United has fully embraced the "everything is bigger in Texas" mantra, as Houston is now home to not only the world's largest United Club, but also the largest airline lounge in the country.

The new 54,000-square-foot United Club opens today in the expanded Terminal B North concourse at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which itself brings 22 new gates, a sensory room, play area, a host of new Houston-favorite restaurants and more.

But the star of the show is unquestionably the massive United Club near Gate B11, with its outdoor terrace, Texas-style food and 800 seats spread across multiple zones. Here's a first look inside.

New Houston United Club basics

Here's what you need to know about the new United Club at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal B.

• Located post-security in the new Terminal B North addition, near Gate B11
• Open 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, beginning Oct. 22, 2026
• 54,000 square feet spread across a single level, including a 1,350-square-foot outdoor terrace
• The new lounge is home to 800 seats, 11 private phone booths, two bars and two buffets
• Follows the same access rules as other United Clubs

Inside the world's largest United Club

The new Houston United Club isn't just the country's largest on paper, it actually feels that way when you are inside, too.

In fact, during my preview visit, it almost felt like exploring down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland as the "rooms" within the lounge just kept flowing from one into the next.

It is all one connected space, but there are multiple rooms within the United Club that feel quite distinct in both style and function. While it will certainly be different once the doors officially open and passengers fill the space, this area with the loungers overlooking the planes had a calm, relaxing vibe during my media tour on Wednesday.

Alternately, this area of the lounge — with some tiered padded seating, an arcade game and a view of the terminal — felt like it had the potential to be a much more lively family-friendly hangout spot.

Those were just two of the multiple zones inside the lounge. Not only will the 800 seats inside the new club accommodate a lot of passengers at once, but those passengers will have their choice of lots of different types of seats and places to pass the time until their next flight.

Outdoor terrace

In a first for the Houston airport, this new United Club comes with a side of fresh air in the form of a 1,350-square-foot outdoor terrace with views of the airfield.

While Houston can certainly get warm, there are fans and sometimes a quick shot of fresh air is all you need — even if it's in Houston's sweltering summer heat. And, of course, this may end up being the most popular spot in the lounge during Houston's milder times of the year.

Restrooms and wellness room

The new United Club's restrooms also were large. That includes within the individual stalls, which helps when your luggage has to take the restroom trip along with you. Additionally, there were multiple private family restrooms in addition to the men's and women's rooms.

The lounge also featured a private wellness room that looked to be designed for nursing, caring for a baby and pumping.

Food and drinks at the new Houston United Club

As mentioned, there are two bars and two buffets at this record-setting lounge — a testemant to the work it takes to keep up to 800 people fed and happy.

Food buffets at the new Houston United Club

During my visit, both of the food buffets had the same items on offer, which included:

• Smoked beef brisket
• Chicken chili enchilada casserole
• Taqueria bar with meat, rice, beans, tortillas and taco fixings
• Biscuits and gravy
• Tres leches

I tried pretty much everything, and while this was just a preview event, it was all genuinely enjoyable. I specifically loved the tres leches, but I'd look forward to every dish again in the future, which isn't always the case for airline lounge food.

Bars inside the new Houston United Club

This mega-lounge has two full-service bars, and my favorite one may actually be the smaller of the two.

The smaller bar, located closest to the outdoor terrace, is called the Moonshot Bar — a nod to Houston's space history. In addition to the standard drink options, this bar has copious tequila options.

Of course, there is a list of standard, included options at both of the bars, too:

• Bollicini Brut (Sparkling Wine)
• Mainline Wine Blend (White)
• Mainline Red Blend
• Blue Moon
• Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
• Michelob Ultra
• Michelob Ultra Zero
• Modelo Especial
• Svedka Vodka
• Beefeater Gin
• Bacardí Superior Rum
• Evan Williams Black Label Whiskey
• The Famous Grouse Whiskey
• Cuervo Tradicional Tequila
• Martini & Rossi Dry Liqueur
• Martini & Rossi Sweet Liqueur
• Finest Call Bar Mixes
• Finest Call Zesty Bloody Mary Mix
• Red Bull

And there are complimentary soda machines, flavored water dispensers, fancy coffee machines with more options than I needed at 6 a.m., not to mention candies and snacks.

United Club access

So if your next question is who gets to come inside and enjoy this fancy new United Club, you're in the right place.

There are a variety of ways to get into a United Club, ranging from having the right credit card(s), one-time passes, purchasing a membership using miles or cash, having Star Alliance Gold status (when meeting certain other criteria) or flying on eligible premium-cabin tickets — all of which also require an eligible same-day boarding pass.

United now also has two tiers of lounge access — individual membership and an All Access tier, which provides unlimited United Club access for the primary member and up to two guests, or one adult and two dependents under 18 years old.

If you want all the nuances of how to get United Club access, I highly recommend you read our How to get United Club access guide.

But I'd consider the easiest way in to be via these United credit cards:

• United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees): United Club membership for you and your eligible travel companions at all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide.
• United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees): Receive two one-time United Club passes each year.*
• United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees): Receive two one-time United Club passes each year.*
• United Club℠ Business Card**: Receive United Club membership for you and your eligible travel companions at all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide

**The information for the United Club Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Lounge membership earned via a cobranded credit card includes entry for primary cardmembers, one guest and any dependents under 18, though cardmembers can unlock the All Access level of membership to increase the guest allowance.

If you think frequent United Club visits are in your future, the pricier United Club cards are likely the way to go, as the $695 annual fee is still less than purchasing a membership outright.

Otherwise, the two single-use United Club passes you get each year with the $95 United Explorer Card or the United Business Card might be enough to meet your lounging needs. Just know that sometimes United Clubs reach capacity and are unable to accept single-use passes until the crowds thin.

Bottom line

The Terminal B expansion and the world's largest new United Club are massive upgrades for Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The lounge is not only undeniably spacious, but bright, airy, thoughtful and somewhere to actually look forward to visiting, especially if they keep the enchiladas and tres leches on the menu. It is designed to handle a lot of passengers who are either connecting through Terminal B or on short to medium-haul trips. And it joins the "United Club Fly" grab-and-go concept, also in Terminal B, to really make the time in the airport a much more enjoyable — and functional — part of your traveling day.

Related reading:

• United credit card welcome offers
• United gives credit cardholders better earning and redemption rates
• United makes changes to elite status qualifications
• Best credit cards for airport lounge access

We love transferable credit card points and miles here at TPG.

The ability to transfer your rewards to a wide range of airline and hotel loyalty programs provides valuable flexibility to maximize your travel. You're not locked into a single redemption scheme as you plan your trips.

If you can't find the seats available in one program, you can choose another program before transferring any credit card points or miles. If a program devalues its currency without notice, you can switch to a different program for your next points or miles transfer.

With dozens of different transfer possibilities, it can be difficult to remember just how many options you have.

Here's a handy guide that highlights the best cards for transferable points and miles and breaks down which credit card points and miles you can transfer to which airline, hotel and rail programs, along with their respective transfer ratios.

We also list our latest valuation for each transfer partner so you can get the best value to maximize your hard-earned points and miles.

Best credit cards for flexible transfer partners

The best way to earn transferable credit card points or miles is with the right credit card. Here are some of our favorite options from each issuer:

• American Express Membership Rewards: American Express Platinum Card®
• Bilt: Bilt Palladium Card (see rates and fees)
• Capital One miles: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Ultimate Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
• Citi ThankYou Rewards: Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees)
• Wells Fargo Rewards: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey® Card (see rates and fees)

Related: How I transitioned from cash-back rewards to my points and miles card strategy

Airline transfer partners

*You can transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points to most partners at a 1:1 ratio with certain Citi cards, including the Citi Prestige® Card, the Citi Strata Elite Card and the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees). Rewards with other Citi cards transfer at a 1:0.7 ratio to most partners.

**The Capital One Venture X Business transfer to Emirates at a 4:3 ratio. All other transferable Capital One cards transfer at a 1:1 ratio.

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.

There are a few important notes to highlight regarding these transfer partners:

• Many transfers are instantaneous, though you should check out our guides to transfer times for American Express, Bilt, Capital One, Chase and Wells Fargo for more details.
• You can transfer Avios between Aer Lingus AerClub, British Airways Club, Finnair Plus, Iberia Club, Loganair Loyalty, Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Vueling Club accounts at a 1:1 ratio. Transfers are generally instant and can be reversed if needed.
• Programs occasionally offer transfer bonuses, which we highlight in our frequently updated guide to transfer bonuses.

Marriott Bonvoy points also transfer to more than 35 airline loyalty programs, generally at a rate of 3 Bonvoy points to 1 airline point or mile. Many overlap with the programs listed above, though Marriott does not partner with every program in the table.

You will receive an additional 5,000 airline points or miles for every 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred to most partners, except American Airlines AAdvantage, Avianca Lifemiles and Delta SkyMiles. United MileagePlus awards 10,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred.

Related: Should you transfer hotel points to airline partners?

Hotel transfer partners

***The hotel ratios shown are for premium Citi cards. Other eligible Citi cards transfer to Accor Live Limitless at a 1:0.35 ratio, Choice Privileges at a 1:1.05 ratio, Leaders Club at a 1:0.14 ratio, I Prefer Hotel Rewards at a 1:1.4 ratio and Wyndham Rewards at a 1:0.7 ratio.

****Bilt Points currently transfer to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. This will change to 4:3 on Jan. 1, 2027.

*****World of Hyatt transfers remain 1:1 for Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ cardholders. They transfer at a 4:3 ratio for those with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card or the legacy Ink Plus® Business Credit Card.

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

As with transfers to airline partners, most transfers to hotel partners are instantaneous, though you can read more in our previously mentioned guides to transfer times for Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Wells Fargo.

Related: Why you should master a few credit card transfer partners, and (most likely) leave the rest behind

Rail transfer partners

How to earn transferable points or miles

You can add one of these popular cards from the top issuers to earn transferable points or miles. Here's a look at these options, broken down by issuer.

American Express Membership Rewards

These are the most popular cards that earn American Express Membership Rewards points:

• American Express Platinum Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• American Express® Gold Card
• American Express® Business Gold Card

You can also earn Amex Membership Rewards points by signing up for Rakuten and setting your earning preference to Membership Rewards points instead of cash back.

You can transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to 16 airlines and four hotel partners. Three of our favorite Amex transfer partners are Air France-KLM Flying Blue, British Airways Club and Delta SkyMiles.

Bilt

There are three cards that earn Bilt Points:

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

You don't need a Bilt card to earn Bilt points. You can also earn this currency by signing up for the Bilt loyalty program, linking your non-Bilt cards and transacting with certain Bilt partners (such as Bilt Dining restaurants).

Bilt has 19 airline partners (including Virgin Red), seven hotel partners and one rail partner. Some of the best-value options include Atmos Rewards and World of Hyatt.

Capital One miles

Here are the cards that currently earn transferable Capital One miles:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture Business
• Capital One Venture X Business
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business (no longer available)
• Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business (no longer available)

Capital One miles transfer to 15-plus loyalty program partners. Our favorites include Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Singapore KrisFlyer and Virgin Red.

The information for the Capital One Spark Miles for Business and the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Here are the cards that earn fully transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points:

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

However, if you have one of these cards, you can also combine your rewards from cash-back cards like the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) in a single account, effectively converting those cash-back earnings into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to 10 airlines and four hotel loyalty programs. Some of the highest-value Chase transfer partners include Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt.

Citi ThankYou Rewards

These are the cards that earn Citi ThankYou Rewards points, which transfer to most partners at a 1:1 ratio:

• Citi Prestige
• Citi Strata Elite
• Citi Strata Premier

However, as with Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can combine your Citi ThankYou Rewards points in a single account for select products. This unlocks the full transfer ratios. If you transfer from one of these cards without holding a premium Citi card, you'll get a 1:0.7 transfer ratio to most partners:

• Citi Custom Cash® Card
• Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees)
• Citi Strata℠ Card (see rates and fees)

Citi points can be transferred to 16 airlines (including Virgin Red) and five hotel loyalty programs. Some of our favorites include American Airlines AAdvantage and Wyndham Rewards.

The information for the Citi Custom Cash 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.

Wells Fargo Rewards

Though Wells Fargo offers multiple credit cards, including several that earn cash rewards, you can currently only earn transferable Wells Fargo Rewards points with the following cards:

• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
• Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (see rates and fees)

Wells Fargo Rewards points can be transferred to nine airlines (including Virgin Red) and two hotel loyalty programs. Some highlights include Air France-KLM Flying Blue, British Airways Club and Iberia Club.

Related: How to choose the best credit card for you

Bottom line

Many transfer options are available among the major credit card loyalty programs. Transferable points and miles are generally more valuable than any single airline, hotel or rail currency because they give you the added flexibility to choose where to send your rewards — and when to do it.

Bookmark this cheat sheet so you know your options when applying for your next transferable points- or miles-earning credit card or deciding on your next redemption.

Related: These apps and websites make award redemptions easier to find

Bilt offers several ways to redeem Bilt Points, but transferring them to airline and hotel loyalty programs can be one of the most valuable options.

With partners including United MileagePlus, Atmos Rewards and Hilton Honors, Bilt members can use their points to book everything from domestic flights to international business-class seats and luxury hotel stays.

However, not all transfer partners offer the same value, and choosing the right program can make a significant difference in how far your points go.

Here's everything you need to know about Bilt's transfer partners, including the available programs, transfer ratios and some of the best ways to redeem your points.

Who are Bilt's transfer partners?

Bilt partners with 18 airline loyalty programs, giving members plenty of options for redeeming their points for flights.

You can transfer Bilt Points to the following airline programs:

• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• Atmos Rewards (Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines)
• Avianca Lifemiles
• British Airways Club
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
• Emirates Skywards
• Etihad Guest
• Iberia Club
• Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club
• Southwest Rapid Rewards
• TAP Miles&Go
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
• United MileagePlus
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Bilt also partners with seven hotel loyalty programs:

• Accor Live Limitless (3:2 transfer ratio)
• Hilton Honors
• I Prefer Hotel Rewards (1:2 transfer ratio)
• IHG One Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy
• World of Hyatt (1:1 ratio, but will decrease to 4:3 on Jan. 1, 2027)
• Wyndham Rewards

Additionally, Bilt Points transfer to Amtrak Guest Rewards at a 2:1 ratio.

Unless otherwise noted, Bilt Points transfer to these programs at a 1:1 ratio. That means 1,000 Bilt Points generally become 1,000 airline miles or hotel points.

Related: Bilt adds Amtrak as its first rail transfer partner

How long do Bilt Points transfers take?

Most transfers from Bilt to its partner programs are instantaneous. TPG's tests have found that Bilt Points typically arrive in partner loyalty accounts within minutes.

This is important when booking award flights or hotel stays, since award availability can change quickly. However, transfer times aren't guaranteed, so it's always best to confirm availability before transferring your points.

