If there's one thing you should know about TPG, it's that a good majority of our staff are Diet Coke fanatics. We're also travel experts.

So, metaphorphical confetti cannons and bells were ringing when we learned that Marriott and The Coca-Cola Company "announced a global agreement that will expand choice and elevate the guest experience across Marriott's portfolio, bringing The Coca‑Cola Company's brands to hotels around the world," according to a statement.

Though a timeline hasn't been announced, both companies confirmed that Coca-Cola will become Marriott's "global beverage partner across several categories, including carbonated soft drinks and a growing range of hydration and functional beverages."

Or to put it simply, you'll soon find your favorite Coke products (cough, cough, Diet Coke) at Marriott hotels spanning the globe.

"This agreement brings together two iconic brands with a shared commitment to quality, consistency, and creating memorable experiences," Anthony Capuano, Marriott's CEO and President, said in the statement. "We are focused on delivering the products our guests and Marriott Bonvoy Members know and love, better meeting guest preferences, and creating economic benefits for owners and franchise operators across our system. We're excited to collaborate with The Coca‑Cola Company to deliver their great products in more places."

"This is a great day. On behalf of the entire Coca-Cola system, we're excited about our future with Marriott and the opportunity to provide travelers more of the brands they love," The Coca-Cola Company CEO, Henrique Braun, added.

In a statement to Marriott owners, franchisees and franchise management companies, Satya Ananda, group president of U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International, said that "The Coca-Cola portfolio is preferred globally by a margin of 2:1 and is favored by more than 70% of Marriott's guests."

Marriott's agreement with Coca-Cola will end a 34-year partnership with PepsiCo, according to "Nation's Restaurant News" via "Yahoo! Finance."

While many of us at TPG are still fans of Pepsi, Marriott had better get ready: We know how to down a crispy Diet Coke.

Related reading:

• How to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for maximum value
• 30 best Marriott hotels in the world that you can book with points
• 3 reasons why the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is worth the $95 annual fee

I made a really bad assumption about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) — and I'm willing to bet a lot of others did, too.

I assumed the more expensive Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) would always offer equal or better pricing than the Sapphire Preferred when booking hotels through Chase Travel℠.

It turns out I was wrong.

Sapphire Preferred: For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

While comparing hotel prices through Chase's Points Boost feature, which lets eligible cardholders redeem Ultimate Rewards points for more than the standard 1 cent apiece on select Chase Travel bookings, I discovered that the same hotel, on the same dates, sometimes costs fewer points and even carries a lower cash rate when booked through the Sapphire Preferred than through the Sapphire Reserve.

That surprised me enough that I started digging to see whether I'd stumbled across a one-off pricing quirk, or if this is something Sapphire cardholders should actually know about.

The redemption that made me do a double-take

It all started with this TPG Instagram post, highlighting that with the limited-time 100,000 bonus points from the Sapphire Preferred, you'd have more than enough for two nights at one of my favorite resorts: the Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay on the North Shore of Oahu.

Specifically, the example used Aug. 21-23, when the property could be booked through Chase Travel for 86,388 points plus $123 due at the hotel using the Sapphire Preferred's Points Boost benefit. The same stay carried a cash price of $1,695.

Booking that resort for around 43,000 points per night is an excellent deal.

In fact, it looked so good that I logged into my own Chase account to double-check the math. I assumed my Sapphire Reserve would show the same pricing or perhaps something even better.

There was no typo — it really was that good with the Sapphire Preferred.

However, for the same dates, the least expensive room available to book via my Sapphire Reserve in Chase Travel was $2,139 or 129,647 points.

That's a return of 1.65 cents per point. So, not only were the cash rates a fair amount lower via the Sapphire Preferred, but the return per Chase point in this case was also better with the Sapphire Preferred than the Sapphire Reserve.

Was this a one-off?

Determined to see if we had accidentally stumbled on a one-off fluke, the TPG team set out to find another example. We found one at the St. Regis Bermuda.

On the same Aug. 21-23 stay:

Two examples certainly don't prove this happens everywhere, but they were enough to convince us that something interesting was going on.

Here's why the prices can differ

Naturally, we asked Chase about the discrepancy.

A Chase spokesperson told TPG that the differences generally come down to the types of rates each card offers, such as refundable versus nonrefundable bookings.

"For the majority of hotels on Chase Travel, cardmembers won't see a difference in pricing across cards. When a price does differ, it's driven by differences in available rate types (for example, fully refundable rates versus other rate options). As a result, it's possible to see different cash prices and points requirements for the same property and dates across cards. Of course, Points Boost offers are updated regularly. We encourage cardmembers to check back often for new offers from a variety of airline and hotel partners."

One important caveat

To be fair, both of these hotels participate in Chase's The Edit program.

That means Sapphire Reserve cardholders booking through the Edit would include a $100 property credit, daily breakfast for two, and other on-property benefits. You'd also be eligible to use one of the two Sapphire Reserve's up to $250 statement credits for prepaid The Edit bookings of two nights or more.

However, even with all those caveats, I was still really surprised that base rates vary depending on which card you use and that your points can sometimes go further in Chase Travel bookings with the Sapphire Preferred than with the Sapphire Reserve.

Bottom line

This is a really good reminder that if you have both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve, don't assume the Reserve will always offer the better Chase Travel redemption.

While in my experience it often works out that way, I've now learned it doesn't always. And in fact, this may be yet another reason some folks will actually benefit from having both the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve.

Pricing can vary depending on the available rate types, and in some cases, the Sapphire Preferred may require significantly fewer Ultimate Rewards points for the exact same hotel stay.

With the Sapphire Preferred currently offering a 100,000-point welcome bonus after spending $5,000 on purchases in three months from account opening, it's another reminder that the card delivers exceptional value well beyond what its modest $95 annual fee might suggest.

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

Related reading:

• Great news: New price-matching feature now available in some Chase Travel accounts
• Am I eligible for the Chase Sapphire Preferred's 100,000-point bonus?
  
• Chase Sapphire Preferred 100,000-point bonus — all your questions answered
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which is better for you?
  

Quarterly benefits are among the more challenging credit card perks to keep up with.

When it comes to quarterly statement credits, you have three months to use them up before they expire. With quarterly bonus categories, you have to memorize a new set in each quarter to ensure you're getting the best return for your spending.

These are the perks you'll want to remember from July through September 2026. Bookmark this article, and come back in October when Q4 begins.

American Express

There are a few Amex cards with quarterly benefits you'll want to take advantage of. Here's what to know.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has two statement credits that reset each quarter. These help offset the Business Platinum's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees).

• Up to $90 statement credit per quarter (up to $360 per calendar year) for eligible Indeed purchases in the U.S.: Business owners can use this statement credit toward subscription plans, sponsored job posts, advertisements on the platform and more.
• Up to $50 statement credit per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year) for eligible Hilton purchases: This statement credit can be used for any eligible purchase at a property in the Hilton portfolio. Note that you must be registered in the Hilton for Business program to participate.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

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

American Express Platinum Card

With the American Express Platinum Card®, there are a pair of quarterly statement credits that help offset its $895 annual fee (see rates and fees).

• Up to $100 statement credit per quarter (up to $400 per calendar year) for Resy: Pay with your Amex Platinum at an eligible U.S. Resy restaurant. No reservation is required.
• Up to $75 statement credit per quarter (up to $300 per calendar year) for Lululemon: Pay with your Amex Platinum and receive the statement credit for purchases made at U.S. stores (excluding outlets) and online.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

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

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has one quarterly benefit you'll want to maximize.

• Up to $50 in flight statement credits per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year): Pay for a flight directly with an airline, through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter.

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

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

The quarterly statement credit on The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a highlight perk.

• Up to $60 Hilton statement credit per quarter (up to $240 per calendar year): Receive up to $60 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with the Hilton Business Amex toward a property within the Hilton portfolio, including bookings and incidental charges, such as dining and spa services.

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

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card's quarterly statement credit is one of the card's top benefits.

• Up to $50 Hilton statement credit per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year): Receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with the Hilton Surpass card toward a property within the Hilton portfolio. This statement credit is similar to the one on the Hilton Business Amex.

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

Related: How to maximize benefits with the American Express Platinum

Chase

Two Chase cards provide rotating quarterly bonus categories for cardholders to maximize.

Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex

If you have the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) or legacy Chase Freedom® (no longer available to new applicants), you have access to bonus categories that change every quarter.

• Up to 5% cash back: From July 1 through September 30, you can earn bonus cash back on gas stations and electric vehicle charging, public transit, select live entertainment and donations to United Way. You'll receive bonus cash back in these categories on up to $1,500 of combined spending each quarter (then 1% back). You must activate your categories to receive this higher earning rate; you have until Sept. 14 to activate. The quarter ends Sept. 30.

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

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

Related: Chase Freedom Q3 categories: 5% back on EV charging, gas stations, live entertainment, transit and United Way

Citi

One Citi card provides rotating quarterly bonus categories.

Citi Dividend Card

If you hold the Citi® Dividend Card (no longer available to new applicants), here are the Q3 categories you need to keep in mind.

• Up to 5% cash back: You'll earn 5% cash back this quarter on purchases made at gas stations and home improvement stores. Citi Dividend cardholders earn 5% bonus cash back on up to $6,000 of spending across the year (then 1% back thereafter), so you can maximize your bonus categories for the whole year during a quarter that has the best bonus categories for your individual spending habits. You must activate your categories each quarter. These categories will run through Sept. 30.

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

Related: Ultimate guide to the Citi Travel portal

Discover

Discover has one card that earns bonus cash back in a new set of categories each quarter.

Discover it Cash Back

The main perk of the Discover it® Cash Back is its rotating bonus categories.

• Up to 5% cash back: Discover's third-quarter bonus categories are gas stations, transportation and drugstores. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending on rotating categories each quarter (then an unlimited 1% cash back thereafter). You'll need to remember to activate your current categories. This quarter ends Sept. 30.

The information for the Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The best first credit cards for beginners

U.S. Bank

If you're a U.S. Bank fan, there's one card with a quarterly benefit you can maximize.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

With the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, you'll receive bonus cash back each quarter you activate.

• Up to 5% cash back: This benefit is flexible each quarter. You'll earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined spending on two rotating categories (then 1% back) of your choice after you activate them. The categories covered this quarter are cellphone providers, department stores, electronic stores, fast food, furniture stores, ground transportation, gyms and fitness centers, home utilities, internet, movie theaters, select clothing stores, sporting goods stores, streaming services and TV. The current quarter runs through Sept. 30.

