One of my favorite things about World of Hyatt points is how much flexibility they offer. You could redeem just a few thousand points for a night at a Category 1 Hyatt hotel or use a larger stash to book a higher-category hotel or all-inclusive resort.

Since Hyatt still uses award charts for most of its properties, you can sometimes get outsize value by redeeming points when cash rates are high. But free nights aren't the only way to use your points. From room upgrades and dining experiences to airline miles and rental cars, here's how you can redeem World of Hyatt points, including which options offer the best value.

Redeem World of Hyatt points for free nights

The best way to redeem Hyatt points is usually for free hotel nights. Hyatt has award charts for most free night awards, though some are dynamically priced. There are also ways to combine points with cash and free night certificates.

Free night awards

Hyatt publishes award charts for free night awards at Hyatt hotels and resorts, participating resorts within the Hyatt Inclusive Collection brands and Miraval resorts. Each of these charts has five award pricing tiers — Lowest, Low, Moderate, Upper and Top — for each category.

Here's the award chart for standard room award nights at Hyatt hotels and resorts.

Hyatt publishes separate award charts for Hyatt Inclusive Collection brands and Miraval resorts, as well as for club rooms, standard suites and premium suites. Check out our guide to the Hyatt award charts for all the charts.

You can click on "Points Calendar" on the results page for any particular property when searching for award stays to see how many points each night costs.

However, free night awards at Mr & Mrs Smith hotels and Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt are priced dynamically based on paid rates. For example, this night at a Homes & Hideaways property in Florida would cost 16,011 points or $192.13. This means you'd get 1.2 cents per point when redeeming Hyatt points for this night.

And this night at a Mr & Mrs Smith property in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, would cost 8,750 points or $58.91. This means you'd only get 0.67 cents per point when redeeming Hyatt points for this night.

TPG's November 2026 valuations peg Hyatt points at 1.65 cents each. As such, you'll generally want to get at least this much value when redeeming your Hyatt points.

Related: Best Hyatt hotels in the world to book with points

Points + Cash

You can also book Points + Cash rates for some stays. When these rates are available for your chosen room type and property, you'll redeem 50% of the points required for a free night and get 50% to 70% off the standard rate (which may be higher than the best available rate).

For example, I could redeem 12,000 points, book a Points + Cash rate of 6,000 points plus $156.50 or book a paid rate of $220.16 for this night at the Hyatt Centric Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia.

When redeeming points, I'd get 1.83 cents per point. And when booking a Points + Cash rate, I'd get 1.06 cents per point.

Related: Which credit card should you use for Hyatt stays?

Pay My Way

You can also combine Hyatt points with paid nights and even free night certificates when booking with the Hyatt Pay My Way feature. To use this feature, sign in to your Hyatt account, search for a paid stay, click on the property and room type of your choice and then click on rates until you see one with a Pay My Way option.

Click on the Pay My Way box, and then you can choose whether to use points, cash, Points + Cash or free night certificates for each night.

I often use Pay My Way when redeeming free night certificates, as this lets me book a multinight stay even if I only have one free night certificate. I've also used Pay My Way to redeem points for a stay with one particularly expensive night.

Related: The best Hyatt Category 4 hotels to maximize your free night award certificates

Redeem Hyatt points for room upgrades on paid nights

You can redeem points to upgrade eligible paid stays at many Hyatt hotels and resorts. Here's a look at the upgrade rate per night:

• Club room: 3,000 points per night
• Standard suite: 6,000 points per night
• Premium suite: 9,000 points per night

You can sometimes redeem points for an upgrade at the time of booking. In the following example, you could redeem 9,500 points for a premium suite free night, 4,750 points plus $158 for a premium suite Points + Cash booking or 9,000 points plus $152 to upgrade a paid night to a premium suite.

If you don't upgrade at the time of booking, you can call (800) 544-9288 in the U.S. and Canada or contact a Global Care Center to see if your existing stay is eligible for an upgrade with points.

Related: Your ultimate guide to Hyatt hotel brands

Redeem Hyatt points for dining, spa experiences and more

You can redeem Hyatt points for dining and spa experiences at participating locations even if you aren't spending the night. Plus, you can redeem points during stays at participating locations to pay for in-room movies, parking, transportation and more.

To redeem points, simply request to use Hyatt points at checkout and choose how many points to redeem. You should be able to redeem points at participating locations based on the following chart:

As you can see, the redemption rate you'll get ranges from 1 to 1.54 cents per point, which is below TPG's November 2026 valuation of 1.65 cents per point for Hyatt points. As such, you'll usually want to find higher-value ways to redeem your Hyatt points.

Redeem Hyatt points for Find experiences

You can redeem Hyatt points for Find experiences. For example, you could pay $60 plus taxes or redeem 4,286 points for this one-hour aerial yoga and meditation class.

Or, you could redeem 5,357 points or pay $75 plus taxes for an e-bike tour of San Diego.

It's worth taking a look at Find experiences, especially if you select Find experience credits as Hyatt Milestone Rewards. But you usually won't get outsize value when redeeming points for these experiences.

Related: Why bidding on a Hyatt Find experience auction might be the most valuable way to redeem your World of Hyatt points

Convert Hyatt points to airline miles

You can convert Hyatt points into airline miles with the following programs:

• Aeromexico Rewards
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• Air China PhoenixMiles
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• ANA Mileage Club
• American Airlines AAdvantage
• Cathay Pacific Cathay
• China Eastern Miles
• Delta SkyMiles
• Emirates Skywards
• Etihad Guest
• Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
• Korean Air SkyPass
• Qantas Frequent Flyer
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club
• Royal Brunei Airlines Royal Skies
• Singapore KrisFlyer
• Southwest Rapid Rewards
• Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
• United MileagePlus
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

For most of the airline programs, you'll get 1 mile for every 2.5 Hyatt points you convert. However, Hyatt uses different conversion rates for Aeromexico Rewards, Air China PhoenixMiles, China Eastern Miles, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Southwest Rapid Rewards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

You must convert at least 5,000 points at a time but can convert additional points in increments of 1,250. If you convert 50,000 points or more, you'll usually get an extra 5,000 bonus miles.

However, converting Hyatt points to airline miles will rarely make sense. Conversions can take six to eight weeks. Plus, at the usual 2.5:1 conversion ratio, transferring 5,000 Hyatt points yields 2,000 airline miles. Based on TPG's November 2026 valuations, you'd be giving up approximately $82.50 in Hyatt points for those 2,000 miles.

Redeem Hyatt points for Avis rental cars

You can redeem Hyatt points for Avis free day awards, which are valid at participating locations in the U.S. and Canada, by calling (800) 544-9288. When available, you can redeem 6,000 points per day for an intermediate-size car. However, there are blackout periods that you'll see on the redemption certificate once you redeem your points. Avis free day awards usually expire one year after they're issued.

Redeem Hyatt points for an Aeroplan flight reward certificate

World of Hyatt members can redeem points for an Aeroplan flight reward certificate valid on Air Canada flights. The 30,000-point certificate costs 50,000 Hyatt points, and you can apply it toward the base fare in points of an Aeroplan flight reward.

Given that TPG's November 2026 valuations peg Hyatt points at 1.65 cents each and Aeroplan points at 1.45 cents each, this won't be a good-value redemption for most travelers. However, if you were planning to convert Hyatt points to Aeroplan points, the flight reward certificate might provide better value.

Related: How to redeem Aeroplan points for maximum value

Redeem Hyatt points for AAdvantage Status for a Day

World of Hyatt and American Airlines AAdvantage are winding down their partnership. But eligible Explorist and Globalist members can redeem Hyatt points for AAdvantage Status for a Day until 1 a.m. EST on Nov. 16.

You can redeem 5,000 Hyatt points to get AAdvantage Gold status for a day, 8,000 points to get AAdvantage Platinum status for a day and 12,000 points to get AAdvantage Platinum Pro status for a day.

However, you can only use these awards on your own travel itineraries, and some fares aren't eligible.

Related: Why I rely on credit cards to earn American Airlines elite status

Redeem Hyatt points for business events

Finally, you can redeem Hyatt points for a future meeting credit to use for meetings and catered events at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts based on the following chart:

As you can see, the redemption rate is 1.33 cents per point regardless of how many points you redeem toward a future meeting credit. You must call a Hyatt Global Care Center to redeem points for a future meeting credit. You can't use future meeting credits at Hyatt Vacation Club, Bahia Principe and Destination by Hyatt Residences locations.

Bottom line

Redeeming World of Hyatt points for free nights is usually the best way to get good value from your points. I particularly like redeeming Hyatt points at hotels where cash rates are high, as I can often get outsize value. But I'll also redeem points on stays with resort fees, as Hyatt waives resort fees on free night awards.

Other redemption options, including room upgrades, Find experiences and airline miles, can make sense in certain situations. But I generally recommend saving your Hyatt points for free night awards, especially if you can be flexible about where and when you stay.

Amazon has a new restaurant delivery partner for its Prime members: Uber Eats, which replaces the Grubhub+ benefit Prime members had until today.

To celebrate the new partnership, Amazon Prime members can get $20 off each of their first two eligible Uber Eats orders of $25 or more on linked accounts made via Amazon, as long as those orders are for U.S. restaurants and placed by Nov. 18.

Beyond the limited-time launch promotion, Prime members will get $0 delivery fees on eligible Uber Eats orders of $25 or more placed through the Amazon app or website. Interestingly, this appears to work separately from any existing Uber Eats account or benefits you may already have.

Related: Which is the best food delivery app?

There's no need to download another app or create a separate Uber Eats account to use this perk. When you opt in through Amazon, you can use your existing Prime account information, including linked payment methods.

Think of it almost like ordering a box of paper towels from Amazon with free Prime delivery, only this time it's a salad, burger, breakfast tacos or fries. You place the order via Uber Eats in your Amazon account, almost as you would any other Prime delivery, but this time it is fulfilled by Uber Eats instead of your friendly neighborhood Amazon delivery truck.

Amazon has also said that there will be additional Prime-exclusive offers available only on Amazon that could save you more than $175 per year, so we'll be sure to keep an eye out for those.

TPG tip: Amazon Prime Visa cardmembers earn 5% back on all Uber Eats orders through Dec. 5, 2026 with eligible Prime membership.

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

This $20 introductory promo seems to apply whether you use pickup or delivery, which isn't always the case with Uber Eats promos. So, it is possible to truly save $20 on a $25 order if you select pickup. If you opt for delivery, you will likely have some service fees and a tip to factor into the equation.

One thing to remember: After the introductory promotion ends, you may want to compare the total cost of ordering through the Amazon-linked version of Uber Eats with any promotions, credit card benefits or discounts available through your regular Uber Eats account. The best deal may depend on which version of Uber Eats you're using.

Related reading:

• Guide to Chase and DoorDash benefits
• How to maximize Amex Gold benefits — including on food delivery
• 7 best credit cards for Amazon purchases

If you tried and missed out on tickets for Celine Dion's big Paris comeback, it's not too late.

All 16 of her September and October 2026 shows at Plenitude Arena, the venue known as Paris La Defense Arena until July, sold out within hours. Millions of fans entered the presale lottery, and many missed out.

The good news is it's all coming back to Paris, with 10 extra shows added for May 2027. The bad news? Standard tickets have all sold out too.

This is where the power of points comes in: As the official hotel partner of the residency, Marriott Bonvoy is offering members the opportunity to redeem points for exclusive concert packages through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform.

Here's how Marriott Bonvoy points can help you see this global icon light up the stage in the City of Lights next year.

Related: The best Marriott redemptions might not involve a hotel at all

A new day has come for Marriott Bonvoy members

Marriott has been releasing Bonvoy Moments experiences for Celine's May run of shows and plans to continue through the end of January 2027. The cheapest ticket-only auctions open at 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a pair of Experience Privilege tickets, while hotel-and-hospitality packages start at 40,000 points. Those are opening bids, not fixed redemption prices, and final bids may be far higher.

These packages are an official, peace-of-mind route to tickets without taking the risks that can come with unauthorized resale websites, as The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly discovered firsthand.

The star of the show is the Ultimate Celine Dion Experience, which includes an exclusive backstage tour of Plenitude Arena, a VIP merchandise pack, two Salon Premium Hospitality tickets with hospitality access and Level 1 reserved seating, breakfast for two and a one-night stay in the "Paris, I'm Ready" Suite at Le Meridien Paris Arc de Triomphe.

Other Moments packages pair tickets with stays at Le Meridien Paris Arc de Triomphe, Renaissance Paris La Defense Hotel, Renaissance Paris Nobel Tour Eiffel Hotel, Renaissance Paris Republique Hotel and citizenM Paris La Defense.

The Renaissance Paris La Defense Hotel and citizenM Paris La Defense are both very close to the arena, so there's no need to drive all night to make the show.

If none of them appeal, here's where else you can stay in Paris on points.

