A great beginner card is inexpensive to hold, easy to use and capable of earning rewards that help further your travels. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) fits the bill on all three.

It's a card I've had in my wallet for almost three years now, and I still use it regularly.

Let's dive deeper into the reasons it's one of the best cards for beginners.

Balanced earning rates for beginners

As a beginner, you'll want to start with a card that can cover a few key categories on its own.

That will give you the greatest rewards-earning opportunity while you work toward a multi-card wallet that can cover a wide range of purchases.

The Freedom Unlimited earns cash back at the following rates:

• 5% back on Chase Travel℠
• 3% back on dining and drugstores
• 2% back on Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027)
• 1.5% back on everything else

Where this card really shines — and what continues to earn it a spot as one of my go-to cards — is its 1.5% cash back rate on all nonbonus spending. I always encourage people to earn more than 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar spent on whatever they can, to reap as many rewards as possible.

Covering travel, select ride-hailing and dining is a solid offering for a beginner. While you'll have to book through Chase's travel portal to get 5% back, it's a good way to get familiar with how issuer travel portals work.

While the Freedom Unlimited's nonbonus rewards rate is lower than some other popular cards, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, it provides reasonable value when combined with the card's bonus categories.

As an example of how this card can boost your rewards balance, I've spent just under $2,700 on my Freedom Unlimited this year on nonbonus spending, which means I've earned around $40 in cash back thanks to the 1.5% cash back rate.

Related: Why transferable points and miles are worth more than other rewards

A welcome bonus with incredible return on your spending

Currently, new Freedom Unlimited cardholders can earn a $250 cash back bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

If you want to keep things simple while you learn the ropes, you can redeem the cash back from this offer (and any additional rewards you earn) for a statement credit, deposit into a Chase account, gift cards, bookings made through Chase Travel and at Amazon.com checkout.

A pathway to greater value from your rewards

When you're ready to take the next step in your credit card journey, there's a neat way to get even more value out of your rewards.

If you hold a qualifying Ultimate Rewards card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), your rewards will turn into transferable Ultimate Rewards points.

That means they can be sent to Chase's 14 transfer partners. By doing that, you should be able to net TPG's April 2026 valuation of Ultimate Rewards points of 2.05 cents per point. That would make this card's welcome bonus worth approximately $513, if you're willing to hold on to it until you get a higher-tier Ultimate Rewards card.

It's rare to see a welcome bonus offer more value than you have to spend to earn it. Plus, even low spenders should be able to easily hit this card's $500 spending requirement.

Related: 5 can't-miss credit card offers to unlock this month

Provides a solid foundation for a future Chase Trifecta

If you spend enough time reading about Chase, you'll eventually hear a lot about the Chase Trifecta. Essentially, this involves using three Chase cards in tandem for maximum earnings.

There are many ways to craft this trifecta, but the Freedom Unlimited is a common member. While other Chase cards, like the Sapphire Preferred, play a role in the trifecta by offering strong bonus categories, the Freedom Unlimited shines for its 1.5% rewards rate on nonbonus spending.

Anything that doesn't fit into a bonus category on one of your other Chase Trifecta cards can go on the Freedom Unlimited. By opening the Freedom Unlimited now, as a beginner, you're setting yourself up to establish a powerful trifecta in the future.

Related: The ultimate guide to the best credit card combinations

Great for DoorDash fans

Freedom Unlimited cardholders can receive a complimentary six-month DoorDash DashPass subscription if they activate by Dec. 31, 2027. Whether you're already a DoorDash user or you're interested in trying out the service, this is a nice perk for a no-annual-fee card.

I started using DoorDash regularly in college and have ever since. When I first opened my Freedom Unlimited account, I enjoyed using its DoorDash perks. DoorDash DashPass cost $9.99 per month back then (and still does), so this benefit saved me a lot of money.

If you're a DashPass member and have this card, you'll receive up to $10 each quarter for non-restaurant orders (through Dec. 31, 2027), such as from grocery stores and convenience stores. Just note that some data points suggest alcohol orders won't qualify for this perk.

Finally, you'll earn 3% back on your DoorDash restaurant orders with this card thanks to its dining category.

Related: Your complete guide to Chase and DoorDash

It doesn't cost anything to hold this card

I'm in the camp that believes most people are best off opening a no-annual-fee card for their first credit card. This way, there's no pressure to maximize benefits while you learn the ins and outs of points and miles.

Plus, it means you can easily keep that card open long-term. The age of your credit accounts plays a role in your credit score, so it's very important to keep your first credit card open if you can.

Once you feel comfortable with travel rewards, you can take the next step and open a card with an annual fee, such as the $95-per-year Sapphire Preferred.

Related: Are premium credit cards worth the annual fee?

Bottom line

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get into travel rewards. It can hold its own for a while in your wallet while you work toward opening additional cards.

Then, once you're ready to take the next step, it can continue to support your spending with its earnings on nonbonus purchases. Since it doesn't have an annual fee, it's easy to keep this card long-term even if you don't use it too often.

I'd strongly consider this card for a first rewards card. Just keep Chase's application rules in mind, and remember that Chase prefers either an established credit history or a preexisting relationship with them.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Freedom Unlimited.

Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited

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

That's because we regularly update this roundup to feature top welcome bonuses from cards that made the cut for our best credit cards list. Earning new card bonuses is the fastest way to accumulate a stash of points and miles, so if you're working on building up your credit card reward currency, it's likely that one of the options below might be a good fit for you.

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

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

The best credit card offers of April 2026

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

American Express Business Platinum Card

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

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

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

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

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

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

American Express Business Gold

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

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

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

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

Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card

American Express Platinum Card

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

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

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

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

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

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

Capital One Venture Business

Capital One's all-new business card provides straightforward rewards and useful credits in exchange for a $95 annual fee.

The Venture Business earns:

• 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
• 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases

Plus, cardholders receive useful benefits, such as an annual $50 credit for Capital One Business Travel and a $50 experience credit on every Capital One Lifestyle Collection stay.

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

Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $7,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 75,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

Learn more: Capital One Venture Business

American Express Gold

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

It earns at the following rates:

• 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
• 2 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible travel purchases booked through AmexTravel.com
• 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

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

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

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Gold Card

Marriott Bonvoy cards

Four Marriott Bonvoy cards are providing standout welcome offers to earn either free night awards or a haul of points to boost your next stay with the brand.

The offer on the Bonvoy Business card is especially lucrative if you're eligible for a business card. You can earn up to five free nights after meeting two spending thresholds within six months. With these free night awards valued at up to 50,000 points each, you could get $1,875 in value from this offer alone (so long as you fully maximize each free night; based on TPG's April 2026 valuations).

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Bonvoy Business, Bonvoy Boundless, Bonvoy Brilliant and Bonvoy Bevy.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Plus, earn an additional two free night awards after spending an additional $3,000 ($9,000 in total) within the first six months. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional free night award after spending a total of $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.) Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Atmos Rewards cards

All three cards in the Atmos Rewards family are providing high-value welcome offers for new cardholders. Any of these cards would be a great choice for frequent Alaska and Hawaiian Air flyers.

The Atmos Summit is the premium option, featuring two Alaska lounge passes each calendar quarter, checked bags and priority boarding for you and up to six guests flying on the same reservation. It also earns an unrivaled 3 points per dollar spent on all foreign transactions.

The Atmos Ascent is excellent for semifrequent Alaska flyers and includes a free checked bag and preferred boarding.

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

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card Earn 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $6,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature credit card Earn 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 120 days from account opening. Plus, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.

Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card

American Express recently introduced the Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card, a new business card that earns 2% cash back^ on most eligible purchases.

The card also provides a bonus category, earning 5% cash back^ on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel Online.

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

^Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at amazon.com checkout.

Earn $1,500 cash back in the form of Reward Dollars after spending $50,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Reward Dollars can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon checkout.

Apply here: Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card

United Airlines cards

If you're a United Airlines loyalist, you have some excellent options when it comes to cobranded credit cards.

Most of United's credit cards are providing high-value bonuses worth more than $1,000, per TPG's April 2026 valuations.

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

Apply here: United Business Card Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: United Club Card Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles: 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: United Quest Card Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles: 90,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: United Explorer Card Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Bilt Palladium Card

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

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

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

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

Earn 50,000 bonus points and Gold status after making $4,000 in nonhousing purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, receive $300 in Bilt Cash upon approval.

Apply here: Bilt Palladium Card

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

If you're a World of Hyatt loyalist with a small business, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card may be the perfect option for you.

The card earns up to 9 points per dollar spent on Hyatt purchases (4 points per dollar spent from this card and up to 5 points per dollar spent from the World of Hyatt program) and provides automatic Discoverist status. You can also gift Discoverist status to up to five of your employees.

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

For a limited time, new cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 in the first three months from account opening. This offer ends April 30.

Apply here: World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard

Business owners who are loyal to American Airlines can apply for the Business World Elite Mastercard, which provides solid perks when flying on American, such as free checked bags and high earning rates.

Plus, for a limited time, new cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first five months from account opening. Per TPG's April 2026 valuations, that's worth $1,200 in airline fare.

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

For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first five months from account opening.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard

Bottom line

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

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

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Graphite card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy, click here.

Ready or not, United Airlines passengers booking flights in the airline's fanciest seats are about to have a lot more choices. And by choices, we mean more fare types — and restrictions — to navigate.

As TPG first reported earlier this month, the Chicago-based airline is bringing the "basic" idea behind basic economy to its business-class and premium economy cabins.

And those tickets have started to go on sale for later this year.

Going forward, you'll have to choose: Buy a regular Polaris ticket, or save some cash for a "Polaris Base" ticket? Regular Premium Plus or "Premium Plus Base?"

Read more: United's new Polaris Studios are finally here: First look at the airline's swankiest plane yet

With these new skinny fare options, you could conceivably spend $2,000 for a lie-flat seat without being allowed to actually select your seat and without earning any miles for your trip.

Here's what we've learned about these new "base" fares and what you should know before you buy one.

Mileage, Premier qualification restrictions

For starters, all of United's basic fares — from the business-class cabin to coach — will have tough mileage-earning restrictions.

Earlier this month, United rolled out a strict new basic economy policy: no miles earned, unless you have Premier elite status or carry one of its cobranded credit cards.

We've learned that policy will also apply to the carrier's new Polaris Base and Premium Plus Base tickets, too.

Premier members and cardholders will earn miles, but at a reduced rate compared to full-fare tickets.

United mileage earning rate for Polaris Base, Premium Plus Base and Basic Economy tickets

Like with basic economy tickets, MileagePlus members who book a base fare in the carrier's premium cabins will also not earn Premier qualifying flights toward status.

They will, however, continue to earn Premier qualifying points.

TPG deep dive: Basic economy and the 'evolution' that's sweeping over airlines' cheapest fares

Polaris Base fare restrictions

If you book a base Polaris ticket, there are additional restrictions you'll face compared to a regular ticket.

• You'll have to pay a fee if you want to select which lie-flat Polaris seat you want.
• You'll get one free checked bag instead of two.
• No ticket changes are allowed.
• You won't get Polaris Lounge access, but you will be able to enter the less exclusive United Club.
• You can't upgrade to the carrier's extra-large Polaris Studio suites (that is, if you're on one of the new planes that have these ultraluxe seats).

Don't like the sound of those rules? The cost-savings may sway you.

On this sample flight from United's Houston hub to Lima, Peru, you could save $400 by opting for the slimmed-down ticket instead of the standard one.

