✈ These Easy-to-Forget Perks Saved Me $1,800 on 1 Trip, Is Cheap Airfare Worth Your Tax Dollars? & More from TPG ✈

April 29, 2026

Your card may have more value than you think

by Katie Genter, Lead writer

We talk a lot about the value of points and miles, but it’s important not to forget there is big value in the other perks you get from a rewards card — when you remember to use them.

Looking back at my 17-night trip to Australia earlier this month, I was surprised to find that I saved over $1,800 by utilizing seven credit card perks. Best of all, none were difficult to use!

First off, I redeemed two Hyatt Category 1-4 certificates — the type you can earn with the World of Hyatt Credit Card — for a stay in Melbourne that would have otherwise cost me $457.

I extended this stay by booking two more nights with a different card I have. Booking through that card’s hotel collection got me $300 off a two-night prepaid stay and a $100 onsite credit for food and drinks.

In Sydney, I redeemed IHG anniversary night certificates for two nights at the Kimpton Margot. This stay would have otherwise cost $470, so it was a decent use of the certificates from my IHG One Rewards credit cards.

Meanwhile, I saved $200 on my stay at the Hilton Surfers Paradise thanks to this card’s resort credit.

And finally, my husband redeemed the 25,000-point Global Companion Award that he earned with his Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card when booking a business-class award from Melbourne to Vancouver. TPG values this companion award at $350!

Many of these perks were set to expire in the next few months, so this trip was the perfect time to use them.

To learn more about how to keep track of and maximize these valuable (often overlooked) perks, check out these articles:

Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

Photo Credit: .

Deal alert! Fly to Orlando for under 10,000 points each way

We’ve found two airlines offering low prices this summer on award flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO) from throughout the U.S. Some fares are lower than 10,000 points or miles!

Check it out

Today’s top stories

Are cheap fares worth your tax dollars? Budget airlines want help paying for fuel

It's not just Spirit Airlines. The nation's budget carriers are asking the federal government for help paying for skyrocketing jet fuel costs.

Not again? Fears of long TSA lines return as Congress remains deadlocked

Concerns about a resurgence in long backups at TSA checkpoints are building as emergency funding to pay officers could dry up soon.

A guide to lounge access with the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum

This card opens the doors to airport lounges worldwide. Here's a guide on how to maximize this benefit.

3 ways to earn Hyatt Globalist elite status

If you want to get Hyatt Globalist status, here are some strategies you can use.

A townhouse-inspired Kimpton just opened on New York’s famed Park Avenue

Here's what we know about the now-open Kimpton Ashbel New York — Park Avenue

The latest

1.	The 10 best places to visit in June, from Kenya to Seattle

2.	Last chance: Earn up to a $600 bonus with the premium Disney Inspire Visa card

3.	This new luxury points hotel in Greece has two private beaches and its own Greek patisserie

4.	Capital One Venture X Business vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business: Affordable luxury vs. ultrapremium

5.	Earn up to 60,000 bonus points with these Royal Caribbean card offers

6.	Wells Fargo Rewards adds Cathay Pacific Asia Miles as a transfer partner

7.	First look: Here’s what new (and what’s coming) at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Florida

8.	What is a credit card welcome offer? How they work and how to maximize value

9.	Rollout complete: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID now available at 60-plus airports

10.	Book now: Air Canada Aeroplan increasing many partner redemption rates from June 1

You are receiving this email because you opted in at thepointsguy.com.

Where to find us:
The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA

If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Advertiser Disclosure:

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2026

Card Type

Card Issuer

Cobranded Cards

Learn About Credit Cards

Credit Card Reward Programs

Airline Rewards Programs

Hotel Rewards Program

Learn About Rewards Programs

Airlines

Hotels

Cruises

Resources

TPG points valuation

Award vs. cash calculator

CardMatch

Sign up for the TPG Daily for breaking news, game-changing tips and exclusive deals from TPG partners

You’re onboard! Welcome to the TPG Daily.

Advertiser disclosure

Advertiser disclosure