The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+ has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: 11 credit cards that can get you $1,500 or more in first-year value

Bottom line

If you're focused on maximizing your card benefits, it's essential to keep track of statement credits and rotating bonus categories.

Benefits can reset monthly, quarterly, biannually or annually (either each calendar year or cardholder anniversary). It's important to know when your statement credits begin and end to get the most out of your rewards cards.

With these quarterly benefits, be sure to check in again in October. That's when we'll have details on what to expect for Q4 of 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees): For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Active credit card transfer bonuses

We're currently seeing these transfer bonuses:

American Express Membership Rewards transfer bonuses

American Express Membership Rewards is offering a 30% bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club through July 31, a 20% bonus to Hilton Honors until July 14 and a 15% transfer bonus to Avianca Lifemiles through July 15.

How to earn American Express Membership Rewards points

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

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

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

Capital One transfer bonuses

Capital One is currently offering a 30% transfer bonus to Eva Air Infinity MileageLands through July 31.

How to earn Capital One miles

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

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

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

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

Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer bonuses

You can receive a 30% bonus by transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club through July 14.

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

How to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points

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

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

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

Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer bonuses

Citi ThankYou Rewards is offering a 50% transfer bonus to Accor Live Limitless through July 18.

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

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

How to earn Citi ThankYou Rewards points

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

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

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

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

Marriott Bonvoy transfer bonuses

Marriott Bonvoy isn't currently offering any transfer bonuses.

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

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points

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

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 125,000 bonus points and a free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn up to 150,000 bonus points: 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus an additional 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases (for a total of $8,000) in the first six months of card membership.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 150,000 bonus points and a $125 statement credit after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

According to TPG's July 2026 valuations, Marriott Bonvoy points are worth 0.80 cents each. Some airlines take a few days (or even weeks) to receive the points.

Related: How to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for maximum value

Rove transfer bonuses

To celebrate its newest transfer partner, Rove is currently offering a 25% transfer bonus to Frontier Miles through July 31.

How to earn Rove miles

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

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

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

Should you transfer points and miles?

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

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

We always recommend verifying award availability before transferring your rewards.

Bottom line

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

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

Atmos Rewards is the loyalty program for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, allowing members to earn and redeem points across both carriers. Atmos Rewards points can be used for flights on Alaska and Hawaiian, as well as a range of partner airlines, making it easier to turn everyday spending and travel into award trips around the world.

The program offers three cobranded credit cards: one business and two personal cards.

The current offers on some of these cards provide solid value for lower spending requirements, so now could be a good time to take a look if you've been considering Atmos Rewards as part of your strategy.

Let's dig deeper into the bonuses available right now and whether they're worth applying for.

Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card

The Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card features a valuable welcome bonus, useful earning rates and a solid suite of benefits.

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

Based on TPG's July 2026 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,628 when you include the value of the 25,000-point Global Companion Award. This isn't the highest bonus we've seen in the card's history, but it does have the lowest spending requirement we've seen. For certain cardholders, this could be a key factor.

Annual fee: $395

Earning rates:

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

Key benefits:

• 10,000 status points every year upon account anniversary, plus 1 status point for every $2 spent on the card
• A 10% rewards bonus on all points earned if you have an eligible Bank of America account
• A free checked bag on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines for the cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation (when you pay for your flight with your card)
• No foreign transaction fees
• Priority boarding on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines for the cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation (when you pay for your flight with your card)
• Two Alaska Lounge and two Wi-Fi passes each calendar quarter
• Up to $120 in statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years

Why we like it: This welcome offer includes a Global Companion Award, with points redeemable for travel on Alaska, Hawaiian or a partner airline (including Oneworld members) for an award ticket in any class. The 25,000-point award is earned upon account opening and after each card anniversary.

Cardholders can earn a 100,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $60,000 or more in a card anniversary year.

For frequent international travelers, earning 3 points per dollar spent on foreign transaction purchases is an industry first and can help quickly accrue Atmos Rewards points. Matt Moffitt, TPG's contributing editor for credit cards, is based in Spain and uses this card for most of his everyday spending there since those purchases are charged in euros.

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

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card

Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature credit card

Semifrequent Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flyers who want to pay an affordable annual fee are the target audience for the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card, a mid-tier option with its own useful perks.

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $2,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

TPG's valuations value this offer at $1,085. While the Companion Fare adds value, this offer is less compelling than other bonuses we've seen in the card's history. However, like the Summit's offer, it does come with a lower minimum spending requirement, which is worth noting.

Annual fee: $95

Earning rates:

• 3 points per dollar spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
• 2 points per dollar spent on gas, electric vehicle charging stations, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride-hailing services)
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Key benefits:

• A 10% rewards bonus on all points earned if you have an eligible Bank of America account
• A free checked bag on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines for the cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation (when you pay for your flight with your card)
• Ability to earn an annual $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $6,000 on purchases within the prior card anniversary year
• No foreign transaction fees
• Priority boarding on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines for the cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation (when you pay for your flight with your card)

Why we like it: The Atmos Rewards Ascent is an excellent choice for anyone who flies Alaska or Hawaiian at least a couple of times each year and can find value in the card's perks.

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

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature credit card

Atmos Rewards Visa Signature Business Card

Small-business owners who fly Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines regularly, this one's for you. The Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card provides perks when you fly with Alaska or Hawaiian, good rewards-earning opportunities and a solid welcome offer for a reasonable annual fee.

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

The points in this bonus are worth $1,085, per TPG's valuations. Like the personal cards, this isn't the highest offer we've seen in the card's history, but it does match the lowest spending requirement to earn the bonus.

Annual fee: $70 for the company and $25 per card

Earning rates:

• 3 points per dollar spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
• 2 points per dollar spent on gas, EV charging stations, shipping and local transit (including ride-hailing services)
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Key benefits:

• $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ membership purchased with your card
• A 10% rewards bonus on all points earned if you have an eligible Bank of America business account
• A free checked bag on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines for the cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation (when you pay for your flight with your card)
• Ability to earn an annual $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $6,000 on purchases within the prior card anniversary year
• No foreign transaction fees
• Priority boarding on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines for the cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation (when you pay for your flight with your card)

Why we like it: The Atmos Rewards Visa Signature Business is a great option for business owners who would benefit from the perks related to flying on Alaska and Hawaiian.

The Lounge+ membership discount is only available on the business card, so keep that in mind if lounge access matters to you. However, the Summit includes two lounge passes per quarter, providing occasional access without a full membership.

With a long list of bonus categories and the opportunity to earn an annual Companion Fare, this is a strong option for a relatively low annual fee.

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

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Visa Signature Business Card

Bottom line

The Atmos Rewards cards are offering new bonuses that allow new cardholders to add a haul of points to their accounts.

• The Summit suits frequent flyers who want premium perks and faster status earning.
• The Ascent is ideal for casual Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines travelers who value free bags and a lower annual fee.
• The Business delivers solid rewards and travel benefits for small-business owners at a competitive price point.

If you're ready to maximize this program and collect Atmos Rewards points, earning one of these offers is a fantastic way to start.

These are solid bonuses with lower minimum spending requirements than we've seen in the past, so now could be a good time for many types of spenders to apply.

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card
Apply here: Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature credit card
Apply here: Atmos Rewards Visa Signature Business Card

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 travel rewards balance, it's likely that one of the options below might be a good fit for you.

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

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

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

The best rewards card offers of July 2026

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

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

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

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

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

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

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

These earning rates include:

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

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

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

American Express Business Gold Card

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

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

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

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

Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card

American Express Platinum Card

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

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

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

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

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

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Sapphire Preferred has been refreshed to offer even more value to cardholders, including an increased $100 annual hotel credit for prepaid bookings made through Chase Travel and a credit for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus every four years.

Plus, the card includes solid earning rates in a variety of popular categories, including two new categories: 3 points per dollar spent on gas and electric vehicle charging and 3 points per dollar spent on vacation homes at top brands (Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa).

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

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

American Express Gold Card

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

It earns at the following rates:

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

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

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

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

Apply here: American Express Gold Card

Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card

Right now, Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards' top card, the Atmos Summit, is providing a solid offer for interested cardholders.

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

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

Earn 80,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card

Marriott Bonvoy cards

Two Marriott Bonvoy cards are offering standout welcome offers to help you earn a haul of points to boost your next stay with the brand.

With these Marriott Bonvoy cards, you can enjoy high earning rates when you stay at its properties and a free night certificate each account anniversary.

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

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card Earn 125,000 bonus points and one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Additionally, you can earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases (through June 30, 2027). (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card Earn 150,000 bonus points and a $125 statement credit after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 15.

Delta SkyMiles cards

Right now, each of these Delta Amex cards provides solid bonus offers for new cardholders to earn a haul of SkyMiles.

With options ranging from the premium Delta Reserve to the mid-tier Delta Gold, there is an option for all types of travelers, from airport lounge enthusiasts to maximizers looking for free checked bag benefits.

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

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 15.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card Earn up to 125,000 bonus miles: 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus earn 25,000 bonus miles after spending an additional $3,000 on purchases (for a total of $9,000) in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 15.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 15.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles: 80,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending an additional $2,000 on purchases (for a total of $6,000) in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 15.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 15.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles: 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending an additional $2,000 on purchases (for a total of $5,000) in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 15.

United Business Card

If you're a United Airlines loyalist, you have an excellent business card option available to you.

The latest offer on the United Business provides up to $1,430 in value (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs), per TPG's July 2026 valuations.

To learn more, read our full review of the 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 an additional 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: United Business Card

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 July 2026 valuations.

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

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

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

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

Apply here: Bilt Palladium Card

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

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

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

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

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

Apply here: Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

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

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

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

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

Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Bottom line

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

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

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

There's a great deal for a limited time if you have Amazon Prime and plan to drive or fill up this Fourth of July holiday weekend. Prime members can save 50 cents per gallon on fuel this weekend, from July 2 to 5, on one fuel purchase at select stations.

Related: Here's how to save money on gas

That's five times the normal savings, since Prime members typically get 10 cents off per gallon at more than 7,500 BP, Amoco and participating Ampm and Thorntons locations across the United States ... all year long.

Here's what you'll need to do to grab this deal:

Once you're logged into your Amazon account, go to Amazon.com/prime/offer/earnify/prime-deal and click on the "Activate Now" button.

Once you click the button, Amazon will ask you to grant Earnify access to your profile and confirm you have a Prime membership. You'll need to get a one-time code and authorize information sharing.

You should then see this screen.

You'll need to install the Earnify app to find a qualifying station.