Here's a full chart United has published to help you decide which Polaris fare is right for you. The carrier now offers "base," "standard" and "flexible" fares, which are beginning to roll out across its international network.

Premium Plus Base fare restrictions

The other cabin gaining a new basic option is United's long-haul premium economy product, Premium Plus.

Like with Polaris, you'll have three options (base, standard or flexible) to choose from.

Here are the key restrictions to know about Premium Plus Base fares:

• You'll have to pay if you want to select your seat.
• You'll recieve one free checked bag instead of two.
• Ticket changes are not permitted.
• No upgrades with money, miles or PlusPoints are allowed.

Looking ahead

You may not see this full menu of options on all long-haul international United bookings. The carrier has just started rolling out these base fares across more flights, so you can expect to see them more and more over the coming months.

The carrier has not announced a basic fare offering for its domestic-style, first-class cabin, which is also a fixture on many shorter-haul international destinations.

United isn't alone. Delta Air Lines already offers a basic fare in its extra-legroom Comfort cabin, and it has made clear that a similar fare class will be introduced across all its cabins in the near future, including its Delta One suites.

Related reading:

• 6 things you need to know about United Airlines MileagePlus
• The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers
• What is United Airlines elite status worth?
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• How to survive basic economy on United Airlines

To offset rising fuel surcharges, U.S. airlines have recently raised checked bag fees. So now, for a round-trip flight, you can expect to pay about $100 extra per person for each checked bag.

As someone who doesn't have elite status from staying loyal to a specific airline and likes to book basic economy for the least expensive flight itineraries, I can say from experience that paying almost $100 in bag fees — if not more — can really dampen a traveler's cost-saving plans.

While I know you might be thinking, "Just don't check a bag," it's not a feasible solution for every getaway. Plus, as a points and miles enthusiast, I'm also now weighing the fact that some airlines have placed restrictions on earning rewards on basic economy flights.

Basically, I want to have my cake and eat it too — without paying a ton of extra cash.

That's why I've invested in several cobranded cards, and if you plan to travel at least twice a year — especially with one or two specific airlines that operate out of your hometown airport — it may make sense for you, too.

Here are the lowest-annual-fee airline cards that include a checked bag that may be worth considering.

Related: Higher fares are here: What it means for booking spring, summer flights

Save on American Airlines checked bag fees

American bag fees for standard fares:

• $50 for your first checked bag ($45 if prepaid online)
• $60 for your second checked bag ($55 if prepaid online)

American bag fees for basic economy:

• $55 for your first checked bag ($50 if prepaid online)
• $65 for your second checked bag ($60 if prepaid online)

Recommendation: Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

• Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 thereafter
• Checked bag perk with card: First checked bag free for you and up to 4 travel companions; only on domestic flights
• Basic economy fare earning rate: Earn 0 AAdvantage miles
• Basic economy fare earning rate with the AAdvantage Platinum Select: 2 miles per $1 spent on eligible American flights
• Main cabin fare earning rate for non-elite members: 5 miles per $1 spent on American flights

Final thoughts: If you fly round-trip at least once per year, you will pay $100 per person to check your bag when you book a basic economy fare ($100 if prepaid online). This card has an annual fee of $99 (starting in your second cardholder year), which is less than the cost of checking your bag. Plus, you can enjoy additional travel perks, such as earning 2 miles per $1 spent on American flights in basic economy, Preferred boarding and more.

To learn more, check out our review of the AAdvantage Platinum Select card.

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

Save on United Airlines checked bag fees

United bag fees:

• $50 for your first checked bag ($45 if prepaid online)
• $60 for your second checked bag ($55 if prepaid online)

Recommendation: United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees):

• Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 thereafter
• Checked bag perk with card: Primary cardmember plus one companion can each check a bag for free
• Basic economy fare earning rate: Earn 0 United MileagePlus miles
• Basic economy fare earning rate with the United Explorer card: 3 miles per $1 spent on United flights
• Standard fare mileage earning for non-elite members: 3 miles per $1 spent

Final thoughts: If you plan to fly with United at least two times per year (round-trip) and check a bag, which would cost $200 or $180 if you prepay online, the United Explorer Card could be a good match for you. Plus, as a cardholder, you'll earn the same number of miles (3 miles per $1 spent on United flights) when booking basic economy with this card as travelers who are booking standard fares with no MileagePlus status. Additionally, you can enjoy other travel perks, such as two United Club lounge passes per year.

To learn more, check out our review of the United Explorer Card.

Save on Delta Air Lines checked bag fees

Delta bag fees:

• $45 for your first checked bag
• $55 for your second checked bag

Recommendation: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

• Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 thereafter (see rates and fees)
• Checked bag perk with card: First checked bag free on Delta flights for you and up to eight travel companions (must be on the same cardmember's reservation)
• Basic economy fare earning rate: 0 Delta SkyMiles
• Basic economy fare earning rate with the Delta SkyMiles Gold card: 2 miles per $1 spent on Delta flights
• Standard fare (Main Classic) mileage earning for non-elite members: 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta flights

Final thoughts: If you fly round-trip at least two times a year with Delta, this card will offset the $180 checked bag fees. Plus, you'll earn 2 miles per $1 spent on basic economy Delta flights as opposed to earning 0 Delta SkyMiles when booking this fare. Cardholders also receive other perks, such as 15% off award flights and up to $100 in statement credit every calendar year for Delta Stays (the airline's hotel travel portal; you must use your card to book).

To learn more, check out our review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Card.

Save on Southwest Airlines checked bag fees

Southwest Bag fees:

• $45 for your first checked bag
• $55 for your second checked bag

Recommendation: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees)

• Annual fee: $99
• Checked bag perk with card: First checked bag free on Southwest flights for you and up to eight travel companions (must be on the same cardmember's reservation)
• Basic fare earning rate: 2 Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on Southwest flights
• Basic fare earning rate with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card: 4 points per $1 spent on Southwest flights

Final thoughts: Southwest's former "two checked bags fly free" policy is long gone. So, if you plan to take at least two round-trip flights per year with the airline, investing in the $99 annual fee card may be worth it. Aside from the free checked bag benefit (for up to eight travel companions), cardholders also get to select their seat up to 48 hours prior to departure. With selecting a seat now costing extra, a new-ish policy (and a hot topic for the airline), Southwest flyers may find value with this card.

To learn more, check out our review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.

Save on Alaska Airlines checked bag fees

Alaska bag fees:

• $45 for your first checked bag
• $55 for your second checked bag

Recommendation: Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card

• Annual fee: $95
• Checked bag perk with card: First free checked bag for cardholder and up to six travel companions (must be on the same cardmember's reservation)
• Basic fare (Saver) earning rate: 30% of miles flown (number of Atmos Rewards points you'll earn)
• Basic fare earning rate with the Atmos Rewards Ascent credit card: 3 points per $1 spent on Alaska and Hawaiian flights
• Standard fare (Main cabin) mileage earning for non-elite members: 1 point per 1 mile flown (distanced-based)*

*Coming later in 2026, Atmos Rewards will be changing the way members earn points.

Final thoughts: If you plan to check a bag with Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines at least twice a year, this card will pay for itself. Aside from the free checked bag, cardholders will earn 3 Atmos Rewards points per $1 spent on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flights and can enjoy travel perks such as preferred boarding and 20% back on eligible inflight purchases.

To learn more, check out our review of the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature credit card.

Bottom line

Not even taking into account all of the cards' additional travel benefits and their welcome bonus offers, these low-annual-fee cobranded cards can save you money if you plan to fly with a carrier and check a bag at least once or twice a year. And, if you're always traveling with a companion, cobranded airline cards can save you significant money if you and your companion both plan to check bags.

Even if fuel surcharges do eventually go down, don't expect airlines to lower their checked bag prices. This, unfortunately, has become the new travel norm.

As a regular traveler, I personally have Southwest, American Airlines, Delta and Atmos credit cards (United is not a major operator at my hometown airport). Though I don't use each of these cards regularly, they stay tucked away in my wallet, mainly for when I have to book a flight and want to take advantage of the card perks, like a free checked bag for my partner and me.

To learn more about how to save on additional fees, check out our full list of credit cards that offer a free bag as a perk.

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

One of the most anticipated hotel openings of the year, the Andaz Lisbon, has finally opened its doors to guests.

Located in Lisbon's charming Baixa neighborhood, the Andaz Lisbon offers Praça do Comércio views, access to the most desirable parts of the city and the chance to earn and burn valuable World of Hyatt points along the way.

Made up of 170 rooms and suites, the property is a tribute to the city itself and is designed with local touches like cork accents, layers of textures and traditional Portuguese craftsmanship. Its design might harken back to long-held traditions, but the hotel also features new-age components like immersive digital art, 55-inch TVs in the rooms and luxury Byredo bath products.

The hotel's main restaurant, Luzzi, serves traditional Lusitanian cuisine, food "inspired by the cultures and geographies that shaped Portugal," according to the hotel website. Offerings include dishes like catch of the day wrapped in banana leaf, shrimp dumplings in tucupi broth and small plates made for sharing. The restaurant's chic Z Terrace offers a rooftop bar experience with curated music.

And from day to night, the Andaz Lounge (part coffee shop, part lobby bar) is open for guests' hydration needs, or just as a sleek place to sit back and people-watch.

The Andaz Lisbon offers a state-of-the-art fitness center with equipment from Technogym, a brand that easily allows users to make a fitness tracking account that can travel with them between hotels. And at a later date, the hotel will open a spa, as well as offer in-room spa services.

"From our iconic city-center location, guests are invited to explore, connect, and immerse themselves in the rhythm of our city," Cajetan Araujo, the hotel's general manager in said in a statement. "At Andaz Lisbon, each stay is shaped by authentic local experiences and the heartfelt warmth that defines Portuguese hospitality."

How to book Andaz Lisbon

Opening rates at Andaz Lisbon start around $444 per night. As a World of Hyatt Category 6 property, award nights start from 21,000 points per night.

Related reading:

• I didn't expect to love World of Hyatt, but here's why I do
• 22 best Hyatt hotels in the world to book with points
• 5 reasons I love my World of Hyatt Credit Card and plan to keep it for the long term

The Wells Fargo Rewards program has a shorter list of transfer partners than most other popular transferable rewards currencies. But the list got longer on April 15 with the addition of Wyndham Rewards.

The addition of Wyndham Rewards as a Wells Fargo transfer partner is huge, mostly because you can now transfer Wells Fargo points to Wyndham at a 1:2 ratio. That means you'll get 2 Wyndham points for every 1 Wells Fargo point that you transfer.

Here's what you need to know.

Wells Fargo adds Wyndham Rewards as new transfer partner

Wyndham Rewards is one of the few major hotel loyalty programs that still uses award charts. Specifically, Wyndham Rewards uses a three-tier award chart, with each award night costing 7,500, 15,000, or 30,000 points. However, select Wyndham Rewards credit card holders enjoy 10% off nights fully booked with points.

TPG's April 2026 valuations peg Wyndham points at 0.65 cents each, as this is what you can expect to get in value when redeeming Wyndham points. However, it's certainly possible to get much better value when redeeming Wyndham Rewards points. For example, I got 3.48 cents per point for a recent stay at TRYP by Wyndham Pulteney Street Adelaide during the Australian Football League's annual Gather Round tournament.

To transfer Wells Fargo Rewards points to Wyndham, link your Wyndham Rewards account to an eligible Wells Fargo credit card. All Wells Fargo credit cards that earn rewards points, including the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (see rates and fees) and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (see rates and fees), are eligible for this new redemption option.