To help avoid delays, make sure the name on your Bilt account matches the name on your airline or hotel loyalty account. It's also a good idea to create and link your loyalty program accounts in advance, rather than waiting until you're ready to book an award.

Related: These 14 apps and websites make award redemptions easier to find

How do you transfer Bilt Points to partners?

You can transfer Bilt Points to airline and hotel loyalty partners through the Bilt app or website.

First, log in to your Bilt account, navigate to the "Rewards" tab and select "Transfer." From there, you'll see a list of available transfer partners.

Select your desired airline or hotel loyalty program and link your account if you haven't already done so. Then, enter the number of Bilt Points you want to transfer and confirm the transaction.

Note that there is a minimum point transfer of 2,000 Bilt Points for members who are Blue Status and a minimum point transfer of 1,000 Bilt Points for members who are Silver, Gold or Platinum Bilt Status. Additionally, all transfers must be done in 1,000-point increments.

Keep in mind that Bilt transfers are irreversible, so it's best to confirm award availability and have a specific redemption in mind before transferring your points.

What are the best Bilt transfer partners?

The best Bilt transfer partner for you will depend on your travel plans, preferred airlines and hotels and award availability. However, some programs offer particularly valuable redemption opportunities.

One standout is World of Hyatt, which uses an award chart and offers opportunities to book high-end properties for significantly fewer points than you might expect based on cash rates. Hyatt award nights start at just 3,000 points, making it a solid option for both budget-friendly and luxury stays. Keep in mind that Bilt's 1:1 transfer ratio to Hyatt will decrease to 4:3 on Jan. 1, 2027.

While this will make Hyatt transfers less valuable, the program should remain a worthwhile option for Bilt members, particularly when cash rates are high.

Atmos Rewards is another valuable option. The joint loyalty program of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offers access to an extensive network of airline partners, including American Airlines and other Oneworld carriers. This is a useful work-around since Bilt doesn't transfer directly to American AAdvantage.

Depending on the route and award availability, you can find one-way business-class flights between the U.S. and Europe starting at 45,000 Atmos Rewards points.

Other worthwhile options include Air Canada Aeroplan, which offers access to numerous Star Alliance partners, and Air France-KLM Flying Blue, which regularly offers discounted award flights through its monthly Promo Rewards.

Bilt also occasionally offers transfer bonuses, particularly during its monthly Rent Day promotions. These can make certain partners even more appealing, so it's worth checking for available bonuses before transferring your points.

What are Bilt points worth?

TPG values Bilt Points at 2.2 cents apiece, per our October 2026 valuations. This valuation reflects the value you can potentially get by transferring points to airline and hotel loyalty programs. At that rate, 10,000 Bilt Points are worth approximately $220.

However, the value you'll get depends on how you redeem your points. For example, you can redeem Bilt Points for travel through the Bilt Travel portal at 1.25 cents apiece, or put them toward a future home down payment at 1.5 cents apiece. That means 10,000 points would be worth $125 or $150, respectively.

Transferring Bilt Points to airline and hotel partners can be one of the best ways to maximize their value, particularly when booking expensive flights or hotel stays.

However, it's worth comparing your redemption options to determine which makes the most sense for your travel plans.

How can you earn Bilt Points?

You can earn Bilt Points through eligible rent and mortgage payments, everyday purchases and Bilt's network of neighborhood partners.

One way to maximize your earnings is by carrying a Bilt credit card. The following three cards earn transferable Bilt Points:

• Bilt Blue Card (see rates and fees): Earn 1 point per dollar spent on everyday purchases. This card has no annual fee (see rates and fees).
• Bilt Obsidian Card (see rates and fees): Earn 3 points per dollar spent on either dining or groceries (on up to $25,000 in grocery purchases annually), 2 points per dollar spent on travel and 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases. This card has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees).
• Bilt Palladium Card (see rates and fees): Earn 2 points per dollar spent on everyday purchases, excluding housing payments. This card has a $495 annual fee (see rates and fees).

All three cards also offer opportunities to earn up to 1.25 points per dollar spent on eligible rent and mortgage payments without transaction fees, depending on your selected rewards option and everyday spending.

TPG senior editorial director Summer Hull considers the Bilt Palladium Card one of her "favorite additions to her wallet in 2026", thanks to its ability to earn unlimited 2 points per dollar spent on everyday purchases and transfer those points to partners like Atmos Rewards.

You don't need a Bilt credit card to earn points, though. Bilt members can also earn rewards on eligible rent payments, bookings through the Bilt Travel Portal and purchases with participating Neighborhood Benefits partners, including restaurants, fitness studios and more.

To learn more, read our full review of the Bilt Blue, Bilt Obsidian and Bilt Palladium.

Related: Why you should still care about Bilt Rewards even if you don't want one of its credit cards

TPGers' favorite Bilt redemptions

TPG staffers have put Bilt's transfer partners to use for everything from short domestic flights to luxury hotel stays.

TPG credit cards editor Olivia Mittak recently transferred Bilt Points to Atmos Rewards to top off her account for a one-way Alaska Airlines flight from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Spokane International Airport (GEG). She redeemed just 5,000 Atmos Rewards points plus $5.60 in taxes and fees for a flight that would have otherwise cost $184.

That works out to approximately 3.6 cents per point, well above TPG's valuation of 2.2 cents per Bilt Point.

Meanwhile, TPG managing editor for loyalty programs, Lyndsey Matthews, transferred Bilt Points earned with her Bilt Palladium Card to Atmos Rewards for a last-minute trip to Key West, Florida.

She redeemed 12,500 Atmos Rewards points plus $18 in taxes and fees for a one-way American Airlines flight from New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Key West International Airport (EYW). The flight would have cost $331 in cash, giving her a redemption value of approximately 2.5 cents per point.

Finally, TPG principal spokesperson Clint Henderson transferred 130,000 Bilt Points to World of Hyatt to help book several hotel stays.

He combined those points with existing Hyatt points and transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to book stays at properties including the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. At this property, he redeemed 70,000 points for two nights that would have cost $2,900 in cash — a value of approximately 4.1 cents per point.

Related: Why all travelers should earn transferable credit card points

Bottom line

With more than two dozen airline, hotel and rail transfer partners, Bilt members have a variety of options for using their points toward travel.

However, not every transfer will offer the same value. Before moving your Bilt Points to a partner program, compare award rates with cash prices, check for available transfer bonuses and confirm that the flight or hotel you want to book is available.

Since transfers are irreversible, it's generally best to have a specific redemption in mind before moving your points.

Related: Guide to the best Bilt cards

It may be smack dab in the center of Perth, but Como The Treasury feels more like a spa retreat than your average city hotel.

Part of its idiosyncrasy is because, rather than occupying a modern tower, it is located in the sprawling State Buildings, which were constructed between 1875-1959 and housed, as you may have guessed from the name, the former State Treasury of Western Australia, the Land Titles office and the Post Office, among other official outposts.

But this luxurious redoubt, which opened in 2015, has zen-like interiors courtesy of Australian design firm Kerry Hill Architects, an impressive collection of contemporary Australian art and an oasis-like spa that will soothe away the aches and pains of the long journey required to get to Perth (from pretty much anywhere).

It's well worth going that distance, though, to luxuriate in the expansive guest accommodations and to enjoy an unhurried dinner composed of intriguing Australian ingredients at its signature restaurant, Wildflower.

That's just the beginning of what's in store during a stay at Como The Treasury Perth, though. Here's what else you can expect.

Know before you go

• The vibe: Colonial-era grandeur on the outside, well-curated contemporary art gallery on the inside mixed with the lively energy of the downtown work crowd drifting through the public areas to grab coffee and lunch during the day and cocktails and leisurely dinners by night.
• The location: The hotel is located in the middle of the city's central business district (CBD), across a square from the cathedral and the City of Perth Library, and within walking distance to Elizabeth Quay for ferries to Rottnest Island and major museums in the city's cultural precinct.
• Getting there: The hotel is approximately a 30-minute drive from Perth Airport (PER). Taxis and Ubers cost around 40-50 Australian dollars ($28-$35) each way.
• Parking: Limited valet parking is available for AU$80 ($56) per night.
• Size: There hotel has just 48 rooms and suites, including just two starter-level City rooms, while the rest are larger Heritage and Treasury rooms and suites, including some with features like balconies overlooking Cathedral Square.
• Food and drink: The two main restaurants associated with the hotel are the fine-dining Wildflower and more casual bistro Post (where breakfast is served), but guests can enjoy a handful of other restaurants attached to the property that are part of the State Buildings Precinct.
• Pet policy: Only service animals are allowed.

Rooms

Como The Treasury Perth has a mere 48 rooms. There are two in the smallest City category, which still measure up at a respectable 500 square feet. The rest are divided into Heritage and Treasury rooms, depending on their view and location, with categories including those with balconies as well as larger residential-style suites including two-bedroom Family Suites.

My Treasury Balcony room was located on the eastern facade of the building overlooking St. George's Cathedral and the architecturally interesting City of Perth Library.

It was a palatial 700 square feet including a huge bedroom with a breakfast table, a separate workdesk, a well-stocked minibar and French doors that opened up onto the private balcony.

The king-size bed was made up with crisp Egyptian cotton linens, and the overall palette of silver, taupe and cream lent the whole space a spa-like feel.

As did the enormous bathroom, which was tiled in travertine with a dramatic, oversize walk-in shower and an elliptical freestanding bathtub, all provisioned with Como's own Shambhala bath and body products.

The vast space felt like a cozy private sanctum in the center of the city, and once the blackout curtains were closed and the windows latched, it became the perfect respite for an undisturbed night's sleep.

Dining and drinking

Como The Treasury Perth is a dining destination unto itself thanks not only to the extraordinary menus of native Australian ingredients at Wildflower, but also because it is attached to the State Buildings Precinct, a vibrant public space with several restaurants, bars and cafes as well as a lovely little gift shop.

Wildflower

Located on the hotel's fourth-floor rooftop with beautiful views down to Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River and stunning murals depicting Western Australian flora by artist Valerie Sparks, Wildflower is one of the most unique restaurants in the city.

The menu changes six times a year in accordance with the traditional Indigenous seasons and many dishes feature native Australian ingredients. During my stay in August, we were in the midst of Djilba, which is a little like springtime, when plants start blooming and migratory birds begin to nest.

In addition to a diverse list of unique Australian wines from around the continent, we were treated to a multicourse tasting menu of dishes like luscious scallops from Esperance with shiitake mushrooms and finger limes; earthy sunchokes accompanied by desert lime, smoked egg yolk and grassy chive oil; line-caught snapper with artichoke, lemon myrtle and mellow vin jaune; and juicy lamb with herbaceous warrigal, asparagus and courgettes.

Dessert consisted of an 80% dark chocolate mousse with macadamia crumble, crunch black barley and banana. It was one of the most memorable dinners I've had in Australia over the course of nearly two decades of visits.

Post

Located adjacent to the hotel in the State Buildings, Post is a casual all-day bistro where hotel guests can enjoy sumptuous breakfasts as well as hearty but elegant lunch and dinner menus of Italian classics.

Breakfast included plates of fresh fruit and pastry baskets then a choice of made-to-order dishes such as avocado toast (this is Australia, after all) on seed and nut bread and warming steel-cut porridge with cinnamon, almonds, honey and fruit compote, as well as a selection of coffee drinks, teas and fresh-pressed juices.

Cape Arid Rooms

The hotel has a series of small private rooms that feel like a cross between a study and a parlor where guests can partake of the "Artful Afternoon Tea" inspired by the colorful ink and watercolor paintings that adorn the walls by Australian artists Alex and Philippa Nikulinsky.

The State Buildings

Attached to the hotel, the State Buildings are a large public hub with several bars and restaurants that Como guests can also enjoy.

The venues include Long Chim for contemporary Thai in a buzzy setting, beer corner for brews and pub grub, the wine merchant for glasses of vino and small plates and Petition, which is more of an upscale brasserie where we dined on specialties like terrine of salmon and Shark Bay prawns with dill cream, cucumber and brioche; and lightly fried chicken with carrot and ginger puree and a side of Brussels sprouts.

Amenities and service

Como the Treasury Perth has several other fabulous amenities worth noting.

• First and foremost is an outpost of Como's Shambhala Spa, which is located near the lobby in the former 19th-century vaults. There, guests can indulge in treatments utilizing Como's own products as well as Australian lines like Sodashi and Rationale.
• There is a well-equipped gym and a long lap pool with moody city views through two-story floor-to-ceiling windows.
• The reception area is like a little art gallery and living room combined, where guests are greeted with a glass of Champagne at check-in and invited to lounge anytime they like.
• The gift shop carries adorable sundries from Australian craftspeople that make for excellent souvenirs.
• Service is professional, polished and polite, but with that genuine Australian warmth you'd expect.

How to book Como The Treasury Perth

Nightly rates at Como The Treasury Perth start at AU$747 ($520) per night for a City room, while the Treasury Balcony room I was in starts at AU$1,377 ($955).

Como The Treasury Perth is part of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, so if you have American Express Platinum Card® or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you can make a booking through amextravel.com and receive perks like availability-based upgrades, up to a $100 credit to use on-property during your stay for things like drinks or meals, complimentary daily breakfast for two and guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout.

Both cards now offer a semiannual $300 (up to $600 per calendar year) statement credit on prepaid stays at Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, so you could save $300 on a reservation at this hotel if you are able to take advantage of one of these cards' credits.

The hotel is also a member of Capital One's Premier Collection. So if you have the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture X Business, you can book a stay through Capital One Travel for value-added benefits like free daily breakfast for two, up to $100 in on-property experience credits and room upgrades (if available).

Related: Our favorite American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts around the world

Accessibility

Although it is located in a historic building, Como The Treasury Perth has ramps and elevators so that guests with mobility requirements can access all the guestroom floors and hotel amenities. There are rooms available with mobility, vision and hearing accessibility features. As always, though, it is best to contact the hotel directly to ensure that any accommodations or other spaces meet your specific requirements.

Checking out

Although Perth has other luxury hotels including a soaring Ritz-Carlton and the blingy Crown Tower, Como The Treasury Perth provides the city's most distinctive stay. The heritage buildings in which it housed create a truly unique setting, while the calm, capacious rooms, welcoming spa and an entire precinct of hopping bars and restaurants all create a truly inviting, engaging ambience for a special stay in the Western Australian capital.

Related reading:

• Best hotel credit cards
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• A comparison of luxury hotel programs from credit card issuers
• Which credit cards offer the most lucrative rewards for hotel stays?
• The best hotel rewards programs in the world

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.

With strong welcome offers currently available on all three cards, now could be a good time to consider applying if you regularly fly Alaska or Hawaiian.

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 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

Based on TPG's October 2026 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,938 when you include the value of the 25,000-point Global Companion Award. This is one of the strongest offers we've seen in the card's history, making it a great time to apply, so long as you can meet the minimum spend requirement.