Marriott also offered two 1-Point Drops for the 2027 shows on Oct. 28 and 29, each releasing four pairs of tickets for just 1 Marriott Bonvoy point. Missed them? Think twice before beating yourself up, as Marriott says the 2026 drops went in seconds.

Related: You might be able to get these exclusive music festival tickets for 1 Marriott Bonvoy point

Many of the remaining packages are auctions, which means taking chances on how high other fans will go. There are no set prices, so it's worth knowing that TPG values Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.75 cents each before you bid.

Here's how to get your bid in before the listings close:

• Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account and head to the Marriott Bonvoy Moments Celine Dion page.
• See which packages and auctions are live for May 2027.
• Check whether it's a fixed-price redemption or an auction, and note when bidding ends. Auction bids are made in 2,500-point increments.
• Read the fine print and confirm you can be in Paris on the fixed dates. The current Celine Dion packages require attendees to be at least 16, cannot be sold or re-marketed and generally do not include transportation.
• Redeem or bid, then watch your email in case you're outbid. Bids may increase sharply in the last hour of the auction.

Related: Marriott Bonvoy will now let you see where you stand in line for a hotel upgrade

My experience attending Celine Dion in Paris

I was able to experience the "Two Salon Premium Hospitality Tickets + citizenM stay" package. The citizenM Paris La Defense hotel could not be more convenient, being directly across from the Plenitude Arena where you can watch the crowds gather with a glass of Champagne in hand from the comfort of the hotel bar's balcony.

The rooms are fairly compact with the bed against the window, but many rooms offer spectacular views of the arena, or La Grande Arche, as mine did.

It was my first time staying at a citizenM property, and I loved the bright and colorful common spaces which were abuzz with Celine fans, sharing their excitement (and favorite songs) in advance of the big event.

Plenitude Arena is Europe's largest indoor arena. Celine's 16-show 2026 run drew 539,000 fans, an average of almost 33,700 per night. As a result, huge crowds left the arena at the same time after each show.

The convenience of being able to walk just a few hundred feet from the exit doors to the hotel's bar, which is reserved for in-house guests after each concert and bask in the afterglow of the concert with a celebratory beverage while avoiding the hordes outside was terrific.

While attendees with regular seats queued all the way up to La Grande Arche to enter the arena, the Salon Hospitality tickets included express entry at Gate 21.

We were through security and into a secret VIP entrance in two minutes, before boarding a private escalator upstairs.

From there it was straight into a large hospitality suite with an open bar serving Champagne, wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks.

There was also a selection of canapes available before the show started.

I was a little surprised to hear the staff advise that the hospitality was only available until the show started, having recently enjoyed five hours of hospitality suite indulgence at a World of Hyatt redemption experience.

They explained that this was a specific condition set by Celine's management, and that all food and beverage outlets inside the venue closed when the show started each night.

As the lights dimmed, we walked down to our seats.

I expected the Plenitude Arena to be large, but even I was surprised by its scale.

This ticket package included reserved seats midway up the lower bowl to the side of the stage, an excellent vantage point. Given how far back the floor seats go and that the stage isn't overly high, these seats, raised just enough to give an excellent view of the stage and arena, seemed much better than the rear floor seats.

While Marriott does not publish a cash value for the auction packages, to give you an idea of how good these seats are, Plenitude Arena sold similar Salon Premium Hospitality Tickets for just over $1,000 each for October's shows.

Celine came on around 9 p.m. and belted out the hits over the next two hours (there was no support act).

I won't give away too much, beyond saying that although a lot of the songs are in French — she is the best-selling French-language artist in history, and I was in Paris after all — all her iconic English-language hits are in there, as well as a few surprises.

I shed more than a few tears, particularly during "Because You Loved Me." To see an icon return to the stage after a long health battle with the rare autoimmune neurological disorder stiff-person syndrome was truly inspiring.

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points

If you're looking to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, the following Marriott cards are currently offering strong welcome bonuses:

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card: Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

You can also transfer Bilt Points, Chase Ultimate Rewards points and American Express Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio. American Express is currently offering a 35% transfer bonus to Marriott Bonvoy through Dec. 10, meaning 1,000 Membership Rewards points become 1,350 Marriott Bonvoy points.

In our experience, points transfer almost instantly from all these programs.

How many Bonvoy points should you bid to see Celine Dion?

If you weren't lucky enough to secure one of the exception 1-Point Drops, you'll need to part with more Bonvoy points than that. Marriott doesn't publish retail prices for the auctions, and the value varies depending on whether a hotel stay is included, the type of concert tickets and other factors.

Based on my calculations, the package I experienced would retail for around $2,400, noting that all Standard tickets for next year's show are already sold out, which may drive up resale prices. Based on TPG's November 2026 valuation of Bonvoy points, that's about 320,000 points worth.

So, if you can get a similar package for that number of Bonvoy points or fewer, it's a great deal.

Bottom line

Marriott Bonvoy Moments offers a great opportunity for anyone who missed out on buying face-value tickets to Celine Dion's concert next year.

The opening bids are just that — opening bids — so decide what the experience is worth to you before entering an auction. Read the terms carefully, confirm you can travel on the fixed dates and remember that most packages do not include transportation.

Having experienced Salon Premium hospitality and stayed directly across from Plenitude Arena, I can say the hotel-and-hospitality packages offer much more than a great seat at the show. Marriott plans to release Moments through the end of January 2027, so fans who thought they had missed their chance should keep checking.

United is bringing back nonstop service to Adelaide

Good news for travelers who prefer vacation rentals over luxury hotels: Chase is giving select cardholders thousands of new ways to put their travel benefits to use.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, The Edit by Chase Travel℠ will include more than 10,000 curated vacation homes in addition to its existing collection of luxury hotels and resorts.

That means eligible Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) and J.P. Morgan Reserve® cardholders will soon be able to use their annual The Edit statement credits toward vacation home stays — and potentially enjoy additional perks as part of their stay (minimum four-night stay required).

Here's what to know about the expansion.

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

Chase Travel is adding more than 10,000 vacation homes to The Edit

If you're unfamiliar, The Edit by Chase Travel is a curated collection of luxury hotels and resorts that offers eligible cardholders additional perks when booking through the Chase Travel portal (minimum two-night stay required).

Currently featuring more than 1,500 hotels and resorts, the collection will expand to include more than 10,000 vacation homes beginning Jan. 1.

The homes will be curated by Plum Guide, a luxury vacation rental platform that evaluates properties using "more than 150 criteria related to comfort, design and location".

This builds on Chase Travel's partnership with Plum Guide, announced in April 2026, which brought luxury vacation rentals to more Chase cardholders through the travel portal.

With the latest expansion, eligible Reserve cardholders will have access to a curated collection of vacation homes through The Edit, complete with premium benefits.

Cardholders will also have the flexibility to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points toward these stays through Chase Travel.

Additionally, Sapphire Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders will have access to Reserve Travel Designers, who can help match travelers with vacation homes and provide personalized concierge assistance before, during and after their stays.

Related: I've been using the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business for a year — here's why I'm keeping it

What benefits will cardholders receive when booking vacation homes?

One of the biggest draws of booking a hotel through The Edit is the additional perks that come with a qualifying stay (minimum two-night stay required).

Depending on the property, these can include complimentary breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, room upgrades when available and early check-in and late checkout.

Vacation home bookings through The Edit will come with a different set of benefits.

Eligible cardholders can receive:

• A $150 in-stay credit toward offerings such as massages, private chefs or airport pickups
• Early check-in, when available
• Late checkout, when available

There's an important catch, however: Vacation home stays must be at least four nights to qualify for these The Edit benefits. Some benefits are subject to availability and may vary by property.

Eligible cardholders will also be able to use their annual The Edit statement credits toward qualifying vacation home bookings.

As a refresher, here's how those credits break down:

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2027, the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business will offer four statement credits of up to $250 each for The Edit stays that can be used throughout the year. That's up from two statement credits of up to $250 each available on the card in 2026.

Keep in mind that while a two-night prepaid booking may qualify for the statement credit, vacation home stays must be at least four nights to receive the additional The Edit benefits.

Also, be aware that while you can redeem Ultimate Rewards points for eligible bookings, stays paid entirely with points do not qualify for The Edit statement credits under Chase's current terms. If you want to use the statement credit, you'll need to make an eligible prepaid purchase with your card.

Related: How to stack Sapphire Reserve credits for up to $500 off

Bottom line

The addition of more than 10,000 vacation homes to The Edit is welcome news for eligible Chase cardholders, particularly those who prefer the space and flexibility of a vacation rental over a traditional luxury hotel.

It also gives cardholders more options for using their annual The Edit statement credits, while offering perks such as a $150 in-stay credit and early check-in and late checkout when available.

Just keep the minimum-stay requirements in mind, and compare prices before booking to make sure you're getting the best value.

Related: Ways to use Chase Points (beyond flights and hotels)

If you have yet to take a solo trip, there are many reasons why you really should. Solo travel helps you build confidence and new skills. It also provides time to reflect, recharge and reconnect with yourself — so you can return home the best version of yourself for the people who rely on you day-to-day.

I know it can be daunting to embark on your first big trip alone. But never fear, intrepid soloist. I've rounded up the top solo travel mistakes so that you can avoid them to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Related: Travel mistakes that could ruin your next trip

Not doing your research

One of the perks of solo travel is that you get to decide where to stay and what to do, so put some thought into it. This will ensure you have the best trip possible.

A good starting point is to check the State Department travel advisory for your destination, which will help you understand any safety concerns and identify neighborhoods you may want to avoid. It's also a good idea to enroll your trip in STEP, so you'll be alerted to things like natural disasters and security threats.

Safety isn't the only thing to consider. Are you looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway or a bustling neighborhood with endless things to do? Would you rather stay close to the action or save money by staying in a less popular area? Choose your accommodations accordingly.

Don't make the mistake I made on my first solo trip and not plan any activities. Spontaneity sounded fun, but I found making decisions on my own much harder than expected. You don't need to have your entire itinerary planned out to the minute, but doing some planning before you travel will reduce your stress during the trip.

Plus, many popular tourist attractions and trendy restaurants fill up quickly — and waiting in long lines is even less fun with no one to talk to. Do your research, and if needed, make a reservation or book a timed-entry ticket ahead of time.

Overpacking

Sometimes, the difference between traveling solo and with others really shines through in the little things...like using an airport bathroom.

You can't simply ask a companion to hold your luggage while you run to the restroom or figure out how to operate a metro ticket machine; you must keep track of it at all times. So think twice about packing that extra-large checked bag or hauling a not-so-ergonomic shoulder duffel on an international trip, as you will have to take it with you literally everywhere.

I personally prefer a backpack and small rolling carryon, which I can easily maneuver through crowded airports and over cobblestoned streets — without reaching my destination with a backache. Plus, it's big enough to accommodate sufficient clothing for a week (or more). My carryon is expandable, so if I buy too many souvenirs, I can unzip the extender and check it on the way home.

Related: How to pack your carryon right and avoid checking a bag

Broadcasting that you're alone

Connecting with new people is one of the many joys of solo travel, but that doesn't mean you should completely let your guard down. You may run into pickpockets, con artists and worse on your journey, and as a solo traveler, you're more likely to be targeted.

One simple step to reduce your risk is by not broadcasting your solo status. Err on the side of caution when chatting with new friends — and if they start getting nosy, tell them you're meeting up with friends later.

One way to prevent hotel staff from knowing your single status is opting for mobile check-in so that you can bypass the front desk completely. Or, you can ask the concierge for an extra key and allude that someone will be joining you shortly. And when catching a ride to or from your accommodation, it's a good idea to be picked up or dropped off down the street from your hotel.

Related: Solo travel safety tips every traveler should know

Not keeping friends and family in the loop

You only want to be incognito to the locals.

Let your actual friends and family know your travel plans: flight numbers, where you'll be staying on which dates, contact info for your tour operator, etc. You'll be glad you did if you hit a snag and need help rebooking on the fly. You can go a step further by sending them a copy of your passport or ID, in case you lose your documents while traveling.

You'll probably want to stay in contact with loved ones through text messages, phone calls or social media posts every so often. But you can also share your location continuously with apps like Find My, which can help ease their minds as well as give you an added layer of security. That way, both you and your loved ones can enjoy your trip stress-free.

Forgetting the essentials

Some things are must-haves no matter how many people you're traveling with, but they become even more critical when you're on your own — because if you forget something, you can't just reach into a companion's suitcase.

For instance, do you have a backup plan in case your phone dies while you're navigating a new city or road-tripping through an unfamiliar country? You can't simply borrow someone else's phone, so a charged power bank or old-fashioned map can come in clutch.

The same goes if you wind up at a store that doesn't accept your credit card. Always pack a couple of backup cards (preferably ones that don't charge foreign transaction fees) and keep some cash on hand.