Bottom line

Several major transferable points currencies, including Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou points and Bilt Points, transfer to Wyndham Rewards at a 1:1 ratio or worse. So, it's big news that you can now transfer Wells Fargo Rewards points to Wyndham Rewards at a 1:2 ratio.

Wyndham Rewards isn't my primary hotel loyalty program. But it's certainly a useful program to have access to when rates are sky-high in other programs. To this point, Wyndham Rewards' three-tier award chart has recently saved me from paying high rates on stays in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Copenhagen, Denmark; and the aforementioned stay in Adelaide, Australia.

Related reading:

• A guide to the Wells Fargo Trifecta: Maximize earnings with 3 cards
• Why the Wells Fargo Autograph won No-Annual-Fee Credit Card of the Year at the 2026 TPG Awards
• Credit card transfer partners: Guide to transferring points and miles to airlines and hotels
• How and why you should maximize your hotel stays by using multiple loyalty programs

When the Trump administration took office last year, plenty of airline industry insiders thought the next wave of mergers could be coming.

Few, however, had a marriage of American Airlines and United Airlines — two of the nation's largest carriers — on their bingo card.

But then came Monday evening, when Bloomberg reported United CEO Scott Kirby had at least floated the idea to top lawmakers in Washington, D.C.

Could it actually happen?

It would certainly be a long shot, since any such tie-up would — at least under normal circumstances — draw regulatory scrutiny of the highest order.

"I wouldn't put all that much credence into this actually happening, because it is so outlandish," Florian Ederer, an antitrust expert studying the airline industry, told TPG.

Still, the headlines this week have rightly left frequent flyers wondering what a merger between two of America's biggest airlines could look like, and what it would mean for consumers.

American and United merger? It's a long shot

To be clear, we may already be getting ahead of ourselves.

At present, no merger deal between United and American has been formally announced, and neither airline is commenting on the rumors.

There could be financial incentive, to be sure: American certainly has trailed United in financial performance, of late. United and Delta Air Lines have accounted for the bulk of the industry's profits in recent years.

But even if the two carriers reached a deal to combine forces, there would be huge obstacles to overcome.

Read more: Is airline merger mania back? That's the question as United-American rumors swirl

Steep regulatory hurdles

Any major airline merger requires regulatory approval, and a merger of two of the nation's largest airlines would raise significant antitrust concerns.

After all, the U.S. airline industry has already gone through waves of consolidation that have left our airports dominated by four major carriers: American, Delta, United and Southwest Airlines.

Four in 10 flights that took off in America last year were operated by American or United (and their regional subsidiaries), according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

The dominance of a combined United and American could be a tough sell even in the more relaxed regulatory landscape ushered in by President Donald Trump's return to office, some experts believe.

"I think this is a non-starter," Ederer, who serves on the faculty at Boston University's Questrom School of Business, said. "Even in the Trump administration, this would be looked upon as being absurd."

Lawmakers react

Already, too, we've seen bipartisan backlash on Capitol Hill.

"That's gonna be a no," Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., posted on social media, reacting to this week's reports.

"This is one of the most tone-deaf acts of corporate aggression I've ever seen," Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, added.

Ok ... but what if it did happen?

But — suspend your disbelief if you must — let's say this blockbuster merger did happen.

The tie-up of two of the nation's legacy carriers would raise a myriad of concerns for frequent flyers.

In a video posted Tuesday, TPG founder Brian Kelly warned any such deal would be "catastrophic" to consumers.

Consumer concerns

Historically, less competition among airlines has led to higher airfares.

We should also note, in a world where airline loyalty programs are front and center for consumers, it's a likely bet you'd eventually see mileage devaluations, too.

Beyond that, the competitive nature of today's airline industry has fueled a proverbial arms race among major carriers: They have raced, in recent years, to upgrade seats, technology and airport amenities like lounges — all in a push to woo and keep loyal customers.

Among those going tit for tat? American and United.

"They compete aggressively for consumers … they have overlap of the various routes, they tend to be similar in terms of pricing, and it would eliminate two very obvious head-to-head competitors," Ederer said. "So I think this would be really a loss for consumers."

Major impacts likely at big hub airports

On a more practical level, any approved tie-up between the carriers would likely lead to asset divestitures, with some of the most visible likely to involve gate space or takeoff and landing rights at some of the most congested U.S. airports.

American and United both operate hubs (and compete relentlessly) at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. They also both call Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) a hub.

Plus, both carriers have cross-town hubs in the New York City and Washington, D.C., areas.

Would some hubs have to be shut down in a merger deal?

Speaking last week on CNBC, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged that any major airline merger may require carriers to "peel off" some larger assets, while also acknowledging the administration would have to "look at" any deal.

A merger like this could also conceivably draw legal action at the state level, and draw scrutiny in some international markets the airlines serve, too.

Could the next big wave of airline mergers be here?

Of course, in that same CNBC interview, Duffy also said Trump "loves to see big deals happen."

At the time, many industry pundits suspected that it could open the door to a United merger with JetBlue, which is reportedly exploring tie-ups with a variety of carriers.

Or, perhaps, it could lead budget rivals Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines to ink a deal after years of merger discussions.

But even after decades of consolidation have left the U.S. airline industry with a small handful of dominant carriers, an American-United deal would be the merger of all mergers — and result in a mega-carrier roughly twice the size of Delta.

Do you think Atlanta would take that sitting down?

It's not hard to envision such a move triggering additional corporate deals that would, in the end, leave consumers with a far shorter list of airlines to choose from when booking flights.

Bottom line

Again, though, we're getting ahead of ourselves.

For now, it remains wholly unclear whether United will actually attempt to acquire American — or whether it'll instead make a run at acquiring a smaller competitor.

Even more uncertain is whether a merger of this magnitude would have support in Washington, D.C.

Then again, this is 2026.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations

The Capital One Venture Business is part of the expanding Venture card family. It's designed for business owners who want to earn rewards without having to think too much about how they spend.

With a straightforward earning structure, a handful of useful credits and a reasonable $95 annual fee, this card is easy to justify year after year. However, you'll want to make sure it fits your rewards strategy, as there are business cards with richer perks or more rewarding bonus categories out there.

Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

Capital One Venture Business: The basics

If you're considering this card, here's what you need to know at a glance.

The Venture Business has a $95 annual fee and offers a tiered welcome bonus of up to 150,000 miles: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $7,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 75,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

In terms of earning, you'll earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through the Capital One Business Travel portal, along with 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.

You'll also receive a $50 annual credit for Capital One Business Travel bookings and up to $50 per year for qualifying advertising and software purchases.

Additional perks include a $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years, Five Star status in the Hertz Gold+ program*, no foreign transaction fees and free employee cards.

Overall, this is a travel rewards card that prioritizes simplicity over complexity.

*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold+ Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

Capital One Venture Business pros and cons

Capital One Venture Business benefits

The Venture Business doesn't try to overwhelm you with perks, but it offers enough to make the annual fee feel reasonable.

Credits that are easy to use

The card includes up to $100 in annual credits, split between travel and business expenses.

You'll get a $50 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel, plus up to $50 annually for qualifying advertising and software purchases. Individually, these credits aren't especially compelling, but I like that they're easy to use and don't require much effort to extract value.

If you can use both each year, you're already coming out ahead relative to the $95 annual fee.

Capital One Travel was named the Best Credit Card Travel Portal at the 2026 TPG Awards, and our analysis shows that flight prices through this portal (and its business counterpart) are typically less than 1% more expensive than booking directly, making it one of the most competitive options available.

You'll also get up to $120 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits every four years, which is standard for a card in this tier. I always like to point out that you can use this benefit for someone else, whether that's an employee or a loved one.

Related: 5 smart ways TPG staffers use Capital One Travel credits in the portal

Travel perks

While this isn't a premium travel card, it still includes a few helpful benefits for frequent travelers.

You'll receive Hertz Five Star status*, which is mid-tier status that can get you space-available upgrades and a smoother rental experience. It's not top-tier, but it can still be useful when renting cars regularly.

You'll also have access to the Capital One Lifestyle Collection, which includes a $50 experience credit on eligible hotel stays.

Business features

Beyond travel, the card includes a range of features that make it practical for everyday business use.

You can issue free employee cards and track spending across your team, and Capital One provides tools to help manage expenses and download purchase records. These aren't flashy benefits, but they're important for keeping your business organized as it grows.

How to earn and use your rewards

The Venture Business is at its best when you lean into its simplicity.

Earning miles

You'll earn:

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

Based on TPG's April 2026 valuations, these earning rates represent a solid return of 9.3% and 3.7%, respectively.

What I like here is that you don't need to think about where your spending falls. If your business expenses are spread across a wide range of categories, this setup makes it easy to consistently earn rewards without tracking bonus categories or caps.

However, if you spend a lot on, say, gas or shipping, it may be worth getting a business card that maximizes those categories.

Redeeming miles

When it comes to redeeming your miles, you have a lot of flexibility.

If you want maximum value, transferring to airline and hotel partners is usually the best option. Personally, I've had great success transferring Capital One miles to Choice Privileges, which I think is an underutilized hotel program.

I've used Choice points for stays in expensive Nordic markets like Finland, where cash rates can be high and the value can be excellent. For example, I redeemed 15,000 Choice points per night to stay at Hotel Lilla Roberts in central Helsinki last summer.

I also like transferring to Air France-KLM Flying Blue, especially when I need to top up my balance for a business-class flight between the U.S. and Europe.

If you prefer simplicity, you can redeem your miles at a fixed value of 1 cent each through Capital One Business Travel or use them to cover recent travel purchases within 90 days. I find this especially useful for things like ride-hailing or smaller travel expenses that you can't transfer miles for.

Downsides to consider for the Capital One Venture Business

While the Venture Business gets the basics right, there are a few limitations worth keeping in mind.

The welcome bonus structure is one of them. The first 75,000-mile bonus tier is solid, but the $7,500 spending requirement is on the higher end. The second tier, which requires $30,000 in total spending within six months, feels much harder to justify for the additional miles. Plus, sole proprietors and smaller businesses may struggle to meet this spending requirement.

Another drawback is the lack of strong travel protections compared to some competitors. If those benefits are important to you, this card may fall short.

Finally, this card isn't ideal for maximizing category bonuses. If your business spends heavily in specific areas like shipping, advertising and travel, you may be able to earn more with a different card.

Venture Business vs. Venture X Business

The Capital One Venture X Business is the more premium sibling in Capital One's lineup, and the differences between the two cards are quite clear.

The Venture X Business is better if:

• You want a card with no preset spending limit
• You want lounge access (Priority Pass and Capital One lounges)
• Your business spends a lot and can meet the welcome bonus spending requirement
• You can take advantage of the $300 Capital One Business Travel credit and the 10,000 bonus anniversary miles

The Venture Business is better if:

• You may not be able to meet the higher spending thresholds on the Venture X Business
• You prefer simplicity over premium perks
• You want a lower annual fee

Is the Capital One Venture Business worth it?

I think the Capital One Venture Business makes the most sense for business owners who want a simple, reliable way to earn travel rewards without tracking categories or juggling multiple cards. The combination of at least 2 miles per dollar spent on everything and easy-to-use credits makes it a low-maintenance option that's easy to keep in the long term.

In my view, the real strength of this card is how little effort it requires to consistently generate value. That said, if you're willing to put in more effort to maximize rewards or want premium perks like lounge access, you'll likely get more value from a different card.

When to apply for the Capital One Venture Business

The current welcome offer on the Venture Business is solid, but timing your application comes down to your ability to meet the spending requirements.