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 card also offers an ongoing 25,000-point Global Companion Award 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 up to 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare: Earn 60,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Earn an additional 20,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 on purchases, also in the first 90 days from account opening.

TPG's valuations place this offer up to $1,240, plus the value of the Companion Fare. This is one of the strongest offers we've seen in the card's history, so now is a great time to apply.

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 Ascent offers a lower-cost way to earn Atmos Rewards points while receiving practical airline benefits. For travelers who fly Alaska or Hawaiian a few times each year, the free checked-bag benefit and priority boarding could help justify the $95 annual fee.

The welcome offer also includes a Companion Fare, which can provide additional value for travelers who regularly fly with someone else.

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 worth considering for small-business owners who regularly fly Alaska or Hawaiian and want to earn bonus points on common business expenses, including shipping, gas and local transit.

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 value premium perks and a faster path to status
• 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.

The Summit and Ascent currently have two strong offers, so now is a great time to apply if you have been eyeing either card.

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

Marriott is planning to open its latest safari camp in Tanzania's Serengeti, and it looks like a stunner.

Mereshi Safari Camp Serengeti, Autograph Collection will open in November, just a short drive from the Fort Ikoma airstrip in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park (your guide will be there to meet you with bottled water and chilled, scented towels). The camp is located on the traditional land of the Ikoma people and guests will be able to take advantage of daily game drives into the park to see its incredible wildlife.

The camp will have a total of 18 tented suites, each of which will comprise 775 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

Constructed of timber, stone and canvas, the tents are decorated with natural materials and traditional crafts including greenwood furniture and locally-sourced woven textiles and will feature east-facing private decks for prime sunrise views. Guests should also enjoy sumptuous beds and bracing outdoor showers.

Designed by the Arusha, Tanzania-based firm Dunia Designs (they also did Mapito Safari Camp Serengeti, Autograph Collection), the main lodge was inspired by indigenous acacia trees and will feature a bar and shared lounging and dining spaces. There will also be a private boma, or enclosed dining area, nearby, for firelit sundowners and dinners under the stars, and a deck overlooking a water feature as well as a small spa, a pool and fitness center and a curio shop for souvenirs.

The lodge's main restaurant, Mila, will be an indoor-outdoor space to keep guests connected with nature. It will serve breakfast after morning drives, family-style lunches and leisurely dinners after the dusk game drive.

Speaking of game drives, two shared game drives and guided walks per day along with refreshments are included in nightly rates, as are all meals, select alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, return transfers from either the Fort Ikoma or Seronera airstrips, a traditional boma dining experience and complimentary laundry and Wi-Fi.

Marriott's site lists the hotel as opening in November 2027, but bookings are currently open for Jan. 4, 2027, onward. Nightly rates start at $1,967 based on double occupancy, but award redemption rates are not yet published. That said, nightly award redemptions start at around 190,000 for its sister property, Mapito, so expect rates to fall in line with that.

From Jan. 4 through Mar. 27, the lodge is offering an opening rate special where you can earn 25,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible bookings using the following code: S2449.

Marriott first got into the safari sector back in 2023 when it opened the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. Since then it has opened a handful of other camps including the Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara, Kinara, A Luxury Collection Safari Camp, Masai Mara in Kenya (formerly the Mara Eden Safari Camp), Mapito Safari Camp and, most recently, the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, which was one of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2026.

Hopefully the other major chains will start getting into the game, so to speak, and it'll be easier than ever to redeem points for incredible wildlife experiences. If you end up booking Mereshi, leave us a comment and let us know how it is!

If cash back is your game, then the Discover it® Cash Back could be a good fit for you. Its easy-to-understand earning rates, straightforward reward redemptions and simple benefits will be a welcome sight for anyone seeking simplicity.

However, if you're looking for comprehensive travel benefits, bonus categories that cover a wide range of everyday purchases or access to transfer partners, this card may not be the right pick. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½

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

Discover it Cash Back: The basics

One of the main draws of the Discover it Cash Back is its rotating 5% cash back bonus categories. The cash back you earn on this card is easy to redeem, making it a solid option for beginners or anyone looking to simplify their rewards strategy.

You won't find extensive travel or lifestyle benefits on this card, but that's understandable given it charges no annual fee. You also won't pay foreign transaction fees on international purchases.

There's one important change to know about: Through 2027, Capital One is migrating Discover's card products into its system. New cardholders will be added to Capital One's network immediately, while existing cardholders will transition over time.

Existing cardholders will keep their current Discover benefits and earning rates throughout the transition. Once your account moves to Capital One, you'll also gain access to additional Capital One perks and earning opportunities discussed below.

Existing cardholders should keep an eye out for an email with details about when their account will migrate.

Discover it Cash Back pros and cons

Discover it Cash Back benefits

As a no-annual-fee card that can work well as a first credit card, the Discover it Cash Back doesn't offer comprehensive benefits. That's not necessarily a drawback, though, given there's no annual fee to justify year after year.

You'll receive standard benefits like fraud protection, free Social Security alerts and an instant virtual card, if eligible. Using the card responsibly, including paying on time and keeping your balances manageable, can also help you build credit over time.

Once your account is on Capital One's network, you'll also receive access to Capital One Offers, which can provide opportunities to earn additional cash back on purchases with select merchants.

If you're new to earning rewards, this card is an easy way to get used to earning and redeeming cash back. Once you're comfortable with your rewards card, you can move on to transferable rewards if you wish, or stick with the simplicity offered by cash back.

Related: Getting started with points, miles and credit cards to travel

How to earn and use your rewards

The Discover it Cash Back has a straightforward earning structure.

All cardholders earn:

• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter in rotating categories after activation, then 1%
• 1% cash back on other purchases

Discover announces its 5% bonus categories quarterly, so the purchases that earn the elevated rate change throughout the year.

• In Q3, drugstores, gas stations and transportation were the featured categories.
• In Q4, entertainment, restaurants and utilities are the featured categories.

If you don't have a card that earns bonus rewards on common everyday purchases, the Discover it Cash Back card still lets you earn rewards on a variety of purchases.

The downside is that you won't consistently earn in the same categories throughout the year, so the value you find in this card's 5% bonus category may fluctuate from quarter to quarter.

Once your account is on Capital One's network, you'll also earn:

• 5% cash back on hotels, rental cars and activities booked through Capital One Travel
• 5% cash back on tickets and events booked through Capital One Entertainment

This distinction is important for existing cardholders: You won't receive the new Capital One earning rates until your account has migrated.

Your rewards can be redeemed in a variety of ways, including for:

• Gift cards
• Purchases through Amazon.com or PayPal
• Statement credits
• Deposits into a checking or savings account

After your account migrates to Capital One, you'll also be able to use your rewards toward eligible bookings through Capital One Travel and Capital One Entertainment.

While you probably won't receive as much value as you would with transferable rewards, this is a great variety of options for cash back fans to take advantage of.

Where the Discover it Cash Back falls short

If you're looking for a card that earns transferable rewards, the Discover it Cash Back isn't it. In addition, those looking for perks like lounge access, elite status boosts and statement credits won't find them with this card.

The card is a better fit for cash-back fans who are willing to activate and maximize its rotating quarterly bonus categories.

Discover it Cash Back vs. Discover it Miles

The closest comparison to the Discover it Cash Back is the Discover it® Miles. While the Discover it Miles doesn't earn bonus rewards on everyday purchases like the Discover it Cash Back's rotating quarterly category, it earns more per dollar spent on nonbonus purchases.

With the Discover it Miles, you'll earn 1.5 miles per dollar spent, slightly higher than the Discover it Cash Back's 1% cash back rate. Despite the name, the "miles" you earn on the Discover it Miles are primarily designed for cash-back-style redemptions, such as statement credits or to offset eligible travel purchases.

Neither card charges an annual fee or foreign transaction fees, and both offer fairly standard perks like fraud protection. The better option for you will largely depend on whether you prefer rotating bonus categories or a stronger flat earnings rate.

Is the Discover it Cash Back worth it?

If you're looking for a basic starter card to build your credit or you want to keep your wallet simple with a strong cash-back card, the Discover it Cash Back could be the right choice for you. Just make sure its redemption options make sense for your lifestyle.

Since this card has no annual fee, it isn't one you have to worry about maximizing year after year to justify keeping. If you don't want to go through the effort of tracking quarterly bonus categories, however, this card may not be the right fit for you.

When to apply for the Discover it Cash Back

With the Discover it Cash Back, new cardholders can earn a $200 statement credit after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Additionally, Discover will automatically match all of the cash back you earn dollar-for-dollar in your first cardholder year.

That means your reward rates effectively become 10% (on up to $1,500 of combined spending each quarter you activate for the rotating categories) and 2% cash back, respectively, for the first year.

That's an incredible return on Capital One Entertainment, Capital One Travel and rotating category spend and significantly higher than what you'll find on virtually any other card.

This is the best offer we've seen on the Discover it Cash Back. Discover rarely offers elevated bonuses on this card, so now is a fantastic time to apply.

Other cards to consider if you don't want the Discover it Cash Back

If the Discover it Cash Back isn't right for your wallet, consider one of these other options instead:

• If you want stronger nonbonus earnings without giving up bonus categories: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) earns 3% cash back on dining and at drugstores, plus 1.5% cash back on all nonbonus spending. To learn more, check out our full review of the Freedom Unlimited.
• If you want a rotating category card with more bonus categories: The Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) earns 5% back on up to $1,500 in spending each quarter you activate on rotating categories, plus 3% back on dining and at drugstores. To learn more, check out our full review of the Freedom Flex.
• If you want a cash-back card with a high earning rate for nonbonus spending: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay off your bill). That's one of the highest cash-back earning rates for nonbonus spending. To learn more, check out our full review of the Double Cash.

For additional options, check out our picks for the best cash-back credit cards.

Bottom line

The Discover it Cash Back is a strong no-annual-fee option for cardholders willing to keep track of rotating 5% cash back bonus categories. While these bonus categories share a quarterly spending cap, most cardholders should be able to maximize it to earn significantly more rewards on qualifying purchases.

Cashback Match also makes the first year particularly rewarding, while the card's transition to Capital One is adding new earning and redemption opportunities.

Whether you're just getting started with credit cards or you're a seasoned pro looking to dabble in cash back, the Discover it Cash Back is worth keeping on your radar.

New Discover it Cash Back cardholders will receive the new Capital One features immediately, while existing cardholders will gain access once their accounts migrate.

Learn more: Discover it Cash Back

Transferable rewards currencies, such as American Express Membership Rewards points, Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Citi ThankYou Rewards points and Bilt Points, consistently rank as some of the most valuable rewards in our monthly valuations. What makes these rewards particularly valuable is their ability to be transferred to various airline and hotel programs.

If you look at our valuations, you'll notice that transferable rewards are generally worth more than the airline miles and hotel points you can transfer them to. For example, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio. But because our October 2026 valuations value Chase points at 2.05 cents each and Virgin points at 1.5 cents each, you might think you're losing 0.55 cents per point with this transfer.

However, that doesn't mean you're actually losing value when you transfer points. These valuations are estimates, and the value you'll get from a specific redemption could be much higher or lower. So, here's why transferable points are worth more than other types of rewards.

Protect against individual program devaluations

With so many devaluations, it's no secret that points and miles are a poor long-term investment. That's why we don't recommend hoarding points and miles. But if you want to build a stash of rewards for an upcoming trip, one of the best ways to protect yourself against devaluations is by earning transferable rewards.

If you have a large balance of points or miles in a single loyalty program, a significant devaluation could substantially reduce the value of your rewards. But transferable rewards can help protect you against devaluations in individual airline and hotel loyalty programs.

If one transfer partner increases its award rates, you may still get good value by transferring your rewards to another program. And because some airline and hotel programs partner with multiple transferable rewards currencies, you may have several ways to earn the points or miles you need for a particular redemption.

Of course, transferable rewards aren't immune to devaluations, either, as issuers can change transfer partners, transfer ratios and redemption options.

It's generally best to keep your rewards in a transferable currency until you've found an award you want to book. Most transfers to airline and hotel programs are irreversible, so you'll lose flexibility once you move your points or miles. Before transferring, confirm that the award you want is available and that you're happy with the redemption value.

Related: Credit card transfer partners: Guide to transferring points and miles to airlines and hotels

Flexibility to choose the best redemption

Transferable rewards also give you more flexibility than any single airline or hotel loyalty program.

For example, if you've been earning Delta SkyMiles on the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you'll need to redeem those miles through the SkyMiles program. Although you can redeem Delta Air Lines miles for flights operated by some partner airlines, you're still limited to the award pricing and availability that Delta offers.

On the other hand, if you've been earning Ultimate Rewards points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), you could transfer your points to various programs — including Air France-KLM Flying Blue, British Airways Club and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club — or redeem them through the Chase Travel℠ portal to book a paid flight.

Likewise, if you earn American Express Membership Rewards points with a card like the American Express® Gold Card, you can transfer your points to multiple airline and hotel loyalty programs instead of being limited to a single program.

Some transferable rewards programs also let you redeem points or miles for cash back, statement credits or other rewards, although these redemption options usually give you a lower redemption value.

Related: Travel to Europe using points and miles: How to redeem your rewards for flights

Transfer bonuses

Transferable rewards currencies routinely offer transfer bonuses that let you transfer your rewards at a better ratio. For example, if a program normally transfers at a 1:1 ratio, a 20% transfer bonus would let you convert 10,000 transferable points or miles into 12,000 airline miles or hotel points. That means you'd need fewer transferable points to book the same award.

Depending on what's available when you're ready to book, a favorable transfer bonus may boost the value you can get from your transferable rewards. However, it's still important to compare award prices and availability before transferring, as a transfer bonus doesn't necessarily make a redemption worthwhile.

Bottom line

Transferable rewards are valuable because they give you options. Instead of being locked into a single airline or hotel loyalty program, you can compare award prices across multiple programs, take advantage of transfer bonuses and choose how to redeem your rewards when you're ready to book.

Although transferable rewards aren't immune to devaluations, their flexibility makes them some of the most valuable rewards you can earn.

Hilton is making it easier than ever to use your points to pay for charges on your stay, and you don't even have to go to the front desk to do it.

Hilton has launched the new "Pay with Points" program, offering Hilton Honors members the chance to use points to pay for part their bill while using digital checkout in the Hilton Honors App.

But there's a caveat: Pay with Points is only available to elite members with Hilton Honors Silver, Gold, Diamond or Diamond Reserve status.

Pay with Points is initially rolling out to 150 properties participating in the program across the United States. At this time, Hilton was unable to share a list of those properties but a Hilton Honors spokesperson said that properties in all categories of the Hilton portfolio, including luxury, lifestyle and resort properties are participating, and that "eligible Hilton Honors members will be notified via prearrival email if the hotel is participating in the Pay with Points test."