Here are the terms to be aware of from Amazon:

The 50¢ off per gallon offer is valid for active Prime members in the U.S. only. The 50¢ off per gallon is valid for one time use from 7/2/26-7/5/26 only. It is available to all Prime members who have their Amazon account with an active Prime membership linked to earnify account. An earnify™ account is free to create and automatically applies 5¢ savings as a baseline offer, 5¢ savings for Prime members, and an additional 40¢ savings during the promotional period to total 50¢ off per gallon during this promotional period. Once the promotional period concludes, Prime members will be able to access a total of 10¢ off a gallon at participating stations. To obtain the offer, you must link your accounts through the activation landing page. By linking your Amazon and earnify™ accounts, you agree that Amazon will share your Prime membership status, name, and email with bp for the purposes of enabling your offer and that bp may share discount redemption and/or cancellation information with Amazon. Cancellation of your Prime membership will result in immediate termination of this offer. Amazon and bp reserve the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify any aspect of or the entirety of this offer, for any reason at any time, with or without notice.

Bottom line

This is a no-brainer deal if you have Amazon Prime and are taking a road trip this holiday weekend — or just need to fill up your tank for getting around town. This is also a good reminder that Prime members get 10 cents off per gallon at select gas stations year-round. Not sure what card to put your gas purchases on? These are the 12 best gas credit cards to use this month.

Related reading:

• What is the best gas rewards program for saving at the pump in 2026?
• The best gas credit cards to add to your wallet
• Celebrate America's 250th birthday: Book these hotels for less than $250 this summer
• How everyday spending on rewards cards can fund your summer vacation

If you swear by using Clear's kiosks to skip the line at airport security, we've got a "heads up" to start the month of July: the service is getting more expensive.

The good news? There are still ways to get it for free — or to score a discount.

But let's start with the not-so-great news for travelers: Effective July 1, the annual membership fee for the popular Clear+ program will increase from $209 to $219.

It's the second straight year the company has hiked its membership dues by $10.

What is Clear airport security?

Clear+ is the program that allows you to skip the main Transportation Security Administration lines by a quick photo at a kiosk — before you proceed right to the baggage scanners.

The service is available at dozens of major U.S. airports, and can be a great way to save time before a flight (it's also available at a handful of major sporting and concert venues).

Going forward the cost for the Clear+ program will be as follows:

• $219 annually, a nearly 5% jump from the past year, and a 10% hike from what members were paying just over a year ago.
• $125 for up to three adults you can add to your account. That's unchanged from last year.

You don't actually have to pay $219 per year to use Clear's services, though.

Confirmed: Amex Platinum Clear reimbursement hiked

The American Express Platinum Card® has historically reimbursed cardmembers fully for the annual Clear dues as part of the suite of benefits you get with your $895 (see rates and fees) annual fee.

And the issuer on Wednesday confirmed to TPG it would increase its Clear credit for cardholders to up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year (subject to auto-renewal, enrollment required).

This would apply to members who use their card to purchase an annual Clear+ membership.

Logging in on Wednesday morning, my Amex Platinum account had begun to reflect the changes.

Taking advantage of that Clear benefit is one of the ways I offset the card's higher annual fee each year.

How to get a discount on Clear

Don't have (or want) the Amex Platinum?

You can save on a Clear membership with TPG's limited-time offer: As of July 1, TPG readers who join Clear+ can get $40 off their first year of membership. They'll also get a free Clear Concierge booking, valued at $99. This offer is for new Clear+ members only.

Clear Concierge is a program that saved TPG's Summer Hull 4 hours in line earlier this spring when TSA wait times were hours long during the government shutdown.

Bottom line

Travelers who pay for their Clear+ membership out of pocket will likely be disappointed to see the annual membership fee hiked for the second year in a row. But you don't have to pay the full cost.

Amex Platinum cardmembers will continue to be eligible for an annual statement credit that can fully offset the higher price.

Plus, you can take advantage of TPG's special offer to score a discount.

We should also note that elite status flyers with Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines (plus Hawaiian Airlines) are also eligible for discounted rates.

A Clear spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Related reading:

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

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

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

Just how much does that "free" hotel stay actually cost you — and what do you get in return?

I recently found myself hotel-hopping across downtown Houston, bouncing between properties in different loyalty programs while trying to stay close to my child's week-long camp. As I packed and unpacked for what felt like the hundredth time, I started wondering: Which hotel loyalty program really delivers the better award stay experience?

To find out, I compared two nearby properties: the JW Marriott Houston Downtown and the Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown.

Related: Which hotel loyalty program is the best?

The points cost

Before we dive in, it's only fair to acknowledge that the JW Marriott is generally the more upscale hotel of the two. I'd expect it to cost a bit more in either cash or points. Still, the properties are similar enough — and close enough geographically — to make for a useful comparison, especially since many of the differences highlighted here extend well beyond these specific hotels.

For my June 2026 stays, the award rates were:

• JW Marriott Houston Downtown: 62,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night
• Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown: 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night

Cash rates were hovering around $400 per night at both properties, due to the World Cup and other major events happening in Houston, making an awards redemption an attractive option either way.

Even accounting for the fact that Marriott members often earn points faster through hotel stays and cobranded credit cards than with Hyatt and its generally lower earning ratios, the value gap here is hard to ignore. Based on July 2026 TPG point valuations, 15,000 Hyatt points are worth about $240 in travel, while 62,000 Marriott points are worth roughly $496.

The comparison became even more one-sided because I used a Category 1-4 Hyatt award night certificate for my stay. Those certificates are relatively easy to earn through Hyatt's credit card or annual milestone rewards in the World of Hyatt program, allowing me to preserve my Hyatt points entirely.

Advantage: World of Hyatt

Extra fees for the stay

One of Hyatt's biggest strengths is that award stays generally mean award stays. When you redeem Hyatt points or certificates, resort and destination fees are waived.

The Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown normally charges a $20 destination fee on paid stays, but my award stay did not incur it.

The JW Marriott Houston Downtown didn't charge a destination fee on either paid or award stays, which was a pleasant surprise. Some nearby Marriott properties charge destination fees, and Marriott generally does not waive them on award stays.

However, my Marriott stay wasn't entirely free. Parking at the neighboring garage cost $60 for the night, and valet parking would have cost even more.

Related: Perks worth the price: These hotels offer unexpected amenities with the resort fee

Hyatt has another advantage here: Globalist members receive complimentary parking on award stays when parking can be billed to the room. That means top-tier Hyatt elite members can often enjoy award stays with virtually no out-of-pocket costs.

While the waived parking benefit only applies to Globalists, Hyatt's fee-waiver policy helps make award stays feel much closer to truly free.

Related: What World of Hyatt Globalist status is and why you might want it

Advantage: World of Hyatt

Room upgrade

This category isn't apples-to-apples, but it's still worth discussing because upgrades are a tangible perk.

I booked standard rooms at both hotels. In both programs, top-tier elite members are eligible for complimentary upgrades, and both programs offer upgrade certificates through elite milestones.

I chose not to use a Hyatt suite upgrade award because those certificates can cover stays of up to seven nights, making a one-night stay feel like a poor use of a valuable benefit.

With Marriott, however, Nightly Upgrade Awards are applied per night. I attached one to this reservation and received confirmation a few days before arrival that I'd been upgraded into a pretty fantastic true one-bedroom suite with an oversized bathroom.

At Hyatt, my complimentary upgrade was simply a high-floor room. While some travelers may appreciate that, I don't personally consider a higher floor much of an upgrade — it's mostly just more time in the elevator.

The spacious suite at the JW Marriott was a genuine highlight of the stay, giving Marriott the edge in this comparison.

Advantage: Marriott Bonvoy

Breakfast and lounge access

I'm a sucker for a free hotel breakfast, especially when traveling as a family.

That said, Marriott's breakfast benefits can be complicated. Depending on the brand, elite status level and property, breakfast may be included, partially included or not included at all.

Hyatt keeps things much simpler. Hyatt Globalist members generally receive complimentary breakfast for up to two adults and two children.

At the Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown, that meant a full breakfast each morning in the restaurant. We could choose the buffet or order from the menu, and our breakfast charges — including the gratuity we added — were fully covered.

At this JW Marriott, breakfast was provided via club lounge access, which I get as a Marriott Platinum elite through a certain Marriott credit card.

Lounge breakfasts can be hit or miss, but this one was impressive, complete with an omelet station. The lounge also offered bottled water, soft drinks, snacks and substantial evening appetizers, helping reduce food costs throughout the stay.

While I'd usually choose a restaurant breakfast over a lounge breakfast, the quality of this lounge made the comparison surprisingly close.

Breakfast and lounge access: It's a tie

Bottom line

Most of us probably didn't start collecting points and miles with the goal of spending a week near our kid's summer camp. But these awards stays saved me nearly $1,000 while also eliminating hours of daily driving into and out of Houston.

Marriott may have had the nicer hotel of these two and won the room-upgrade battle, but Hyatt won the overall value contest.

Between waived resort and destination fees, complimentary breakfast for Globalists and free parking on award stays for top-tier elite members, Hyatt does an excellent job of making "free" feel genuinely free.

But in both cases, I was very grateful to have hotel points and free night certificates ready when I needed them.

Related reading:

• To earn more World of Hyatt points, here is our list of the best credit cards for Hyatt.
• To earn more Marriott Bonvoy points, here is our list of the best credit cards for Marriott.

American Airlines is expanding its international profile at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

The Oneworld alliance carrier will add new service from ORD to Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT) on March 27, 2027, American said Wednesday. The daily flight marks a return for American to the ORD-NRT market after a seven-year hiatus.

American will fly a Boeing 787-9 on the ORD-NRT route — not one of its posh 787-9Ps with 51 business class suites, but rather the standard layout with just 30 suites.

The airline will also add two new domestic routes from ORD:

• Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) in Virginia, twice daily on an Embraer E170 from Nov. 2
• Ontario International Airport (ONT) in California, daily on a Boeing 737 from Nov. 7

American's ORD additions come amid fierce competition with United Airlines at the airport. Both carriers added dozens of new flights and routes this summer in an effort to game the airport's gate assignment system, which is based on the number of flights flown over the past year. However, the Federal Aviation Administration stepped in earlier this year to cap flights at ORD to avoid congestion, and this forced both American and United to pare back their planned summer schedules.

United serves CHO and ONT from ORD, and it will begin ORD-NRT flights in October, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows. All Nippon Airways also flies to ORD from both Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) and NRT.

A Narita flight for Asia

American's new ORD-NRT flight is about a lot more than Tokyo. It will operate as part of the joint venture with Japan Airlines and connect to the Japanese carrier's network of onward connections into Asia.