If your business can comfortably spend $7,500 in the first three months, the initial bonus is worth going for. I'd be more cautious about factoring in the second tier — $30,000 in six months — unless you already have that level of spending planned.

And, even if you do, it may be worth spreading that amount of spending across several cards to earn multiple welcome bonuses.

Other cards to consider if you don't want the Capital One Venture Business

If the Venture Business doesn't quite fit your needs, there are three strong alternatives to consider:

• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees): This is a better option if your business spends heavily in specific categories like travel, shipping and advertising. You'll need to keep track of bonus categories, but the potential upside is higher. To learn more, check out our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: If you don't want to pay an annual fee (see rates and fees), this card earns 2 points per dollar spent on all purchases (on up to $50,000 per year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter). Compared to the Venture Business, it offers similar simplicity but with a cap, which makes it better suited for lower-spending businesses. To learn more, check out our full review of the Blue Business Plus.
• Capital One Spark Cash Plus: If you prefer cash back over travel rewards, this card offers a straightforward earning structure with no preset spending limit. It's a strong alternative for businesses that value simplicity but don't need transferable rewards. To learn more, check out our full review of the Spark Cash Plus.

For additional options, check out our picks for the best business credit cards.

Bottom line

The Capital One Venture Business is a solid choice for business owners who want simple, consistent rewards with minimal effort. It delivers straightforward value with a flat earning rate and easy-to-use credits that help offset the annual fee.

While the card doesn't offer standout perks or category bonuses, it succeeds by being straightforward and reliable.

If you value ease of use over maximizing every dollar spent, this card is a strong long-term fit.

Learn more: Capital One Venture Business

For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus, click here.

Air India is rolling out changes to its Maharaja Club loyalty program this month. Most of the changes occurred on April 1, but some will start later this month.

Given these program enhancements, here's what you should know about the Air India Maharaja Club loyalty program.

What is the Air India Maharaja Club?

Maharaja Club is Air India's loyalty program. You can earn and redeem reward points within the Maharaja Club program and earn tier points toward elite status.

Air India is a Star Alliance airline, so you may be interested in its loyalty program even if you don't frequently visit India or fly on Air India.

Related: The best ways to fly to India with points and miles

How to earn Air India Maharaja Club points

Within the Air India Maharaja Club program, there are two types of points: Maharaja points and tier points. You can redeem Maharaja points for award flights and upgrades, while tier points are what you need to earn elite status within the Maharaja Club program.

Maharaja points expire if you don't credit a paid Air India flight to your account at least once every two years. Award, codeshare, interline and Star Alliance partner flights don't count toward extending your points' validity. Meanwhile, only the tier points you've earned in the last 365 days matter for earning elite status.

Earn Maharaja and tier points on Air India flights

You can earn Maharaja and tier points on Air India flights. You'll earn Maharaja points as follows on Air India flights:

• Red members: 6 reward points per 100 Indian rupees (about $1.08)
• Silver elite members: 8 reward points per 100 Indian rupees
• Gold elite members: 9 reward points per 100 Indian rupees
• Platinum elite members: 10 reward points per 100 Indian rupees

Plus, you'll earn 2 bonus Maharaja points per 100 Indian rupees when you book using the Air India website or mobile app. You also earn 6 tier points per 100 Indian rupees spent on Air India flights, regardless of your Maharaja status tier.

Related: The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison

Earn Maharaja and tier points on Star Alliance flights

You can earn Maharaja and tier points when you fly in eligible fare classes on Star Alliance airline partners. You'll earn Maharaja points based on your flight distance and fare class, as shown on the partner airlines page. You'll also earn 1 tier point per 2 Maharaja points when flying on Star Alliance partner airlines.

Other ways to earn Maharaja points

You can also earn Maharaja points (but not tier points) with select partners. Here's a quick overview:

• Air India credit cards: Residents of India can apply for an Air India credit card that earns Maharaja points. There aren't any cobranded Air India credit cards available to U.S. residents at this time.
• Convert transferable points: Many loyalty programs within India allow cardmembers to transfer rewards to Air India. However, the only major U.S. transferable reward currency that allows members to convert rewards to Air India Maharaja points is Rove Miles, which converts at a 1:1 ratio.
• Stays: Several regional hotel brands and properties in India let Maharaja Club members earn 5 to 20 Maharaja points per 100 Indian rupees spent on stays.
• Travel services: Several travel services, ranging from visa services to car rentals, let Maharaja Club members earn 4 to 25 Maharaja points per 100 Indian rupees spent.
• Experience and lifestyle purchases: Several merchants, including Antara River Cruises, let Maharaja Club members earn 4 to 16 Maharaja points per 100 Indian rupees spent. Meanwhile, one merchant offers a much lower 5 Maharaja points per 4 euros (about $4.68) spent.

Unfortunately, most of these other ways to earn Maharaja points won't help travelers who don't spend extensive time in India. Some are inaccessible if you aren't an Indian resident.

Related: My 4 top travel credit cards — and how they elevate my trips

Air India Maharaja Club elite status

The Air India Maharaja Club loyalty program has four status tiers, including an entry-level Red tier with no requirements. To reach the other tiers, you must meet specific requirements for tier points or flights over the last 365 days.

Once you meet the requirements for a new elite status tier, you'll enjoy its benefits for one year. After that point, you'll be downgraded based on your activity within the last 365 days.

Here are the qualification requirements for each Maharaja Club status tier:

• Red: No qualification requirements
• Silver: 15,000 tier points (with at least 4,500 tier points on Air India) or 20 flights (with at least four flights on Air India)
• Gold: 30,000 tier points (with at least 9,000 tier points on Air India) or 45 flights (with at least eight flights on Air India)
• Platinum: 45,000 tier points (with at least 13,500 tier points on Air India) or 60 flights (with at least 12 flights on Air India)

The primary benefit of Maharaja Club Red status is the ability to earn and redeem points. Here's a look at the primary benefits you can expect at each Maharaja Club status tier above what you'd get at the previous tier:

• Silver: Star Alliance Silver status, one upgrade voucher for a domestic Air India flight, priority check-in and boarding, less expensive change fees on domestic Air India flights, the ability to check five kilograms (about 11 pounds) more on Air India flights where the free baggage allowance uses a weight-based system and priority waitlist clearance
• Gold: Star Alliance Gold status, lounge access with one guest, free standard seat selection on Air India flights, two upgrade vouchers for domestic flights, Fly Prior benefit on domestic Air India flights, the ability to check 20 kilograms (about 44 pounds) extra or one piece more on Air India flights and Star Alliance partner flights, one free change per ticket on domestic Air India flights up to 24 hours before departure (and on international Air India flights up to 72 hours before departure) and less expensive cancellation fees for domestic Air India flights
• Platinum: Free seat selection on Air India flights, three upgrade vouchers for domestic flights, two free changes per ticket on Air India flights up to 24 hours before departure and waived cancellation fees on domestic Air India flights up to 24 hours before departure

If you don't frequently fly on Air India, the primary benefit of status will be the Star Alliance status you can get. However, you must reach Gold for Star Alliance Gold status before seeing any significant benefits.

Related: Why I earn status with foreign airlines — and whether you should, too

How to redeem Maharaja Club points

You can redeem Maharaja points for flights and upgrades on both Air India flights and Star Alliance partner flights. I haven't found an award chart for flights or upgrades, but you can check the rates for specific one-way or round-trip routes using the Maharaja Club points calculator.

Air India now uses standardized region-based award prices for its flights. Here's the award flight and upgrade rates I found for several one-way routes — including those operated by Air India and its Star Alliance partners — using the calculator:

Currently, you can only book award flights operated by Air India, United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and Austrian Airlines online. You must call to book award flights operated by other Star Alliance airlines. Additionally, you can only book one-segment awards on Star Alliance airlines.

If the flight you want to book is operated by an airline you can book online, you can check award pricing for a specific date by selecting to pay with points or points + cash when booking. However, you won't be able to see the taxes and fees for a flight unless you have enough points in your account to book the flight. And, the taxes and fees can be significant on some routes.

If you cancel or change an award flight at least 24 hours before departure, you'll usually get 75% of your points back. However, Maharaja Club elite members have the following more flexible change and cancellation policies for award flights:

• Platinum: 100% refund as long as you change or cancel at least two hours before departure
• Gold: 100% refund as long as you change or cancel at least seven days before departure, and 75% points refund if you change or cancel more than 24 hours before departure
• Silver: 100% refund as long as you change or cancel at least thirty days before departure, and 75% points refund if you change or cancel more than 24 hours before departure

If you want to redeem points for an upgrade on Air India, you can check availability on the Maharaja Club upgrade page (provided you have enough points in your account). If you want to redeem Maharaja points for an upgrade on a partner airline, note that your current ticket must be booked into specific fare classes (see the eligible fare classes on this page) and can't be a codeshare flight. If you redeem Maharaja points for an upgrade and then cancel your ticket, the points used for the upgrade will usually be refunded upon the ticket cancellation.

Related: Redeem your points and miles: How to search flight award availability for the major airlines

Bottom line

The Air India Maharaja Club loyalty program won't be the primary loyalty program of most U.S. residents. After all, Maharaja points expire if you don't credit an Air India flight at least once every two years and no major U.S. transferable currencies besides Rove Miles transfer to Air India. Plus, no Air India cobranded credit cards are available in the U.S. market, and you must fly on a set number of Air India-operated flights every 365 days to maintain status.

It also doesn't help that you can't see the taxes and fees on award flights if you don't have enough Maharaja points in your account to book the award. But if you frequently travel to or via India on Air India, it may be worth checking whether the Air India Maharaja Club offers more value than your current Star Alliance loyalty program.

It's actually happening: Bunk beds are coming to the sky for economy passengers.

Air New Zealand will soon offer what it calls the Skynest, a pod of six beds bunked three high on each side. The beds flank a ladder and are bookable in blocks of time for napping on select long-haul flights.

Travelers will soon find Skynest on two of the airline's Dreamliners that will operate ultra-long-haul flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Auckland Airport (AKL).

The price? $495 for a four-hour block of time.

If this sounds familiar, it may be because Air New Zealand, which has been the first with a number of inflight innovations (including the Skycouch, which has now been licensed to United Airlines as its forthcoming Relax Row), has been working on Skynest for more than six years.

The day this moves from mock-up to takeoff is coming soon, as the airline recently displayed a model of the Skynest in New York City, which we tested out firsthand.

TPG Tip: The bottom bunk, which is essentially at floor level, is nicer and cozier than you might think and requires no climbing to access. And the top is at least as hard to gracefully crawl into as you would imagine, but all were actually quite comfortable once you were nestled inside.

I am 5 feet, 7 inches and fit very comfortably, though a man at the media preview was 6 feet, 4 inches and was also able to fully stretch out, albeit with a much tighter fit. The airline shares that the bunks are 6 feet, 6 inches long, which should allow most passengers to lie all the way flat. There are also about 25 inches of width at the shoulders, though the space does taper as it reaches where your feet traditionally go.

The Skynest mattress felt comfortable, and I have no doubt that lying down in there and resting for a few hours is much better than sitting upright for 18 hours straight in economy.

That said, as Skynest takes flight, I'm interested to see how private it feels when there are up to five other people resting at the same time. It will also be interesting to see how respectful other passengers will be of the Skynest's rules, such as no eating, no playing audio without headphones, no shoes and trying to minimize getting in and out of the beds during the four-hour time block (as that would likely disturb others in there, given the tight space).