The program is expected to expand to 800 properties by the end of the year and over 6,000 in 2027 throughout the U.S. and Canada.

If folks are eligible to use Pay with Points, any eligible charges on the bill, including food, drinks, spa and more, can be paid for digitally with points.

Now the question is: Is this a good use of Hilton Honors points? At the moment, Hilton is not sharing a specific points-to-dollar conversion rate, though the Hilton spokesperson told TPG that the program "gives Hilton Honors members more flexibility to use their Points in the way that works best for them."

Hilton, it seems, is the first major loyalty program to offer the chance to use points digitally to pay for incidental charges, but Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt members have ways to do it as well — and with a fixed rate.

World of Hyatt members can "redeem points for a pre-determined dollar value award that can be used as a credit toward eligible redemption charges in participating Hyatt outlets," according to Hyatt's website. Hyatt has its own conversion chart where 1,000 World of Hyatt points converts into $10 to use towards the bill at physical checkout. If you need less than $75, each points is valued at 1 cent, with better redemption value at higher tiers (up to a maximum value of about 1.5 cents per point). It's not great and also not terrible; TPG values World of Hyatt points in October 2026 at 1.65 cents per point.

Marriott Bonvoy members can do the same, using a fixed chart with pretty low per-point value: 250 Marriott Bonvoy points convert to $1, 2,500 points convert to $10, and 25,000 points convert to $100 for a fixed rate of 0.4 cents per point, which is well below TPG's October 2026 valuation for Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.75 cents apiece.

Whether Hilton Honors Pay with Points is a good value or not remains to be seen, but what is good is seeing the program give members more choice for how they pay and a convenient way to do so.

"Our Hilton Honors members have told us they want more flexibility when it comes to using those points," Brad Anderson, vice president of Hilton Honors, said in a statement. "They can already redeem them for free night stays or money-can't-buy experiences around the world. Pay with Points introduces another digitally-enabled tool to our members, reducing the friction of travel and providing them with the choice and control that they value."

Bottom line

Elite Hilton Honors members can now pay for incidental charges at select hotels using points and the Hilton Honors app. While the value of those points is unclear, as is the current list of properties where this option is available, Hilton deserves credit for giving members more flexibility for points redemptions.

Related reading:

• How to pick the right Hilton card for your travel style
• The 22 best Hilton hotels in the world
• 7 ways to redeem points with the Hilton Honors program
• The best Hilton credit cards

Skagway is a tiny town with a larger-than-life history.

Nestled at the northern end of Lynn Canal, a 2,000-foot-deep fjord that extends for 90 miles through Alaska's Inside Passage, Skagway was thrust onto the world stage during the frantic Klondike Gold Rush of 1898.

Tens of thousands of stampeders arrived here from Seattle and beyond using what was then a remote outpost as the jumping-off point for the arduous journey into Canada's Yukon. Almost overnight, Skagway transformed from a patch of forest into a rough-and-ready boomtown of saloons, gaming parlors and brothels, with a population topping 20,000.

The frenzy was short lived. By the summer of 1899, the boom had ended, and most fortune seekers moved on to Nome and other areas or returned home, leaving behind a town of just 700 residents.

More than a century later, Skagway still only has about 1,100 current residents. But its popularity as an Alaska cruise port has never been greater. The compact historic center is lined with brightly painted heritage buildings that house galleries, souvenir shops, restaurants and bars — all within easy walking distance of the harborfront

Today, Skagway blends colorful Gold Rush history with spectacular scenery and outdoor adventure. You can ride the legendary White Pass & Yukon Route Railway into the mountains, hike sections of the original stampeders trail or simply wander the lively downtown streets soaking up the town's distinctive personality.

Here's everything you need to know before visiting one of Alaska's most memorable cruise ports.

Related: The 10 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Things TPG loves about Skagway

• It has an authentic, old-fashioned gold rush vibe, thanks to downtown's handsome historic buildings.
• Visitors have the chance to go on an epic train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.
• There is easy access to wilderness in both Alaska and northwestern British Columbia and the Yukon in Canada.

What we could do without

• The tiny downtown can feel quite crowded when multiple ships dock at once.
• Even in summer, the weather in Skagway can change quickly, and chilly winds and rain clouds sometimes funnel through Lynn Canal.

Skagway fast facts

• Language: English.
• Currency: U.S. dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted.
• Weather and packing: Expect daytime highs in the 60s during peak cruise season (June to August), with cooler mornings and evenings. Rain showers are common even on sunny days. It's a good idea to pack layers and a waterproof jacket and to wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes.
• Time zone: Skagway is on Alaska Standard Time, which is an hour behind U.S. Pacific Standard Time, and it observes daylight saving time.

Arrival details

Up to four cruise ships can dock simultaneously at Skagway's port along Lynn Canal. The port has several berths, all within walking distance of downtown. Broadway Dock and Ore Dock are the closest, just a five- to 10-minute walk. Railroad Dock is the furthest and the one most often used by megaships. From here, it's about a 10- to 15-minute walk into town, though complimentary cruise line shuttles are often available.

Skagway's low-cost SMART shuttle also runs between Railroad Dock and downtown for around $3 one-way. Many shore excursions depart directly from the piers. If you're taking an excursion that crosses into Canada (the border is just 15 miles north of town), be sure to bring your passport with you.

Top things to do in Skagway cruise port

You can get a good sense of Skagway's easygoing personality and engaging gold rush history in an hour or two by walking from the cruise docks into downtown. Most passengers combine a stroll through this atmospheric community with a meal at a convivial restaurant and a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway (or some other outdoorsy adventure).

Brush up on history

As you walk into town from your ship, the Skagway Centennial Statue at the corner of Broadway and First Avenue in Centennial Park is a good place to start. Across the street, stop by the beautifully restored White Pass & Yukon Railway Depot, an 1898 building that now serves as the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park museum. The museum's photos, films, memorabilia and well-crafted exhibits tell the story of the wild stampede for gold that led to the town's founding.

As you make your way north up Broadway, you can admire many of the town's most striking historic buildings, some of which date all the way back to the 1898 gold rush. These include the rollicking Red Onion Saloon and the gilt-dome Golden North Hotel (inside which you'll find Corrington's Museum of Alaskan History, with its impressive collection of carved-ivory scrimshaw).

The Arctic Brotherhood Hall, one of the most eye-catching structures you'll pass, was built in 1900 using nearly 9,000 pieces of driftwood. Inside, you'll find a visitor center run by the town's tourism office. Nearby, the stately Skagway Museum contains exhibits that provide an overview of the town's history beyond just the gold rush era, from Native American artifacts to artwork from more recent times. Inside the historic Eagles Hall, you can attend a performance of "The Days of '98 with Soapy Smith," an over-the-top history burlesque of sorts (complete with a can-can dance revue) that's been performed here since 1923. You can also take a peek inside the Moore Cabin, the town's oldest building (dating to 1887), which is administered by the National Park Service.

If you're looking to stretch your legs a bit more, walk or take the city bus to Gold Rush Cemetery, at the north end of downtown, where you can see the gravesites of Soapy Smith, Frank Reid and other pioneers. From here, it's just a few minutes' stroll beneath a dense canopy of trees to view the refreshing cascades at Lower Reid Falls.

Connect with nature

If you've booked a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, head to the station at Broadway and Second Avenue, where trains depart. This narrow-gauge railway climbs almost 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, offering views of waterfalls, glaciers and trestle bridges.

Visitors who have an extra hour or two can make the short side trip to Dyea (pronounced dye-EE), about 7 miles west of downtown. There, you can hike a bit of the Chilkoot Trail, a legendary 33-mile route that prospectors once used to make their way into Canada's Yukon. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park administers Dyea and offers tours of this noteworthy historic site.

Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Popular Skagway excursions

By far, the most popular shore excursions involve a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. However, there are many other rugged, outdoorsy adventures, such as zip-lining and hiking, as well as easygoing history tours.

Train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

A variety of excursions include a scenic ride aboard one of the restored or replica vintage rail cars that have been plying these narrow-gauge tracks since 1898. The most popular option is a roughly three-hour narrated round-trip excursion through the verdant landscape up to the 2,865-foot White Pass Summit, at the U.S.-Canada border.

Longer options, lasting up to a full day, continue farther into British Columbia and the Yukon and generally cost $200 to $300 or more per adult. Many combine the train ride with add-ons such as bus tours, ghost town visits, gold-panning at a historic prospector's camp, visits to First Nations communities, salmon bakes and barbecues or a bike ride along a stretch of the Klondike Highway.

Helicopter landing on a glacier

Although not as famous as Juneau for this activity, Skagway has become an increasingly popular port for glacier touring. These trips last about two hours and include a helicopter ride over the northern end of the enormous Juneau Icefield for a bird's-eye view over Chilkat, Ferebee, Meade and other dramatic glaciers before landing on a glacier for a short walk.

You can also book a more deluxe version of this trip, the highlight of which is a dogsledding experience on Denver Glacier, during which you'll interact with the dogs and their puppies, meet with competitive Iditarod racers, and watch a mushing demonstration across the ice. Prices start at about $439 per person for a glacier landing and walk, while helicopter tours that include a visit to a dogsledding camp on Denver Glacier generally start around $599 per person and can exceed $800 per person when booked through a cruise line.

Musher's camp with sled dogs

Visit a musher's camp in historic Dyea to learn about dogsledding, which has a long and venerable tradition in Alaska. This is a dry-land experience (there's no snow), and typically costs $165 to $210 per person. Huskies lead you down an exhilarating mile-long trail through Tongass National Forest. Some tours offer the addition of a gold-panning experience.

Zip line adventures

This is a great choice for adrenaline seekers. Tour options include a 20-minute van ride north of town to a rainforest adventure park with a ropes course and six zip lines that whizz you through the surrounding treetops. Fares range from about $160 to $215 per person.

Another option takes you on a half-day trip to Dyea for $260 per adult. Ride an all-wheel-drive Unimog up a rugged mountain road through a lush rainforest to Grizzly Falls. From here, you'll make your way back down the mountainside via a course of 10 zip lines and four suspension bridges.

Hike along the Chilkoot Trail with a river float

On this moderately strenuous half-day adventure costing $180 to $200 per person, you'll hike a dramatic stretch of historic Chilkoot Trail used by stampeders during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. Then, you'll hop into an inflatable raft for a leisurely, picturesque float journey down the Taiya River to the estuary at Dyea. Note: There are no rapids or white water on this section of the river.

Related: Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

Best Skagway outdoor activities near the cruise port

It's easy to get out and explore nature on your own within a short distance of the cruise docks. There are a few popular rambles that take just an hour or two to complete and are great for families and hikers seeking a mellow outing.

Walking to Yakutania Point and Smuggler's Cove

This easy 1 1/2-mile, out-and-back trek along a level trail begins downtown at the south end of Skagway's small airport. It crosses a scenic pedestrian bridge and then bends around a rocky, wooded peninsula with dramatic vistas of Lynn Canal.

Hiking to Lower Dewey Lake

The simplest version of this experience involves hiking about half a mile from downtown to the edge of narrow Lower Dewey Lake, which is flanked by rising forested hills on each side. If you want to experience even more awesome panoramas, make a complete circumnavigation of this serene lake. The full loop from downtown is about 3 1/2 miles, and the trail switches back steeply at one point, with an overall elevation gain of around 800 feet.

Renting a bike

Sockeye Cycle, which is right in downtown Skagway, rents e-bikes and a wide variety of road and mountain bikes. You can use them to explore the area, whether right in town, out to Dyea or up the Klondike Highway to White Pass. It also offers a range of cycling tours. Klondike Electric Bicycles is another e-bike rental option.

Hiking to Laughton Glacier

For a glacier experience that you can manage at your own pace, book a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway; hop out at Glacier Station (mile 14), and then hike for several miles on a moderately challenging eight-mile, out-and-back trail to Laughton Glacier. This is a full-day adventure, so it's only feasible if your ship is in port for at least nine hours. You could also do a quicker (though more expensive) hike to Laughton by booking a flightseeing helicopter ride to Glacier Station with Packer Expeditions and then returning by train.

Related: One-way Alaska cruises vs. round-trip: Which is best?

How to get around Skagway on your own

• On foot: Downtown Skagway is compact, and it's an easy five- to 10-minute walk from the cruise docks.
• Bus: There are no taxis or ride-hailing services in this tiny town, but Skagway Municipal and Regional Transit buses run between the cruise docks and downtown all day while ships are in port; the fare is $3 one-way or $5 for an all-day ticket. Additionally, the Skagway Street Car Company offers narrated 90-minute tours of the town's historic sites and attractions on restored bright-yellow 1920s buses.
• Car: There are a few car rental agencies in town, but daily rates are steep ($250 and up during the cruise ship season), and inventory is limited. For a day visit, a car isn't really necessary unless you want to embark on your own road trip up the Klondike Highway into Canada. Carcross, Yukon, is the nearest town of interest (about 90 minutes from Skagway); it's another hour to Yukon's capital, Whitehorse. Cruise ships generally visit Skagway for around eight to 12 hours, so a longer drive is doable, but try to book a few weeks before the day your cruise will be in port to ensure availability.

Skagway restaurants near the cruise port

For a small town, Skagway punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. Expect consistently good food and a convivial old-school atmosphere in the town's restaurants.

In addition to pouring first-rate IPAs, Belgian dark ales and heady barley wines, the warmly lit Skagway Brewing Company prepares some of the tastiest gastropub fare in town; consider the pork belly kimchi burger or macaroni and cheese with rock crab. A rowdy gold rush-era brothel that's now a full-service tavern, the Red Onion Saloon is justly celebrated for its 16-inch pizzas, cold beer and saucy atmosphere. For creative farm-to-table cooking in a dapper dining room, book a table at Olivia's Bistro, inside the Historic Skagway Inn.

For more casual bites, head to Peppers Street Fusion for hefty California-style burritos and street tacos with intriguing fillings like chimichurri halibut and chorizo with corn salsa. At 1898 Burgers N' Shakes, you can get mammoth smash burgers topped with smoked salmon and green chiles, as well as milkshakes in offbeat flavors like rhubarb and spruce tip.

Overlooking the town's picturesque small boat harbor, The Skagway Fish Company and the Salty Siren are top choices for succulent local shellfish and finfish.

Skagway dishes to try

This is yet another Inside Passage port that's ideal for sampling wild Alaskan seafood, from halibut chowder to smoked salmon pate to King crab bisque.

Alaskan fry bread, which is served hot and dusted with cinnamon sugar, is a Skagway specialty. Folks line up for it at the funky Klondike Doughboy bakery, which is also a fine place to pick up local jams, honeys, birch syrup and taffy.

To sample another specialty of the Last Frontier, stop by the adorable Skagway Weenie Wagon food truck for a reindeer sausage hot dog topped with grilled onions. And for a sip of pure Alaskan goodness, order a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale — savoring its citrusy and piney notes — at the Skagway Brewing Company.