Similarly, if you catch a cold on your flight or get food poisoning during a solo trip, there's no one else to run to a drugstore. And if you hurt yourself while out hiking alone, it may take a while for help to arrive. Prepare yourself for anything with a travel-ready first-aid kit.

Related: Travel essentials that can save your trip when things go wrong

Not meeting new people along the way

One of the downsides of solo travel is that it can start to feel lonely, especially on longer trips. Making new friends is a great way to combat loneliness, as well as learn more about local culture and/or meet likeminded travelers.

If striking up a conversation with a stranger sounds more stressful than fun, you're not alone. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways for even the shyest travelers to make connections, including cruises and small-group tours designed specifically for solo travelers.

Female Travel Buddies is one of many Facebook groups ideal for those flying solo: Members post open invitations for fellow travelers in the same area to join you for brunch, sightseeing or a show. If this type of thing interests you, consider joining a handful of groups a few months ahead of your trip to get familiar with the members and learn how they work.

Related: 6 tips for meeting people when traveling solo

Not being camera-ready

Just because you're traveling alone doesn't mean you can't take photos along the way — but capturing memories can be trickier by yourself.

The good news is you don't have to be limited by the length of your arm. Be sure to pack a selfie stick, mini tripod with remote shutter or selfie monitor screen. You'll find it well worth the investment, as having the right tools will make it far easier to snap the perfect selfie. (Just remember: safety first, especially when hiking, taking selfies near cliff edges, etc.!)

If, like me, you feel a little awkward or uncomfortable taking selfies alone, the best advice I can give you is to do it anyway. The more you do it, the more comfortable you'll get and the better your photos will turn out.

Bottom line

Solo travel doesn't have to be daunting. Follow these tips to embark on your first solo trip with confidence and ensure it goes smoothly, and before you know it, you'll be a seasoned solo traveler.

Ready to start planning? Check out these guides for more inspiration:

• The 12 best places to travel solo in 2026
• Top 10 places for a solo weekend getaway
• This cruise line is making cruises cheaper for solo travelers
• Best places to travel solo in the US in 2026
• Your complete travel health checklist

Client dinners, catered lunches and team celebrations can add up quickly. The right business credit card can turn those restaurant bills into a meaningful haul of points, miles or cash back.

From high category bonuses to uncapped flat-rate rewards, the best credit cards for dining can make every business meal work harder.

The best business cards for dining

Here's how our top picks compare based on their dining returns, annual fees and reward flexibility.

*Based on TPG's November 2026 valuations

The information for the U.S. Bank Business Essentials Plus Visa Signature Card and the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business 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.

How I chose these cards

To determine the best business cards for dining, I looked for cards with an estimated return of at least 3% on restaurant purchases, based on TPG's valuations. I focused on ongoing earnings rather than welcome offers or dining credits, then selected cards serving distinct use cases, including high category bonuses, uncapped transferable rewards and no-annual-fee options.

Other cards that don't earn at least 3% back in value based on our valuations may still be good fits for your business within a broader rewards strategy, but are less competitive when restaurant earnings are the primary goal.

American Express Business Gold Card: Best rewards rate for dining

The American Express Business Gold earns valuable Membership Rewards points. Cardmembers earn 4 points per dollar spent in their top two spending categories each billing cycle (on up to $150,000 in bonus category spending per year, then 1 point per dollar), with dining and restaurants falling under an available category.

That means businesses that max out their cap could earn 600,000 points each year. Even if you don't come close to that cap, 4 points per dollar is still a significant return on spend, especially when they come with all the potential of Membership Rewards.

Just be careful: Since Amex rewards extra bonus points on your top spending categories each billing cycle, if other eligible expenses overtake dining, restaurant purchases may earn only 1 point per dollar. You can use that to your advantage when your restaurant spending is low one month, but it could also catch you off guard.

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

Apply here: American Express Business Gold

U.S. Bank Business Essentials Plus Visa Signature Card: Best cash-back rate on dining charges

The U.S. Bank Business Essentials Plus earns 5% cash back in the cardholder's top eligible spending category each month on up to $200,000 in annual eligible purchases, automatically. Dining is one of the qualifying categories, and the cap is high enough that most businesses won't have to worry about it. All purchases outside the top category earn at least 2% cash back, which is also a generous return.

The $295 annual fee makes this card best for businesses with substantial, consistent restaurant spending. Otherwise, a no-annual-fee option may provide better value overall.

The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best no-annual-fee transferable rewards

If you're looking for a card with no annual fee, The Blue Business Plus earns 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on all purchases (for the first $50,000 in spending each year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

The simplicity of this card means you don't need to keep track of spending categories; it's just as great for your dining purchases as it is for shipping, advertising and other business expenses. For businesses that can stay below the cap and earn 2 points per dollar spent on all their spending, the combination of transferable points and no annual fee is difficult to beat.

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

Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

Capital One Venture Business: Best unlimited flat-rate transferable rewards

Like the Blue Business Plus, the Capital One Venture Business earns 2 miles per dollar spent on dining and other purchases. Unlike the Amex card, however, that earning rate is unlimited. This makes Venture Business a stronger fit for businesses that expect to spend more than $50,000 each year and can take advantage of double miles well above that spending threshold, despite the $95 annual fee.

Capital One miles are highly versatile, with options to transfer to 15-plus airline or hotel partners, book travel without blackout dates through Capital One Travel and more. In fact, a different set of transfer partners could make the Venture Business a more compelling solution than an Amex, depending on your business's redemption preferences.

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

Learn more: Capital One Venture Business Credit Card

U.S. Bank Triple Cash: Best no-annual-fee cash-back dining rewards card

The Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card earns 3% cash back on eligible restaurant purchases with no annual fee, and there's no cap on total rewards.

It can't match the Business Essentials Plus card's 5% return, but there's no annual fee to recoup. A business would need to spend about $14,750 annually on dining for the 5% rate to make up for the $295 fee versus the Triple Cash card's no-annual-fee 3% return. Therefore, if you're looking for simple cash back but have more moderate restaurant spending, the Triple Cash is a stronger fit.

To learn more, read our full review of the U.S. Bank Triple Cash.

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: Best for Marriott loyalists

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a good fit for businesses that frequently entertain clients, host events at Marriott properties or incur dining expenses while traveling. It earns 4 points per dollar spent on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide, which represents a 3% return at TPG's November 2026 valuations. Since it doesn't impose a spending cap on its restaurant rewards, businesses can earn consistently throughout the year.

The card becomes especially valuable for businesses that regularly stay with Marriott and can put both its hotel benefits and Bonvoy rewards to use.

Of course, loyalty to one hotel brand won't work for everyone. Businesses that prioritize more flexible redemptions may prefer a card that includes Marriott as a transfer partner rather than choosing a cobranded card specifically.

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

Apply now: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

How to choose a business card for dining

The right business card option depends on more than earning rates. You'll also need to account for how much your business spends, whether you prefer cash back or travel rewards and whether you're willing to pay an annual fee.

Start with the net value, not the largest number in the table. The Amex Business Gold and Business Essentials Plus only deliver their highest dining returns when restaurant purchases rank among the business's top eligible categories. But cards that earn lower rates of return on dining might be a better value once you factor in annual fees and spending caps.

In addition to considering the type of rewards best for your business, think about what else these cards offer. Secondary benefits like travel protections, cellphone insurance, lounge access or elite status might make up for a lower earning rate on meals when you consider the whole package.

A large welcome offer can improve a card's first-year value, but it shouldn't outweigh its long-term fit. Compare ongoing rewards after the annual fee, along with the protections, credits and other benefits your business will realistically use. That said, when two or more cards are equally strong long-term fits, a welcome bonus can be a useful tiebreaker. Especially since some credit cards currently offer welcome bonuses of 100,000 points or more.

Lastly, confirm your spending will count toward elevated earning rates if the bonus rate affects which card you pay with. Dining bonuses depend on how the merchant categorizes the purchase, and not all food vendors are considered a restaurant. For example, a hotel cafe may code as travel, while a bar might code as nightlife or entertainment.

Bottom line

The Amex Business Gold offers the highest potential dining return based on TPG's November 2026 valuations, but its earning rate alone likely doesn't settle the decision. Spending caps, annual fees, redemption flexibility and other card benefits will also factor into which card delivers the most value for your business.

Businesses with large, predictable restaurant expenses will come out ahead by choosing premium cards, even after budgeting for an annual fee. When your dining spending is more moderate or inconsistent, though, a no-annual-fee card may produce the same net value with less monitoring. Don't pay for an earnings rate your business won't regularly trigger.

Related: The best no-annual-fee business credit cards

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business card, click here.

On the first Wednesday of each month, Atmos Rewards unveils new Members Day offers, including new Global Getaways destinations. Here's a look at the best November Members Day offers.

November Atmos Rewards Global Getaways offers

Atmos Rewards just launched its November Global Getaways offers. Each destination has its own eligible travel dates, but you must book by Nov. 7.

*Blackout dates to Hawaii are Dec. 17 to Dec. 30, 2026, and Feb. 12 through Feb. 15, 2027, and from Hawaii are Dec. 27, 2026, to Jan. 4, 2027, and Feb. 19 to Feb. 21, 2027.

Related: Alaska and Hawaiian expand 'Atmos Communities' with 6 new options to save and earn

One example of a route covered by this month's promotion is the following itinerary from Seattle to Venice. It costs just 25,000 points and $48 in taxes and fees. While writing this story, we saw 25,000-point award options for this route on many dates.

If you are an Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card holder, the taxes and fees on this award are only $27.60.

Prefer a trip to Singapore? We found awards from Los Angeles to Singapore on many dates for 30,000 points and $49 in taxes and fees (or $29 if you are an Alaska Summit cardholder).

Meanwhile, you can fly from Seattle to Honolulu on many dates for 11,500 points and $6 in taxes and fees.

You'll want to book quickly, though, as availability at the lowest rates will likely decrease as other members book. To book, go to the Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines website, log in to your account, click the "Use points" box and enter your desired itinerary before clicking "Search flights."

Keep in mind that you can book many routes besides the ones discussed in this story as long as your award is between the U.S. and an eligible destination on eligible travel dates.

Related: Which credit card should you use for Alaska Airlines flights?

November Atmos Rewards Unlocked offers

Atmos Rewards Unlocked is the rewards marketplace where Atmos Rewards members can redeem or bid points on experiences and partner offerings.

This month, Atmos Rewards is letting members redeem 65,000 Atmos Rewards points for a 2026-27 Ikon Base Pass and 100,000 points for an Ikon Pass with $100 of mountain credits for use at participating resorts. These redemptions include one free day of ski butler service during the season with an equipment rental of two days or more. Active Escapes community members save 20%; redemptions close Nov. 23.

You'll also find plenty of other opportunities to redeem Atmos Rewards points for unique experiences, including an Iditarod insider experience, special getaways and even a behind-the-scenes tour of the Alaska Airlines Global Training Center. Head to the Atmos Rewards Unlocked page to see all the options.

How to earn Atmos Rewards points

There are multiple ways to earn Atmos Rewards points. You can, of course, earn them by flying Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines. The carriers also partner with over 30 airlines, including (but not limited to) members of the Oneworld alliance.

The Atmos Rewards cobranded credit cards are also a good way to accumulate points. You can earn points on purchases with these cards, but their welcome offers are also a way to quickly boost your account balance.

• Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card: Earn 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
• Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card: Earn 60,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening, plus earn an additional 20,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 on purchases in the same 90-day period.
• Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card: Earn 70,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

You can also transfer Bilt Points to Atmos Rewards at a 1:1 ratio and Marriott Bonvoy points to Atmos Rewards at a 3:1 ratio. And through Nov. 7, you can buy up to 250,000 Atmos Rewards points with a bonus of up to 110%. The 110% bonus kicks in when you buy 30,000 points or more. So, you could buy 30,000 points and get 33,000 bonus points for $1,128.75 (a purchase rate of 1.79 cents per point).

Related: Atmos Ascent vs. Atmos Summit: The Summit is better — but not for everyone

Bottom line

The Atmos Rewards Unlocked program provides some interesting ways to redeem points, but the Atmos Rewards Global Getaways deals are the true star of each month's Members Day.

Global Getaways are an excellent opportunity for travelers who want to book travel to the highlighted destinations, can book their flights within a few days and can travel during the specified time period. And if you are striving for Atmos Rewards status, keep in mind that you'll earn status points on Atmos Rewards award tickets.

The next time you use Clear to get through airport security, it might be faster than you've come to expect.

Over the course of this year, Clear has been expanding its new "e-gates" to dozens of airports across the country.

It's a more streamlined setup that allows passengers to fly through without stopping at one of its famous blue kiosks.

As of this week, Clear had deployed its new automated gates to 53 airports across the country.

By the end of the year, the tech is expected to be in place at nearly all the airports where the company offers its flagship Clear Plus service.