You will absolutely want to be prepared with noise-canceling headphones, earplugs and any other accouterments to counter nearby snoring bunkmates, given the snug quarters and the goal of napping.

The bunk beds each have a USB-A and C charging outlet, and passengers who book will be provided fresh linens, a pillow, a blanket, socks (no shoes allowed in the real thing) and a "Nestcessities" amenity kit that will contain an eye mask, socks, earplugs and skincare products by New Zealand brand Aotea, plus a dental kit.

At the end of your time block, the lights will brighten slowly, hopefully to wake you up gradually, though a flight attendant will come and tap you on the feet if the lights don't do the trick to bring you back to reality ... and your normal economy seat.

Related reading: What it was like to fly 14 hours in a 'couch' in the sky

The Skynest beds will be located in the center of the economy section of the aircraft, in an area where a galley and a row of three seats would typically be found.

A block of time in the Skynest will be open to passengers ages 15 and up who are flying in either economy or premium economy. And flying bunk beds should be a real thing very soon as Air New Zealand plans to put tickets to book Skynest on sale on May 18, with the first flights taking to the sky in November 2026.

Air Canada on Tuesday unveiled the new interiors and business-class seats coming to two of its jets. This is a major upgrade that the airline described as "the first major expression" of its "Glowing Hearted" design standard and customer service approach.

The new business-class cabin, which the airline is calling "Air Canada Signature Class," will debut on its Airbus A321XLR this summer — marking the first time Air Canada will offer lie-flat seats on a single-aisle jet. It will later appear on the airline's new fleet of Boeing 787-10 jets.

On both jets across all classes, passengers can expect to find larger overhead compartments; ergonomic seats with phone or tablet holders; new, larger OLED 4K inflight entertainment screens with Bluetooth audio; and USB-C and AC power outlets at each seat.

The A321XLR will feature 14 business-class seats in a 1-1 herringbone configuration, along with 168 economy seats (36 of which offer extra legroom). Travelers will find these cabins on certain transatlantic and transcontinental routes.

While the business-class seats will not have fully closing doors, Air Canada said they will feature "a sliding privacy panel" that passengers can close to block out more of the cabin.

Air Canada has 30 of the jets on order from Airbus.

Meanwhile, the 787-10 will have 42 Signature Class seats in a 1-2-1, reverse-herringbone layout. It will also feature 28 premium economy seats and 262 economy seats, including some with extra legroom. (Air Canada did not specify the number of extra-legroom seats.)

The first row of business-class seats, dubbed "Signature Class Plus," will offer more spacious suites.

This includes a center divider between the middle seats that passengers can fully lower to create more open space when traveling with a companion.

Premium economy will also see a slight redesign with "privacy wings" that appear similar to those on newer domestic first-class seats offered by Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Air Canada is scheduled to take delivery of 14 of the largest variant of the 787, which it plans to position as its new flagship.

The design of both cabins speaks to a peaceful and relaxing vibe, with gray tones accented by Air Canada's signature red, along with natural wood grain and bronze metal details.

Air Canada also said it plans to overhaul its soft product, including upgraded service, food and drink, and amenities. The end result will be a "distinctly Canadian" hospitality experience. The airline said it will unveil details on the upgraded service later this year.

"This investment is about fundamentally redefining the experience of flying with Air Canada," the airline's executive vice president and chief operations officer Mark Nasr said in a statement about the redesign.

"Details matter: we listened closely to feedback and challenged ourselves to create an experience defined by a strong Canadian sense of place, alongside a commitment to craftsmanship, functionality, and long-term durability," he added.

Related reading:

• Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
• Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• Everything you need to know about flying basic economy on American Airlines

There is one common question we get from TPG readers who are cruise enthusiasts: What are the best credit cards for booking cruises?

It might seem logical that the best way to earn rewards on cruise bookings is to get a cruise line cobranded credit card. While these cards generally don't offer as strong a value as the best travel credit cards, some cobranded cards on the market could be a good choice for certain types of cruisers.

If you want to get the most value from your cruise purchases, here's our guide to the best credit cards for booking cruises and why you always want to pay for your vacation at sea with a credit card.

The best credit cards for booking cruises

When deciding which credit card to use for booking cruises, you'll want to consider the rewards a card earns on cruises and benefits like travel and shopping protections. You can also take advantage of a card's more specific perks, like statement credits for travel and airport lounge access to get you to and from the port.

With this in mind, we recommend these credit cards for booking a cruise:

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

American Express Green

Welcome bonus: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership, worth $800 according to TPG's April 2026 valuations.

Annual fee: $150

Why it's great for booking cruises: The Amex Green earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases, including cruises. This means you'll earn bonus points on the cruise booking as well as any flight or hotel purchases you make to get to and from your cruise.

You'll also get trip delay insurance* that covers up to $300 per trip (maximum of two claims per 12-month period) and purchase protection** for up to 90 days after you make a purchase.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

**Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

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

Related: Who should (and shouldn't) get the Amex Green card?

American Express Platinum

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

According to TPG's April 2026 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $3,500.

Annual fee: $895

Why it's great for booking cruises: Bonus points aren't the incentive for booking cruises on the Amex Platinum. Instead, you can leverage the Cruise Privileges Program by booking an eligible sailing of at least five nights with your card through American Express Travel® or by calling the number on the back of your card. When you do this, you could receive:

• $100 to $300 per cabin onboard credit
• One unique amenity per cabin

Remember, you must book an eligible cruise through American Express Travel to receive these benefits, and not every cruise and cabin will offer the same benefits.

Also, the Amex Platinum doesn't have a bonus category for cruises, so you will earn 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on these purchases.

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

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening, worth $600.

Annual fee: $95

Why it's great for booking cruises: The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card earns 2 points per dollar spent on all travel purchases, including cruise line purchases. You'll also receive travel protections, including trip cancellation/delay/interruption insurance.

And if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you'll earn an additional 25% to 75% rewards bonus on every purchase, giving you an even greater return on your cruise spending.

To learn more, read our full review of the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card.

Apply here: Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

Capital One Venture Rewards

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. According to TPG's April 2026 valuations, this offer is valued at $1,388.

Annual fee: $95

Why it's great for booking cruises: The Capital One Venture Rewards earns 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases, including cruise bookings. You can redeem rewards for a statement credit to cover travel expenses, including purchases from cruise lines.

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

Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth $1,388, according to TPG's valuations.

Annual fee: $395

Why it's great for booking cruises: Like the Venture Rewards, the Venture X earns 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases, including cruises, and comes with several travel protections.

What sets Venture X apart is its ability to make your trip run more smoothly with additional perks, such as complimentary airport lounge access, which makes the trip to the airport before your cruise much better.

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

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth $1,538 according to TPG's April 2026 valuations.

Annual fee: $95

Why it's great for booking cruises: The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns a valuable 2 points per dollar spent on travel purchases, including cruise bookings made directly. If you book through Chase Travel, you'll earn 5 points per dollar spent.

Plus, if you book a specific cruise and cabin with Voyages by Chase Travel, you can receive onboard credits, package upgrades, private transfers and more. Eligible cruise lines include AmaWaterways, Celebrity, Norwegian, Oceania and Virgin Voyages, among others.

What sets this card apart is its robust travel protections. When you use it to book travel, you'll get protection against lost or delayed baggage, as well as trip delays and cancellations.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Welcome bonus: Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth $2,563 according to TPG's valuations.

Annual fee: $795

Why it's great for booking cruises: The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 8 points per dollar spent on all bookings through Chase Travel, including cruises booked in the portal. You'll also get a slightly better suite of travel protections than with the Sapphire Preferred, plus airport lounge access.

The Sapphire Reserve also unlocks access to Voyages by Chase Travel, like the Sapphire Preferred.

Perhaps the best perk on this card, however, is a $300 annual travel statement credit automatically applied to travel purchases, meaning you can get up to $300 back on your cruise booking when you use this card to pay.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Bottom line

Using the right credit card to book your cruise allows you to earn some serious rewards on your booking and protect yourself against a wide range of mishaps.

Whether you're focused on receiving a valuable welcome bonus to help fund your next trip or earning bonus points on your onboard cocktails, you can feel great knowing your card is working hard while you're kicking back at sea.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

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

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

Is "merger mania" returning to the U.S. airline industry?

You certainly might think so after reading Monday's Bloomberg News report, which stated that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby apparently floated a blockbuster merger with American Airlines to federal officials earlier this year.

Whether such a deal is ever formally proposed (as there'd be intense regulatory scrutiny on combining two of the nation's biggest global carriers), it's safe to say that the topic of airline mergers is back in full force.

It also prompts a look back at the previous wave of major airline mergers from 2005 to 2016, which helped shape the current competitive aviation landscape:

• US Airways-America West (2005)
• Delta Air Lines-Northwest Airlines (2008)
• United Airlines-Continental Airlines (2010)
• Southwest Airlines-AirTran Airways (2011)
• American Airlines-US Airways (2014)

Those deals dramatically reduced the number of major airlines in the U.S. — ultimately melding nine different airlines into just four. In the process, storied brands like Northwest, Continental and US Airways fell by the wayside. This left four supersized airlines (American, Delta, United and Southwest) in control of roughly 80% of the U.S. market.

By 2015, most people didn't expect any further airline consolidation. However, in 2016, Alaska Airlines managed to complete one more major deal, outbidding JetBlue to acquire Virgin America.

But, fast forward to 2026, and government and industry leaders now seem to see the opportunity for a new round of U.S. airline mergers.

Even before reports began linking United to American, merger talk had grown amid skyrocketing fuel prices squeezing the industry.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian noted last week that high oil prices were historically a catalyst for industry consolidation.

He cited high fuel prices as a driver for that last major round of airline mergers (including Delta's own merger with Northwest in 2008, as well as the United-Continental, Southwest-AirTran and American-US Airways deals).

"I anticipate higher fuel prices will cause much more significant structural reform than we've seen over this period," Bastian said. "There's a number of business models that, I think, their owners are going to start questioning whether they continue to commit capital to."

It had already been happening on a smaller scale.

Alaska Airlines announced in 2023 it would acquire and merge with Hawaiian Airlines, setting the stage for Alaska to join American, Delta and United as the nation's newest global carrier.

Leisure carrier Allegiant is in the midst of its own merger with niche carrier Sun Country.

And JetBlue is reportedly shopping itself for a merger or acquisition, which likely would've been the major prize in the industry until the United-American report emerged this week.

Even Washington, D.C. — historically one of the toughest audiences regarding this topic — has signaled openness.

Bastian's comments, for example, came just two days after U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said on CNBC that he sees "room" for more airline consolidation.

All of this merger talk comes as numerous U.S. airlines struggle financially, and at least two are considered takeover targets. JetBlue recently hired advisers to explore a potential merger with either Alaska Airlines, Southwest or United, Semafor reported in March. And Spirit Airlines certainly remains a takeover target as it continues to operate under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Government support

The Department of Justice provided the first sign of support in March when it ended its antitrust review of Allegiant Air's takeover of Sun Country Airlines early with no objections. While the airlines had little overlap and together represent around just 2% of U.S. domestic seats, the swift approval signaled a light regulatory touch from the Trump administration.

The Biden administration blocked the combination of JetBlue and Spirit in 2024, and successfully sued to end JetBlue's Northeast Alliance with American Airlines in 2023.

On CNBC, Duffy did say that, while Trump "loves to see big deals happen," a merger by one of the "larger" airlines would require them to "peel off some of their assets." ("Larger" airlines likely refers to American, Delta, Southwest and United, which each control about a fifth of the U.S. market.)