Skagway cruise port shopping

Steps from the cruise docks, Broadway is lined with boutiques and galleries for about six blocks, starting at Centennial Park. You'll find old-fashioned mercantiles, jewelry shops, trading posts and crafts galleries along this stretch; Indigenous-owned Wild Yukon Furs and BearHead Photography Gallery are among the most popular and reputable spots. Popular keepsakes and wares include carvings, art and beadwork by Native Alaskan and First Nations artists, and jewelry that incorporates locally mined gold nuggets as well as ivory scrimshaw and jade.

Free things to do in Skagway cruise port

One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Skagway without spending anything is to stroll through the historic downtown, admiring the colorfully painted gold rush-era buildings and visiting the free Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Other free-admission spots are downtown's Pullen Creek StreamWalk (where you can spy salmon valiantly fighting their way upstream during their late-summer runs), Yakutania Point via the Skagway River Footbridge and the historic Gold Rush Cemetery.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Skagway Fast Facts

Does the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway sell out?

Yes, especially the White Pass Summit Excursion, which often sells out during peak summer sailings. Book ahead through your cruise line's shore excursion desk or directly with the railway rather than waiting to buy tickets in port.

Do I need my passport for excursions that stay in the U.S.?

No. You won't need a passport for excursions that remain in Alaska, such as the standard White Pass Summit round-trip, musher camp visits, zip-lining adventures or Chilkoot Trail hike-and-float tours. However, bring your passport if your excursion crosses into British Columbia or the Yukon, including Fraser and Carcross rail extensions and drives along the Klondike Highway.

How much port time do I need for the full Yukon rail excursion?

Longer train excursions that continue into Fraser or Carcross can take most of the day. Since Skagway port calls typically last eight to 12 hours, these trips are usually feasible, but check your ship's arrival and all-aboard times before booking to ensure you have a comfortable buffer.

Do I need to hire a car to see Skagway in a day?

No. Downtown Skagway is within easy walking distance of the cruise pier, and most major attractions and shore excursions include transportation to and from the port.

Bottom line

Tiny though it is, Skagway delivers an outsize Alaska experience and a fascinating glimpse into its gold rush days. Breathtaking mountain scenery that you can soak up from an iconic vintage railway journey is another great reason to choose a cruise itinerary that calls on this welcoming little town.

The Capital One Venture X Business is a compelling choice for collecting rewards on all business-related purchases and enjoying top-tier travel perks — all for a reasonable annual fee.

If you're a business owner looking for a fixed-rate rewards card to maximize multiple types of spending, few cards on the market are as straightforward. However, you'll want to factor in whether you'd rather maximize bonus categories or receive more business-related perks. If so, you may be better off with another business card.

But with useful travel benefits and consistent earning rates, I see the Venture X Business as a great option for many. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

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

Venture X Business: The basics

The Venture X Business is Capital One's top-tier travel rewards business card, earning transferable Capital One miles on purchases and providing solid benefits for cardholders. If you're familiar with the personal Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, the business version is essentially identical in terms of earning and benefits.

The Venture X Business card's perks include airport lounge access and an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.

The card earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases, with a pair of bonus categories that only apply to certain purchases made within the Capital One Business Travel portal.

You can redeem the miles you earn to offset travel purchases at a 1 cent per mile value, or you can potentially unlock more value by leveraging one of Capital One's 15-plus transfer partners.

These perks come for a $395 annual fee — modest considering the card's competition.

Related: Is the Venture X Business worth the $395 annual fee?

Venture X Business pros and cons

Venture X Business benefits

For a $395 annual fee, don't expect a long list of statement credits and extra benefits. However, the Venture X Business still provides excellent perks for business travelers.

Annual travel credit and bonus miles

These two benefits effectively offset the Venture X Business' annual fee on their own. The annual travel credit reduces the effective annual fee to $95 by slashing $300 off any booking made through Capital One Business Travel, the issuer's business travel portal.

I'd recommend using this statement credit for boutique hotel stays, car rentals or flights.

The Venture X Business also provides 10,000 bonus miles each year, beginning on your first anniversary. TPG's October 2026 valuations place the value of these miles at $185.

When you pair that value with the $300 travel credit, you receive $485 in total value, which more than offsets the card's annual fee.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit

Venture X Business cardholders receive up to $120 toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees. If you already have a card with this benefit, this perk is still useful. That's because you can use this credit for anyone as long as you pay the fee with your Venture X Business.

Lounge access

The Venture X Business provides access to Capital One's issuer lounge network. These lounges are located at:

• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C.
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City

Capital One is also planning to open an additional lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

Cardholders can also visit Capital One Landings, which offer a dining-focused alternative to traditional airport lounges, at:

• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington, D.C.

You can also add up to four authorized users with lounge access for $125 per year each.

Primary cardholders can bring up to two guests to Capital One lounges and one guest to Capital One Landings for free after spending at least $75,000 on their card in a calendar year.

You'll also receive unlimited access to 1,300-plus Priority Pass lounges worldwide for you and up to two guests.

Other benefits

There are multiple additional benefits cardholders can enjoy, including access to Capital One's Premier Collection and Lifestyle Collection hotels.

You'll also receive various travel and shopping protections, including:

• Emergency medical protection
• Extended warranty
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Purchase protection
• Ride-hailing protection (a unique benefit that includes coverage for covered property incidents, accidental death and accidental medical events while using ride-hailing services)
• Trip delay reimbursement

Business-related benefits on the Venture X Business include the ability to add employee cards for no additional cost (lounge access costs $125 each), access to itemized spending reports and no preset spending limits (which means you have to pay your bill in full each month).

Finally, this is a great card to use abroad since it charges no foreign transaction fees.

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

How to earn and use Capital One miles

Earning miles

The simple earning structure on the Venture X Business means you won't have to worry about whether your purchase falls in a bonus-earning category. You'll earn:

• 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel (18.5% return based on TPG's valuations)
• 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Business Travel (9.25% return)
• 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases (3.7% return)

However, if you spend a significant portion of your business budget in specific areas such as shipping and advertising, you may find the lack of business-related bonus categories to be limiting.

Redeeming miles

You'll usually get the best value out of your miles when you transfer them to any of Capital One's 15-plus airline and hotel partners.

However, you can also redeem your miles simply at a flat rate of 1 cent per mile. Redemption examples include booking travel through Capital One Business Travel, redeeming miles as a statement credit to cover travel purchases and purchasing gift cards.

Carly Helfand, TPG's director of site strategy, once redeemed 100,000 Capital One miles to take $1,000 off a last-minute Airbnb stay.

Transferring miles

The most valuable redemption option for your miles is to transfer them to a Capital One travel partner. You have 15-plus hotel and airline programs to choose from, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Choice Privileges and Singapore KrisFlyer.

I like to leverage SkyTeam alliance partners when transferring my Capital One miles. Last year, I transferred 15,000 miles to Air France-KLM Flying Blue (and paid $35 in taxes and fees) for two one-way domestic tickets from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) on Delta Air Lines for a wedding.

Related: Cashing in Capital One miles? How to get the maximum value when redeeming miles

Where the Venture X Business could fall short

The Venture X Business may not be the best choice for every business owner. Here are some downsides worth considering:

• Capital One's issuer lounge footprint is smaller than some of its competitors.
• The $300 annual travel credit is limited to Capital One Business Travel purchases.
• There are no additional statement credits to maximize beyond the annual travel credit. (This could be a positive for cardholders who dislike "coupon-heavy" cards.)
• There are no business-related bonus categories, which may deter business owners who often spend in one specific area (such as advertising or general travel).

However, if you value simplicity and would prefer not to pay a sky-high annual fee, it would make sense to choose the Venture X Business as your travel rewards business card.

Venture X Business vs. Venture X

As mentioned previously, it's natural to compare the Venture X Business card to the personal Venture X card, as the two provide almost identical perks and earning rates.

However, there are two key considerations to weigh. The Venture X Business provides business perks, such as itemized spending reports, and the card's balance must be paid in full every month, since it has no preset spending limit. This is not the case with the personal Venture X.

Related: Capital One Venture X vs. Venture X Business: Small but important differences

When to apply for the Venture X Business

New Venture X Business applicants can earn up to 300,000 bonus miles and a $1,000 travel credit after meeting two spending thresholds:

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

According to TPG's valuations, the full offer is worth up to $6,550 (including the $1,000 travel credit). While this isn't the highest bonus we've seen in the card's history, it's still a competitive offer that exceeds our recommended threshold for when to apply.

For businesses that can comfortably meet the $120,000 spending requirement through regular expenses, the current offer is worth serious consideration.

Related: How to apply for a Capital One business credit card

Other cards to consider instead of the Venture X Business

If you've decided against adding the Venture X Business, one of these cards might be a better fit:

• If you want to earn more on business spending: The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees) is a great choice for purchases on travel and in common business spending categories. Plus, it has a lower $95 annual fee. To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.
• If you want more business benefits: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express provides broader airport lounge access and more statement credits than the Venture X Business. To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.
• If you want to earn cash back for business expenses: The Capital One Spark Cash Plus earns cash back instead of the Venture X Business' travel rewards. Both provide flat-rate earnings. To learn more, read our full review of the Spark Cash Plus.

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

Bottom line

The Venture X Business is an excellent choice for business travelers who want to earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and enjoy a solid suite of travel-related benefits.

You won't find a long list of statement credits or bonus categories on this card, which makes it a great option for busy travel-focused business owners who want a card that offers valuable rewards for a reasonable annual fee.

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business

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

If you are a frequent American Airlines flyer, you have plenty of credit card options to help you earn additional miles and make the most of every American Airlines flight.

For a limited time, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® (see rates and fees) is offering its highest-ever welcome offer, along with new card benefits and perks as part of the card's refresh in August.

Meanwhile, for a limited time, new Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. This matches the highest offer we've seen on the card.

The offers on the Citi / AAdvantage Executive and Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select are ending soon, so don't wait if you have been eyeing either card.

Here's a rundown of the top Citi / AAdvantage credit cards and their current offers. Holding one of these cards could be a straightforward way to score a business-class ticket on American or one of its Oneworld partners.

Comparison of the Citi / AAdvantage welcome offers

*The offer value is based on TPG's October 2026 valuations.

The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard and AAdvantage MileUp 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.

Citi / AA Executive

The Citi / AA Executive is American's top-tier personal card.

Best for: Those who want Admirals Club access

Welcome bonus: For a limited time, earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first five months from account opening. Offer ends soon.

According to TPG's valuations, the welcome bonus is worth $1,813. This is the highest welcome offer we've seen in the card's history, so if you are interested, now is the best time to apply.

Annual fee: $695

Earning rates:

• 12 miles per dollar spent on eligible car rentals and hotels booked through American's car rental and hotel booking sites, respectively
• 4 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

This card is best suited to frequent American Airlines flyers who can take advantage of its Admirals Club membership, statement credits and elite-status benefits.

At $695, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive has a much higher annual fee than other options but comes with a notable benefit for frequent flyers: Admirals Club access for you and up to two guests traveling with you (when you have a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight).

Cardholders also receive:

• Up to $500 credit annually toward eligible American Airlines Vacations purchases (up to $250 from Jan. 1 through June 30 and up to $250 from July 1 through Dec. 31)
• Up to $100 credit annually toward eligible inflight and Admirals Club purchases
• Complimentary Omni Hotels & Resorts Champion status (enrollment required) and an annual Omni free night reward after a qualifying stay†
• Avis President's club status (enrollment available through Aug. 31, 2028)

†A qualifying stay is one of two or more consecutive nights booked directly through Omni Hotels and Resorts on omnihotels.com. Enrollment in the Champion Status benefit is required.

The card also offers travel protections and the ability to earn up to 40,000 bonus Loyalty Points per elite qualification period, making it particularly useful for those pursuing American elite status.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AA Executive.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard

Citi / AA Business

The Citi / AA Business is Citi's business card for American Airlines loyalists.

Best for: Business travelers

Welcome bonus: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

According to TPG's valuations, the welcome bonus is worth $943. This is the standard offer we see in the card's history, so we'd recommend waiting for a better offer if you can.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first 12 months, then $99 thereafter

Earning rates:

• 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and eligible business expenses, including cable and satellite providers, car rentals, gas stations and telecommunications merchants
• 1 mile per dollar spent on everything else

With this card, you and up to four companions get a free first checked bag when flying a domestic American Airlines itinerary on the same reservation.

If you spend $30,000 with the card in a cardholder year and renew your card, you'll earn a companion certificate, which allows you to take a companion on a flight for $99 (plus taxes and fees).

The certificate can only be used for a round-trip, domestic itinerary (i.e., one to and from the 48 contiguous states, unless you live in Alaska or Hawaii) in the Main Cabin. The certificate is granted upon account renewal, and the account must remain open for a full billing cycle after the anniversary date.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AA Business Mastercard.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard

Citi / AA Globe

The Citi / AA Globe is best suited for those who fly often but not enough to justify having the premium card.

Best for: Semifrequent American Airlines flyers

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

According to TPG's valuations, the welcome bonus is worth $870. This is the standard offer on the card, so we recommend waiting to apply.

Annual fee: $350

Earning rates:

• 6 miles per dollar spent on eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings
• 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
• 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and on eligible "Rides and Rails" purchases, including taxis, ride-hailing services and public transit
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Globe's standout perks include four Admirals Club passes each calendar year and a 5,000 "Flight Streak" Loyalty Point boost after four eligible American Airlines flights. You can do this up to three times per year for a total of 15,000 Loyalty Points.

The card also provides an annual companion certificate each cardholder year, allowing you to pay $99 (plus taxes and fees) for a round-trip domestic Main Cabin ticket each year. Plus, you'll receive the first checked bag free for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, preferred boarding and a Splurge credit.

It's a decent option for those who can take advantage of the card's companion certificate, lounge access and AAdvantage-related perks in exchange for a more modest $350 annual fee.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AA Globe.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard

Citi / AA Platinum Select

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select is a solid option for American Airlines flyers who want basic airline perks without paying for a more premium card.

Best for: Casual American Airlines flyers

Welcome bonus: For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. Offer ends soon.

According to TPG's valuations, the welcome bonus is worth $1,160. This matches the highest offer we've seen on the card, so now is a great time to apply.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first 12 months, then $99 thereafter

Earning rates:

• 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, plus gas station and restaurant purchases
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

If you fly American Airlines often enough to want an upgraded flight experience but are uninterested in Admirals Club access, this is a solid card option. It's affordable and easy to keep in your wallet.

You'll receive benefits like preferred boarding, a free first checked bag for you and up to four companions on domestic American Airlines itineraries, and discounts on inflight snacks and beverage purchases.