That's certainly good news for travelers looking to speed through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints — especially as the busy holiday travel rush looms.

Improving Clear with new tech

In the past, travelers hoping to use Clear at TSA would walk up to the checkpoint, then peel off to get their identity verified with a quick photo. Then, a Clear staffer would escort them to the front of the TSA line.

While it's obviously a shortcut, the service hasn't been without pain points.

Sometimes, flyers would arrive to find no open kiosks, or have to wait for Clear staffers to be free to assist them.

How the Clear e-gates work

The new e-gate setup is intended to improve the flow of passengers.

I've used the Clear e-gates at a handful of airports this year, and am typically able to walk through pretty seamlessly — often pausing for just a few seconds to get my photo taken before the gates open.

The company touts identity verification in five seconds or less under the new design (but do let us know in the comments what your experience was like).

As of this week, Clear had installed e-gates at nearly 80% of the airports it serves — and noted the "vast majority" of its network would have the e-gates by the end of this year.

At those hubs, the company said 96% passengers were getting through in five minutes or less.

These improvements should make the service an even better shortcut at more airports.

Reminder: What is Clear?

Clear is a paid service that lets passengers effectively skip the TSA line and jump right to carry-on baggage screening. It's typically maximized in tandem with TSA PreCheck access.

How much does Clear cost?

Clear's flagship airport security service (known as Clear Plus) now costs $219 for an annual membership.

But some travel cards will offset the cost. For instance, I get a statement credit of up to $219 each year for my Clear+ membership fee by carrying the American Express Platinum Card®, which has an annual fee of $895 (see rates and fees). Enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal.

Plus, three major U.S. airlines partner with Clear to offer special pricing: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

TPG Tip: If you want to try Clear and sign up using TPG's special offer, you can save $40 on the first year's membership.

Bottom line

Even as Clear expands its e-gates at TSA checkpoints, the program has also gotten some friendly competition from the TSA's newest security shortcut called TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.

That service, which allows members to pass through security without pulling out their ID or boarding pass, is now available at dozens of airports across the country. TSA Touchless has no extra cost for PreCheck (and Global Entry) members, though you have to opt in via your airline profile.

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

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• Which US airline is best? TPG's 2026 rankings
• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
• Big changes for our favorite airport shortcuts: How TSA PreCheck, Clear, Global Entry are evolving

For small-business owners who love to fly with American Airlines, the Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) should be in your crosshairs.

It's an affordable card with no annual fee for the first cardholder year (then a $99 annual fee; this fee increases to a $150 annual fee for renewals after Jan. 24, 2027). That gives you a chance to try out its free checked bags, preferred boarding and bonus miles on several common business expenses without committing to a fee for the first year.

But because it overlaps heavily with the airline perks on personal American Airlines cards, it makes the most sense for side hustlers and small businesses that don't already carry a similar credit card or those looking to add to their mileage balance through business spending. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

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

Citi / AAdvantage Business: The basics

The Citi / AAdvantage Business offers a moderate set of benefits without the treasure trove of partner offers, elite status boosts and lounge perks found on more premium cards.

This card's benefits favor travelers who prefer to fly with American Airlines, but it doesn't require a full commitment to the airline thanks to its manageable annual fee (after the first cardholder year).

American Airlines benefits

Cardholders will receive the following American Airlines-centric perks:

• First checked bag free on domestic itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation
• Preferred boarding
• A 25% discount on eligible inflight purchases through Jan. 23, 2027; beginning Jan. 24, this will be replaced by up to $100 in annual statement credits for eligible inflight food, beverages and paid Wi-Fi
• Ability to earn an American Airlines companion certificate ($99 plus taxes and fees) after spending $30,000 or more in an account year
• Ability to earn bonus miles on American Airlines purchases and Loyalty Points on all purchases
• Boosted earnings as an AAdvantage Business member

Other perks

In addition to the benefits just mentioned, cardholders have access to these perks:

• Up to $120 in statement credits every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees (beginning Jan. 24, 2027)
• Ability to earn bonus AAdvantage miles on gas station, car rental and telecommunications purchases. Plus, earn on a selectable business category beginning Jan. 24, 2027
• Can add employee cards at no additional cost
• Benefit from no foreign transaction fees

Citi / AAdvantage Business pros and cons

Citi / AAdvantage Business benefits

The Citi / AAdvantage Business is a mid-tier airline card with standout perks like free checked bags, no-additional-fee employee cards and Loyalty Points on spending.

Given that checking bags with American costs at least $45 per bag one-way, you can practically recoup this card's annual fee after the first cardholder year by checking a bag on three one-way flights. If you travel with an employee or another companion, it becomes easy to extract even more value — assuming you would otherwise pay for checked bags.

You'll need to spend $30,000 in a cardholder year to earn a companion certificate ($99 plus taxes and fees). That's an incredibly high spending requirement for a mid-tier card that earns just 1 mile per dollar on nonbonus purchases.

The card includes basic business management resources, but its benefits still lean heavily toward American Airlines travel rather than premium business tools.

You won't get statement credits for business partners or other features offered by more robust business cards. From a perks standpoint, the Citi / AAdvantage Business is extremely similar to the personal Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, though the earning rates are better suited to business spending.

How to earn and use your rewards

The Citi / AAdvantage Business earns miles in a relatively broad selection of categories. Cardholders earn:

• 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
• 2 miles per dollar spent on telecommunications, cable and satellite providers
• 2 miles per dollar spent on gas station and car rental purchases
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

Starting Jan. 24, 2027, the card is undergoing a refresh that will add two new bonus-earning categories.

• 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings made on aadvantagehotels.com and eligible AAdvantage Cars bookings made on aadvantagecars.com
• 2 miles per dollar spent in one selected category: U.S. shipping providers, office supply stores or U.S. advertising services

There aren't many cards that offer bonus earnings on telecommunication services, so the AAdvantage Business is a viable option for those expenses. Cardholders could also get a lot of value out of the choice category once it launches in 2027. You'll be able to select your preferred earnings category and can change it once a quarter, if you prefer. All the options overlap nicely with common business purchases.

Ironically, this card may not be the best option for American Airlines airfare. Some cards outearn it, such as the American Express Platinum Card®.

Remember that you'll earn 1 Loyalty Point per dollar spent on all purchases, helping you get closer to elite status with American.

Using your rewards

When it's time to redeem the miles you earn, your best bet is to book award flights. In addition to flights operated by American Airlines, you can use your miles on partner airlines such as Alaska Airlines or Finnair.

TPG credit cards writer Becky Pokora recently redeemed 55,000 miles for a one-way trip from Johannesburg (JNB) to Berlin (BER) in business class on Oneworld partner Qatar Airways for travel in 2027. That's more than 14 hours in a premium cabin for fewer miles than you can earn through the card's introductory offer.

You can also use your AAdvantage miles for flight upgrades, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, cruises and Admirals Club passes. Aside from cabin upgrades on flights, these options generally provide less value than award flights.

Related: Why American Airlines AAdvantage has become my most valuable rewards currency

Downsides to consider about the Citi / AAdvantage Business

The Citi / AAdvantage Business will become more useful after its 2027 refresh, but its annual fee is rising from $99 to $150. That makes it harder to justify if you don't use the new inflight or Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits.

Most purchases will still earn just 1 mile per dollar, and only one of the three selectable business categories can earn 2 miles per dollar at a time.

Related: Which AAdvantage card is right for you? Here are 3 options you should consider

Citi / AAdvantage Business vs. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select

The AAdvantage Business and Platinum Select share most of their airline perks, so the decision comes down to whether you need a business account, which bonus categories fit your spending and whether you value the Business card's companion certificate or the Platinum Select's new lifestyle perks.

The Platinum Select, though, has stronger rewards on restaurant spending and will add bonus spending categories for select streaming services, electric vehicle charging and eligible rides and rails purchases beginning Jan. 24, 2027.

You'll still get free checked bags, preferred boarding, Loyalty Points on card spending and inflight savings with the Platinum Select.

Choose the Citi / AAdvantage Business if you want to separate your business expenses, add employee cards and earn bonus miles on more business-specific purchases, like telecommunications, U.S. advertising, U.S. shipping or office supplies.

The Platinum Select is the better fit if you don't need a business account. Because their core American Airlines benefits overlap, most travelers won't need both.

Is the Citi / AAdvantage Business worth it?

The Citi / AAdvantage Business is worth it for small-business owners who fly American often enough to use the airline benefits. The addition of statement credits toward eligible inflight purchases could provide more value to offset the annual fee, even though that cost is going up in 2027.

At $150 after the first year, it will be less compelling for cardholders who already receive similar American Airlines perks from another card or via elite status. It's also not ideal as an everyday spending card, since most purchases earn just 1 mile per dollar spent.

When to apply for the Citi / AAdvantage Business

For a limited time, new Citi / AAdvantage Business cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first five months from account opening. This offer is the highest we've seen in the card's recent public offers, making it an excellent time to apply.

According to TPG's November 2026 valuations, these bonus miles are worth $1,088.

Adding 75,000 miles to your AAdvantage account can go a long way, depending on how you redeem them. A few ideas include:

• Domestic flights start as low as 7,500 miles one-way plus taxes and fees, though select deals occasionally bring prices down even more
• Round-trip economy flights to Mexico, such as between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Cancun International Airport (CUN) for 16,000 miles plus $149 in taxes and fees
• Long-haul business-class flights, such as Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C., to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) on Iberia for just 57,500 miles and $155 in taxes and fees

Before submitting your application, make sure to consider Citi's application rules.

Other cards to consider if you don't want the Citi / AAdvantage Business

I've already mentioned the Platinum Select as a strong competitor, but here are some other options to think about:

• If you want more business-oriented perks: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers a set of statement credits for business services, along with bonus earnings in common business categories. To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.
• If you want top-tier benefits with American Airlines: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® (see rates and fees) is aimed at American Airlines loyalists, with one of its top perks being a complimentary Admirals Club membership. To learn more, check out our full review of the AAdvantage Executive.
• If you want to earn transferable rewards: The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees) earns transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points on purchases, including bonus rewards on common business expenses. To learn more, check out our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.

For additional options, check out our picks for the best American Airlines cards and the best travel rewards cards.

Bottom line

The upcoming refresh will make the Citi / AAdvantage Business more versatile—but also more expensive. Its new business bonus category and statement credits can justify the upcharge for frequent American flyers who will use them naturally. The free checked bag benefit can also offset the annual fee, especially when employees or companions travel on the same reservation.

If you already have an AAdvantage card, you might not find the AAdvantage Business as compelling. But if this is your first foray into American Airlines' cards, it's worth giving the AAdvantage Business a shot.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard

Premium cards are not just about travel — they're continuing to add lifestyle value you can use at home. The American Express Platinum Card® offers up to $75 per quarter (up to $300 per calendar year) in Lululemon statement credits.*

Whether you're looking for casual attire, travel essentials or workout gear, here are seven items we recommend buying with your quarterly $75 Lululemon statement credit.

*Enrollment is required, and outlets are excluded. Only applies to purchases at U.S. stores and online.

What is the Amex Platinum's $75 Lululemon credit?

Although the Amex Platinum's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees) may seem very high, perks like the quarterly up to $75 Lululemon statement credit (up to $300 each calendar year) help offset the cost.

The up to $75 quarterly statement credit is valid for eligible purchases made at U.S. Lululemon stores (excluding outlets) and on lululemon.com (after enrollment).

Many TPGers are big fans of Lululemon and find its clothing to be an excellent choice for travel-day outfits. It's also comfortable for city travel and lightweight for exercise.

Related: How to maximize benefits with the Amex Platinum Card

Steady State SuperLoft Crew

I used my Amex Platinum's Q3 Lululemon statement credit for a black Steady State SuperLoft Crew shirt. Although it's designed for men, this sweatshirt fits me exceptionally well.

Lululemon also offers a women's version of this, if you'd prefer a different fit. I currently plan to use my Q4 statement credit to buy another of these shirts in a different color.

Buy: Steady State SuperLoft Crew for $98

Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Clear

TPG credit cards writer Stephanie Stevens is a huge fan of the clear version of the Everywhere Belt Bag.

She feels the bag is great for stadiums or events with clear-bag policies. Best of all, it is reasonably priced and makes a great gift.

Buying two bags for $76 would use your full $75 quarterly statement credit, leaving you with just $1 to pay (before applicable taxes). You could also buy one bag and put the remaining credit toward another eligible purchase.

Buy: Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Clear for $38

Soft Jersey Pullover Hoodie

TPG's lead writer for loyalty programs, Katie Genter, recently used her statement credit on this hoodie. It comes in three different basic color options, making it easy to pair with a variety of outfits.

If you're someone who gets cold easily while traveling, this hoodie could be a great item to throw on during your flight, train ride or car ride. The Amex Platinum's up to $75 quarterly Lululemon statement credit brings the total cost down to just $23.