The last major airline merger — Alaska's takeover of Hawaiian, which closed in 2024 — is nearing its final major passenger-facing milestone when Hawaiian moves to Alaska's reservations system April 22.

The next big airline deal

No one knows just what the next deal could occur. In the history of airline mergers, the most obvious combinations are not always the ones that occur.

That certainly would be the case with any United-American deal. But, again, such a combo would be considered the longest of long shots if past precedent holds.

Elsewhere, some airline mergers might be more likely candidates than others.

Frontier Airlines is widely viewed as the most suitable partner for Spirit given their similar ultra-low-cost business models and complementary route networks; Frontier is more concentrated in the western U.S., while Spirit has a larger presence in the Detroit, Florida and New York markets.

A combined Frontier-Spirit would have a roughly 7% share of U.S. domestic seats based on 2025 numbers, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows. It would be the fifth-largest share, surpassing Alaska-Hawaiian's 6% share.

Frontier has tried and failed to merge with Spirit at least twice. It was outbid by JetBlue in 2022 in a deal that ultimately failed and was rejected in 2025.

A potential JetBlue deal is more interesting.

While its recent partnership with United has some pundits pontificating about a possible JetBlue-United merger, others have suggested an Alaska-JetBlue combo would make sense. And while those combined carriers' networks would immediately make it a player on both coasts, it's questionable whether Alaska could absorb another airline while in the midst of integrating operations with Hawaiian.

Another view comes from Courtney Miller at Visual Approach Analytics, who wrote earlier in April that he views a Southwest-JetBlue merger as the most suitable when weighing fleet, network and antitrust considerations. He noted existing chatter that either an Alaska-JetBlue combination or a United-JetBlue combination also have merit.

"If Alaska would see limited benefit but almost certain [regulatory] approval, and United would see massive benefit but likely rejection, Southwest just kind of works," he wrote (prior to news about a potential United-American combo that would break with past regulatory precedent). "Good benefit and a very strong likelihood of approval."

A combined Southwest-JetBlue would surpass American as the largest domestic airline with a 24% share of seats based on 2025 numbers, Cirium data shows.

And while a Southwest-JetBlue deal does have issues — for one, Southwest flies an all-Boeing 737 fleet and JetBlue an all-Airbus fleet — it would achieve at least two of Southwest's strategic goals: long-haul international flying to Europe and lounges.

Related reading:

• Best airline credit cards
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
  
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations

Switzerland is a gorgeous summertime destination. You can take alpine hikes and enjoy idyllic weather during the longest days of the year in the country's two main hubs, Zurich and Geneva.

If you're daydreaming about a Swiss summer, there's a deal from Air Canada Aeroplan that is perfect for you. Aeroplan is one of the best programs for booking Star Alliance awards. Right now, luxe Swiss business-class seats are starting at 60,000 points one-way from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland.

And, with a 20% transfer bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards through April 30, your points could stretch even further — costing as little as 50,000 Chase points to travel to Switzerland in luxury.

Here's how to book your premium seat to Zurich or Geneva with Aeroplan points or Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

(Note that prices and availability were accurate at the time of writing.)

Related: How to travel to Europe using points and miles

TPG's deal of the day basics

• Airline: Swiss International Air Lines
• Routes: From BOS, JFK or EWR to ZRH or GVA in Switzerland
• Best way to book: Through Air Canada Aeroplan's website
• Price: Starting from 60,000 Aeroplan points (50,000 Chase points with the 20% bonus) plus $58 in business class
• Cash price: From $5,997 in business class
• Travel dates: Various dates throughout summer 2026

How to find and book TPG's deal of the day

We found Swiss business-class availability for various dates in July and August. The best place to start your search is with the handy Seats.aero tool to narrow down your options.

Once you've pinpointed your origin and departure airports, head to Air Canada's website to check availability.

Business class costs 60,000 Aeroplan points and $58 in taxes and fees.

We saw this price mostly on nonstop routes from BOS, JFK and EWR to ZUR and GVA for seats on the Airbus A330. However, all-new seats on the ritzy Airbus A350 could become available.

You can book with 60,000 Aeroplan points if you have them, or transfer them from a credit card transfer partner, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards. From now through April 30, Chase is running a 20% transfer bonus on transfers to Aeroplan, so you can move just 50,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Aeroplan to book this flight.

Keep in mind that transfers are irreversible, so always confirm award availability with the airline before transferring your rewards.

Related: The best credit cards for paying taxes and fees on award tickets

How to earn the points or miles required for TPG's deal of the day

The following cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points on everyday purchases, and they offer welcome bonuses to help you rack up points fast:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Even without the 20% Chase transfer bonus, these premium-cabin flights to Aeroplan are still a great deal — and you can book them with points from several other transferable currencies, including American Express Membership Rewards points, Bilt Points and Capital One miles.

Here are a few of our favorite cards that allow you to transfer points to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio, along with their current welcome bonuses:

• American Express® Gold Card: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases in your first six months of membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
• Bilt Palladium Card (see rates and fees): Earn 50,000 Bilt points and Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, receive $300 in Bilt Cash* upon approval.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

*Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year. TPG's Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.

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

Bottom line

If a summer in Switzerland is calling your name, now is an excellent time to book a premium Swiss business flight with your Chase points or Aeroplan points.

Be sure to act before April 30 if you opt to use Chase's transfer bonus to Aeroplan, since it'll expire then.

Continue planning your European vacation:

• Travel to Europe using points and miles: How to redeem your rewards for flights
• I broke a points and miles rule and still got a good deal to Europe — how I maximized my rewards
• 9 European summer destinations to beat the heat
• The 7 most underrated European destinations for your summer trip
• 16 essentials to pack for a European trip this summer

If you're a small-business owner who values straightforward earning and useful benefits, the new Capital One Venture Business may be a strong addition to your wallet.

Plus, the Venture Business card has launched with a high-value welcome bonus that could be used for your next trip — as long as you can meet its spending requirements.

Here's what to know about the current offer on this new card for small-business owners.

Capital One Venture Business current offer

New Venture Business cardholders can earn up to 150,000 bonus miles: 75,000 miles after spending $7,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 75,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

According to TPG's April 2026 valuations, these bonus miles are worth up to $2,775. This is an excellent offer if your business is able to spend $30,000 in six months, though this could be a high threshold for many businesses to reach.

I maximize Capital One miles by transferring them to one of the issuer's 15-plus loyalty program partners. Some of my favorite Capital One partners include Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, British Airways Club and Wyndham Rewards.

But you can also take the easy route with your miles by redeeming them at a fixed value of 1 cent per mile for bookings made through the Capital One Business Travel portal, as well as travel purchases made in the past 90 days, such as those with airlines, hotels, ride-hailing services and vacation rentals.

The card charges a $95 annual fee, which can be offset by leveraging its multiple credits.

You have to be eligible for a business card to be approved for the Venture Business.

Related: How to get a business credit card

Why you should apply for the Capital One Venture Business

There are several key benefits for Venture Business cardholders. Here are some of the highlights:

• Annual $50 credit for Capital One Business Travel
• Up to $50 each year for qualifying advertising and software merchants
• $50 experience credit on every Capital One Lifestyle Collection stay
• Complimentary Hertz Five Star status*
• $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

Plus, cardholders will enjoy simple (yet valuable) earning rates when they use the card:

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

Business features include the ability to add free employee cards, set customized spending limits and receive year-end summaries. The card charges no foreign transaction fees.

Considering the Venture Business card's $95 annual fee, there are plenty of ways to recoup its value by maximizing credits and rewards.

Related: How long do Capital One miles transfers take?

Bottom line

If you're a business owner who values simple earning and finds value in the statement credits offered by the Venture Business, this could be a great addition to your wallet.

However, the card's high-value welcome offer comes with a high spending requirement to earn the full bonus. With so much value on the table, it's worth weighing how easily you can reach the bonus with your business spending.

Still, the card offers significant value for high-spending businesses and those who could easily offset the annual fee with the card's statement credits, especially given its $95 annual fee.

Learn more: Capital One Venture Business

Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold+ Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees) packs in an impressive amount of value for a $99 annual fee, especially for business owners who regularly stay at IHG properties. With perks like automatic elite status and an annual free night, it can easily pay for itself — but only if you actually use those benefits.

However, if you aren't loyal to IHG One Rewards, the card's limited redemption flexibility and weaker everyday earning rates may push you toward a more general business rewards card. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

IHG Premier Business card: The basics

The IHG Premier Business card is a cobranded hotel business credit card designed for small-business owners who frequently stay with IHG brands like InterContinental, Holiday Inn and Kimpton.

For a $99 annual fee, cardholders get automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, an annual free night certificate (worth up to 40,000 points) and a fourth-night-free benefit on award stays.

You'll earn the most value when booking IHG stays, when the combined earnings rate can reach up to 26 points per dollar spent when factoring in elite bonuses. Outside of IHG, earning rates are decent in select categories like dining, travel and advertising — but underwhelming on everyday purchases.

This is not a card that earns flexible rewards. Rewards are tied to the IHG One Rewards program, so value depends heavily on how often you stay within the brand.

IHG Premier Business card pros and cons

IHG Premier Business card benefits

Annual free night award

Each year after your account anniversary, you'll receive a free night certificate valid for a stay costing up to 40,000 points. In practice, that can cover a wide range of properties, from luxurious InterContinental and Kimpton stays on peak dates to high-value properties in secondary cities.

If a property costs more than 40,000 points, you can top off the certificate with unlimited additional IHG points to book the stay, giving you added flexibility.

TPG Lead Writer Katie Genter has redeemed anniversary free night certificates at properties like the InterContinental Buenos Aires, InterContinental Madrid and Kimpton De Witt (in Amsterdam), highlighting the range of hotels where this benefit can be used.

With thoughtful use, this perk alone can easily offset the card's $99 annual fee, making it one of the most valuable ongoing benefits for cardholders.

Fourth-night-free benefit

When redeeming IHG points for a stay of four consecutive nights or longer, every fourth night costs zero points.

This benefit is automatically applied and stackable:

• Stay four to seven nights: Get the fourth night free.
• Stay eight to 11 nights: Get the fourth and eighth nights free.

There's no cap on how many times you can use this perk, making it especially valuable for longer stays.

What I like about this perk is that it's automatically applied, so you don't need to jump through hoops to take advantage of it.

Automatic Platinum Elite status

Cardholders receive automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, which provides a meaningful boost to both your earning potential and overall hotel experience. Benefits include a 60% bonus on points earned from paid stays, space-available room upgrades and a welcome amenity at check-in.

While Platinum isn't top-tier status — and does not include free breakfast — it's still a valuable perk to get just for holding the card, especially if you stay with IHG even a handful of times per year. The incremental perks can add up quickly, particularly through bonus earnings.

I appreciate that this status is automatic, even if the on-property perks are somewhat limited compared to higher tiers.

The card also offers a path to Diamond Elite status after $40,000 in annual spending. Diamond members can receive free breakfast as a welcome amenity at many properties (though availability can vary by brand and region). However, that's a steep requirement, and most business owners will likely find better ways to allocate that level of spending.

Spending-based bonus perks

The card includes an additional incentive for higher spenders. If you put $20,000 on the card in a calendar year, you'll earn 10,000 bonus points (worth $60 based on TPG April 2026 valuations) and a $100 statement credit.