According to Cirium schedules, JAL serves 12 destinations in Asia beyond NRT, including Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).

The Japanese carrier even cited connectivity to North America when it added NRT-DEL in January.

Connectivity is important. Cirium schedules show that American is a distant third to Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in Asia, based on seats. And while Delta and United boast an extensive list of nonstop flights to the region, American only serves four cities (five airports, including both HND and NRT) and relies heavily on its partners.

Members of American's AAdvantage loyalty program receive reciprocal benefits, including lounge access and priority boarding, on JAL under the carriers' partnership.

American flew ORD-NRT from 1998 through 2020, according to Cirium schedules. Today, only its partner, JAL, flies between Chicago and Tokyo, with a daily flight to HND and NRT.

American currently serves HND from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). It also flies DFW-NRT.

I've held the $325-per-year American Express® Gold Card (see rates and fees) and $95-per-year Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) for a couple of years, giving me plenty of time to see how well they work together.

Both of these cards are very popular choices among credit card enthusiasts, since they offer compelling benefits and access to valuable transferable rewards programs. You've probably seen plenty of content debating which card is better for your wallet, but you can get a lot out of pairing these cards.

Here are five reasons why the Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold complement each other well.

Boost your earnings

One of the biggest reasons I like carrying both cards is that they complement each other's earning rates. By using each card where it performs best, I earn more points on the purchases I make most often.

Use the Amex Gold at grocery stores

The Amex Gold is my default card for grocery shopping. It earns 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent), while the Sapphire Preferred only earns bonus points (3 points per dollar spent) on online grocery purchases.

Neither card offers bonus rewards at wholesale clubs, Walmart or Target, but for in-store grocery shopping, the Amex Gold is the clear winner.

Use the Gold for flights and the Sapphire Preferred for other travel

When I travel, I split my spending between the two cards. I use the Amex Gold to book flights directly with airlines, since that's where it offers a stronger earning rate (3 points per dollar spent; can also book via amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™).

For almost everything else, I reach for the Sapphire Preferred. It earns 3 points per dollar on vacation rentals* and 2 points per dollar on most other travel purchases. That makes it my go-to card for hotels, trains, camping and general travel expenses.

*With Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa

Use the Gold at restaurants and the Sapphire Preferred at bars

The Amex Gold is my go-to card for restaurants, earning 4 points per dollar spent on dining worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

Bars are the exception. I learned this after paying for drinks and food at a bar with my Gold, only to discover a few days later that the purchase had earned just 1 point per dollar spent because it didn't code as a restaurant.

Since then, I've always used my Sapphire Preferred at bars, since Chase consistently codes those purchases as dining. I also recommend using it for food delivery and takeout outside the U.S., where the Amex Gold's dining bonus doesn't apply.

Save on food delivery

The Sapphire Preferred offers a complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription upon activation (through Dec. 31, 2027).

Meanwhile, the Amex Gold offers up to $10 in monthly statement credits at eligible dining merchants, including Grubhub (up to $120 annually; enrollment required).

Since Grubhub+ costs $9.99 per month, you can use your Amex Gold's up to $10 monthly dining statement credit to cover your membership. This is how I use my monthly credit.

I order food delivery often, so this is the strategy I use with my Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold.

Unlock more airline and hotel partners

Chase and American Express share many of their transfer partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, British Airways Club and Marriott Bonvoy.

However, they both have partners that the other does not. Some notable options that Chase offers that Amex does not include:

• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
• United Airlines MileagePlus
• World of Hyatt (note that changes are in progress for World of Hyatt's transfer ratio with the Sapphire Preferred)

Meanwhile, Amex Gold cardmembers can transfer their points to these key partners that Chase lacks:

• ANA Mileage Club
• Avianca Lifemiles
• Delta SkyMiles
• Emirates Skywards
• Hilton Honors

I'm a big advocate for diversifying your rewards programs, since you may find the same award ticket for significantly cheaper through a partner airline.

If you only have an Ultimate Rewards card or a Membership Rewards card, you'll miss out on a meaningful number of transfer partners. By holding both the Amex Gold and Sapphire Preferred, you'll have access to all the partners both programs offer.

Stack the cards' perks

Both the Amex Gold and Sapphire Preferred offer several perks that can be combined to save more money in your everyday life and while traveling.

The Amex Gold's statement credits mostly offset everyday spending, including up to $7 per month (up to $84 annually) for U.S. Dunkin' Donuts and up to $10 in Uber Cash per month† (up to $120 annually; enrollment required).

The Sapphire Preferred offers a complimentary Apple TV subscription for one year (activate by Dec. 31). Beyond this, its notable perks revolve more around travel. It offers stronger travel protections than the Amex Gold, up to $100 each year for hotel bookings made through Chase Travel and up to $120 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus (every four years).

Of course, it's important to make sure you're already spending on these services. Otherwise, you're spending money you wouldn't otherwise spend just to justify carrying both cards, which isn't a strategy I recommend.

If you're already spending a lot on dining, travel and ride-hailing services, these two cards can save you a lot of money when paired together.

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

Earn two welcome bonuses

One of the biggest advantages of opening both cards is the opportunity to earn two valuable welcome bonuses, provided you're eligible for each.

Amex and Chase generally only let you earn one welcome bonus per lifetime on the Amex Gold and Sapphire Preferred, so this opportunity is most valuable if you've never held either card before.

Currently, Amex Gold applicants can find out their offer and see if they are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

Meanwhile, Sapphire Preferred cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

According to TPG's July 2026 valuations, these welcome offers are worth up to $2,000 and $2,050, respectively.

When this combination might not be right

While I think these cards work exceptionally well together, they won't be the right fit for everyone. Here are a few situations where I'd consider a different strategy:

• You don't want to pay a combined $420 in annual fees.
• You don't frequently spend at U.S. Dunkin' Donuts or the Amex Gold's eligible dining credit merchants.
• You already have a different Membership Rewards or Ultimate Rewards card, such as the American Express Platinum Card® or Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees).
• You want a card pairing with simpler earning rates and benefits.
• You're at or over Chase's 5/24 rule.

Bottom line

It's very easy to find arguments in favor of having either the Amex Gold or the Sapphire Preferred, but there are also strong reasons for holding both cards at the same time. I've had both the Gold and the Sapphire Preferred in my wallet for a while, and each serves its own purpose.

Between complementary earning rates, access to more transfer partners and unique perks that the other card doesn't offer, the Amex Gold and Sapphire Preferred make a compelling case as a pair. The Amex Gold shines for everyday use, while the Sapphire Preferred is stronger for travel.

To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Amex Gold and Sapphire Preferred.

Apply here: American Express Gold Card
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

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

If you have the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) or legacy Chase Freedom®* in your wallet, take note: The third quarter's categories are now live.

Through Sept. 30, you can earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar spent) on electric vehicle charging, gas station purchases, select live entertainment, transit and United Way. Keep in mind that you must activate your categories by Sept. 14 to earn at these rates (on up to $1,500 in combined spending across these categories; then 1% back or 1 point per dollar spent).

Here's what you need to know about this quarter's categories.

Now live: Activate your Chase Freedom third-quarter categories

*This card is no longer available to new applicants. The information for the Chase Freedom has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Chase Freedom Q3 2026 categories

Through Sept. 30, Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders can earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar spent) on up to $1,500 in combined purchases across these bonus categories (then 1% back or 1 point per dollar spent):

• EV charging and gas stations
• Select live entertainment
• Transit
• United Way

Gas, EV charging and select live entertainment all appear regularly as quarterly categories, but this is the first time we've seen public transit and United Way appear.

Activate this quarter's categories now to unlock their bonus-earning potential. You must activate by Sept. 14.

It's simple to complete this process through your Chase account; just provide your last name, the last four digits of your card and your ZIP code.

Analyzing the Q3 bonus categories

With gas prices remaining high and many people choosing to switch to electric vehicles, it's nice to see gas and EV charging stations return as bonus categories for this quarter. Select live entertainment has appeared in the third quarter every year since 2022, aligning with summer and early fall as popular times for concerts, festivals and sporting events.

Chase now has a pattern of offering a select charity as a bonus category each quarter. This time, nonprofit charity network United Way is its choice.

Here are the details:

• Gas and EV charging: If you own a car or frequently rent cars when you travel, you should easily be able to get a lot of value out of this frequently appearing category.
• Select live entertainment: The third quarter is the time to book concerts, festivals and sporting events if you haven't already. It's difficult to find cards that offer substantial bonus rewards on live entertainment, so take advantage of this category while you can. Additionally, consider stacking this category with bonuses from sites like Rakuten and Rove.
• Public transit: Whether you live in a city with a solid transit system or plan to travel to a place with one, this category means your eligible Freedom card will be the best choice to swipe with every time you ride while the third-quarter categories are live. Chase's transit category is quite wide, so even tolls and parking garages will earn bonus rewards.
• United Way: United Way is a network of local nonprofits around the world that aim to tackle problems that directly impact the communities they serve. If you have a United Way nonprofit in your area, you can earn bonus rewards on your charitable contributions in the third quarter.

Remember that Chase limits the 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar spent) you can earn to the first $1,500 spent in combined bonus categories each quarter. After you reach the maximum, you'll earn 1% back (or 1 point per dollar spent) on these purchases.

Chase Freedom rotating categories history

Chase Freedom bonus categories FAQs

How do rotating categories work?

Each quarter, Chase announces a group of bonus categories that will earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) throughout the upcoming three-month period (on up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter).

Generally, these categories are announced halfway through the month before the new quarter starts to give cardmembers time to activate new categories beforehand. However, you can activate your categories until midway through the last month of the quarter.

The categories tend to repeat periodically. For instance, grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations are all common categories you'll notice frequently pop up on the bonus calendar. So, depending on the categories and whether you can maximize them, these two cards can offer quite a nice chunk of cash back or bonus points over the year.

How much cash back can I earn each quarter?

Chase limits the 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) to the first $1,500 spent in combined bonus categories each quarter you activate the bonus.

While that may not sound like a lot, that cash back adds up over time. Maximizing the cash-back categories each quarter, you'll earn $75 in cash back quarterly and up to $300 per year. For a no-annual-fee credit card, that's a lot of value.

Alternatively, suppose you have a card that earns transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees). In that case, you can combine the rewards from your Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex card with those you earn from your more premium Ultimate Rewards-earning card. By doing this, your rewards become fully transferable.

If you combine rewards this way, your $300 in bonus cash back would be worth 30,000 Ultimate Rewards points. TPG's July 2026 valuations peg Chase points at 2.05 cents apiece, making the 30,000 points you can earn in a year worth $615.