Buy: Soft Jersey Pullover Hoodie for $98

All Yours Organic Cotton-Blend Long-Sleeve Shirt

Katie also noted that she used a statement credit from a different quarter to purchase this long-sleeve shirt. This is a soft, casual shirt that can work for a relaxed day around the house, a long travel day or as a casual top for a day of sightseeing.

Keep in mind that this item is marked Final Sale, so you won't be able to return it online if it doesn't fit or otherwise meet your expectations. However, your Amex Platinum's shopping protections should be usable here if your item arrives damaged or not as described. Alternatively, you may be able to return it in-store for store credit.

Buy: All Yours Organic Cotton-Blend Long-Sleeve Shirt for $29

Heavyweight Soft Jersey Relaxed Fit Jogger

I used my up to $75 Lululemon statement credit for Q1 2026 on a pair of these joggers. They're incredibly soft and feel high-quality.

If you're looking for a comfortable pair of joggers to throw on after work or for a light workout, these pants are hard to beat. (This is a Final Sale item.)

Buy: Heavyweight Soft Jersey Relaxed Fit Jogger for $69

Smooth Spacer Classic-Fit Pullover Hoodie

TPG senior analyst Jared Nord noted that, while he already has one of these hoodies, he may pick up another, given that the price is currently within the threshold for the Amex Platinum's up to $75 quarterly Lululemon statement credit.

This hoodie is available in a wide range of colors, making it easy to find a color you like. As with some other items mentioned, this is marked Final Sale.

Buy: Smooth Spacer Classic-Fit Pullover Hoodie for $69 in select colors; regular price $138

Groove Nulu High-Rise Flared Pant Regular

TPG's managing editor for credit cards, Giselle Gomez, bought this item earlier this quarter. She "found them to be super comfortable for traveling," and added she "might circle back and get them in another color."

The price for these pants varies, so make sure to pay close attention to the total amount when adding your color choice to your cart. Depending on the color you choose, your Amex Platinum's quarterly up-to-$75 Lululemon statement credit may not cover the entire purchase.

Buy: Groove Nulu High-Rise Flared Pant Regular $59 in select colors; regular price $118

Maximize the Lululemon credit

The Amex Platinum Card offers up to $75 in Lululemon statement credits each quarter. If you shop at the retailer only once and spend less than $75, you'll forfeit any unused portion of the statement credit when the next quarter begins.

To maximize this benefit, first make sure you're enrolled in the statement credit, then click through a shopping portal before making your purchase. While you'll earn only 1 point per dollar spent with your Platinum Card, you may be able to pick up additional rewards through a shopping portal. (At the time of publication, Rakuten is not offering rewards on Lululemon purchases.)

Next, aim to use the full $75 statement credit each quarter. You don't have to spend it all in a single transaction, and you can spread your purchases across multiple orders if needed. Since many popular Lululemon items — including jackets, pants and shirts — cost more than $75, using the entire statement credit shouldn't be difficult.

If you buy an item you're not happy with, consider exchanging it instead of returning it. A return could trigger a statement credit reversal, and you may not be able to use your statement credit again during that quarter.

You can also stretch your statement credit further by purchasing sale items. (Note that purchases made at Lululemon outlet locations don't qualify.)

Finally, don't wait until the last minute to use your quarterly statement credit. If your purchase doesn't post before the end of the quarter, it could trigger the following quarter's statement credit instead.

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

Bottom line

The Lululemon statement credit on the Amex Platinum is a great benefit for those who enjoy the brand. Consider these TPG-recommended items, or, if you already have your own favorites, be sure to purchase them using your Amex Platinum next time.

Don't forget to use your Q4 Lululemon statement credit, since you don't want to leave that value on the table.

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

Apply here: American Express Platinum

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

Airport lounges can serve as oases from a busy, crowded or outdated terminal. Some lounges participate in membership networks like Priority Pass, while others, like the United Club lounge, are operated by individual airlines.

If you're a loyal United Airlines flyer or frequent one of the carrier's largest hubs, visiting a United Club lounge is probably already on your radar. However, the airline made some major access changes in 2025.

Here's what you need to know about accessing United's lounges.

How to access United Club and Polaris lounges

The Chicago-based airline operates a network of standard lounges known as United Clubs, as well as more exclusive Polaris lounges for eligible premium-cabin travelers on select long-haul international, transcontinental and Hawaii routes. Both offer complimentary food, drinks and Wi-Fi, while Polaris lounges feature additional amenities, such as sit-down dining, relaxation areas and shower suites.

So, how can travelers gain access to United's network of lounges?

Same-day boarding pass requirement

You'll need a same-day boarding pass to access United lounges. This can be a same-day boarding pass for a United-operated flight or a flight operated by a Star Alliance partner airline, like Lufthansa or Swiss.

Related: Best United Airlines credit cards

Paid United Club membership

United now has two tiers of paid membership for entry to the Club.

United Club individual membership

Annual fee: $750 or 94,000 miles

This membership offers the primary member unlimited access to all 45-plus United Club locations. There are no discounts available for United Premier members. Individual members can pay to bring guests into the lounge on a one-off basis; a one-time pass costs $59 per guest and is subject to availability.

Individual members do not have access to Star Alliance partner lounges.

United Club All Access membership

Annual fee: Varies depending on Premier status

All Access members can enjoy unlimited United Club access for the primary member and up to two adult guests, or one adult and any dependents under 18.

This membership also includes access to Star Alliance partner lounges and other select partner locations, subject to applicable access policies.

Lifetime United Club members have been converted to All Access memberships.

TPG values United MileagePlus miles at 1.2 cents each per our November 2026 valuations, so your best bet is to pay the annual membership fee with cash rather than miles.

Access United Club lounges with a Credit card

Having an eligible cobranded United credit card can be the most cost-effective way to consistently enter the United Club.

You can get lounge access with the following cards (note that some cards only offer one-time passes):

• United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees): Receive United Club membership that includes access for the primary cardholder and eligible guests.
• United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees): Receive two one-time United Club passes per year.
• United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees): Receive two one-time United Club passes per year.
• United Club℠ Business Card*: Receive United Club membership that includes access for the primary cardholder and eligible guests.

*The information for the United Club Business 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.

Unlike a paid Individual membership, a United Club membership earned via a cobranded credit card offers a unique access policy that includes entry for primary cardmembers, one adult guest and any dependents under 18 years old.

Cardmembers can unlock an All Access membership, which increases the guest allowance and provides access to participating Star Alliance partner lounges, by earning Premier Gold status or higher, or by spending $50,000 on eligible purchases with their United Club Card or United Club Business Card in a calendar year.

Since the annual fee on both the United Club Card and the United Club Business Card is $695, having a credit card to enter the lounge remains a more attractive option than outright buying a membership.

Additionally, the United Club Card and the United Club Business Card offer four one-time passes on each account anniversary. A pass can be used by one person accompanying the primary cardholder or an authorized user into the lounge.

If you'd prefer to avoid the hefty annual fee, you can opt for the entry-level United Explorer Card or the United Business Card, both of which include two single-use United Club passes each year. Note that these day passes don't include guest access, nor can they be transferred to friends or family who aren't authorized users or accompanying a cardmember into the lounge.

Access United Club lounges with Elite status

Certain MileagePlus Premier and Star Alliance Gold members can access United Clubs when traveling on eligible flights.

United Premier Gold (and higher) members can access United Clubs when traveling internationally on United or another Star Alliance carrier, regardless of their class of service. They can also bring along one guest who's traveling on the same flight.

Travelers who earn Star Alliance Gold status through another member airline can access United Clubs when flying on any eligible Star Alliance flight, including domestic United flights. Again, guests must be traveling on the same flight as the elite member.

United's invite-only Global Services members can enjoy lounge access on all United-operated flights, including those operating exclusively within the U.S. Note that this new perk only covers the Global Services member — you'll only be able to bring a guest into the lounge with an All Access membership, eligible cobranded credit card or when flying internationally.

Access United lounges with ticket type

Travelers flying in certain premium cabins on United or its Star Alliance partners can also access United Clubs. However, eligibility and guest privileges vary by airline, route and cabin class, as outlined below.

United Club One-time passes

If you don't travel enough to justify an annual membership, you can also purchase a one-time United Club pass for $59 per person at United Club locations or through the United mobile app. Just note that day passes don't guarantee entry when lounge is at capacity.

Travelers using a one-time pass can enter a United Club only up to three hours before their scheduled departure time. (This exclusively applies to departure flights, and there is no time limit for entry on connecting flights.) These one-time passes are not accepted at grab-and-go locations, United Polaris lounges, United Arrivals Lounges or partner lounges.

You can also earn complimentary one-time passes with select cobranded credit cards, including:

• United Explorer Card: Two single-use United Club passes per cardmember anniversary
• United Business Card: Two single-use United Club passes per cardmember anniversary
• United Club Card: Four one-time passes annually when cardmembers have an authorized user on their account and have unlocked Club All Access Membership
• United Club Business Card: Four one-time passes annually when cardmembers have an authorized user on their account and have unlocked Club All Access Membership

One-time passes issued through United cobranded credit cards must be redeemed by the primary cardholder, an authorized user or a guest accompanied by either. Each pass admits one person.

Other United Club access

United's lounges are open to a few other travelers, including:

• Active-duty U.S. military personnel: Eligible active-duty military members traveling on United or United Express can access United Club locations with a valid military ID, boarding pass and documentation such as orders or proof of leave.
• Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members: North America Plus members can enter U.S. United Club locations, while Worldwide members can use all locations worldwide and bring one guest. You'll need to show a same-day boarding pass for a flight operated by a Star Alliance airline.
• Virgin Australia Velocity elite members: Velocity Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus members, as well as Virgin Australia Beyond members, can access United Clubs when traveling on an eligible international itinerary with United or Virgin Australia. Eligible members may bring one guest traveling on the same flight.

United Polaris Lounge access

Some premium-class passengers also have access to United's Polaris lounges, which offer a more premium experience. You can expect modern furnishings, private spa-like shower suites and elevated culinary options.

Three types of passengers are eligible for Polaris lounge access:

• United Polaris business-class passengers: Travelers booked in United Polaris business class on a standard or flexible fare can access Polaris lounges at departure, connecting and arrival airports on their eligible same-day itinerary. United Polaris Base fares do not qualify, and no guests are permitted.
• Star Alliance first-class passengers: Travelers flying first class on Lufthansa, Swiss or ANA can access a Polaris lounge at the departure airport before their international flight. They can bring one guest.
• Star Alliance business-class passengers: Travelers flying business class on Air New Zealand, ANA or ITA Airways qualify for access. Passengers flying on Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian or Brussels Airlines must be booked in Basic or Flex business-class fares. Access is limited to the departure airport for their long-haul international flight, and no guests are permitted.

United Club Fly Access

In addition to United Clubs and Polaris Lounges, the carrier operates a grab-and-go lounge concept called United Club Fly.

The first such space opened at Denver International Airport (DEN) in November 2022, and a second one opened at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in 2025. Eligible travelers can enter Club Fly by scanning their boarding pass at the self-service entry gate.

Once inside, you can head to the snack bar that's stocked with packaged and prepared foods. You can also order a coffee from the barista.

Given Club Fly's focus on efficiency, the access policies are a bit different. Eligible United Club members and travelers flying in international premium cabins are eligible to enter, but they cannot bring any guests.

United Club lounge Locations

The Chicago-based carrier operates more than 45 United Club lounge locations. Of course, you'll find a plethora of United Clubs in the carrier's main hubs, including:

• O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Five locations, three in Terminal 1 near gates B6, B18 and C10; and two in Terminal 2 across from gates E7 and F9.
• Denver International Airport (DEN): Three locations, one near Gate B32, one near Gate B44 and one near Gate A25. United Club Fly is near Gate B60.
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): Five locations, one in Terminal A across from Gate A9; one in Terminal B near Gate B10; two in Terminal C near gates C1 and C33; and one in Terminal E between gates E11 and E12. United Club Fly is near gates B50–B57.
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): One location adjacent to Gate 71A.
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Three locations, one in Terminal A near Gate A27; and two in Terminal C near gates C74 and C123.
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Three locations, two in Terminal 3 near gates E4 and F11; and one in the International Terminal between gates G6 and G9.
• Dulles International Airport (IAD): Three locations in the Midfield Terminal near gates C7, C17 and D8.

Apart from DEN, all of the aforementioned airports also have Polaris lounges.

There are other United Club locations scattered across the U.S., including in airports such as Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), among others.

Check out United's website for a complete list of the airline's Club and Polaris lounge locations.

Bottom line

United offers a variety of ways to access its United Clubs, both for premium-cabin frequent flyers and for those with a membership.

If you frequently travel with United, it's worth analyzing which options offer the best bang for your buck to unlock a relaxing lounge experience.