While that's about $160 in total value, the return on that level of spending isn't particularly compelling. Most business owners could likely earn more by putting that same $20,000 toward a card with higher everyday earning rates or more flexible rewards.

Travel credits and protections

The IHG Premier Business card includes a handful of travel credits and protections that, while not headline-grabbing, add meaningful value over time.

Cardholders receive up to a $120 statement credit every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus — a fairly standard perk among travel cards, but still a useful one if you don't already have it elsewhere.

There's also up to $50 in United Airlines TravelBank cash each year, which can help offset the cost of occasional flights, though it's somewhat niche and most valuable for those who already fly United.

Beyond credits, the card offers a solid suite of travel protections. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance can reimburse up to $1,500 per traveler (and $6,000 per trip) for covered disruptions, while the auto rental collision damage waiver provides primary coverage on business rentals — a notable perk that can save you from paying for rental agency insurance. You'll also get purchase protection for new items against damage or theft for 120 days from purchase.

None of these benefits stand out on their own, but together they form a well-rounded safety net that adds incremental value, especially for business owners who travel regularly.

How to earn and use your rewards

You'll get the most value from this card by understanding where it earns the most points and where it may fall short for everyday spending.

Earning points

Earning rates on cobranded hotel credit cards are usually strongest within their own loyalty programs and weaker on everyday spending, and that holds true here.

The IHG Premier Business card delivers excellent value when used at IHG properties.

When you pay for a stay at an IHG hotel or resort, you'll earn 10 points per dollar spent with the card. On top of that, IHG One Rewards members earn 10 base points per dollar spent at most brands. Since the card also includes automatic Platinum Elite status, you'll receive a 60% bonus on those base points.

Altogether, that adds up to 26 points per dollar spent on IHG stays — or roughly a 16% return, according to TPG's valuations.

Outside of IHG, earnings are more modest:

• 5 points per dollar spent on dining, gas and travel
• 5 points per dollar spent at office supply stores and on social media and search engine advertising
• 3 points per dollar spent on all other purchases

While the bonus categories are decent for a hotel card, you'll likely find better returns on everyday spending with a more flexible business credit card. Personally, I'd mainly use this card for IHG stays and a few bonus categories, rather than everyday spending.

Related: From mountain peaks to seaside getaways: 7 IHG hotels for your next vacation

Redeeming points

IHG uses dynamic pricing, meaning award nights can start as low as 5,000 points but regularly climb to over 120,000 points at higher-end properties. While this flexibility can occasionally work in your favor, it also means you won't always get consistent value from your points.

To get the most out of your rewards, it helps to be strategic. The fourth-night-free perk is one of the easiest ways to stretch your points further, effectively lowering the cost of longer stays.

For example, a stay at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, can easily price around 70,000 points per night. A four-night stay would typically cost 280,000 points, but with the fourth-night-free benefit, you'd pay 210,000 points — saving 70,000 points.

IHG also allows you to book using a combination of points and cash, though this is essentially the same as purchasing additional points at a fixed rate. That can make sense in some situations, but it's not always the best deal, especially since IHG frequently sells points during promotions.

Overall, there's solid value to be found in the program, but it often requires more effort and flexibility compared to hotel programs with fixed award charts.

Related: How to redeem IHG One Rewards points for hotel stays

Where the IHG Premier Business card falls short

The biggest drawback of the IHG Premier Business card is its lack of flexibility.

Because your rewards are tied exclusively to the IHG One Rewards program, the card delivers the most value only if you consistently stay within the brand. If you prefer boutique hotels, split your stays across multiple chains or prioritize transferable rewards, you'll likely find this card limiting.

In my view, this is the biggest trade-off: You're getting strong value, but only if you're willing to stay within the IHG ecosystem.

It's also not a strong choice for everyday spending. While the bonus categories are decent, the return on nonbonus purchases falls short compared to many general business cards, making it harder to justify using this as your primary card.

On top of that, IHG's dynamic pricing model adds another layer of unpredictability. Award rates can fluctuate significantly, which means it takes more effort to consistently extract strong value from your points compared to programs with fixed award charts.

Taken together, this is a card that works best in a very specific scenario (frequent IHG stays) and becomes much less compelling outside of it.

Is the IHG Premier Business card worth it?

Yes — as long as you can make the most of the card's perks. The IHG Premier Business card has an annual fee of $99 and offers an annual free night award that can easily be redeemed for more value than that. Cardholders also earn points at solid rates when making purchases in bonus categories, though the earning rate on everyday purchases isn't fantastic.

When to apply for the IHG Premier Business card

New applicants for the IHG Premier Business card can earn up to 200,000 bonus points, structured in two tiers:

• Earn 140,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Earn an additional 60,000 bonus points after spending a total of $9,000 on purchases in the first six months.

This offer ends April 29.

According to TPG's valuations, the first tier of the bonus is worth $840, while the full offer is worth $1,200 in total. While unlocking the full bonus requires a higher level of spending, the first tier is significantly easier to earn.

It's worth noting that this current offer matches the highest offer we've ever seen on the card (last seen in October 2025), so now is the best time to apply if you are interested.

This card is ideal for Chase customers under the 5/24 limit. While most business credit cards won't add to your count, you do need to be below that threshold to apply.

Related: How to track your progress toward a credit card welcome bonus

Other cards to consider if you don't want the IHG Premier Business card

As the IHG Premier Business card is a hotel credit card aimed at small-business owners, it's worth looking at how it stacks up against other hotel-branded business credit cards.

• If you're looking for a card with Hyatt status and perks: The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees) offers automatic Discoverist status with World of Hyatt. It does have a higher annual fee at $199, but offers perks like up to $100 in spending credits with Hyatt each cardholder year. To learn more, check out our full review of the World of Hyatt Business card.
• If you're looking for a card with Hilton status and perks: The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card has a higher $195 annual fee (see rates and fees) and comes with mid-tier Gold status with Hilton Honors. To learn more, check out our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex Business card.
• If you're looking for flexible rewards and premium travel perks: The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, including the option to transfer to IHG, offering more flexibility beyond a single hotel brand. It also offers complimentary IHG Platinum status (through Dec. 31, 2027). To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business.

For additional options, check out our picks for the best hotel cards.

Related: The best hotel credit cards with annual fees under $100

Bottom line

The IHG Premier Business card delivers strong, consistent value for a relatively low annual fee, especially for those who stay with IHG frequently.

Perks like the annual free night award, fourth-night-free benefit on award stays and automatic Platinum Elite status make it easy to come out ahead year after year.

Together, these benefits can easily offset the annual fee, making the card a compelling long-term keeper for business owners who can take advantage of its core perks.

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card

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

The Aloha State offers something for everyone, from the bustling city of Honolulu on Oahu to the quiet black-sand beaches of the Big Island, Kauai's lush rainforests and Maui's volcanic Haleakala National Park. Of course, a destination this dreamy doesn't come cheap, and Hawaii has garnered a reputation for being almost as pricey as it is beautiful.

Thankfully, a few savvy rewards strategies can help you plan your dream Hawaiian vacation without breaking the bank — whether that means booking flights with airline miles, redeeming points toward hotel rooms, maximizing rewards on your purchases or all the above.

If Hawaii is on your travel wish list for 2026, read on to learn the best ways to save money on your trip with points and miles.

Related: Hawaii storm update: What to do if you have a trip planned to the islands

Best ways to book flights to Hawaii using points and miles

With so many islands — Hawaii has four major islands and over 100 smaller ones — which airport should you fly into?

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in the state's capital offers the most options. This is a good approach if you want to visit multiple islands, because you can spend some time on Oahu before hopping on a short-haul flight to another island.

On the other hand, if you'd like to base yourself on Maui, Kauai or Hawaii (aka the Big Island), several major U.S. carriers offer direct flights from the West Coast to Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG), Kauai's Lihue Airport (LIH) and Kona International Airport (KOA).

As you might expect, the cheapest flights to Hawaii depart from West Coast hubs. In some cases, you may not pay much more in miles to fly from an airport farther east; in others, you may want to look into a positioning flight.

Now, let's dive into the best ways to redeem miles for flights to Hawaii.

Book partner flights through Atmos Rewards

The first carrier that comes to mind for a trip to the Aloha State is Hawaiian Airlines, part of Alaska Airlines' Atmos Rewards program.

Based on Alaska's award chart, Hawaiian Airlines flights from the West Coast to Hawaii start at 10,000 or 12,500 points each way in economy, depending on the airports and the distance between them, plus minimal taxes and fees.

But Hawaiian Airlines isn't the only partner on which Alaska offers great award rates. You can also find some sweet deals on American Airlines flights, like this nonstop one from Los Angeles to Kauai for 35,000 Atmos Rewards points and $19 in first class.

Booking this exact same flight through American Airlines would cost you much more: 22,000 AAdvantage miles in economy or 55,000 in first class.

To earn more Atmos Rewards points, consider one of these cards:

• Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card
• Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card
• Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card

Or you may want to add a Bilt credit card to your wallet, since Bilt Points transfer to Atmos Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Related: How to save hundreds on flights with the Alaska and Hawaiian Companion Fare

Redeem Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points

Southwest offers direct flights to HNL, OGG, LIH and KOA from various California airports and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The carrier also plans to launch a new route from Las Vegas to Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the Big Island in August.

Since Southwest Rapid Rewards implemented variable award pricing, it's harder to predict how many points you'll need for an award flight. Southwest's Low Fare Calendar is usually the best way to check out your options and pinpoint the best rates.

For example, you can fly nonstop from Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) to Honolulu in the Choice fare class (a step above basic economy) for as few as 16,500 Rapid Rewards points and $5.60 one-way.

The following cobranded cards can help you earn Rapid Rewards points faster while providing travel perks like free checked bags, seat selection and even extra-legroom upgrades:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)

Alternatively, you may prefer a card that earns Bilt points or Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which transfer to Southwest on a 1:1 basis.

Related: How to earn and use the Southwest Companion Pass

Book United Airlines flights with Avianca Lifemiles

United MileagePlus has some reasonable redemptions to Hawaii for under 25,000 miles one-way in economy, and you can save more if you have a United credit card. But you can usually find better deals on United flights if you book through Avianca Lifemiles.

Take this flight from San Francisco to Maui, for example. Avianca's price is just 15,000 miles and $17 one-way. Meanwhile, United charges 24,000 miles and $5.60 for the same nonstop flight, or 22,500 miles for a connecting flight on a partner airline.

You can save thousands of miles by booking through Avianca, without paying much more in taxes and fees.

Even better, Avianca miles are incredibly easy to earn because Lifemiles is a 1:1 transfer partner of several major credit card programs: American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt, Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Wells Fargo Rewards. Here are some of our favorite cards for earning these valuable transferable rewards:

• American Express® Gold Card
• Bilt Palladium Card (see rates and fees)
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees)
• Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (see rates and fees)

Thanks to Avianca's partnership with Cardless, U.S.-based travelers can also earn Lifemiles on one of two cobranded credit cards.

Related: Award chart sweet spots that can save you money on domestic flights

Redeem Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Delta may not have as many West Coast hubs as other carriers on this list, but there are still good deals to be found — especially if you hold a credit card with the TakeOff 15 perk, which provides 15% savings on Delta-operated award flights.

Since Delta doesn't publish an award chart, rates can vary widely. I recommend using Seats.aero or the calendar search function on Delta's site to find the lowest prices.

For instance, Delta has good availability on this direct flight from Seattle to Honolulu for just 16,300 SkyMiles one-way (19,200 miles without the cardholder discount).

The following credit cards not only give you 15% off award flights, but can also help you earn SkyMiles quickly:

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Related: Which Delta credit card is right for you?