As a cardholder, you'll also earn 1 Loyalty Point for every eligible AAdvantage mile earned from purchases, and this card does not charge foreign transaction fees.

Another great benefit of this card is the ability to earn a $125 American Airlines flight discount after spending $20,000 or more on purchases during your card membership year and renewing your card.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AA Platinum Select.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

Related: 8 years later, this American Airlines card is still a staple of my wallet (and elite status goals)

Citi / AA MileUp

The Citi / AA MileUp is Citi's entry-level American Airlines product.

Welcome bonus: Earn 15,000 bonus miles and a $100 statement credit after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

According to TPG's valuations, this welcome bonus is worth $318 (including the statement credit). This is the standard offer we typically see in the card's history.

Annual fee: $0

Best for: Beginners looking to earn American Airlines miles

Earning rates:

• 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

If you're a beginner looking for an inexpensive way to earn American miles, this could be a good entry point into the Citi AAdvantage credit card lineup.

As a no-annual-fee card, it offers few perks, but you will get 25% savings on inflight drinks and snacks.

However, anyone taking more than a couple of American Airlines flights per year will likely be better off with an American Airlines card that charges an annual fee, since those cards offer higher earning rates and more valuable perks.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AA MileUp.

Related: My beginner's blueprint to find the flight awards you want

Application restrictions

Citi doesn't limit the total number of credit cards you can hold, but it does cap your overall credit line across accounts.

You can only apply for one card every eight days, no more than two cards in 65 days and just one business card every 90 days.

Finally, Citi's 48-month rule means you can't earn a welcome bonus on the same AAdvantage card if you've received that bonus within the past four years.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Bottom line

If you're an American Airlines loyalist, a Citi / AAdvantage credit card can deliver useful benefits, from free checked bags and preferred boarding to bonus miles that can help you book your next award flight.

Right now, two cards stand out for their welcome offers: The Citi / AA Executive is offering its highest-ever bonus, while the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select is matching the highest offer we've seen on the card. With both limited-time offers ending soon, now is a good time to consider applying if either card fits your travel needs.

Whether you're after entry-level earning, mid-tier perks or premium Admirals Club access, there's a Citi / AAdvantage card for a range of American Airlines flyers.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

While they may not get as much fanfare as cards from giants like American Express and Chase, Discover cards are great choices for cash-back enthusiasts, beginner credit card users and simplicity-lovers alike. As Discover's cards migrate to Capital One's network, they're attracting fresh attention.

If you've decided now is the right time to apply for a Discover card, make sure you know what offer you're getting. Discover doesn't frequently change the welcome offers on its cards, so the answer to "When should I apply?" depends more on your personal situation than on the specific card's offer.

Discover it Cash Back

Best for: Those looking for flexible spending categories

Current welcome offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account Opening. Additionally, Discover will automatically match all of the cash back you earn dollar-for-dollar in the first cardholder year.

This matches the best offer we've seen for this card, so now is a fantastic time to apply.

Annual fee: $0

Key benefits:

• 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories (on up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter; activation required)
• 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Capital One Travel
• 5% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Access to Capital One Offers
• Fraud protection and free credit score access

To learn more, check out our full review of the Discover it® Cash Back.

Learn more: Discover it® Cash Back

Discover it Student Cash Back

Best for: Students who want a solid starter card

Current welcome offer: Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards.

This is the standard offer for this card, but it's a solid offer for students who qualify.

Annual fee: $0

Key benefits:

• 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories (on up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter; activation required)
• 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Capital One Travel
• 5% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Access to Capital One Offers
• No credit score required to apply
• Fraud protection and free credit score access

To learn more, check out our full review of the Discover it® Student Cash Back.

Learn more: Discover it® Student Cash Back

Discover it Miles

Best for: Those who want to earn solid rewards on everyday purchases

Current welcome offer: Receive an unlimited match on all miles you earn in your first cardholder year (no spending requirement).

This is the same offer we've seen on this card for a long time, so we don't recommend waiting for a different one.

Annual fee: $0

Key benefits:

• 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Capital One Travel
• 5 miles per dollar spent on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases
• Access to Capital One Offers
• Fraud protection and free credit score access

To learn more, check out our full review of the Discover it® Miles .

Learn more: Discover it® Miles

Discover it Chrome

Best for: Those who spend a moderate amount on gas and dining and don't have another card that earns bonus rewards on these categories

Current welcome offer: Receive an unlimited dollar-for-dollar cash-back match for your first cardholder year (no spending requirement).

We don't expect this offer to change any time soon, so we recommend applying now.

Annual fee: $0

Key benefits:

• 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Capital One Travel
• 5% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined spending each quarter)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Access to Capital One Offers
• Fraud protection and free credit score access

To learn more, check out our full review of the Discover it® Chrome.

Learn more: Discover it® Chrome

Discover it Student Chrome

Best for: Students who spend a lot on gas and dining

Current welcome offer: Receive an unlimited dollar-for-dollar cash-back match for your first cardholder year (no spending requirement).

We don't expect this offer to change any time soon, so now is a great time to apply.

Annual fee: $0

Key benefits:

• 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Capital One Travel
• 5% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined spending each quarter)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Access to Capital One Offers
• Fraud protection and free credit score access

To learn more, check out our full review of the Discover it® Student Chrome.

Learn more: Discover it® Student Chrome

Which Discover card is right for you?

Discover's cards are geared toward cash-back fans and anyone looking to build or repair credit. While you won't find comprehensive travel benefits or merchant statement credits on any of their cards, that may be a welcome sight for some.

Since all of Discover's cards have very similar perks, your choice will come down to which card's earning rates you prefer. If you're a student, you'll likely be best off with one of the issuer's student cards, since those should be the easiest to get approved for among the cards mentioned here.

Who is eligible for a Discover card?

As with any credit card, Discover may consider several factors when deciding whether to approve your application. These may include your credit score and previous history with the issuer.

It's worth noting that Discover doesn't require a credit score for its two student cards, making either a great choice for those who are eligible. You'll need to be a student enrolled at least part-time at a college or university and be at least 18 years old to qualify.

For any of its credit cards, Discover will require some form of income to get approved. If you're applying for one of its standard credit cards, expect a full-time job to be the requirement for approval. If you're applying for a student card, Discover states that a part-time job may qualify.

If you're a student and you don't have a job right now, consider asking a family member to add you as an authorized user on their card. Otherwise, you'll need to wait until you have income to get your own credit card.

Significant savings could also qualify you for a credit card, but keep in mind that you'll need a balance in the tens of thousands to make this a workable alternative.

Bottom line

If you're looking for a simple cash-back card to add to your wallet or you need a solid option for building credit, it's worth considering a Discover card. Since all Discover cards have no annual fee, they're easy to justify keeping over the long term.

With all Discover products migrating over to Capital One's network, any Discover card you apply for now will be on Capital One's network. That means you'll enjoy additional benefits on your card, including access to Capital One Travel and Capital One Entertainment, as well as boosted earnings on these purchases through these two portals.

Related: The best starter credit cards for 18-year-olds

Hotel chains are increasingly incorporating boutique properties, nature lodges and other accommodations that go beyond the cookie-cutter expectations — without sacrificing the valuable benefits of loyalty programs. But what if you need more space to spread out while on vacation, or even want a full kitchen?

Thankfully, some of our favorite hotel programs and credit card travel portals include vacation rentals — including some really interesting ones. From a historic airplane to a fairytale-worthy castle, here are 12 highly rated, undeniably cool vacation rentals where you can earn and burn points on a truly unique stay.

Related: How to use points to book vacation home rentals

Dolly Parton dream house in Nashville

Celebrate the Queen of Country with this fabulous Dolly Parton-inspired house, complete with pink guitar art, a "Nashville" marquee photo spot and a Grand Ole Opry-inspired karaoke stage. Dolly fanatics may never want to leave the building, but in case you do, it's within easy walking distance of Centennial Park and the Parthenon.

This four-bedroom dream house is a member of Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, so you (and up to 11 friends) can earn and burn points here. Nightly rates start around $525 or 105,000 Bonvoy points.

Eco-friendly stay in Costa Rica

For travelers seeking a relaxing retreat — and trying to reduce their environmental impact — you can't beat this eco-conscious villa in the popular beach town of Tamarindo. It filters its own water to prevent the need for plastic bottles, recycles all wastewater and composts organic waste to feed the lush native garden surrounding it.

With six bedrooms and five baths, up to 14 guests can stay here for a relaxing retreat. You can book a stay from $1,165 or 233,000 Marriott points per night.

Wine retreat in Fredericksburg, Texas

Oenophiles will love this sprawling estate, built in the 1880s and now part of Hyatt Homes & Hideaways. The fully stocked underground wine cellar is a highlight, but the drinks don't end there. Guests will find themselves blocks away from the shops, restaurants and wineries of downtown Fredericksburg, the heart of Texas Hill Country's celebrated wine scene.

The Homestead is bookable through World of Hyatt, starting around $1,200 or 100,000 Hyatt points per night. It sleeps up to 18 guests across 11 bedrooms.

Authentic Italian stone hut

If you've ever dreamed of staying inside a trullo — a conical-roofed stone hut found in Italy's Puglia region — this is your chance to do it with points.

Select Chase cardholders can redeem points through Chase Travel to book vacation rentals, including Oak & Trulli, a Plum Guide property in the Itria Valley. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you meander through stone archways and dine al fresco on the private terrace.

This two-bed, two-bath property can accommodate up to five guests and one dog. Prices start around $300 or 30,000 Ultimate Rewards points per night.

Repurposed treehouse in Michigan

For a true nature getaway, look no further than this cozy treehouse built from shipping containers on 55 acres of Michigan woodland.

You can't drive all the way to the treehouse; you must walk about 100 steps up a mulched path from the parking spot (don't worry, snowshoes are provided in winter). With room for just two guests, it makes a perfect getaway for outdoorsy couples or solo travelers.

You can book a stay starting from $430 or 86,000 Marriott points per night; there's a two-night minimum stay.

Fairytale castle in North Carolina

Step into your very own fairytale at this one-of-a-kind property in Banner Elk, North Carolina. From the antique church doors and 24-foot foyer ceiling to paneling imported from England and a real suit of armor, The Castle at Valle Cruces feels royal inside and out.

That doesn't mean you'll experience medieval-level comfort, however. The castle is filled with modern amenities like a hot tub, workout area, game room, theater room and five fireplaces — all spread over 10,000-plus square feet of space.

Nightly rates at this six-bedroom stunner start around $1,550 or 310,000 Marriott points.

Converted airplane in Wisconsin

Aviation junkies can sleep in a piece of history in this 1941 WWII Douglas DC-3 Airliner, which has been converted into a one-bedroom, one-bath accommodation for up to four guests. The cockpit has been transformed into a fitness facility, with the control panel still intact, and the kitchen is illuminated by the original square portholes. Plus, a deck has been added over the wing so you can grill your dinner while enjoying the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest.

This fascinating property in Deerbrook, Wisconsin is bookable on Vrbo, which is part of Expedia Group's One Key loyalty program. Rates start around $400 per night, or you can pay for part or all of your stay with OneKeyCash.

Traditional townhouse in Japan

A trip to the Land of the Rising Sun wouldn't be complete without a stay at a ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn. If you're traveling with a large group (up to 16), you can get a similar experience while staying close together in this villa inspired by the machiya, or traditional Japanese townhouse.

You'll find Japanese touches throughout, from the low beds and dining set to a Japanese-style sauna, semi-open-air bath and outdoor garden. Beverages, including local sake, are all included in your stay.

The villa is located in Nara, a popular tourist town near Kyoto and Osaka. Rates start around $1,075 or 215,000 Marriott points per night; there is a two-night minimum.

Disney-themed stay in Kissimmee

If you're planning a family or friends trip to Disneyworld Orlando, why not go all-out at this on-theme vacation rental? It's just a half-hour drive from the parks, and several of its 10 bedrooms have fun themes such as Encanto, Star Wars and Harry Potter. And with a pool, video games and arcade games, guests will find no shortage of family fun.

This World of Hyatt property has a four-night minimum stay, with rates starting from $515 or 43,000 points per night.

Australian alpaca farm

For a uniquely rugged stay, look no further than this sun-drenched tiny house on a working alpaca farm in Windeyer, New South Wales. Guests can enjoy bushwalks, mountain biking and feeding the animals on the farm's 300 acres, or venture further out for wineries and hot air ballooning.

Though you can expect full bathroom facilities, some — like the waterless compost toilet — are on the more rugged (and eco-friendly) side.

Each tiny house can accommodate up to four guests, but there are multiple units on the property, so you could potentially plan a larger group stay or family reunion. Nightly rates start at just $140 or 27,500 Marriott points.

Sports lover's paradise in Scottsdale

Since Capital One Travel offers vacation rentals as part of its Premier and Lifestyle collections, eligible cardholders can access elitelike perks while enjoying more space and a full kitchen.

Fairway Oasis by Avant Stay has plenty of room and endless entertainment for up to 17 guests (and pets, too). There's a speakeasy game room and sports bar, but the real highlight is the "ultimate backyard," which features everything from a hot tub and fire pit to life-sized cup pong and pickleball. You can even fine-tune your golf game at the practice cage and putting green before you head to one of Scottsdale's famous courses.

Rates start around $1,000 (and you'll earn bonus points on your purchase) or 100,000 miles per night.

Hobbit house in Tennessee

Lord of the Rings fans and bookcationers will swoon at this cozy, points-friendly hobbit hole in Cosby, Tennessee. Beyond the unmistakable round doors and windows, every detail is carefully designed to fit the theme. That means decorative mushrooms and hidden gnomes out on the deck and Middle Earth-inspired bedspreads, wall art, board games and more inside.

Will you find the One Ring hidden somewhere on the property? There's only one way to find out.

You can book your two-night minimum stay from around $300 or 60,000 Marriott points per night.

Bottom line

Vacation rentals don't have to be dull; in some cases, the property alone is worth the trip. And since these 12 unforgettable properties are bookable through popular hotel programs and credit card platforms, you can redeem points for a stay or earn bonus points on a paid stay.

On the other hand, if you find your dream stay isn't bookable through one of these avenues, don't forget you can still maximize your earnings on vacation rentals with the right credit card.

Lufthansa is headed to the Valley of the Sun.

Beginning next August, the Star Alliance carrier will launch new nonstop service from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Munich International Airport (MUC).

This is the second nonstop U.S. route that Lufthansa has announced this week, following Monday's unveiling of the first-ever nonstop from Columbus, Ohio, to Europe.

As for Lufthansa's new MUC-PHX route, the carrier will offer three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays with an Airbus A350-900 starting Aug. 3, 2027. The plane will feature 48 business class suites, 21 premium economy seats and 224 economy seats. However, that aircraft will not feature the airline's posh, new Allegris interior.

Combined with other European airlines under Lufthansa's ownership umbrella, PHX brings the group's U.S. destinations to 26.