How do I activate my 5% categories each quarter?

You can head to Chase's site to activate your 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) categories for this quarter. You can also register through the Chase mobile app.

Here's how to register:

1. Head to the Chase bonus activation page, or log into your Chase account.
2. Enter your last name, the last four digits of your card number and your billing ZIP code. If you don't have your card on hand, log in to your Chase account to retrieve these digits.
3. Click "Activate your 5%" to register.
4. If you have multiple Chase Freedom cards, make sure to register each one.
5. Save a screenshot of your activation in case of any issues later, though you should also receive a "You're Activated!" confirmation email.

Can I have both the Chase Freedom and the Chase Freedom Flex to double my earning potential?

Yes, you can have both cards. So, if you already have the Chase Freedom and want to add the Chase Freedom Flex to your wallet, you're free to do so.

Remember that the original Freedom card is no longer open to new applicants. If you'd rather only have one, though, the Freedom Flex is available as a product change.

Of course, you'll also want to ensure you're eligible for a new Chase card.

How do I maximize my Freedom and Freedom Flex cards?

The most important thing is to activate your card to earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) each quarter in the specific categories and then use your card for purchases in those categories.

You can set up a recurring reminder in your calendar or sign up for the TPG newsletter. (We send out a reminder when it's time to activate every quarter, plus tips and tricks for how to maximize your card strategy and score some excellent award redemptions.)

In addition to the rotating bonus categories, the Freedom Flex accrues 5% cash back on all other travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases, 3% cash back on dining (including eligible delivery services) and 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.

Better yet, when paired with a Chase credit card that earns fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the Chase Freedom Flex's 5% cash back effectively becomes 5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar. You can learn all about this in our guide detailing the Chase Trifecta.

Bottom line

If you're a Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex cardholder, you'll earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar spent) on electric vehicle charging, gas station purchases, select live entertainment, transit and United Way from now through Sept. 30.

Activate these categories before Sept. 14 so you don't miss out on any bonus rewards. And remember that Chase limits your quarterly bonus category earnings to the first $1,500 of combined spending each quarter.

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

Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex

One of the questions people often ask us is, "How much is a point or mile worth?"

The true answer varies from point to point and person to person. It also depends on your travel goals and how much you maximize a particular loyalty currency. Still, some rewards are worth more than others, and our goal is to give you a sense of how they stack up.

Historically, TPG has valued points and miles based on a combination of factors: the price at which we would purchase the points or miles, award costs in the program (factoring in availability and fees), and our expertise in the program's inner workings. However, we now also utilize extensive data for nine U.S. airline loyalty programs and six hotel loyalty programs to more accurately estimate the value you should aim to achieve from your rewards.

What are credit card points and miles worth?

What are Bilt Points worth?

What are airline points and miles worth?

*Calculated using data provided by Points Path.

What are hotel points worth?

**Calculated using data from Gondola (a free hotel search and direct booking platform for frequent travelers).

Top points and miles news for July

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) has just received a major refresh, but the news for award travelers is mixed.

On the plus side, the card picked up new bonus categories. Cardholders now earn 3 points per dollar at gas stations, for EV charging and for vacation home rentals booked on Airbnb, Vrbo and other select platforms. Chase also doubled the annual Chase Travel℠ hotel credit from $50 to $100, effective June 15, 2026, making it easy to recoup the card's $95 annual fee (which remains unchanged).

It's not all great new though. The popular transfer ratio from Ultimate Rewards to World of Hyatt is changing from 1:1 to 4:3 for Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders. Applicants approved on or after June 15, 2026, see the lower ratio immediately. Meanwhile, existing cardholders keep 1:1 transfers until Oct. 1, 2026. The 1:1 ratio stays in place for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) cardholders.

But here's the ultimate sweetener: the Sapphire Preferred's best-ever welcome offer has returned. New cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, matching the highest public welcome bonus the card has carried since it launched in 2009.

Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred 100,000-point bonus — all your questions answered

Top offers for earning points and miles in July

July's cobranded card offer of the month is for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. With this card's current offer, you can earn up to 125,000 bonus miles: 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus earn 25,000 bonus miles after spending an additional $3,000 on purchases (for a total of $9,000) in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 15.

Now, here are some of the best welcome offers this month for those seeking a new travel rewards card that earns transferable points or miles.

• American Express Platinum Card®: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards 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.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business: Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on purchases within the first six months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture X Business: New applicants can earn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• 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 $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

I'm the type of traveler who will plan an entire trip around great meals.

I love experiencing destinations and cultures through their food, so whether I'm at home or on the road, dining out is one of my biggest expenses.

Dining out has only gotten more expensive in recent years. Fortunately, several of the travel rewards cards I carry offer dining statement credits that not only save me money on meals throughout the year but also help offset their annual fees.

Here are some of the cards I keep in my wallet specifically for their dining statement credits (among other reasons) and how I make sure to maximize them.

For upscale date nights: Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) gets a lot of attention for its numerous travel perks, but it also has an extremely valuable dining benefit.

Cardholders can earn up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year split into two biannual credits of up to $150 each from January-June and July-December when using their card to pay for meals at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants on OpenTable (no prepayment, payment or reservation through OpenTable is required).

The program just started last year, but there are already eligible restaurants in dozens of U.S. cities.

My husband and I used one of these credits last fall at the fancy French-Californian bistro, Jeune et Jolie, in the coastal hamlet of Carlsbad, just north of San Diego. We used our first credit of 2026 at the one-Michelin-star Thai restaurant, Anajak, near our home in L.A.

Both were fabulous, and the $150 statement credit made the experience even sweeter.

I also make a point of using this benefit for restaurants I'd already planned to visit, rather than choosing one simply because it's eligible. That's how I make sure the credit saves me real money instead of encouraging extra spending.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve review: A premium card for power travelers

Delicious savings for foodies: The Amex Gold

The American Express® Gold Card charges a considerable annual fee of $325 (see rates and fees), but I make up for that value just from the card's dining perks.

Specifically, the card offers:

• Up to $100 in annual statement credits on dining at eligible U.S. Resy restaurants when you use your card to pay; up to $50 from January-June and up to $50 from July-December.
• Up to $120 in annual statement credits (up to $10 per month) at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory and Wonder.
• Up to $120 in Uber Cash ($10 per month) for U.S. Uber and Uber Eats orders†
• Up to $84 per calendar year (up to $7 per month) in statement credits for U.S. Dunkin' purchases.

Also, in celebration of the Amex Gold's 60th anniversary, Amex is including a one-time statement credit of up to $96 for an annual Uber One membership (enroll by Oct. 30).

Those four benefits alone amount to $424 in annual value I can use, $520 if you include the one-time Uber One membership.

Enrollment is required for all benefits.

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

I live in Los Angeles and regularly book restaurants through Resy, so that credit comes and goes before I even realize it most of the time. Most recently, I used it at an Italian restaurant, Funke in Beverly Hills, for my husband's birthday. Because I knew we were getting $50 off the final tally, we splurged on a few desserts.

My husband and I also regularly order from our favorite local Thai and Mediterranean restaurants on Grubhub and get up to $10 in statement credits every month.

I'll admit, I don't always get to a Dunkin' to use that credit, but I do love popping in for a coffee when I see one.

Finally, although I sometimes use the card's Uber credit for rides, more often than not, I'll actually just put it toward an order from a great sandwich shop near me called Ggiata, which serves heaping subs. The bonus is that my order is usually delivered by a cute robot!

Related: American Express Gold Card review: The best card for foodies

Modest savings month after month: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex

I recently applied for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card during a recent limited-time elevated welcome offer (no longer available). I was wowed by the bonus points I could earn as well as the card's robust set of benefits, which just happen to include up to $300 in dining statement credits each year.

This is one of the easiest credits for me to maximize because I simply leave the card in my wallet and use it for one inexpensive restaurant purchase every month. I don't have to change my spending habits; I just have to remember which card to use.

Cardholders can earn up to $25 in statement credits toward eligible restaurant purchases worldwide each calendar month. That's up to $300 in annual statement credits over 12 months, which is nearly half the card's $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).

Best part is I plan to get even more value than that thanks to the perks I'll receive with the automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status.

Related: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex review: Marriott's most premium card

Takeout and dining in: Citi/AAdvantage Executive

I love the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) specifically because it provides complimentary Admirals Club membership and opportunities to boost your elite status.

But even I sometimes forget that this card also offers a statement credit of up to $10 per monthly billing statement on eligible Grubhub purchases, totaling up to $120 per year.

Fortunately, because we already order through Grubhub regularly, remembering to use the credit usually doesn't require changing our routine. Combined with my Amex Gold's up to $10 monthly dining statement credit (which can be used with Grubhub), we receive up to $240 each year toward food delivery we'd be ordering anyway.

Related: Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard review: Complimentary Admirals Club membership

One card I'm considering for even bigger dining savings

While I don't currently carry the American Express Platinum Card®, I'm thinking about getting it because of its benefits bonanza, one of which is up to $400 in statement credits per year when dining at eligible U.S. Resy restaurants.

Cardholders get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when using their card to pay at eligible U.S. restaurants affiliated with Resy (enrollment required). Simply pay with your Amex Platinum at an eligible U.S. Resy restaurant; no reservation is required.

So if you dine out at Resy restaurants, this can be a huge savings.

I'm personally considering whether I'll maximize this card's other benefits before applying, but the Resy credit alone has me thinking about it.

Related: Amex Platinum Card review: Steep annual fee but loads of new perks to match

Bottom line

There's no doubt that dining out has gotten more expensive lately. Fortunately, I save more than $1,000 each year on restaurants and food delivery without changing my habits.

While some credits are easy to use, others require monthly tracking. Still, given the value these perks offer for my specific needs, as well as the other benefits these cards offer, I plan to keep them in my wallet for the time being.

If you're considering a card with dining credits, I'd recommend focusing less on the dollar amount and more on whether you'll actually use the benefit. The best statement credit is the one you don't have to go out of your way to redeem.

Related: Monthly checklist: Credit card perks and benefits you should be using

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

American Airlines is opening a new lounge at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). But this one will be a little different.

The carrier on Tuesday announced plans to open a grab-and-go outpost, named Provisions by Admirals Club, inside its Terminal 8 hub. The new facility is expected to open by the end of this year.

It's a similar concept to the quick-service club that debuted last summer in Charlotte, though it sounds like this JFK location will be, well, better.

The Provisions outpost at JFK will offer hot and cold meals and snacks. Plus, it will sport a full-service barista coffee bar featuring Lavazza coffee, which American made its signature espresso brand last year.