Related reading:

• United Airlines MileagePlus: Guide to earning and redeeming miles, elite status and more
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• United basic economy: What you need to know about bags, seats, boarding and more

The Capital One Venture X Business is a great option for small-business owners who want to earn miles on their spending. It features a solid welcome bonus and many of our favorite features found on its consumer counterpart, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

One such similarity is the $395 annual fee. This is a bargain compared to some other premium business cards, such as The Business Platinum Card® from American Express with its $895 fee (see rates and fees).

Still, a $395 annual fee is a meaningful expense. Does the Venture X Business offer enough benefits and earning potential to justify that premium fee? Here's what you need to know if you're on the fence.

Welcome offer

Currently, new Venture X Business applicants can earn up to 300,000 bonus miles and a $1,000 travel credit:

• Earn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $40,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
• Earn an additional 150,000 bonus miles and a $1,000 Capital One Business Travel credit* after spending $120,000 total on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

*To use within 16 months from account opening

This bonus is worth up to $6,550 when you factor in TPG's November valuations of Capital One miles at 1.85 cents and the travel credit.

If you can meet the steep minimum spending requirements, the bonus alone is valuable enough to justify paying the card's $395 annual fee more than 16 times over.

Related: How to maximize your Capital One miles

Earning potential

Beyond the Venture X Business welcome bonus, you'll earn:

• 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Business Travel
• 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Business Travel
• 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases

And when it comes to redeeming your miles, you have options. If you want to keep it simple, you can redeem your miles for a statement credit to cover travel expenses (charged to the card within the previous 90 days). This option offers a value of 1 cent per mile.

To get more value out of your miles, you can also transfer your miles to any of Capital One's 15-plus hotel and airline partners, including valuable options like Air Canada Aeroplan, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Wyndham Rewards.

TPG values Capital One miles at 1.85 cents each when used with transfer partners, though the value you receive depends on your redemption.

This makes the Venture X Business an especially attractive option for big-spending business owners who don't want to worry about bonus categories.

With this card, you can feel confident knowing you're earning valuable rewards no matter what you're buying.

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

Annual travel credit

Venture X Business cardholders receive $300 in credits each year for travel booked through Capital One Business Travel. This credit is automatic, making it relatively easy to use.

However, since the credit is limited to travel booked through Capital One Business Travel, you'll likely give up any hotel or rental car elite status perks. The drawbacks of booking through a portal can put a damper on the value of this annual credit.

Still, fully taking advantage of this perk will bring your effective annual fee down to just $95.

Related: How to decide whether to book travel directly or through a portal

Anniversary bonus miles

The travel credit isn't the only annual perk you'll get as a Venture X Business cardholder. Every year, on your account anniversary, you'll also receive 10,000 bonus miles, worth $185 according to our valuations.

Even if you redeem these anniversary miles directly for travel at a rate of 1 cent per mile, this annual bonus is worth $100. This perk and the travel credit combined more than justify the card's $395 annual fee each year.

Lounge access

As a Venture X Business primary cardholder, you get unlimited access to Capital One Lounges, currently open at:

• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Capital One also operates dining-focused "Landing" facilities at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

This card also includes access to Priority Pass lounges.

Without an eligible credit card, you can pay $90 for a lounge day pass. Five visits alone would cost $450 out of pocket, so you'll make up the annual fee's value quickly if you can take advantage of your Capital One Lounge access.

Related: Capital One Venture X vs. Venture X Business

Other perks

On top of these benefits, the Venture X Business includes additional travel perks:

• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit: Up to $120 statement credit every four years
• Hotel perks: Access to luxury hotel bookings and elite-like benefits with Capital One's Premier Collection

These benefits are more difficult to quantify, but they'll provide added comfort and peace of mind during your travels.

Related: A comparison of luxury hotel programs from credit card issuers: Amex, Capital One, Chase and Citi

Bottom line

If you can take advantage of key Venture X Business benefits, such as the annual travel credit and anniversary bonus miles, you can offset the card's annual fee year after year.

However, if you can't maximize the annual travel credit or airport lounge access, you may want to go with another of our favorite business credit cards. You may also want to consider a different card if you anticipate struggling to meet this card's lofty welcome bonus spending requirements.

For more details, read our full review of the Venture X Business.

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business

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

With just two months left in 2026, time is running out to qualify (or requalify) for Delta Medallion elite status.

If you have not done so already, check your elite qualification metrics, tally up your travel for the rest of the year and see where that puts you in terms of elite status for next year. If you're short of your goal, you still have time to close the gap. There are plenty of ways to earn Delta status — and they don't all involve flying.

Here are some ideas to help you earn what you need by the end of the year and reap the benefits of Medallion status in 2027.

Related: Reciprocal earning coming soon from new Delta-Hyatt partnership

How to earn Delta elite status

Remember that as of Jan. 1, 2024, Delta consolidated all Medallion status earning activities into Medallion Qualification Dollars, axing Medallion Qualification Miles and Medallion Qualification Segments.

Now, flyers earn MQDs not just on eligible travel purchases with Delta and its partners, but also on other activities, such as spending on Delta-issued credit cards and vacation packages. You'll need to reach the following MQD thresholds for each Medallion status tier:

Of course, the most obvious route to status is by booking paid flights through Delta: You'll earn 1 MQD per dollar on the ticket price of any Delta-marketed flight operated by Delta or its partner airlines (except in basic economy, which doesn't earn miles or MQDs). However, Delta's new "basic" premium fares still earn MQDs.

However, there are plenty of other ways to earn MQDs without setting foot on an airplane. Here are some last-minute strategies to help put you over the top for Delta elite status in 2026.

Book an award ticket

One of the best changes to the SkyMiles program in recent years is that Delta award tickets booked in Main Cabin or higher now earn MQDs. This can make earning status much cheaper.

If you have a stash of SkyMiles in your account, consider redeeming them to close the gap to your desired status tier. The number of MQDs you'll earn is calculated by dividing the number of miles redeemed by 100. (And remember, holders of select Delta American Express cards automatically save 15% on Delta-operated award tickets.)

There is one major exception to keep in mind: Only Delta-ticketed award flights earn MQDs. Your award ticket must be booked with Delta SkyMiles through a direct Delta channel in order to qualify (though it does not need to be operated by Delta). For example, using Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles to book an award flight operated by Delta won't earn MQDs, even if you add your SkyMiles number to the itinerary.

Related: Your complete guide to the Delta SkyMiles program

Earn MQDs with partners

Since achieving Delta Medallion status now requires hitting spending thresholds, mileage runs are not the useful tool they once were if you're flying on Delta metal. On the bright side, you can still leverage partner fares to earn MQDs quickly. This is because these flights earn MQDs based on a percentage of the flight distance rather than the ticket price.

If you go this route, know that earning rates vary depending on which carrier and fare class you fly. For example, an Air France flight in full economy will earn MQDs based on 20% of the miles flown, while a full economy WestJet ticket will earn 15% of the miles flown. Remember, MQDs are not to be confused with SkyMiles.

You can also earn 1 MQD per dollar spent on Delta Vacations, the airline's platform for booking all-in-one vacation packages. However, Delta Car Rentals and Delta Stays bookings no longer earn MQDs.

Spend on a Delta cobranded credit card

Some Delta cobranded credit cards allow cardholders to earn MQDs. The following cards give you an automatic 2,500 MQDs each year (known as MQD Headstart), plus additional MQDs when you spend on the card:

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Earn 1 MQD for each $20 in purchases you make on the card in a calendar year.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Earn 1 MQD for each $10 in purchases you make on the card in a calendar year.

It may be worth applying for one of these cards to close the gap for next year's Medallion status. If you already have one and your everyday purchases won't get you close enough to your desired status level, you might consider ways to increase your spending temporarily — such as paying your rent or mortgage with your cobranded card or making purchases for a friend and having them pay you back.

Just be aware that purchases on these cards must post to your account in 2026 to help you qualify for elite status in the 2027 status year. Purchases made in late December may go toward the following year instead, depending on the transaction date submitted to American Express by the merchant (which may differ from the date when you made the purchase). For example, if you make a purchase on Dec. 31 and the merchant lists the transaction date as Jan. 1, the MQDs you earn will count toward next year instead of this year.

Related: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex card review

Apply for a status match

Delta SkyMiles has historically been one of the most generous programs when it comes to status challenges. After temporary unavailability during recent program changes, the SkyMiles Medallion Status Match Challenge has returned. This means travelers who hold elite status with another airline can request a match through Delta Medallion. If approved, you'll receive the equivalent Delta status for three months, along with a status challenge to extend your shiny new Medallion status.

In 2025, Delta also offered a new program called Elevate Your Status that allowed members to make a one-time MQD purchase to reach the next Medallion status tier, as long as they already had the required number of MQDs to qualify. This limited-time promotion has ended, but keep an eye out in case Delta brings it back for 2026.

Earn status with Choice Benefits

Delta's Choice Benefits for Platinum and Diamond members include MQD Accelerators to help you get closer to next year's status. In 2026, Platinum members can select this Choice Benefit to boost their MQDs by 1,000, while Diamond members can earn an extra 2,000 MQDs this way. These MQDs typically take six to eight weeks to deposit into your account — so, if you plan to use this route to achieve next year's status, now is the time to make your Choice Benefit selection.

Another Choice Benefit option allows you to gift Medallion status to other members. Platinum Medallions can choose to gift Silver Medallion status to four people, and Diamonds can gift Gold status to four people. So be nice to friends or family who might be able to give you a hand up into the club.

Note that Platinum status members can select one Choice Benefit, and Diamond status members can select three benefits. You can select your Choice Benefit as soon as you earn status, and you have until Jan. 31, 2027, to select your 2026 benefits.

Related: The ultimate guide to Delta Choice Benefits

Fly private

This option is probably not feasible for most travelers, but it's worth mentioning.

Thanks to Delta's partnership with Wheels Up, a private jet subscription service, Wheels Up members can receive one Diamond Medallion status for every $100,000 spent in a Wheels Up Fund during a calendar year. If you don't have a subscription, you can still get one Diamond Medallion status after making at least $125,000 in flight spend. However, travelers who earn status either way will not get access to Choice Benefits.

This is obviously not the cheapest option for earning Delta elite status. However, if you or your business use the service anyway, it may be a good way to bypass the other requirements and go straight to the top.

Bottom line

Even though 2026 is coming to a close, there's still time to level up your Delta Medallion elite status so you can travel in comfort next year.

The most important thing is to know where you stand after accounting for the rest of your planned travel for this year. Once you determine how many extra MQDs you need, you can use these strategies to ensure you earn your desired elite tier for next year — and all the perks that come with it.

Many of us here at TPG love to leverage our favorite credit cards to enhance our travels. From trying out the newest lie-flat product to relaxing in an airport lounge, these products can go a long way in unlocking memorable experiences.

But for many Americans, credit cards represent a tangible way to support their household's bottom lines — especially in the face of rising costs and the unexpected hurdles that life can throw in their way.

Recently, TPG founder Brian Kelly sat down with three everyday families to help them maximize their wallets — and the conversations demonstrated the true power of making rewards work for you.

Here are some real-world stories that show just what credit cards can unlock for you.

Building financial literacy

One of the most under-the-radar benefits of credit cards is how they can build financial literacy and set your children up for success in the real world. No, this isn't about giving teens or young adults unfettered access to a big credit limit. Instead, it's the power of adding them as an authorized user to an existing credit card.

That's exactly what we recommended to Seungah Jeong for her 14-year-old daughter, Emi. She just started high school and is starting to spend her own money. By becoming an authorized user on her mom's card, she can start building up a credit history for when she's ready to go off on her own.

Even better? Some cards allow you to set individual spending limits for your authorized users, so your kids can learn about budgeting in a controlled environment.

Earning rewards where it matters most

Everyone has different needs when it comes to credit cards, and making the most of your everyday spending requires two important items. Put simply, you need to know:

• Where do you spend your money
• How do you want to use your rewards

If you never eat out, a credit card with a bonus on dining purchases won't do you any good. If you're a frequent international traveler, you don't want to swipe a card and incur foreign transaction fees. And if you focus on earning rewards with a single travel provider, you may be missing out on more flexible rewards.

We saw this play out with all the families we met.

Take the Goralczenkos. Parents Andrew and Tracy have quadruplets who are heading off to college, and both were laid off two years ago when the company they worked for suddenly went out of business. They had been collecting rewards on their favorite theme park credit card for years, but in their current situation, that's not doing much for them.

Instead, they can shift their focus to cash-back rewards, picking up a new card that awards them 3% back on some of their biggest purchases — like gas and groceries.

It was a similar story with Seungah, whose 18-year-old son Oliver was heading off to Greece for college. Our recommendation was to get a new travel rewards card, specifically one that offers flexible rewards and waives foreign transaction fees. That means Oliver won't be hit with up to 3% in fees every time he swipes the card in Europe.