More US cities gain access to Europe

Lufthansa and its peers — particularly Air France, British Airways, Iberia and KLM — have pushed into more secondary U.S. cities in recent years. The expansion is fueled by a few factors:

• U.S. residents have a seemingly insatiable appetite for European travel.
• There is widespread adoption of newer, fuel-efficient planes like the Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787, which can fly profitably to smaller cities.
• Certain airports offer incentives for new flights.

Minneapolis, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham, St. Louis, San Diego and others have all gained new transatlantic flights as a result of this expansion.

All of the major European carriers benefit from close, immunized partnerships with U.S. airlines that allow them to operate easily across the Atlantic. Air France and KLM are tied to Delta Air Lines, British Airways and Iberia are linked with American Airlines, and Lufthansa is partnered with United Airlines.

American, Delta and United have also announced their own multi-route expansions to Europe for 2027.

Lufthansa shifts Seattle route to Discover

In addition to the new CMH and PHX routes, Lufthansa will shift its existing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) service to its leisure subsidiary, Discover Airlines. The affected routes are SEA-MUC and SEA-Frankfurt Airport (FRA), and they are scheduled to be operated by a Discover Airbus A330.

The number of flights a week remains unchanged.

Discover is not a member of Star Alliance, which means loyalty benefits are not guaranteed, including for members of Lufthansa's close partner, the United MileagePlus loyalty program.

Related reading:

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

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 it easier to track these offers. Just note that transfer bonuses are sometimes targeted, so some may not be available to you.

Active transfer bonuses

We're currently seeing these transfer bonuses:

American Express Membership Rewards transfer bonuses

American Express Membership Rewards is currently offering three transfer bonuses: 25% to Air France-KLM Flying Blue through Oct. 31, 20% to Aeromexico Rewards through Oct. 31 and 35% to Marriott Bonvoy through Dec. 10.

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 offering a 20% transfer bonus to British Airways Club through Oct. 31, as well as a 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Virgin Red through Nov. 20.

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, plus receive a $300 credit to use on hotels and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.
• 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 October 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

Chase Ultimate Rewards isn't currently offering a traditional transfer bonus.

However, if you hold the Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees), you can receive a 10% bonus when transferring at least 50,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Air Canada Aeroplan in a single transaction. This cardholder benefit is capped at 25,000 bonus Aeroplan points per calendar year and is available through Dec. 31.

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 (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 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 30% transfer bonus to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank and a 25% transfer bonus to Avianca Lifemiles through Oct. 24. Additionally, a tiered bonus of up to 35% in Avios when converting points to Qatar Airways Privilege Club is available through Oct. 31.

The Qatar Airways bonus is based on the number of Avios generated in a single conversion: 15% for up to 49,999 Avios, 25% for 50,000 to 99,999 Avios and 35% for 100,000 Avios or more. Qatar Airways says the bonus Avios will be credited by Nov. 30.

You'll only unlock the bonuses in their 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 transfer ratios, 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 October 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 members can receive 15% bonus Aeroplan points when converting Bonvoy points to Air Canada Aeroplan through Oct. 31. The usual ratio is 3 Marriott Bonvoy points to 1 Aeroplan point, so 3,000 Bonvoy points will produce 1,150 Aeroplan points with the bonus. The bonus may take eight to 10 weeks after the offer ends to post.

Even with this bonus, transferring Marriott Bonvoy points to airlines generally isn't recommended because the standard transfer ratio is 3:1.

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 45,000 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 three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases (through June 30, 2027).
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points and a free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Resort fees apply.

According to TPG's October 2026 valuations, Marriott Bonvoy points are worth 0.75 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

Wyndham Rewards transfer bonus

Wyndham Rewards is offering double United MileagePlus miles when members convert Wyndham points to United Airlines miles through Oct. 31. The usual 5:1 transfer ratio becomes 5:2, so 6,000 Wyndham points convert to 2,400 United miles. Transfers must be made in increments of 6,000 points, with a maximum of 60,000 points per transfer and 90,000 points in total under the offer.

Despite the enticing 100% bonus, this transfer may not make sense for most members. Based on TPG's October 2026 valuations, 6,000 Wyndham Rewards points are worth $33, while 2,400 United miles are worth $28.80. It could still be useful if your Wyndham points are nearing expiration or you need to top up your MileagePlus account for a specific redemption.

How to earn Wyndham Rewards points

To earn more Wyndham Rewards points, consider signing up for one of the following Wyndham cards:

• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card: Earn up to 75,000 bonus points: 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening, plus 45,000 additional bonus points after spending $500 at Wyndham properties in the first 180 days from account opening.
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card: Earn up to 100,000 bonus points: 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening, plus an additional 55,000 bonus points after spending $500 at Wyndham properties in the first 180 days from account opening.
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Premier Card: Earn up to 120,000 bonus points: 90,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 120 days from account opening, plus an additional 30,000 bonus points after spending $750 at Wyndham properties in the first 180 days from account opening.
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card: Earn up to 100,000 bonus points: 45,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening, plus an additional 55,000 bonus points after spending $500 at Wyndham properties in the first 180 days from account opening.

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

Related: Wyndham launches new premium credit card and revamps rewards card lineup

Rove transfer bonuses

Rove is offering four transfer bonuses for October. Through Oct. 31, Rove members can receive a 50% bonus when transferring Rove miles to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, a 40% transfer bonus when transferring to Air France-KLM Flying Blue and up to a 35% bonus when transferring to Qatar Airways Privilege Club, with the exact bonus determined as follows:

• Transfer up to 49,999 Rove miles to receive 15% bonus Avios.
• Transfer 50,000 to 99,999 Rove miles to receive 25% bonus Avios.
• Transfer 100,000 Rove miles or more to receive 35% bonus Avios.

Rove is also offering a 20% transfer bonus to JetBlue TrueBlue through Nov. 14. During the promotion, 1,000 Rove miles will become 1,200 TrueBlue points.

How to earn Rove miles

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

Rove now has more than 20 transfer options, including Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Air Canada Aeroplan, Lufthansa Miles & More, Qantas Frequent Flyer and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

If you don't have any Rove miles, you can earn 1,500 miles at no cost right now just by signing up through this link. You can also earn an additional 5,000 miles when making your first hotel booking over $500 as a new user with the code "BRIANKELLY500."

Related: The best ways to redeem Rove miles, including flights to Europe from just 88 miles

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.

If you're a high-spending business owner who loves to travel, Capital One is offering a valuable bonus on a top-tier travel rewards card.

The current offer on the Capital One Venture X Business could provide thousands of dollars in travel value, making it worth a look for businesses with high spending needs.

Let's look at the details and go over what you need to know before applying.

Capital One Venture X Business current offer

New Venture X Business applicants can earn up to 300,000 bonus miles and a $1,000 travel credit on the card after meeting two spending thresholds:

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

Based on TPG's October 2026 valuations, the full offer is worth up to $6,550, including the $1,000 travel credit. While this isn't the highest bonus we've seen on the card, it's still a competitive offer that exceeds our recommended threshold for when to apply.

To maximize the bonus, we recommend transferring your miles to one of Capital One's 15-plus airline and hotel partners.

You also have the option to redeem your miles for a statement credit to cover travel expenses at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

The Venture X Business carries a $395 annual fee, which is more than offset by a $300 annual Capital One Business Travel credit and anniversary bonus miles every year you hold the card.

How does this compare to past Venture X Business offers?

The highest offer we've seen in the card's history was for up to 400,000 bonus miles in November 2025, though it required spending $150,000 in six months to earn the full bonus.

While the current offer falls short of that record, it's still above our recommended 150,000-mile threshold for when to apply.

If your business can comfortably meet the spending requirements, this offer is worth considering.

Related: Cashing in Capital One miles? How to get the maximum value when redeeming miles

Why you should apply for the Capital One Venture X Business

The Venture X Business has the same reasonable annual fee that so many love about the personal version, plus key benefits, including:

• Anniversary bonus: Receive 10,000 miles each cardholder anniversary, worth $185 based on our valuations.
• Annual travel credit: Receive an up to $300 annual credit for travel booked through Capital One Business Travel.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit: Receive up to $120 in statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• Lounge access: Get unlimited access to Capital One lounges and Priority Pass lounges (where you can also bring up to two guests) worldwide.
• Luxury hotel access: Access Capital One's Premier Collection and Lifestyle Collection programs for elite-like benefits when staying at participating hotels.
• No foreign transaction fees

Plus, when you spend on this card, you'll earn:

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

As mentioned above, the $395 annual fee is easily offset by the value of the annual travel credit and anniversary bonus, even before factoring in the welcome offer, lounge access and the card's earning potential.

Related: Capital One Venture X vs. Venture X Business: Small but important differences

Bottom line

The Capital One Venture X Business is offering a valuable welcome bonus for business owners who can meet its substantial spending requirements.

If your business can meet the spending requirements, this could be a good opportunity to earn a substantial stash of Capital One miles.

However, businesses with lower expenses may be better off considering one of our other picks for the best business credit cards or the personal Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

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

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business

American Express is adding a benefit that could save some business cardmembers money on coworking spaces.

Starting Oct. 22, eligible U.S. cardmembers with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Corporate Platinum Card will receive a complimentary ZO membership from Tishman Speyer.

The membership includes unlimited access to participating ZO Clubhouses, four Studio coworking day passes per month and up to $500 in annual statement credits toward eligible event space bookings or a Dining Club membership.

More than 25 participating Clubhouse and Studio spaces are located in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

This isn't the Business Platinum's first coworking benefit. The card previously offered complimentary WeWork membership, introduced in 2019, with access ending in 2020. The ZO partnership brings coworking access back to the card, though with a smaller footprint and different access rules.

Here's how the benefit works and who could get the most value from it.

The information for the American Express Corporate Platinum 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.

What are ZO Clubhouses and Studios?

The membership gives you access to two types of spaces operated by Tishman Speyer.

ZO Clubhouses are lounges where you can work, meet someone or take a break. Amenities vary by location, but some offer dining and events alongside places to work and relax.

Studio offers a more traditional coworking setup, with shared desks, private offices and meeting rooms, along with amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi and complimentary coffee and tea. Event spaces are also available to book separately.

Eligible cardmembers receive unlimited access to participating Clubhouses, plus four Clubhouse guest day passes per week. Studio access is limited to four complimentary day passes per month.

At The Spiral in Manhattan's Hudson Yards, the Clubhouse is on the 66th floor, with skyline views and dining from Café Llama. Studio occupies lower floors in the same building.

Keep in mind that membership doesn't cover every expense — dining, private spaces and certain experiences cost extra.

How much value does the benefit offer?

It's easiest to see the value in the Studio day passes.

Studio lists day passes at several locations for $50 (before taxes). At that rate, using all four complimentary passes could save you at least $200 per month.

Of course, that comparison only matters if you would otherwise pay for a workspace. But even occasional users could find the passes useful — for example, when they need somewhere to work between hotel checkout and an evening flight.

Unlimited Clubhouse access could be particularly useful if you live or regularly work near a participating location.

Separately, eligible card accounts can receive up to $500 in statement credits each calendar year toward event space bookings at ZO or Studio locations or the purchase of a Dining Club membership (when paying with an eligible card).

Event spaces start at $1,500 per hour, so the credit's value depends on whether you would otherwise book those spaces.

ZO does not publish a flat, standalone retail price for a Dining Club membership, and it isn't a general restaurant credit, so don't count on using it to cover lunch during your visits.

How can eligible Amex cardmembers access the spaces?

Enrollment with American Express isn't required, but you'll need to activate your ZO membership online or through the ZO app (iOS; Android) before visiting.

From Oct. 22, the dedicated cardmember website and app should show participating spaces and guidance on using the statement credit. You must reserve Studio visits in advance online or through the app.

Bottom line

For eligible Amex Business Platinum and Corporate Platinum cardmembers who regularly need a place to work in one of the participating cities, complimentary ZO access could be a useful addition.

If you're considering the Business Platinum, access could also help justify the card's annual fee — especially if you already pay for coworking in one of the participating cities.

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

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Southwest Airlines was long known for policies such as no change fees and complimentary checked bags.

But the airline has changed significantly over the past couple of years, introducing assigned seating, checked bag fees and new fare types while expanding its international reach through a growing network of interline partners.

Southwest Rapid Rewards points remain straightforward to earn and redeem, though, and the program still offers one of the most valuable airline loyalty perks around: the awesome Southwest Companion Pass. However, the program will change substantially in 2027 with renamed elite tiers, an all-new top-tier Platinum status and a new way to qualify for the Companion Pass.

Here's what you need to know about the program.

Southwest Rapid Rewards program overview

Like Southwest Airlines itself, the Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program has amassed a loyal following. Despite not having a standard award chart or being part of a worldwide airline alliance, Rapid Rewards' promise of no blackout dates and the ability to earn Southwest's famous Companion Pass make it an excellent choice for couples, families and those with not-so-flexible schedules.

Southwest adjusted award prices to make them more "variable," as opposed to tying the award price to the cash value. In our testing, we've found that depending on the date of and demand for your flight, you can get as little as 1.1 cents or as much as 1.7 cents per point in value.

TPG values Rapid Rewards points at 1.25 cents per point in our October 2026 valuations, meaning 10,000 points should give you around $125 in value.

Southwest Rapid Rewards points don't expire, so you don't need to maintain regular account activity to keep them. However, if you close your Rapid Rewards account, you'll lose any remaining points.

Southwest elite status

Through Dec. 31, 2026, Southwest offers A-List and A-List Preferred status. These will become Silver and Gold on Jan. 1, 2027, when Southwest adds Platinum as its new top tier.

Southwest A-List elite status

To qualify for A-List status, you must fly 20 qualifying one-way Southwest flights or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.

For the 2026 qualification, tier qualifying points are earned primarily from qualifying revenue flights, eligible spending on select Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards and eligible Getaways by Southwest bookings. Rapid Rewards partner points (other than tier qualifying points earned on eligible Southwest credit cards), transferred points, purchased points, enrollment points, reward flights, Companion Pass travel and most bonus points, including tier bonus points, flight bonus points and credit card welcome bonuses, don't count toward A-List or A-List Preferred qualification.

Members now earn tier qualifying points on the cash portion of flights booked using Southwest's Cash + Points option.

You can also earn:

• 2,500 tier qualifying points for every $5,000 spent annually on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees) and the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• 2,000 tier qualifying points for every $5,000 spent annually on the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• 1,500 tier qualifying points for every $5,000 spent annually on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit 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.

Starting Jan. 1, 2027, every Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, including those that don't currently earn tier qualifying points, will instead earn 1 tier qualifying point per dollar spent on eligible purchases, with no cap on how many you can earn.