Grab-and-go lounges can help stem overcrowding

This should be a welcome addition to American's Terminal 8 lounge lineup.

The carrier already has a full-service Admirals Club lounge at JFK, plus the trio of premium lounges it jointly operates with British Airways.

This new grab-and-go setup will be near Gate 12 and accessible via an escalator downstairs from Concourse B, where many of the airline's long-haul flights depart.

Read more: How to access American Airlines Admirals Club lounges

An upgrade over Charlotte

Permanent grab-and-go lounge locations can help reduce crowding in the full-scale clubs; members who are only looking for a cup of coffee and a quick bite can skip the main lounge and pass through Provisions without taking up coveted seats.

American first rolled out the Provisions by Admirals Club concept at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in August. I visited last fall and found it a useful way to quickly grab something to eat and drink, even if it was a no-frills experience overall.

It appears this JFK location will have more frills ... and space.

It'll measure 3,700 square feet and accommodate up to 40 guests.

As for the amenities, there's the aforementioned coffee bar that'll offer "customizable" Lavazza hot and iced coffee drinks, American said.

Members will also be able to snag meal boxes, sandwiches, salads and snacks.

Plus, the airline will staff the mini-club with customer service representatives, so travelers passing through can get the same assistance they'd get in a regular lounge.

How to access American Airlines lounges, including Provisions

If you're an Admirals Club member, you'll be eligible to enter the JFK Provisions by Admirals Club location; this includes AAdvantage members who get their access via American's premium credit card.

TPG's take: Is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard worth it?

Members who receive four annual Admirals Club trips via an eligible Citi or Citi/AAdvantage cobranded credit card can also use their passes to enter Provisions.

However, that visit would count toward their annual pass allotment. So, unless you're about to see those passes expire at the end of the year, you may be better off grabbing takeout from an airport restaurant instead of burning them on a grab-and-go visit.

Bottom line

American's new grab-and-go lounge at JFK comes as the carrier has made a host of new lounge announcements.

New or revamped Admirals Clubs are in the works for Charlotte, Chicago, Nashville, Austin and Washington, D.C. Plus, American is building a new, higher-tier Flagship Lounge at CLT.

Earlier this month, the carrier also announced it would reimagine its food and drink offerings in its clubs — a notable upgrade from what it had previously served.

Related reading:

• The best credit cards for airport lounge access
• The ultimate guide to American Airlines Admirals Club access
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• American Airlines teases 'steady stream' of 'exciting' lounge news
• 3 reasons why this is the best card for Admirals Club lounge access
• Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers

For weeks, I hoped the disappearance of long-haul Lufthansa First award availability through partner programs that began on June 1 was temporary. But about a month later, it still hasn't returned — and it now appears to be the new reality.

Granted, even before June 1, it was difficult to book Lufthansa First through partner programs. You had to watch for awards to pop up within 72 hours of departure and be prepared to fly pretty much any route.

My husband and I once waited near Frankfurt, extending our hotel day by day, until we eventually snagged two seats from Frankfurt to Mexico City. We'd set up award alerts across multiple services, but we were still checking multiple times per hour ourselves, and our manual searching was what eventually got us the flight.

Before June 1, if you were flexible and determined, it was usually possible to book Lufthansa First at reasonable rates through partner program award charts. For example, we redeemed 192,000 Avianca Lifemiles plus $389 in taxes and fees to fly from Frankfurt to Mexico City in October 2024. That's 96,000 miles plus $195 per person — which is a lot for a transatlantic flight, but a reasonable amount for the experience we got.

But now, the primary option left for award travelers who want to fly Lufthansa First appears to be booking directly through the carrier's own Miles & More program, which uses dynamic award pricing for Lufthansa flights. Luckily, Rove miles transfer to Miles & More at a 1:1 ratio, but none of the other major transferable currencies partner with Miles & More.

And as Live and Let's Fly pointed out, business-class and first-class award availability through Miles & More is much scarcer than it used to be.

For example, let's consider the same Frankfurt-to-Mexico City route I flew. At the time I wrote this article, ExpertFlyer showed there were two first-class seats still for sale on the flight later that day, seven on the flight the next day and seven on the flight in two days. Meanwhile, the airline was still selling at least nine business-class seats each day.

Before June 1, at least some of this unsold business- and first-class inventory likely would have been made available as awards to partner programs. But now, Seats.aero doesn't even show any Miles & More premium-cabin award space on these flights. And, it only shows economy award space for partner programs.

Sadly, Lufthansa won't allow travelers to search for award flights unless they have at least 1,500 miles in their account. But, Seats.aero and ExpertFlyer show it's a similar situation from Frankfurt to New York.

You can book Lufthansa first class or business class on select dates through Miles & More, as shown in the Seats.aero Lufthansa First dashboard. The taxes and fees on the San Diego to Munich award cost an additional $1,404 in business class and $1,529 in first class, though, according to Seats.aero.

Also, keep in mind that a major part of the overall Lufthansa First Class experience is the Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt, which you won't experience if your itinerary only connects through or departs from Munich. If you're booking an itinerary that arrives in Frankfurt in Lufthansa First, consider adding an onward flight on the same ticket so you'll have access to the Lufthansa First Class Terminal before your onward departure.

Related: 7 amazing first-class seats you can book with points and miles

Why this matters

Most TPG readers will never even consider booking Lufthansa First Class. And although I'm glad I experienced Lufthansa First Class in 2024, I likely wouldn't splurge on it again. After all, I only have a limited number of transferable rewards, and there are so many other airline award sweet spots I could book.

So, the primary reason this matters is that it's yet another example of an airline loyalty program deciding — seemingly permanently — not to release premium cabin award space to partners. This is a growing trend that makes transferable rewards more important but removes much of the value we've previously seen when booking through partners.

But, perhaps even more interesting is that Lufthansa isn't even releasing most of its unsold premium cabin space to its own members within 72 hours of departure. Given the carrier's high award rates and taxes and fees, it's surprising not to see more business- and first-class seats open for Miles & More award bookings.

Related: Devaluations are coming thick and fast right now — here's what you need to know about how to protect yourself

Bottom line

Lufthansa First Class wasn't easy to book with partner miles before June 1. But for flexible travelers, close-in award space made it one of the most aspirational redemptions still realistically within reach. Unfortunately, that appears to no longer be the case.

With long-haul Lufthansa First awards no longer showing through partner programs — and Miles & More seemingly releasing far less premium-cabin award space than before, even to its own members and often with steep taxes and fees — this sweet spot is now significantly less accessible. For most travelers, it's another reminder not to hoard rewards for one specific redemption, as premium-cabin partner award space can disappear with little or no warning.

It's really happening: the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is getting a third commercial airport. And from the start, it will be anchored by one of America's newest budget airlines.

Avelo Airlines on Tuesday announced it will be the first carrier to serve McKinney National Airport (DTX), which is expected to debut its new terminal and commercial flights later this year.

The five-year-old budget airline revealed its first five nonstop destinations, too, with service to four Florida cities — along with Las Vegas – set to launch in November.

A new airport in the Metroplex

This week's news was years in the making.

Leaders in McKinney have long discussed turning the 40-year-old general aviation airport into one that would welcome airlines.

Those plans kicked into high gear last summer when the city broke ground on a 46,000 square foot terminal that would house real passenger gates.

The idea: to offer North Texans an air travel alternative to the region's two larger hubs.

The airport is located in fast-growing Collin County, some 30-plus miles from both mega-hub Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Southwest Airlines home base Dallas Love Field (DAL).

Now, with the airport's new terminal on track to open later this year, according to the city, flights from DTX are now officially scheduled — and on sale.

5 initial Avelo routes

Avelo on Tuesday announced plans to make a base out of McKinney, which will house two of its Boeing 737-800 jets and around 100 crewmembers.

The carrier also revealed the airport's first five routes, which will each launch in November:

Sunshine destinations galore

A clear trend in all of the new Avelo routes from McKinney: they're all meant to take passengers popular vacation destinations, with four cities in Florida and then Las Vegas on the list.

That tracks with Avelo's business model: Avelo is an ultra-low-cost carrier that operates on bare-bones, discounted fares (and add-on fees) similar to far larger Frontier Airlines and now-defunct Spirit Airlines.

How successful will McKinney and Avelo be?

Will customers flock to McKinney and Avelo's new service from the DFW region? Time will tell.

A mixed bag in past Avelo markets

Avelo has certainly had its share of swings — and misses — during its relatively short history; last summer, the airline's finances forced it to abandon its West Coast route network.

But the carrier has been a mainstay at Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut in recent years. That airport had struggled holding on to passenger airline service during the past decade, and when Avelo launched service there, HVN — like McKinney — had no regularly scheduled flights.

One of the biggest draws of Avelo's service from McKinney? Giving North Texas another low-cost airline option in the wake of Spirit's demise in May — especially given its plan to fly to popular leisure spots.

After Spirit's collapse, industry insiders I spoke with noted the best opportunity for low-cost carriers, going forward, would likely involve serving niche markets with little competition from the larger airlines. That could make getting in on DTX from the jump a strong play for Avelo.

Ultimately, the biggest question may be whether travelers actually think of Avelo — and McKinney — when booking that spring break trip, summer vacation or long weekend getaway. The carrier and airport will likely be hoping to win bargain-hunters searching fares on comparision sites like Google Flights and Kayak.

North Texas gets an airline and airport alternative

There's plenty of precedent for major metropolitan airports to have three (or more) commercial airports, the Metroplex is growing fast and the new airport will be more geographically convenient to northern residents.

On the other hand, travelers have spent decades driving to DFW and DAL — and Avelo, like McKinney, isn't a household name for a lot of travelers.

So it's worth watching to see how things progress in McKinney.

"Avelo was built for moments like this, and we are thrilled to be the launch and anchor airline at McKinney," Andrew Levy, the airline's founder and CEO, said in a statement announcing the news Tuesday.

On track for late 2026 opening

McKinney leaders this week confirmed the four-gate terminal is on track to open later in 2026. The facility would have the flexibility to expand to six gates for airline service in the future.

DTX is expected to serve 200,000 passengers annually, with the flexibility to host 1 million annual travelers in the future.

With each of Avelo's initial routes set to launch in mid-November, the airport would be in operation by the Thanksgiving holiday rush.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• Which US airline is best? TPG's 2026 rankings
• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
• Airfare has (finally) cooled a little: Our tips for booking right now

American Airlines is bringing commercial service back to a tiny airport on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Over the weekend, American filed plans to launch nonstop service later this year from Naples, Florida.