Best points hotels in Hawaii

Beyond the powder-soft sand and endless sunshine, another thing Hawaii has going for it is a plethora of points hotels. No matter what kind of rewards you have at your disposal, there is almost certainly something you can redeem them for.

I like to start my search with Rooms.aero, where I can see (most of) my options on each island and search by my preferred hotel loyalty program. Here are a few properties I found where you can get maximum value from your points.

Points hotels on Oahu

• Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach: You can book this recently renovated beachfront property in Honolulu for as few as 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or about $350 a night.
• Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach: Nightly rates start at $216 or 15,000 World of Hyatt points — though that may increase when Hyatt implements its award chart changes in May.
• The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay: For the epitome of luxury on Oahu's North Shore, book a room here starting at around $800 or 116,000 Marriott points per night.

Points hotels on Maui

• Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort: With standard rooms starting at around $700 or 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night, this is one of the best hotels in the world to use your Hilton free night certificate.
• Hana-Maui Resort: One of the few points hotels along Maui's Road to Hana, this boutique property has nightly rates starting at around $450 or 30,000 World of Hyatt points.

Points hotels on Kauai

• Sheraton Kauai Resort: Prices start at around $420 or 75,000 Marriott points a night — meaning you could book with a 50,000-point free night certificate topped up with 25,000 points.
• Hale Hokuala Kauai: We don't know what award rates will look like yet, but keep your eyes peeled for when this new Hilton Honors property opens for reservations later in 2026.

Points hotels on Hawaii

• Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection: All rooms have a private lanai — and a price tag to match — at this luxurious Big Island resort. With rates starting at around $1,200 or 94,000 points per night, you can get great value for your Marriott points here.
• Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo: This DoubleTree by Hilton offers the brand's famous welcome cookies, plus views of Mauna Kea volcano, snorkeling equipment for rent and more. You can book it for as low as $240 or 50,000 points per night.

For more inspiration, check out our roundups of the best hotels on Oahu and the most family-friendly resorts in Hawaii.

Related: Why you need a credit card with your favorite hotel loyalty program

Credit cards to bring to Hawaii

Even if you book your flights and lodging with points and miles, you're bound to have additional expenses during your Hawaii trip. For anything you pay for with cash, be sure to use the right credit card to maximize your rewards. I would suggest:

• Dining and groceries: The American Express Gold Card earns 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar after that) and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar after that).
• Tours and activities: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on general travel purchases.
• Souvenirs: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earn 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase.

With the right card, you can enjoy that after-dinner shave ice or beachfront massage knowing you're getting that much closer to your next free vacation.

Bottom line

It's no secret that Hawaii is a pricey destination. But points and miles can help put a Hawaii getaway within reach for budget-conscious travelers, whether you're planning your first redemption or eyeing first-class flights and top-tier beachfront resorts (or both).

There are plenty of ways to book flights and hotels with points and miles, especially if you have a credit card that earns transferable rewards at your disposal. Before transferring your points, be sure to confirm award availability on the airline or hotel's website — and check out our list of credit card transfer bonuses to see if you can get an even better deal.

The numbers are in … and once again, it's Atlanta.

In 2025, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) earned the title of the busiest airport — not just in America, but in the world.

It's the 27th time in 28 years that the Georgia hub, home base to Delta Air Lines, has been able to make that claim.

That's according to the annual rankings out Tuesday from Airports Council International, which runs down the top 10 busiest airports in the world based on the number of passengers that passed through the previous year.

ATL has occupied the mantle for most of this century — and did again in 2025 despite Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) stealing many of the headlines in recent months amid a rapid build-up in flights offered by two major airlines. (More on that below ...)

That build-up in air service did see ORD rise to be America's third-busiest airport in 2025, trailing only ATL and American Airlines' Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) megahub.

Elsewhere in the world, Dubai International Airport (DXB) maintained its runner-up status on the global stage, and the Tokyo hub most convenient to the city center, Haneda Airport (HND), earned a spot on the proverbial podium.

What is the busiest airport in the world?

Here's a rundown of the world's 10 busiest airports.

Shanghai's PVG made the biggest gains in 2025, jumping from 10th-busiest in the world to a top-five finish.

O'Hare also jumped two spots, with the big increase in flights leading to 6% more passengers passing through its terminals last year, versus 2025.

ORD did lead the world in one category: the total number of takeoffs and landings, which spiked by nearly 11% versus the prior year.

And that lead was likely set to widen in 2026 as top carriers United Airlines and American added flights at a rapid pace in recent months, amid an escalating aviation turf war. The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to intervene, though, to avoid congestion and — ultimately — flight delays.

Other rankings of note: London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) fell from fifth-busiest in the world to seventh, and Denver International Airport (DEN) dropped from sixth place to 10th.

DXB, LHR and Seoul's Incheon International Airport (ICN) led all global hubs when measured by the number of international passengers that passed through last year.

Busiest airports in America, ranked

As noted above, four airports in America finished among the world's top 10.

That means the four-busiest airports in America last year were:

1. ATL
2. DFW
3. ORD
4. DEN

Atlanta extending its lead as the busiest airport in the world — and in America — was helped by Delta growing its total departures from the hub by more than 6% in 2025, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

However, as TPG reported earlier this year, a recent pullback at ATL by perennial second-place finisher Southwest Airlines has given the airport a new de facto No. 2 airline.

That label last year belonged to budget carrier Frontier Airlines.

TPG's aviation managing editor Ben Mutzabaugh broke down this shake-up in a post you'll find exclusively on our Substack channel, Talking Points.

Related reading:

• The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
• Best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status

Capital One fans have big news to pay attention to: The Capital One Spark Miles for Business card has closed to new applicants. It's not all bad news, though: In its place, the Capital One Venture Business card is ready for a spot in your business's wallet.

If you are a current cardholder, you can continue using your card and accessing your Spark Miles account as normal. But, before you do, you may want to give the Capital One Venture Business card a closer look. There are some new perks that may entice you to apply for the Venture Business card.

The Venture Business card includes a few benefits to help offset its $95 annual fee, including credits for Capital One Business Travel and qualifying advertising and software merchants. That makes it an immediate improvement over the Spark Miles card.

The Spark Miles card was the closest to a business alternative to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Now, the Venture Business card is a true counterpart.

Let's dig deeper into the details.

What's new with the Venture Business card

Many small-business cards come with perks to help prospective cardholders get excited about applying and justify the annual fee. With the Venture Business card, Capital One includes three credits:

• Annual $50 credit for Capital One Business Travel
• Up to $50 each year for qualifying advertising and software merchants
• $50 experience credit on every Capital One Lifestyle Collection stay

The Venture Business card won't feature a $0 introductory annual fee in the first cardholder year as the Spark Miles card did, but it's offered for a reasonable $95 annual fee. If you're able to maximize at least two of these credits, you'll come out $5 ahead in value against the annual fee.

Those who value straightforward rewards will appreciate the Venture Business card. There aren't numerous new benefits to track or an annual fee that's significantly higher than what the Spark Miles card charged after the first cardholder year.

Personally, I think the Venture Business card is a significant improvement over the Spark Miles card. While it's unfortunate that it doesn't offer a $0 introductory annual fee, I'd rather a card include benefits that make it easy to get outsize value out of its annual fee year after year.

What the Venture Business card is keeping the same

Since the Venture Business card only has a handful of new benefits, there's a lot staying the same as the sun sets on the Spark Miles card and rises on the Venture Business card.

Venture Business cardholders will earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel, plus 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Venture Business cardholders will also get to enjoy Hertz Five Star status* and up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit once every four years. A Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit isn't revolutionary by any means, but you can always gift either service to someone if you already have it yourself.

For those who were interested in the Spark Miles card because of these benefits, it'll be an easy choice to apply for the Venture Business card. Of course, existing Spark Miles cardholders will still keep the same card and all of the perks that come with it.

If you have the Spark Miles card and want more out of it, switching to the Venture Business card may be the right move for your wallet. Just remember that you can't product-change between the two cards; you'll need to apply for the Venture Business card separately**.

Of course, you can still redeem the miles you earn on the Venture Business card in the same way as with the Spark Miles card. We always recommend transferring your miles to one of Capital One's 15-plus partners for maximum value, but you can also use them for cash back, gift cards and to cover travel charges on your card.

Finally, you can receive employee cards for free if you want your employees to have their own cards.

*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold+ Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

**The bonus may not be available to existing or previous Capital One Business cardholders.

Welcome offer on the Venture Business card

New Venture Business cardholders can earn up to 150,000 bonus miles: 75,000 miles after spending $7,500 in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 75,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 in the first six months from account opening.

According to TPG's April 2026 valuations, these bonus miles are worth up to $2,775. If your business can meet the full $30,000 spending requirement, this is a solid welcome offer.

It's a common misconception that you need a well-established business to qualify for a business credit card. While that's generally the case for corporate cards, the Venture Business card is a small-business card.

That means that even those with a basic side hustle, like dog-sitting or delivering with DoorDash, can be approved for the Venture Business card. That is, of course, if you meet Capital One's other application restrictions.

In my opinion, this card makes sense for newer business owners or sole proprietors who travel frequently. Its low $95 annual fee means you won't have to work hard to get outsize value from it.

Bottom line

The Venture Business card offers new credits that easily help cardholders justify its $95 annual fee, while maintaining the Spark Miles card's straightforward earning rates. This card is a great fit for a variety of businesses, from side gigs to well-established business owners looking for an affordable option to boost their travel.

The Spark Miles card isn't available to new applicants anymore, but the Venture Business card is now open to applications. Existing Spark Miles cardholders will be unaffected.

If your business was eyeing the Spark Miles card up until now, I recommend giving the Venture Business card a shot.

Learn more: Capital One Venture Business

Related: How to get maximum value when redeeming Capital One miles

It's not a myth: A mythology-inspired Hyatt resort will open this summer on the Greek island of Paros.

Dubbed the Parian Chronicle and part of the Destination by Hyatt brand, the hotel will be situated in Kampos, just a short drive from Paros Airport (PAS). The theming of the hotel pays tribute to the ancient Parian Chronical, "a historic marble inscription documenting moments of Greek history," according to a statement from Hyatt.

The property will feature a variety of 50 rooms and suites, including ones with private terraces or pools. Design across the hotels is a reinterpretation of Cycladic architecture seen "through a softer, more textural lens." Think: natural stone, warm woods, muted earth tones and sculptural lines.

Besides soaking up the beauty of the hotel and the island, guests can soak up some sun while lounging by the pool with a and drink from the pool bar in hand. And, no visit to a Greek island is complete without a spa treatment, and the hotel's Nipson Spa will offer holistic treatments inspired by Greek wellness traditions.

Guests can dine at NAAO, an all-day Greek restaurant that "celebrates the island's bounty with dishes that honor local ingredients and Cycladic traditions," according to the hotel.

Destination by Hyatt is described as a "diverse collection of upper-upscale and luxury independent hotels, resorts, and residences that are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to draw upon the true spirit of each location," according to Hyatt. In simpler terms, the collection features upscale, independent boutique properties with a lot of local character — just like the Parian Chronicle.

How to book the Parian Chronicle Hotel

Right now, the hotel is taking bookings from Sept. 1, 2026. Rates for those first days start at $718 for a king bed with a private pool. As a Category 6 World of Hyatt hotel, award rates start from 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Related reading:

• I didn't expect to love World of Hyatt, but here's why I do
• These are the hotel openings TPG is most excited for in 2026