during your stay at more than 250 properties in The Hotel Collection. Available through July 15. Minimum two-night stay required at The Hotel Collection properties.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

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

American Express Business Gold Card

The American Express® Business Gold Card provides a pair of statement credits that could be useful for business owners.

• Up to $20 flexible business statement credit monthly: Cardmembers can earn up to $20 in statement credits per month on eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx (through Oct. 1), Grubhub and office supply stores.
• Up to $12.95 statement credit for a Walmart+ monthly membership: Pay with your Amex Business Gold, then receive reimbursement in statement credits for one membership fee per month. (Subject to auto-renewal. Plus Up Benefits are not eligible.)

Enrollment is required.

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

Delta Reserve and Delta Reserve Business

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card each provide a pair of monthly statement credits.

• Up to $20 in monthly statement credits with Resy: You'll receive a monthly statement credit for eligible U.S. restaurants on the Resy platform.
• Up to $10 in monthly ride-hailing statement credits: You'll receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits (up to $120 annually) for U.S. ride-hailing services, including Alto, Curb, Lyft or Uber.

Enrollment is required.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Delta Reserve and the Delta Reserve Business.

Delta Platinum and Delta Platinum Business

You'll also receive statement credits on the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card. These are similar to the statement credits on the Delta Reserve cards, but the Resy credit provides slightly less value.

• Up to $10 in monthly statement credits with Resy: You'll receive a monthly statement credit for eligible U.S. restaurants on the Resy platform.
• Up to $10 in monthly ride-hailing statement credits: You'll receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits (up to $120 annually) for U.S. ride-hailing services, including Alto, Curb, Lyft or Uber.

Enrollment is required.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Delta Platinum and the Delta Platinum Business.

Delta Gold and Delta Gold Business

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card come with one monthly statement credit, issued after your first card renewal ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150; see rates and fees for the Delta Gold; see rates and fees for the Delta Gold Business).

• Up to $10 in monthly ride-hailing statement credits: You'll receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits (up to $120 annually) for U.S. ride-hailing services, including Alto, Curb, Lyft or Uber.

Enrollment is required.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Delta Gold and the Delta Gold Business.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

The premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers one easy-to-redeem monthly statement credit with significant annual value.

• Up to $25 in monthly dining statement credits: With this card, you'll receive up to $25 in monthly dining statement credits at restaurants worldwide. You don't need to enroll for this benefit in advance. Just use your card at an eligible restaurant, and you should receive the statement credit within a few days.

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

Barclays

Barclays offers one cobranded card with a monthly statement credit.

Wyndham Rewards Earner Premier Card

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Premier Card is a premium option for Wyndham loyalists.

• Up to $10 in monthly meal delivery service credits: Cardholders receive $10 each month for purchases made with meal delivery services. This credit does not cover delivery from restaurants directly or recipe kits.

To learn more, read our news article about the Wyndham Rewards Earner Premier.

The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Chase

Select Chase credit cards offer perks on a monthly basis, so each new month brings a fresh batch of credits to use.

Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

The premium personal Chase Ultimate Rewards card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), and its business counterpart, the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) each provide a trio of monthly statement credits.

Note that both cards also provide a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (through Dec. 31, 2027; activation required).

• Up to $20 in monthly DoorDash non-restaurant credits: With an activated DashPass membership, cardholders receive two promos of $10 off each calendar month at checkout on convenience, grocery or other non-restaurant orders on DoorDash. Only one promo may be used per order (alcohol orders may be exempt; through Dec. 31, 2027).
• Up to $10 in monthly Lyft credits: Cardholders receive a $10 ride credit every month, for a total of $120 in credits each year. These credits do not roll over month to month, so it's important to use yours before the end of the month. (This benefit runs through Sept. 30, 2027; does not apply to Wait & Save, bike or scooter rides)
• Up to $5 in monthly DoorDash restaurant credits: When you add your eligible Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card as a payment method to your DoorDash account, Chase will add $5 in credits at the beginning of each month. Note that this credit applies only to $5 off restaurant orders and doesn't roll over month to month.

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

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) also provides a complimentary DashPass membership (through Dec. 31, 2027; activation required) that pairs nicely with its one monthly statement credit.

• Up to $10 in monthly DoorDash non-restaurant credits: Cardholders with an activated Sapphire Preferred DashPass membership receive one promo of $10 off each calendar month at checkout on one convenience, grocery or other non-restaurant order on DoorDash (alcohol orders may be exempt; through Dec. 31, 2027).

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

United Club and United Club Business

The United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees) and United Club℠ Business Card provide a set of useful statement credits issued monthly.

• Up to $20 in monthly Instacart credits: Cardholders receive two $10 monthly Instacart credits, plus a complimentary Instacart+ membership. (All benefits end Dec. 31, 2027. Enrollment is required.)
• Up to $12 in monthly ride-hailing credits: Up to $12 each month from January to November and up to $18 total in December for eligible ride-hailing purchases. That means this credit will be more flexible for your business than the ride-hailing credits offered by other issuers. (Yearly activation required.)

To learn more, read our full reviews of the United Club and the United Club Business.

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.

United Quest

If you have the United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees), you also have access to monthly statement credits.

• Up to $15 in monthly Instacart credits: Cardholders receive one $10 and one $5 monthly Instacart credit for purchases made directly through Instacart. (Benefit ends Dec. 31, 2027. Enrollment is required.)
• Up to $8 in monthly ride-hailing credits (additional $4 in December): Up to $8 each month from January to November and up to $12 total in December for eligible ride-hailing purchases. (Yearly activation required.)

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

United Business

The United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees) provides similar credits to the personal cards, but the value differs.

• Up to $10 in monthly Instacart credits: Cardholders receive one $10 monthly Instacart credit for purchases made directly through Instacart. You'll also receive a complimentary Instacart+ membership for three months, then a 25% discount toward an annual plan.
• (All benefits end Dec. 31, 2027. Enrollment is required.)
• Up to $8 in monthly ride-hailing credits (additional $4 in December): Up to $8 each month from January to November and up to $12 total in December for eligible ride-hailing purchases. (Yearly activation required.)

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

United Explorer

The United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) provides its own version of these United statement credits, albeit a lower annual amount.

• Up to $10 in monthly Instacart credits: Cardholders receive one $10 monthly Instacart credit for purchases made directly through Instacart. (Benefit ends Dec. 31, 2027. Enrollment is required.)
• Up to $5 in monthly ride-hailing credits: Up to $5 each month for eligible ride-hailing purchases. (Yearly activation required.)

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

Citi

One Citi card has a pair of monthly statement credits to maximize.

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) card has several benefits, including the following monthly credits:

• $10 in monthly Lyft credit after three rides: Use your card as the payment method in your account and get a monthly $10 Lyft credit after taking three rides in a month.
• Up to $10 in monthly statement credit on Grubhub purchases: When you use your card for Grubhub purchases, you'll receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits.

To learn more, read our full review of the AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.

Bottom line

If maximizing value is your top priority, you'll definitely want to consider which credits are offered monthly and which are received biannually, quarterly or annually (either each calendar year or cardholder anniversary).

Save this article to reference in the future. That way, you'll remember what you need to do at the start of each month.

Related: Forgettable statement credits checklist: Perks and benefits not to be overlooked

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business, click here.