The move would give travelers in Southwest Florida an alternative airport to the region's main hub, and mark the return of commercial service back to an airport that hasn't had flights on a major U.S. carrier in decades.

American's Naples flights, AAdvantage redemptions open for booking

American's new service from Naples Airport (APF) will launch on Dec. 2, the city announced on Tuesday.

The destination: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), American's second-busiest hub.

Bookings are live as we speak: If you log onto American's website right now, you'll see flights between Naples and CLT beginning on Dec. 2, including AAdvantage award redemptions starting at 8,500 miles one-way.

Getting started: How to use points, miles and credit cards to travel

Commercial service returns to Naples

The return of true air service to Naples wasn't entirely surprising.

Earlier this month, the city announced survey results that showed 8 in 10 residents favored bringing back commercial flights to the airport, and at the time had noted that American was hoping to launch two to three daily flights by December.

Naples Airport is situated just miles from the Florida Coast and minutes from popular Naples Beach.

Over the past decade, the terminal has catered exclusively to general aviation flyers, and before that it had hosted smaller regional carriers.

It's been nearly 20 years since Delta Air Lines' departure from APF marked the end of Naples flights on a big-name airline.

Now, the return of commercial service to the airport should offer an additional, closer-to-home travel option to travelers who live south of the region's largest city, Fort Myers — not to mention for vacationers or seasonal residents flying to the area.

And, I'd expect it'd be a classic small airport experience, where you park and fly through security to your gate in a matter of minutes.

"We've been asked for years about the potential return of airline service," Naples Airport Authority executive director Chris Rozansky said in a statement Tuesday. "Travel doesn't get more convenient for our residents and visitors than catching a flight out of Naples Airport."

Commercial service is expected to launch after Naples wraps up a complete renovation of its 45-year-old terminal that's been ongoing since 2022.

An alternative airport option in Southwest Florida

APF is located some 30 miles south of the far larger Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). And it's just 17 miles from Marco Island — a much shorter drive than the nearly 50-mile ride to the island from RSW.

From the outset, it appears American's presence in Naples will be fairly limited, with just the two or three daily Charlotte flights, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows.

Charlotte gets major lounge boost: Airlines, credit cards have big plans for CLT

And the planes will be small: AA plans to fly the route with an American Eagle Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jet which seats 65 passengers.

However, because of American's hub-and-spoke setup, that short CRJ flight could connect you to any of the U.S. cities the airline serves from its major Charlotte hub, not to mention European destinations it flies to from CLT — like London, Paris, Rome and Athens.

Point of interest

Interestingly, this isn't American's first go-around in Naples. The carrier previously served APF 25 years ago, in 2001.

Meanwhile, AA certainly is no stranger to Southwest Florida. It already flies from Fort Myers to most of its hubs, including Charlotte.

Related reading:

• Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
• Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
• American's AAdvantage program changes for 2026
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• American raises bag fees, tightens basic economy rules
• The best credit card for American Airlines lounge access

An $890 price tag for two cards appears quite jarring.

That's the combined annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)

Since they're both Sapphire cards, it would be reasonable to assume there's too much overlap to justify carrying both.

But I'll let you in on my strategy: Between the statement credits and benefits I actually use, I get more than $2,000 in value each year before I even factor in welcome bonuses or the value of the Chase Ultimate Rewards points I earn.

Here's why carrying both Sapphire cards works for me.

How I divide spending between the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred

I pair the Sapphire Reserve with the Sapphire Preferred to supercharge my points earning. I don't think of them as competitors; I think of them as teammates.

I use the Sapphire Reserve for big travel purchases

Whenever I'm booking flights or hotels directly, I reach for my Sapphire Reserve. Earning 4 points per dollar on those purchases is one of the biggest reasons I keep the card.

Since Hilton is the only hotel brand where I have a cobranded card, I turn to my Sapphire Reserve whenever I'm booking directly with Hyatt, Marriott or IHG. Booking directly also means I don't have to worry about the downfalls of using a travel portal, such as missing out on elite-qualifying credits, benefits or hotel points.

I also reach for the Sapphire Reserve whenever I'm booking through Chase Travel℠ because it earns 8 points per dollar spent. If I'm staying through The Edit, I can stack those bookings with my annual statement credits* while still earning 8 points per dollar on eligible purchases beyond the credit.

*Two up to $250 credits that can be used any time, but cannot be combined; minimum two-night stay required, must be prepaid

I use the Sapphire Preferred for everyday spending

The Sapphire Preferred is my default card for general travel (excluding flights and hotels booked directly) because it earns 2 points per dollar spent on purchases like ride-hailing, car rentals, trains and subways. Those expenses add up quickly when I travel, so this is a game changer for me.

I also use the Sapphire Preferred for purchases that fit naturally into my day-to-day routine.

It earns 3 points per dollar spent on online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), which is perfect since I enjoy cooking at home. I'm also frequently hitting the road, so it's nice to now earn 3 points per dollar spent on gas purchases made with the Sapphire Preferred.

Finally, I rely on it when booking eligible vacation rentals through brands like Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa, where it also earns 3 points per dollar.

Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred's new benefits and 100,000-point bonus are live: 5 things to do now

When both cards work

I can use either the Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve when dining out, as both earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining worldwide (including takeout and eligible delivery services).

The exception is when I'm using the Sapphire Reserve's $150 biannual statement credit for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables, since that requires paying with the Reserve. (Note that your Sapphire Reserve must be added to your OpenTable account to earn this credit.)

I also keep the Sapphire Reserve in my Lyft account because I receive up to $10 in monthly in-app credits on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027, does not apply to Wait & Save, bike or scooter rides), even though it has the same earning rate as the Sapphire Preferred.

Related: 5 ways to use Chase Points on vacation (beyond flights and hotels)

How I get value from each Sapphire card

I'm the type of cardholder who's going to maximize as many benefits as possible. If I'm paying annual fees, I'm going to get the most out of them.

Why the Sapphire Reserve earns its annual fee

The Sapphire Reserve does most of the heavy lifting.

I used half of the Sapphire Reserve's $300 flexible travel credit on a recent trip to London, offsetting every public transport expense and Uber ride.

I plan to use the Sapphire Reserve's statement credit on The Edit later this year. Since the benefit comes as two up-to-$250 credits that can be used any time throughout the year (but can't be combined), I can use it at any time throughout the rest of 2026.

Beyond travel, I also get plenty of value from the Reserve's entertainment and dining perks.

I redeemed the first $150 of the card's up to $300 StubHub and Viagogo statement credit (activation required) to see Sombr this fall. I plan to use the next half for football tickets.

I also take advantage of the Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables dining credit (split into a $150 credit from January through June and $150 from July through December) at one of my favorite restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina.

Even though I use Uber and Lyft in tandem, I'll go with Lyft if I haven't used my $10 monthly in-app credit yet. I also find it easy to redeem the $5 monthly promo for DoorDash restaurants (through Dec. 31, 2027).

Beyond statement credits, the Sapphire Reserve also offers travel perks I use on nearly every trip.

The premium Sapphire Reserve comes with airport lounge access that the Sapphire Preferred lacks.

I am a big fan of lounges, especially the TPG Award-winning Chase Sapphire Lounges, so this is a major factor in my decision to keep the premium card open.

I lean on the Sapphire Reserve to redeem Chase points through Chase Travel. Thanks to Points Boost, I get up to 2.5 cents per point on select hotel and flight bookings made through Chase Travel.

Plus, the Sapphire Reserve maintains a 1:1 transfer ratio to World of Hyatt, so I stick with the premium card for these redemptions.

Why the Sapphire Preferred is an easy keeper

The Sapphire Preferred is much simpler, but that's one of the reasons I like keeping it.

The Sapphire Preferred's $100 annual hotel credit on prepaid Chase Travel bookings more than offsets the card's $95 annual fee for me. This is awarded every anniversary year.

This year, I used it to get a one-night stay at the Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta for effectively $35.

Related: 8 Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits you might not know about in 2026

Breaking down the annual fees: Is the combination worth it?

With the Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee and the $95 on the Sapphire Preferred, you'll pay $890 in total.

Paying nearly $900 for two credit cards may seem excessive to some, but the math works out easily for me.

For one, I redeem up to $1,580 back each year just from maximizing the statement credits that I use on the premium Sapphire Reserve. Plus, that's not even factoring in the value of the points I earn when I pay with the card or the value I place on airport lounge access.

Even though the Sapphire Preferred doesn't offer as many unique statement credits, its $100 annual Chase Travel hotel credit offsets the $95 annual fee on its own.

If you add in the value of the card's overlapping benefits: two Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus statement credits (worth up to $120 each every four years), one DoorDash DashPass membership (up to $120 each year, activation required) and the $99.99 Apple TV subscription (activate by Dec. 31), I've gotten about $2,140 in easy-to-redeem value from both of these cards (in years when I use the Global Entry credit).

I don't use Apple Music, so I don't factor that in here.

Compare that to the $890 in annual fees I pay, and it's easy to see why I keep both cards. That's before I even factor in the value I get from airport lounge access or the Ultimate Rewards points I earn through everyday spending.

Related: Who should (and shouldn't) get the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Who should consider carrying both Sapphire cards?

There are many types of spenders who could benefit from carrying both the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred.

This article focuses on my strategy, but I'm not the only TPGer who has both. Here are some examples from my colleagues:

Lyndsey Matthews, points and loyalty programs managing editor

Lyndsey said she got the Sapphire Reserve because of its bonus and the ability to offset a chunk of the annual fee by using the $300 travel credit immediately to "soften the blow" of a last-minute flight she booked to Key West.

She also easily maximizes the dining and StubHub credits as a New York City resident who frequents Broadway shows.

Christine Gallipeau, points and loyalty programs senior editor

Christine said her Sapphire Reserve has become the go-to card for major travel purchases — namely, flight and boutique hotel bookings made outside Chase Travel due to its 4 points per dollar spent earning rate.

The Sapphire Preferred has been the card she leans on for many everyday purchases, including Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027), streaming service subscriptions and eligible online grocery orders.

Olivia Mittak, credit cards editor

Olivia said it's very easy for her to justify keeping the Sapphire Preferred thanks to its recent refresh.

Olivia plans to use the Sapphire Preferred's upgraded $100 Chase Travel hotel credit alongside her new Sapphire Reserve's multiple travel credits to save a lot of money on her travels.

Who shouldn't hold both the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve?