With Southwest A-List status, you'll get the following:

• Complimentary preferred or standard seat at the time of booking; choose an extra-legroom seat within 48 hours of departure for no additional cost (if available)
• One complimentary checked bag
• Group 1 boarding
• A 25% bonus on points earned from paid flights
• Complimentary same-day standby, even on Basic fares (taxes and fees may apply)
• Priority check-in and security lane access
• Access to a dedicated A-List member phone line

Southwest A-List Preferred elite status

A-List Preferred status requires you to fly 40 qualifying one-way Southwest flights or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. You'll receive all the benefits of A-List status, as well as:

• Complimentary seat selection at the time of booking, including extra-legroom seats
• Two complimentary checked bags
• Dedicated boarding before Group 1
• A 100% bonus on points earned from paid flights
• Two complimentary premium drinks on select flights over 250 miles

Related: Southwest A-List status: What it is and how to earn it

Southwest Silver, Gold and Platinum status in 2027

In 2027, Rapid Rewards elite status will change both in how it is earned and the benefits, as follows:

A-List and A-List Preferred members automatically become Silver and Gold on Jan. 1, 2027, and keep that status through Dec. 31, 2027. Southwest adds Milestone Rewards at 20,000 tier qualifying points or 15 flights (choose 2,000 Rapid Rewards points or two preferred seat certificates) and 95,000 tier qualifying points or 75 flights (earn three Companion Pass trips). Earning toward the new Milestone Rewards starts Jan. 1, 2027, when tier qualifying points reset; 2026 activity does not carry over.

Each companion trip can be one-way or round-trip, with taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way. Each redemption uses one full trip, even for a one-way journey (so it's best to use it for a round-trip, if you can), and Milestone Rewards earned in 2027 expire Dec. 31, 2028. In 2027, primary cardmembers who reach 130,000 tier qualifying points receive a one-time boost of 10,000 tier qualifying points toward Platinum status.

Southwest also expects its first Southwest Icon Lounges to open in late 2027 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu and Nashville International Airport (BNA). A new premium Chase-issued Southwest credit card, launching in 2027, will provide lounge access; its name, annual fee and exact launch date haven't been announced.

Southwest also plans to equip its fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi by fall 2027, with complimentary access for Rapid Rewards members where available.

How to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points

There are a few ways to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points — and some don't even require flying.

Earn points by flying

You can earn Rapid Rewards points every time you fly on a paid Southwest Airlines flight. The number of points you'll earn depends on the cost of your flight, your elite status, the type of ticket and your payment method.

Under Southwest's current fare structure, Basic fares earn 2 points per dollar spent on the base fare; Choice fares earn 6 points per dollar; Choice Preferred fares earn 10 points per dollar; and Choice Extra fares earn 14 points per dollar. A-List members receive a 25% bonus on qualifying flight earnings, while A-List Preferred members receive a 100% bonus.

You can also earn Rapid Rewards points on Southwest-operated flights booked through Icelandair, Southwest's first international airline partner, as long as you add your Rapid Rewards number to the booking. These points count toward A-List and Companion Pass qualification.

In 2027, Basic and Choice fares will still earn 2 and 6 points per dollar spent, respectively; Choice Preferred fares will fall to 8 points per dollar spent, and Choice Extra fares will drop to 10 points per dollar spent. Silver, Gold and Platinum members will earn 40%, 60% and 120% flight bonuses. Members transitioning to Gold from 2026 A-List Preferred status retain the 100% bonus through 2027.

Beginning in spring 2027, members will also be able to redeem Rapid Rewards points directly for travel with partner airline Icelandair, as well as earn and redeem on China Airlines and Etihad Airways. Southwest has not disclosed award pricing, booking rules or whether partner flights will provide elite status credit.

Earn points with Southwest credit cards

Southwest Airlines has several cobranded credit cards issued by Chase.

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card: Earn 55,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit 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.

Southwest also offers the following business cards:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Southwest and Chase also plan to launch a new premium Southwest credit card in 2027 that will provide access to a new network of Southwest Icon Lounges, with the first lounges expected to open by the end of 2027.

Transfer points to Southwest Rapid Rewards

Additionally, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Bilt Points to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

You can transfer certain hotel points to Rapid Rewards, though they aren't usually a great value. Marriott Bonvoy transfers at a 3:1 ratio, with 5,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred. With Best Western Rewards, transferring 5,000 points nets you 1,200 Rapid Rewards points. Transferring 6,000 Choice Privileges points gets you 1,800 Rapid Rewards points. And for World of Hyatt transfers, 5,000 World of Hyatt points become 2,400 Rapid Rewards points, with 50,000 Hyatt points producing 30,000 Southwest points after a 6,000-point bonus.

Remember that these transfers don't earn tier qualifying points or count toward Companion Pass qualification.

Other ways to earn Rapid Rewards points include via Rapid Rewards Dining and Rapid Rewards Shopping purchases, booking stays through Southwest Hotels and making purchases with other partners.

Check out our overall guide on the different ways you can earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points to learn more.

Related: How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards

Buy Rapid Rewards points

You can also purchase Rapid Rewards points directly from Southwest if you need to top off your account for an award. The minimum purchase is 2,000 points, and Southwest currently allows you to buy up to 60,000 points per day for yourself or as a gift. Points usually cost 3 cents each, though the program runs promotions from time to time to reduce this price.

Purchased points don't count toward A-List, A-List Preferred or Companion Pass qualification.

How to redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points

There are several ways to redeem your points, but right now, you'll almost always get the most value by using them for travel on Southwest flights. Other redemption options, like gift cards and merchandise, yield much less value. From November 2026, you can also redeem points for rental cars with Southwest's car rental partners. Later in 2027, you'll be able to use points to select seats on Southwest-operated flights, including extra-legroom and preferred seats.

The process for redeeming Rapid Rewards points for flights is largely the same as booking a paid flight. Head to the Southwest homepage, enter your search criteria and select the "Points" option. Click the yellow search button to see your flight options.

You'll see award pricing to the right of each available flight. You can filter flights by the number of layovers and departure times using the buttons at the top of the page. Then, click the ticket price for your desired flight and follow the onscreen prompts to book.

Which fare type should I choose?

You can redeem points for flights in any of the four Southwest fare types. The least-expensive option, Basic, is a good value for many travelers, though it's restrictive. Standard seats are generally assigned at check-in unless your elite status or an eligible Southwest credit card provides earlier seat selection. Cash Basic fares are nonrefundable outside Southwest's 24-hour cancellation policy, so canceling one gets you a flight credit rather than a refund. Flight changes require you to upgrade to Choice, Choice Preferred or Choice Extra first.

Choice fares are slightly more flexible, with free same-day confirmed changes and standby. Additionally, if you need to cancel your flight, flight credits can be transferred to another person. But the real benefit is that you'll be able to pick a standard seat when booking your flight.

Choice Preferred adds preferred seat selection, earlier boarding, expedited check-in and security at select airports, and refundable fares. Extra-legroom seats aren't included unless a separate elite status or credit card benefit provides them.

Choice Extra fares are the most expensive, offering two main added benefits: complimentary extra-legroom seats at the time of booking and two free checked bags. They also include Group 1 boarding, and you'll receive one complimentary premium drink on board (on select flights over 250 miles).

Basic flight credits expire after six months and are nontransferable. Credits from Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra expire after 12 months and can be transferred once between Rapid Rewards members. Choice Preferred and Choice Extra cash fares can be refunded to the original payment method if canceled at least 10 minutes before departure.

Southwest cardholders get their first checked bag free on each of the airline's cards. This benefit applies to the primary cardholder and up to eight travelers on the same reservation but not to flights booked with a partner airline. All cardholders can also select a seat in some capacity, even if they're flying on a Basic fare.

Can I change Southwest award tickets without a fee?

You can cancel Southwest award tickets without a cancellation fee, provided you meet the applicable cancellation deadline.

Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares can also be changed without a change fee. If your new award costs more, you'll pay the difference in points. If it costs less, Southwest will return the points difference to your account.

Basic fares are an exception: To change a Basic booking, you must first upgrade the fare to Choice, Choice Preferred or Choice Extra. Alternatively, you can cancel the Basic award and rebook, subject to Southwest's cancellation and no-show rules.

Do I have to pay taxes and fees on award tickets?

You must pay certain taxes and fees when booking Southwest award tickets, starting at $5.60 one-way. If you cancel your award flight at least 10 minutes before departure, your Rapid Rewards points will be returned to your account. Eligible taxes and fees can generally be refunded to the original payment method or retained as a flight credit, depending on how they were paid.

For more details, check out our guide on how to redeem your Southwest points.

How can I get the most value from my Rapid Rewards points?

Because Southwest's award prices vary, flexibility can help you reduce the number of points needed for a flight. One useful starting point is Southwest's Low Fare Calendar, which displays the lowest available fare for each day across a month. If your dates are flexible, compare nearby travel days before booking.

After booking, keep checking the award price. For Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares, if the price falls, you can change to the lower-priced fare and have the difference in points returned to your Rapid Rewards account. Basic award fares can't simply be changed, but you can cancel and rebook if the fare rules allow.

Finally, the Companion Pass (described below) can be the biggest way to stretch your Rapid Rewards points.

How much are the fees on Southwest Rapid Rewards tickets?

For U.S. mainland travel booked, ticketed or changed on or after April 9, 2026, Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred travelers generally pay $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second each way.

Southwest cardholders and up to eight passengers on the same reservation get the first bag included. A-List members pay $35 for the second; A-List Preferred and Choice Extra travelers get two included. Silver members transitioning from 2026 A-List qualification retain the $35 second-bag rate through 2027. Hawaii interisland, oversized and overweight baggage fees differ.

Southwest doesn't charge change or cancellation fees, but you'll pay any fare or points difference. A no-show can cause you to forfeit funds or points.

Maximize your points with the Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is undoubtedly one of the most valuable perks of the Rapid Rewards program. After earning the pass, you can choose a companion to travel with you for just the cost of taxes and fees on eligible Southwest-operated flights booked directly through Southwest, subject to seat availability. You can use the Companion Pass on as many flights as you'd like, effectively doubling the value of your Rapid Rewards points.

Through Dec. 31, you can earn a Companion Pass with 100 qualifying one-way segments or 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year. Eligible points include those from paid Southwest flights, Southwest credit card welcome bonuses and purchases, the Southwest debit card and base points from partners such as hotels, car rentals, Rapid Rewards Dining and Rapid Rewards Shopping. Partner bonus points and transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt and hotel programs don't count.

Related: I've earned the Southwest Companion Pass for over a decade — here's how I maximize its value

You can only designate one companion at a time, but you can change your companion three times per calendar year. You can change your companion through your Southwest account, but you'll need to cancel any existing reservations that include your current companion first. According to the airline, allow up to 48 hours for the change to take effect, but in our experience, it happens immediately. Remember that your companion will not earn Rapid Rewards points on their flight, but you will still earn points if you fly on a paid ticket.

Your Companion Pass earned under the 2026 rules will be valid for the remainder of the year in which it's earned and the entirety of the following year (unless you earn the pass through a special promotion).

Starting in 2027, Companion Pass qualifying points will be retired. Members can earn three Companion Pass trips at 95,000 tier qualifying points or 75 flights, while Platinum status at 140,000 tier qualifying points or 100 flights provides unlimited trips. Existing Companion Pass holders will retain unlimited use through the original end of their term.

Starting in 2027, credit card welcome and referral bonuses, anniversary points, bonus-category points and hotel or rental car partner earnings will no longer count toward Companion Pass qualification. Southwest says bonuses on cards approved by Dec. 2, 2026, can still count if the spending requirement is met in early 2027.

Related: How to earn and use the Southwest Companion Pass

Bottom line

Southwest Rapid Rewards points are easy to earn and redeem, and the incredibly valuable Companion Pass sets Southwest apart from other airlines. Don't miss your fast track to a Companion Pass with the right cobranded credit card in 2026.

However, Rapid Rewards will undergo substantial changes in 2027. Every Southwest credit card will help members earn status; Milestone Rewards will provide earlier benefits; Platinum will make the Companion Pass a formal top-tier benefit; and international partners will expand award options.

On the downside, credit card welcome bonuses will generally stop counting toward Companion Pass qualification. Choice Preferred and Choice Extra will earn fewer points, Silver and Gold will require more qualifying flights and Gold members will earn a smaller flight bonus than A-List Preferred members currently do.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have unveiled their two newest routes across the Pacific.

Alaska on Tuesday announced new nonstop service from Seattle to Japan and Tahiti.

• Flights to Osaka, Japan, will begin May 14.
• Service to Papeete, French Polynesia, will kick off June 11.

Both routes will be operated — at least to start — by Hawaiian's Airbus A330s.

4 new long-haul routes in 2027

With these new Osaka and Tahiti flights, Alaska Air Group will have a total of four transpacific routes out of Seattle, building on the carrier's existing service to Tokyo and Seoul.

And the carrier is now planning to launch four new long-haul destinations in 2027. That's after unveiling Seattle service to Paris and Athens in August.

These new Pacific routes weren't entirely surprising.

In recent weeks, Alaska executives had hinted that a new Asia route was coming soon. In the end, Alaska and Hawaiian flyers will have access to two additional destinations in Asia and the South Pacific.

Route details

As noted, Alaska plans to deploy Hawaiian-branded A330s on the route. These are Hawaiian's standard long-haul aircraft with legacy business-class seats up front in a 2-2-2 configuration.

Hawaiian is planning to give these planes nose-to-tail retrofit with new Leihoku Suites and premium economy (though those new accommodations will not be ready in time for next summer's service).

Alaska, Hawaiian double down on Seattle long-haul growth

Whatever the plane, these new routes to Japan and Tahiti should be welcome news for Pacific Northwest-based flyers and members of the Atmos Rewards loyalty program.

Osaka is a highly popular destination in Japan, and this route will give Alaska, Hawaiian and Atmos Rewards members a direct link to the city — no need to transit through Tokyo.

And Tahiti, of course, is an immensely popular vacation spot and a gateway to other destinations in the region, like Bora Bora.

Pick how you earn points: Atmos Rewards launches 'choice accrual'

Hawaiian's planes will be a familiar sight in both Osaka and Papeete. The carrier has served both cities from Honolulu for years. Alaska says those routes from Hawaii will continue.

But now you'll see Hawaiian planes flying to KIX and PPT from both Honolulu and Seattle.

Once Alaska and Hawaiian's four newest routes from Seattle kick off in 2027, the carrier will be operating a total of nine long-haul flights from SEA.

And more are coming: It's planning to offer at least 15 by 2030.

Read more: Alaska Airlines touches down in Europe in historic first flight, rolls out new premium experience

When speaking last month, Alaska executives said customers should expect the new destinations to skew more heavily toward the Pacific Ocean, versus the Atlantic.

"There will be a mix, obviously, between Asia and Europe," chief commercial officer Andrew Harrison said Sept. 29. "But a little bit more toward Asia."

Related reading:

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