Finally, there was Renee Lewis-Mance. She and her husband, Chris, are retired, but she's very into the points game, focusing primarily on a single airline and a single hotel loyalty program. While these programs can be valuable, Renee is missing out on one of the biggest benefits of being retired: flexibility.

That's why we recommended adding a new transferable rewards card to her wallet. Earning points or miles in one of these programs provides an array of redemption options when she's planning a trip. She's not locked into a single airline or hotel chain, which could limit her options.

Grabbing a one-time bonus

Beyond earning with your everyday spending, most popular cards offer one-time bonuses for new applicants (subject to minimum spending requirements). This allows you to take home a big haul of points, miles or cash-back rewards up front while picking up a new card that better fits your spending habits.

This was particularly appealing for the Goralczenkos. The card we recommended came with a $100 welcome bonus, plus 3% back on some major everyday spending categories. That won't get them a flight to Europe, but in their current situation, cash back is much more appealing.

Chris Mance found himself in a similar boat. He was able to grab a one-time, $200 cash-back bonus on a new card that was also a better fit for where he spends his money each month.

But even more importantly, this new card will help him address the final strategy ...

Avoiding using cash

Here at TPG, we like to joke that there's no "point" to using cash for your everyday purchases — but there's certainly risk. Carrying around a bunch of cash leaves you vulnerable to theft, and even if you opt to swipe a debit card, you're generally earning no rewards on those purchases.

That's the exact situation that Chris Mance found himself in. While his wife (Renee) loves playing the points game, Chris usually pays cash or uses a debit card for his regular trips to Home Depot and the grocery store. However, by shifting those purchases to a cash-back credit card, he can unlock some significant rewards.

Based on our estimates, his grocery purchases alone could turn into $250 in cash back every year.

In addition, since Chris was spending a good chunk of money on home improvement purchases — tools, gardening supplies, plants — we recommended a card that will allow him to customize his rewards by picking a category to earn 6% back in the first year. That alone should net him around $300 in rewards.

The best part? This card had no annual fee.

In both cases, Chris isn't spending more money than he already planned to spend. He's just switching to a payment method that rewards him for his existing spending habits.

Bottom line

The world of credit cards features an array of products to meet the needs of virtually every American. Sure, there are options geared toward luxury travelers with a variety of benefits to help elevate their next trip. But many others can be a great fit for everyday pursuits, like shopping at the grocery store or building your child's credit history.

Ordinary families can easily take advantage of cash-back rewards to support their household bottom lines, and can boost their earnings by carefully analyzing their spending habits to select the best card(s) for their wallets.

And as long as you're responsibly managing your credit and spending within your means, the only way to lose is by not participating at all.

For anyone looking for a fun weekend getaway, Nashville almost always makes the short list of options. And for good reason, it's a city packed with character, history, live music and excellent food.

I was lucky enough to grow up in the Nashville area, so the world of the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry and even excellent airport musicians will always feel like home. I recently went back for a short trip, and while I was there, I made sure to hit some of my favorite food spots — and check out some new ones while I was at it.

If you have Nashville on your list, don't miss these favorite eateries. And for any food-focused trip, a card that earns on dining is worth having, like the Navy Federal Flagship Premier Visa Signature®. It earns 3 points per dollar on dining purchases and 4 points per dollar on travel purchases, a strong combination for a trip like this, and all for just a $95 annual fee.

If you need a great travel and dining card, now is the perfect time to add the Flagship Premier card to your wallet. For a limited time, new cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days from account opening. Offer ends Jan. 3, 2027.

Here's how to use the card to make your food-focused weekend trip to Nashville even better.

Travel to Nashville

I live on the West Coast now, so my go-to flight is usually a nonstop on Alaska Airlines, but I sometimes opt for another airline. With the Flagship Premier card earning on a wide range of travel purchases, I can compare prices and book whichever flight makes the most sense — no loyalty to one airline or travel portal required.

The Flagship Premier card can also help you save on your flight to Nashville with its $100 annual airline credit, which offsets the cost and gives you more flexibility when booking.

And when you're at the airport, you'll be thankful for Flagship Premier's statement credit of up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® to help you zip through security.

When it was time to choose my hotel, I knew I wanted to stay at The Thompson Nashville. It's in the Gulch, making it within walking distance of many of my favorite dining and shopping spots.

Regardless of which hotel you choose, you'll earn 4 points per dollar when you book on your Flagship Premier card. That means you're free to pick whichever hotel you want, without worrying about staying within a single brand or portal to earn bonus points.

Flagship Premier tip: Earn 4 points per dollar on a wide range of travel spending — not just hotels and airfare. Ground transportation counts too, whether you're in a rental car, on public transport or using rideshare services.

Nashville food crawl

Nashville has quite the dining scene, and the list of standout spots seems to grow every day. To make sure I fit in as much as possible, I turned one day into my own food crawl, with a combination of old favorites and a few newer ones.

For a food-focused trip like this, the Flagship Premier card earns where it matters most. It earns 3 points per dollar on dining purchases, so you'll earn bonus points wherever your taste buds take you.

Breakfast at Biscuit Love

Since moving away from Nashville, I've come to realize that few places make a better chicken biscuit than Biscuit Love. Biscuit Love is an iconic Nashville staple, but it was new to me, so I knew it would make the list when I saw it around the corner from my hotel.

It absolutely lived up to the hype. From the fun southern and country-music themed decor to the food worth writing home about, Biscuit Love has landed a permanent spot on my list of favorite Nashville eateries.

The menu spans southern staples like biscuits and gravy and shrimp and grits, as well as lighter options like oatmeal and omelets. I knew I wanted to try their Princess biscuit, a buttermilk biscuit topped with fried Nashville "Hot Chicken" and homemade pickles. I also added the summer special Sunshine latte to my order — an iced latte with tangerine, cinnamon and vanilla and topped with housemade salted honey cold foam. And, of course, a side of bacon.

The entire meal was excellent. The chicken was perfectly fried, the biscuit light and fluffy and the pickles delightfully tangy. And the sunshine latte, I discovered, is a favorite for a reason. It was the perfect morning treat to start the day.

Lunch at Ladybird Taco

After such a big breakfast, I had to wait a while before I could even think about lunch. But when the time finally came, I knew I was headed to Ladybird Taco for my favorite tacos in Nashville.

A location a few blocks from my hotel made it an easy walk. Wanting to pace myself a bit this time, I opted for just one brisket taco and a side of chips and queso.

While I haven't been to all the taco joints Nashville has to offer, the Austin-inspired menu at Ladybird has been my favorite for years, and I was thrilled to be back for a taste. If you happen to be there for breakfast, be sure to check out their breakfast tacos and Crema coffee — I'm always surprised at how well their coffee and queso go together.

Coffee at Barista Parlor

After lunch, I was ready for an afternoon pick-me-up. Living on the West Coast has raised my coffee standards pretty high, but Barista Parlor never disappoints.

I popped in for an iced whiskey-caramel latte as a post-lunch treat to keep me going through the rest of my day in Nashville.

Ice cream at Jeni's

While Jeni's isn't Nashville-exclusive, it's only available in select cities and is a spot I make sure to visit every time I'm in town for its creative, seasonal flavors. I originally went in for my favorite — Brambleberry Crisp — but was tempted by the new fall lineup on the menu, which included Pumpkin with Brown Sugar Blondies.

I took a risk and ordered a half scoop of each and was delighted to discover that they pair beautifully. (Just learn from my mistakes and be sure to eat your ice cream quickly if you happen to be there during a heat wave.)

Dinner at The Optimist

To close out my food crawl day, I headed to The Optimist, a seafood restaurant from chef and restaurateur Ford Fry that was new to me. I love every restaurant of his I've been to, and so many of my friends had raved about this one that I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype.

One of my good friends joined me, and we set out to try some of the hottest dishes.

While we surveyed the menu, our server brought rolls for us to enjoy. They were soft and fluffy — and the perfect thing to snack on while deciding.

Per our server's recommendations, we landed on the Alabama Blue Crab dip and a half dozen oysters, which were both an excellent start to the meal (and complement to our Champagne).

We then moved to the spicy kale salad, which was aptly named. While delicious, it was too spicy for either of us to enjoy more than a few bites.

For our main dish, we ordered the Crumbed Halibut (with brown butter, parsley and charred lemon) and a side of "Proper 'Chips'" (with malt vinegar aioli). The Halibut was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the brown butter made it sing. The fries were equally well-executed, and the aioli took them to the next level.

The verdict: The Optimist lives up to the hype. I'll definitely prioritize going back the next time I'm in town.

Flagship Premier Tip: Earn 3 points per dollar on all dining, making this a great card to have handy when exploring local cuisines — from a nearby coffee stop to the splashiest seafood dinner in town.

Why the Flagship Premier card is the perfect plus-one

A card that earns on both travel and dining makes a trip like this Nashville weekend a breeze, and that's exactly what the Flagship Premier card does.

With the card, you'll earn 4 points per dollar on your travel purchases — from hotels and flights to transportation while you're there, without having to deal with booking through a travel portal.

The $100 annual airline credit and up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit (once every four years) take the edge off both the cost of flying and the airport experience.

No one likes to juggle multiple cards while traveling, and the Flagship Premier card keeps things simple. With 4 points per dollar on travel and 3 points per dollar on dining purchases, one card covers the two categories that matter most on a trip like this.

Plus, there are no limits on the rewards you can earn (other than your stomach at the end of your food crawl).

Bottom line

If you haven't been to Nashville lately, be sure to add it to your list — along with these excellent food spots while you're there.

And wherever your next trip takes you, the Navy Federal Flagship Premier card is worth bringing along, especially for trips centered on food and travel. Between the travel credits and elevated earning rates, it's the perfect card for any trip.

Learn more about the Navy Federal Flagship Premier card.

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 November.

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, 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.

*Select telephone service providers beginning Feb. 17, 2027.

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.

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 with Grubhub, office supply stores and shipments at UPS.com.
• 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 per calendar year) 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 introductory 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 per calendar year) 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 full review of 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 few monthly statement credits.

Note that both cards also provide a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (the personal card through Dec. 31, 2029, and the business card through Dec. 31, 2027; activation required).

• The personal Sapphire Reserve also offers up to $35 in monthly DoorDash credits: With an activated DashPass membership, cardholders receive a $15 monthly promo that can be used on any qualifying DoorDash order, plus two separate $10 promos for eligible non-restaurant orders, such as groceries, convenience items and retail purchases (alcohol orders may be exempt; available through Dec. 31, 2029; activation required).
• The Sapphire Reserve for Business, meanwhile, offers up to $25 in monthly DoorDash value: With an activated DashPass membership, cardholders receive up to $5 off one eligible restaurant order each month, plus two separate $10 promos for eligible non-restaurant orders (alcohol orders may be exempt; available through Dec. 31, 2027; activation required).
• Both cards offer 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.)

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 also provides a complimentary DashPass membership (through Dec. 31, 2029; 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, 2029).

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. (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 Legend Mastercard

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

• Up to $15 in monthly Lyft credit after three rides: Use your card as the payment method in your account and get a monthly $15 Lyft credit after taking three eligible rides in a calendar 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. (Note: This benefit is no longer available to new cardmembers. Existing cardmembers who applied prior to Aug. 23, 2026 will receive the Grubhub benefit through Aug. 31, 2027.)

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

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.

It's a common misconception that trendy, boutique hotels don't live in the points, miles and loyalty ecosystem. However, there are actually hundreds — and hundreds! — of incredible, independent hotels that are the opposite of cookie-cutter (think: small room counts, art-filled lobbies and a distinct sense of place).

A lot of these stylish, boutique hotels enter the points world through curated hotel collections that participate in loyalty programs, giving hotels a wider reach of potential guests without having to adhere to strict brand standards that change the spirit of the property.

One of the pioneers in this space is Design Hotels, a collection of hundreds of independently-owned hotels and resorts dotting the globe, each with its own identity, personality and approach to hospitality.

"Every hotel is picked for its originality [and] the vision that's behind it," Stijn Oyen, managing director at Design Hotels, told TPG, adding that each property has "a strong point of view and cultural connection."

And it's not necessarily easy to make the cut for this collection: According to Oyen, only about 5% of the hotels that apply to join Design Hotels are accepted in an effort to "stay true to the original roots and values of what makes a design hotel."

Then there's the loyalty twist: Marriott actually owns Design Hotels, and many (but not all) of the collection's properties participate in Marriott Bonvoy.

Here's a quick guide to everything you need to know about Design Hotels, plus a few standout properties where you can earn and burn Marriott Bonvoy points.

Related: 12 new boutique hotels worth redeeming your points for

What is Design Hotels?

Founded in the early 1990s, Design Hotels was created to bring together independently owned, design-forward hotels that shared a commitment to originality, creativity and local culture.

Today, that collection is more than 300 members strong, with new properties regularly joining. What differentiates the collection is the individuality of each property — each one has its own unique point of view, rather than a prescribed set of standards travelers will see at more traditional hotel brands.