For me, the cards are certainly worth it. But if you aren't willing to maximize their benefits, this combination may not be for you. Here are some examples of spenders who shouldn't hold both cards:

• If you aren't interested in tracking statement credits or managing bonus categories across two cards, this combination isn't for you.
• If you don't travel often, you'll miss out on the most valuable perks, including lounge access, earning bonuses and travel-related statement credits.
• If you don't value transferable points or partners like World of Hyatt, a simpler cash-back card may serve you better.
• If you're above Chase's 5/24 limit, you won't be approved for either card until you're back under it.

Related: Value simplicity? Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is now the only card you need

Bottom line

This is one of my favorite card combinations on the market. With the Sapphire Reserve offering premium travel benefits and the Sapphire Preferred providing bonus points on a wide range of everyday purchases, these cards easily earn their spots in my wallet.

If you're unsure if this strategy would work for you, consider running the math on your own spending. A combined $890 in annual fees could sound steep, but once you add up the statement credits and benefits you get access to, it could make sense for the right kind of spender.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Most travelers want to go somewhere to keep cool at the often sweltering end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Maybe you want to think beyond the basic beach vacation and head to the mountains or even the Southern Hemisphere, where it's wintertime. Or, perhaps you're looking to finally book that epic safari vacation to see the Great Migration make its way through parts of East Africa.

Since August also brings the last gasps of school summer vacation, you may see higher prices and crowds in popular places. But there are also many new airline routes and festivals worth planning a trip around this August.

Here are 10 of the best places to visit in the U.S. and beyond in August.

Mallorca, Spain

On Aug. 12, a total solar eclipse will stretch across the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, a small corner of Portugal and northern Spain, including Mallorca, as we wrote about in our list of Where to Go in 2026. Mallorca has the best chance for ideal weather for clear viewing of the moment the moon fully covers the sun, which will last 1 minute and 36 seconds. The rest of the time, enjoy the beaches, picturesque villages, Palma's old town and Castell de Bellver.

Montreal locals now have a new direct flight on Air Canada to Palma de Mallorca. Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas resumed its European cruises in May for the first time in five years, including a Spain route that includes a call in Palma de Mallorca.

TPG tip: Mandarin Oriental just debuted its only 2026 opening: Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca. Rates start at $3,128 per night. The hotel is part of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, so certain cardholders can get perks including upgrades, daily breakfast, $100 property credit and guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax, also included on our list of where to travel in 2026, comes alive in August when the sun shines and the temperature warms up. There are several festivals, like Rock the Harbour classic rock festival from Aug. 14 to 16, Halifax Busker Fest from July 29 to Aug. 3 and the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival from Aug. 6 to 7.

Late summer is also the ideal season to book a bioluminescent sea kayak night tour, which takes attendees out to calm seas during the new and first-quarter moons for a light show below the water.

It's also easier to get there now: Delta Air Lines added a new seasonal direct route from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) on June 13, and United Airlines launched a seasonal direct flight from Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C., in May.

TPG tip: In February, Delta Hotels opened Delta Hotels Halifax Downtown in what was the former Hotel Halifax, a downtown mainstay that was thoroughly renovated. Rates start at $253 or 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. For a splurge, the Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel opened on the city's waterfront Queen's Marque neighborhood last spring. Rates start at $718 or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City welcomes the inaugural Traverse City Food & Wine festival from Aug. 19 to 23, bringing dozens of chefs to the shores of Lake Michigan, including restaurant critic and former editor-in-chief of Gourmet Ruth Reichl, Food Network host and judge Aarti Sequiera and local talent like Sarah Welch, a James Beard Award nominee for the Mink and Marrow restaurants in Detroit.

The region is also great to watch the Perseids, an annual meteor shower that peaks around Aug. 12 or 13. For the best viewing conditions, two Dark Sky Places — Headlands Park and Beaver Island — are each located within a four-hour drive of Traverse City. And while not an officially designated Dark Sky Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is just 40 minutes west of downtown Traverse City.

There's also a new direct route to this corner of Michigan: In May, Delta launched seasonal nonstop daily flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City. One-way fares start at $104 or 8,500 SkyMiles this August.

TPG tip: A new Residence Inn by Marriott Traverse City opened last November. In August, rates start at $193 per night or 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. The Dexter Hotel is a design-focused boutique hotel that opened in May (rates from $296 per night in August).

Nantucket, Massachusetts

This beloved island and sailing hub off the coast of Massachusetts comes alive in summer. Nantucket Race Week, which takes place from Aug. 6 to 16, brings yachts and sailboats from around the world to test sailors' knowledge with tricky currents and ever-shifting sandbars along Nantucket's 6-mile-long harbor.

If you prefer art and music, this year's annual Boston Pops concert at Jetties Beach is Aug. 8 and includes a drone light show. Also on Aug. 8, the Artists Association of Nantucket will hold its Sidewalk Art Show, where visitors can stroll along the cobblestone streets to discover local artists' paintings, sculptures and photography.

Local potato chip company Nantucket Crisps has opened a second pop-up location on Nantucket, both selling all its locally inspired flavors, gear and other picnic fare. Additionally, the company launched the Nantucket Music Foundation this year and is hosting a summer concert series at the Muse, with bands like Guster, Dashboard Confessional, Yellowcard and more all performing in August.

Tradewind Aviation launched flights from Laurence G. Hanscom Field (BED) in Bedford, Massachusetts, direct to Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) this June. American Airlines launched a seasonal service from BOS to ACK on June 18.

TPG tip: Greydon House historic inn recently debuted an expansion with four new suites, a terrace and a new bar. Rates start from $855 per night.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh in August makes perfect sense for a "coolcation" with lots of sun, especially if you're a theater connoisseur. During the world-famous Fringe Festival, which takes place from Aug. 7 to 31, visitors can select from thousands of shows, including musicals, plays and comedy. The Edinburgh International Festival runs concurrently with dance, music, opera and other performances.

There are other cultural touchstones this month: Aug. 15 to 30 welcomes the Edinburgh International Book Festival, with more than 600 events, and Aug. 13 to 19 sees the Edinburgh International Film Festival, with dozens of film screenings and talks. You can get to the city via new American Airlines flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Edinburgh Airport (EDI), which launched in March. This route is on the new A321XLR, featuring 20 Flagship Suite seats, 12 premium economy seats and 123 economy seats, and American is the first U.S. airline to use this long-range, single-aisle aircraft.

TPG tip: Point A Edinburgh, St. Andrews Square opens in July as part of U.K. chain Point A Hotels, with rates starting from $206 per night if you become a member of the brand's A List loyalty club. Continental breakfast is included.

Fiji

Fiji's legendary Cloudbreak will host the Fiji Pro surfing competition from Aug. 25 to Sept. 4.

Set aside time to participate in Fiji's new Loloma Hour initiative, which launched last year and invites travelers to dedicate one hour of their visit to conservation or community service. Over 20 hotels and tour operators across Fiji's islands are participating, with activities ranging from coral planting at Six Senses Fiji to reef conservation with Captain Cook Cruises.

Now a full-fledged member of the Oneworld alliance, Fiji Airways launched a new route between Fiji's Nadi International Airport (NAN) and Australia's Gold Coast Airport (OOL). Additionally, the airline launched a new wellness initiative, FlyWell, on its long-haul flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to NAN. Available to business-class passengers, the program includes wearable recovery technology, circadian-support eyewear, mental performance drinks, red-light therapy and electromagnetic field protection solutions both on board and within the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge in Nadi.

TPG tip: Six Senses Fiji recently opened three new private residences, each with direct beach access on a secluded stretch of coastline and private marina access. Rates start from $2,620 or 262,000 IHG One Rewards points per night. The all-villa Vomo Private Island reopened in April after an extensive renovation, with rates from $1,200 per night.

Medellin, Colombia

Colombia is the second-largest exporter of cut flowers globally, exporting more than 4 billion cut flowers to the U.S. annually. Medellin — the City of Eternal Spring — celebrates the country's flower growers with the annual Feria de las Flores, from Aug. 1 to 10. The festival includes more than 140 events, and highlights include the Chiva (open-sided bus) Carnival and the Silletros Parade featuring carefully crafted floral designs worn on people's backs.

Experience the food of Medellin at excellent prices during Medellin Gourmet (from August to September), a culinary circuit where top local restaurants offer special menus at great value.

TPG tip: Wake BioHotel is a new wellness-focused hotel opening in June with 109 rooms and the Sastra Longevity Club, where guests can participate in one- to three-day personalized wellness programs. The hotel is a member of Design Hotels, and rates in August start at $288 or 46,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Shanghai

The 2026 Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season will run from July through October, with six themed sections dedicated to sports, urban exploration, museums, music, entertainment and relaxation. Beyond the six themed sections, Shanghai will roll out a range of citywide experiences, including an interactive urban sports carnival for families, food-focused events showcasing cuisines from across the region, summer pop-up retail experiences and the inaugural Lego Festival at Legoland Shanghai Resort, from June 15 through the end of August. Additionally, Shanghai Disneyland is celebrating its 10th anniversary with new experiences and parades all year long.

Shanghai will also roll out an upgraded version of EasyGo 2.0, featuring Shanghai Summer-themed functions. The platform can accurately recognize user instructions in multiple languages and intelligently connect them to everyday services such as ride-hailing, ticket booking and translation.

TPG tip: The 306-room Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai opened in February as the first Andaz-branded hotel in Asia. Nightly rates start at $165 or 12,000 World of Hyatt points. Renaissance Shanghai Hongqiao debuted in January, with rates starting from $90 or 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Going on safari in August in the Maasai Mara means excellent weather and a good chance of seeing part of the Great Migration, which typically occurs between July and September. It's prime time to see millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles running across the plains and the mighty Mara River.

TPG tip: Kinara, A Luxury Collection Safari Camp, debuts in August along the Mara River. This luxe retreat has tented suites and multibedroom villas, all with private plunge pools. Rates start at $4,802 or 226,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in August and are all-inclusive, covering two private game drives per day.

Ladakh, India

While much of India is in monsoon season over the summer, the northern region in the Himalayas is finally thawed out enough to complete some epic hikes. Ladakh is the epicenter of India's Buddhist community, set at 11,500 feet — so give your body time to adjust to the altitude.

Make your base in the multicultural capital city of Leh, which features cuisines of Tibet, India and Nepal, alongside Buddhist temples and monasteries. Sign up to do some guided hikes in the Markha, Sham or Zanskar valleys, whether one day or a multiday adventure. You can also cycle, raft and search for snow leopards and grazing yaks.

TPG tip: Dolkhar Ladakh, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is the only points hotel in the region — and it's a great option. The boutique Leh hotel features charming split villas built with reclaimed wood and stone. Rates start at $292 or 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night.