"We're set up around design," Oyen explained. "It's about the vision. It's about being independent with a voice."

Design Hotels became part of Marriott's portfolio following the hotel giant's acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2016, giving Marriott a majority stake in the company. By 2021, Marriott had acquired full ownership of Design Hotels, though the collection continues to operate as a separate entity, with member hotels retaining their individual identities and independence.

What makes a Design Hotel?

The company describes its properties as "design-driven hotels that function as social hubs and spaces for purposeful experiences."

But what does that actually mean? To start, getting into the collection isn't easy, and Design Hotels is looking for one distinguishing factor before choosing a new member: "the originality in its concept."

According to Oyen, only about 5% of applicants pass the test. Hotels are also evaluated on everything from design and sustainability to cultural programming and the property's connection to its local community.

"It's a strong, strong sense of place," Oyen explained, adding that beyond their physical design, the hotels should have vibrant public spaces that attract locals and feel like an extension of the neighborhoods they call home.

It's also about the people. According to Oyen, about 60% of Design Hotels owners are first-time hoteliers, bringing fresh perspectives and new approaches to hospitality. The company calls the creative minds behind its properties "Originals," describing them as "the engines behind pioneering design and revolutionary hospitality," according to the brand's website.

Without rigid brand standards dictating every detail, these hoteliers have the freedom to pursue projects that seasoned hospitality pros might consider too risky. That might be as simple as removing TVs from guest rooms or as dramatic as building a hotel accessible only by cable car, like Vigilius Mountain Resort in Italy's Dolomites.

How does Design Hotels work with Marriott Bonvoy?

For Marriott Bonvoy members, Design Hotels offers a truly independent, boutique-like stay while still allowing them to earn and burn points. Something that, frankly, a lot of people don't realize is available to them in the loyalty world.

Just don't forget: Not all Design Hotels participate in Marriott Bonvoy. To see a full list of the 120-plus participating hotels, visit Marriott's dedicated Design Hotels landing page.

For Design Hotels, according to Oyen, the relationship with Marriott is a win-win situation: Hotels gain access to nearly 300 million loyalty members while maintaining their "complete independence."

But because these properties operate differently from traditional Marriott hotels, Bonvoy elite members shouldn't expect all their usual perks to apply.

Here's what members can expect based on their status.

The following Marriott Bonvoy benefits are excluded at Design Hotels:

• Guaranteed lounge access
• Alternative welcome gift options
• Nightly upgrade awards
• Member rates
• Gift shop discount
• Mobile check-in and key
• Mobile chat
• Your24
• Ultimate reservation guarantee
• 48-hour guarantee
• Guaranteed room type

Design Hotels on our must-visit list

Villa Sahrai — Casablanca, Morocco

Set near the beach in Casablanca, Villa Sahrai pays respect to "Casablanca's Art Deco tradition" across its 56 rooms and public spaces. Be sure to take advantage of the spa and its Moroccan hammam before settling down for food at one of two restaurants or a nightcap at the bar.

How to book: Cash rates from around $160 per night or 34,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Vigilius Mountain Resort — Lana, Italy

To get to Vigilius Mountain Resort, guests must ascend a private cable car that travels between the mountain hotel and the village it soars above. But once up at the top, guests are treated to beautiful Dolomite views, architecture that incorporates nature and wellness experiences around every stylish corner.

How to book: Cash rates from about $341 per night or 47,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Austin Poper Hotel — Austin, Texas

At The Austin Proper Hotel, patterns, textures and colors combine in unexpected and beautiful ways from the moment guests step inside until their head hits the pillow. The hotel is as cool as Austin itself, but also full of surprises: You can grab classic Tex-Mex to eat or opt for a French Japanese tasting menu or soak up the sun at the rooftop pool before a lymphatic drain at the Verbena Spa.

How to book: Cash rates from $350 or 54,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Genji Kyoto — Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is no stranger to incredible hotels, but Genji Kyoto offers an intimate experience with just 20 rooms that feel distinctly Japanese and totally sleek and fresh. As serene as they come, spend a day getting lost in Kyoto's ancient history before heading to the rooftop bar and garden to unwind.

How to book: Cash rates from about $227 per night or 47,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Condesa DF — Mexico City, Mexico

Condesa is one of Mexico City's trendiest neighborhoods, so it only makes sense to stay in a hotel that also fits the description. At this hotel, enjoy rooftop sushi or French-Mexican fusion food; relax in the hydrotherapy pool or kick back on the patio and watch the city's cosmopolitan set roam the area.

How to book: Cash rates from $339 per night or 42,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Bottom line

As major hotel companies continue to expand their portfolios beyond traditional hotels, from independent boutique properties to outdoor-focused experiences, collections like Design Hotels are helping diversify what travelers can experience with points and miles.

For Marriott Bonvoy members, that means more opportunities to stay somewhere truly unique without giving up the ability to earn and redeem points. And while the elite benefits might look a little different, the chance to experience a hotel with its own distinct personality might just be worth the trade-off.

Related reading:

• An overview of the 37 Marriott hotel brands
• Best Marriott Credit Cards
• Free Champagne breakfast and poolside cabanas: These boutique hotels will soon be bookable on Marriott points

Earlier this year, JetBlue raised its checked bag fees and kicked off a wave of fee hikes across the industry. United followed. Then Delta, American and Southwest.

Seven months later, JetBlue is leading the fee-hiking charge again.

The carrier on Tuesday raised its bag fees for the second time in 2026.

Going forward, customers will pay at least $50 per bag. That's a 28% jump from the lowest fee the airline previously charged its customers.

Passengers who don't pre-pay for their bag will pay $60 for their first piece of checked luggage.

And because JetBlue uses a dynamic baggage-pricing system, flyers will pay even more for their checked baggage on peak travel days.

In a statement about the airline's second bag-fee hike this year, the carrier pointed to rising fuel and operating costs.

"This helps us keep our base fares competitive while giving customers the choice to pay for a checked bag only if they need one," a spokesperson said.

JetBlue's checked bag fees

Here's how JetBlue's bag fees will shake out, going forward.

Blue, Blue Basic, Blue Extra and EvenMore bookings within the U.S., Latin America, Caribbean and Canada

These fees will apply to flights booked starting Nov. 3.

So if you had already purchased a JetBlue flight prior to Nov. 3 — including trips for the holidays — the previous fees would apply to your trip.

As noted above, JetBlue also raised the fees customers will pay for their second checked bag, too.

When do peak travel day fees apply?

Here are the days where JetBlue's "peak" baggage fees will apply, through October 2027.

Free baggage benefits unchanged

JetBlue does continue to offer free baggage perks as a benefit of certain cobranded credit cards. Plus, its Mosaic elite status members each get at least one free bag.

Customers flying in JetBlue's premium Mint cabin are still entitled to their first bag free. The same goes for flyers who book the carrier's new domestic first-class (BlueFirst) seats, which are set to debut on some flights next month.

All eyes on the rest of the airline industry

As JetBlue raises its baggage fees, the biggest question for consumers is how the rest of the airline industry respond.

If history is any indication, we're about to see another wave of fee hikes across the industry.

After JetBlue raised its bag fees in late March, it took only weeks for nearly every major U.S. carrier to follow with their own fee hikes.

This would be the latest case of sticker shock for travelers, who are simultaneously battling surging fares.

Even budget airline Frontier last week reported customers had paid 71% more in fares over the prior quarter.

All of this comes as airlines have had to contend with sky-high jet fuel costs in 2026 — which they've aggressively passed onto customers.

But while jet fuel costs may eventually fall, it's unlikely flyers will see any future relief when it comes to baggage fees — typically, once those go up, they don't come back down.

What about carrying on?

While JetBlue has raised its baggage fees, it is worth noting that passengers do have freedom to bring a full-size carry-on bag on JetBlue flights, regardless of the fare type. The airline no longer bars its Blue Basic (basic economy) passengers from using the overhead bins.

Of course, the belongings packed in any carry-on bag must meet the Transportation Security Administration's 3-1-1 liquids policy.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• Which US airline is best? TPG's 2026 rankings
• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
• Flight cancellations hit 4-year high: Here are the worst airports and our tips for flying

Online shopping portals can help you save money on everyday purchases, and some let you earn rewards on top of the points or cash back you already get from your credit card.

Capital One Shopping takes a slightly different approach: It combines shopping rewards with coupon codes, price comparisons and deal alerts.

You don't need a Capital One credit card or bank account to use Capital One Shopping. The free service is available through its website, browser extension and mobile app, and you can redeem eligible Shopping Rewards for gift cards rather than cash or travel points.

Here's how Capital One Shopping works, how to earn and redeem rewards, and what to know before using it.

What is Capital One Shopping?

Capital One Shopping is a free online shopping tool that helps you find lower prices, apply available coupon codes and earn rewards at participating retailers. It can also compare prices across merchants and alert you to potential savings.

Unlike a traditional airline or hotel shopping portal, Capital One Shopping doesn't directly award airline miles or hotel points. Instead, eligible purchases and promotions earn Capital One Shopping Rewards, which can be redeemed for select retailers' electronic gift cards.

Capital One Shopping is separate from Capital One Offers, which provides shopping promotions to eligible Capital One cardholders.

How to use Capital One Shopping

You can shop through the Capital One Shopping website, install its browser extension or use its mobile app.

Here's how to get started:

1. Create a Capital One Shopping account: Visit Capital One Shopping and create an account. You don't need an existing Capital One credit card or bank account to sign up.
2. Find a retailer or product: You can search for a specific product, browse participating brands or explore available deals.
3. Activate an eligible offer: If you find a retailer offering Shopping Rewards, follow the activation instructions on Capital One Shopping before completing your purchase.
4. Complete your purchase: Finish your order with the participating retailer and keep your confirmation email until the transaction is reflected in your account.

Keep in mind that rewards aren't necessarily credited immediately. Capital One Shopping says eligible rewards typically post within 30 to 90 days after making a qualifying purchase or completing a promotion's requirements, although some may take longer.

Returns, cancellations and other exclusions can affect reward eligibility. Using another shopping portal or applying an unlisted coupon code may also interfere with tracking, so be sure to review the offer's terms before completing your purchase.

How to use the Capital One Shopping browser extension

The Capital One Shopping browser extension can help you find savings without having to manually check the portal before every purchase.

Once you've installed the extension and signed in, you can shop at participating websites as usual. Depending on the retailer, the extension can alert you to available Shopping Rewards, search for coupon codes and compare prices.

I keep the Capital One Shopping extension installed on my browser, so whenever I'm shopping online, I can easily see if any rewards are available. Even if an offer isn't always available, it's nice to know when I might be able to earn something extra on a purchase I was already planning to make.

Before checking out, review the terms of any available offers, including minimum spending requirements and product exclusions. It's also worth comparing the final price after discounts and shipping rather than choosing a retailer based solely on its advertised rewards rate.

Capital One Shopping also offers price-drop notifications for eligible products, which can be useful if you're planning a larger purchase and have some flexibility about when to buy.

How to redeem Capital One Shopping Rewards

Unlike traditional cash-back shopping portals such as Rakuten and TopCashback, Capital One Shopping lets you redeem your rewards for electronic gift cards at participating retailers rather than cash.

When you're ready to redeem your rewards, sign in to your Capital One Shopping account and navigate to the "My Rewards & Savings" section. From there, select "Redeem Now" to browse available gift cards and complete your redemption.

Available retailers and redemption amounts may vary, so check your account for current options.

Keep in mind that Shopping Rewards aren't the same as cash. If you'd prefer rewards that can be deposited into your bank account, a traditional cash-back shopping portal may be a better fit.

What credit card should you use with Capital One Shopping?

You don't need a Capital One credit card to use Capital One Shopping, so consider using a card that earns a strong rewards rate on everyday purchases or online shopping.

You can generally earn credit card rewards on eligible purchases in addition to Capital One Shopping Rewards, allowing you to earn rewards through both programs on the same purchase.

Personally, I like using my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card for online purchases. While it doesn't offer bonus rewards specifically for online shopping, it earns at least 2 miles per dollar on purchases, so I know I'm getting a solid return on my spending.

For example, if I make a $200 purchase through Capital One Shopping using my Venture X, I'll earn 400 Capital One miles in addition to any eligible Shopping Rewards.

Related: The best credit cards for online shopping

Bottom line

Capital One Shopping is a free tool for finding online discounts, comparing prices and earning rewards that can be redeemed for gift cards.

You don't need a Capital One credit card to use it, and eligible purchases can earn Shopping Rewards on top of your usual credit card rewards.

If you regularly shop online and don't mind redeeming rewards for gift cards rather than cash or travel points, Capital One Shopping is worth trying out. Just be sure to compare prices and review offer terms before making a purchase.

Related: How to maximize online shopping portals for your purchases