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

Twice a month, we update this list to feature top welcome bonuses from cards that made the cut for our best credit cards list. Consider bookmarking this page and checking back regularly for the latest bonuses.

Earning new card bonuses is the fastest way to accumulate a stash of points and miles, so if you're working on building up your travel rewards balance, it's likely that one of the options below might be a good fit for you.

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

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

The best rewards card offers of October 2026

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

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Best for: Frequent business travelers who can maximize premium travel perks and statement credits.

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

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

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

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

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

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Best for: High-spending business owners who want premium travel perks and strong rewards on travel and advertising.

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

These earning rates include:

• 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel℠ bookings
• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027)
• 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising (up to $1 million per dollar spent each anniversary year, starting Nov. 15, 2026)
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

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

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

American Express Business Gold Card

Best for: Business owners who want to earn bonus points in their highest spending categories.

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

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

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

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

Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card

American Express Platinum Card

Best for: Frequent travelers who value airport lounge access, hotel elite status and other premium travel perks.

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

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

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

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

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

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Best for: Frequent travelers who want flexible rewards, lounge access, travel credits and strong travel protections.

Chase's premium rewards card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points and provides an excellent suite of statement credits to elevate your travels.

Highlights of the Sapphire Reserve include airport lounge access, the card's flexible $300 annual travel credit and useful travel protections.

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

Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

American Express Gold Card

Best for: Travelers who spend heavily on dining and groceries and can maximize the card's statement credits.

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

It earns at the following rates:

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

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

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

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

Apply here: American Express Gold Card

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard

Best for: American Airlines loyalists who value Admirals Club access and premium perks.

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive is a strong option for frequent American Airlines flyers, particularly those who can take advantage of its Admirals Club membership and suite of travel benefits.

Following a recent refresh, the card now offers perks including up to $500 annually toward American Airlines vacations (two biannual statement credits of up to $250 each), up to $100 credit annually toward eligible inflight and eligible Admirals Club purchases, automatic Omni Hotels & Resorts Champion status and Avis President's Club status. Enrollment required for select benefits.

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

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard For a limited time, earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first five months from account opening.

Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card

Best for: Air Canada loyalists.

The refreshed Air Canada Aeroplan card offers valuable perks for frequent Air Canada flyers that can help offset its $195 annual fee.

Cardholders receive Aeroplan 25K Status each year with no spending requirement, a 15% discount on eligible Air Canada award flights and up to $100 in annual statement credits for Air Canada purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the Air Canada Aeroplan card.

Apply here: Air Canada Aeroplan Card Earn up to 115,000 bonus points: 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 40,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening.

Capital One cards

Best for: Frequent travelers who want to earn transferable miles.

The Capital One Venture and Venture X are both strong options for travelers looking to earn transferable Capital One miles.

The Venture X is the premium option, with perks such as a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit and access to Capital One airport lounges.

Meanwhile, the Venture carries a lower $95 annual fee while still earning transferable miles that can be redeemed for travel or transferred to Capital One's more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

Learn more: 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 hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.

Learn more: 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.

Bilt Palladium Card

Best for: Bilt loyalists who want strong rewards on everyday spending and valuable hotel benefits.

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

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

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

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

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

Apply here: Bilt Palladium Card

IHG One Rewards cards

Best for: IHG loyalists who want premium perks.

IHG's newly launched premium card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Select, packs a strong mix of hotel and travel benefits at a $350 annual fee.

Cardholders can earn up to 28 points per dollar on IHG purchases and get perks including up to $300 in annual food and beverage rewards to redeem at IHG properties, a $200 airline statement credit (after spending $250 directly with airlines each year) and a free night award worth up to 60,000 points.

If you want a slightly more affordable IHG card that still packs premium benefits, the IHG One Premier is a great alternative.

To learn more, read our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier.

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card Earn 200,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Hilton Honors cards

Best for: Hilton travelers who can maximize hotel perks.

Two Hilton cobranded cards are offering standout welcome offers: the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.

The Aspire is the premium option, with automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status and an array of Hilton statement credits and travel perks.

The Surpass offers automatic Hilton Honors Gold status and useful Hilton credits with a much lower annual fee, making it a strong choice for more occasional Hilton guests.

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

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Jan. 13, 2027.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Jan. 13, 2027.

Delta SkyMiles cards

Best for: Frequent Delta flyers.

Right now, several of Delta's cobranded Amex cards are offering elevated, limited-time welcome offers. All of these limited-time offers end on Nov. 4.

If you fly with Delta at least a few times each year, you'll easily be able to maximize any of these cards' benefits. The two SkyMiles Reserve cards include Delta Sky Club access (subject to limitations), offering you a place to sit back and relax while you wait for your next flight.

These four cards also offer day-of-travel benefits that can make your flight smoother, including free checked bags (may be subject to additional terms) and priority boarding.

To learn more, check out our full reviews for the Delta Reserve, Delta Reserve Business, Delta Platinum and Delta Gold.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Earn two domestic round-trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates (valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands) and 50,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. A 21+ day advance purchase is required; up to $80 per person in taxes and fees apply. Other restrictions apply. Offer ends Nov. 4.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card Earn 200,000 bonus miles after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Nov. 4.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Apply and find out if your welcome offer is as high as 90,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $300 statement credit after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum offer amount. Offer ends Nov. 4.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Apply and find out if your welcome offer is as high as 80,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum offer amount. Offer ends Nov. 4.

Bottom line

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

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

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Business Reserve Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Aspire, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass, click here.

Travelers with plans to stay at an IHG brand and IHG One Rewards loyalists, listen up: You could save hundreds of dollars each year by adding an IHG cobranded card to your wallet.

Chase and IHG recently overhauled their credit card portfolio, adding a new top-tier card — the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card (see rates and fees) — and changing benefits on existing IHG cards.

Whether you're considering an entry-level IHG card or the brand's top offering, you'll want to make sure you get the best possible welcome offer. Let's break down what you need to know.

Comparison of IHG One credit card welcome offers

*The bonus value is based on TPG's October 2026 valuations and is not provided or reviewed by the issuer.

IHG One Rewards Premier Select

If you're an IHG loyalist or you stay with the brand at least once per quarter, the top-of-the-line Premier Select makes a compelling case for itself.

Welcome bonus: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Nov. 18.

According to TPG's valuations, this welcome offer is worth $1,200. Since this is the first welcome bonus we've seen on this card, we can't say how it will compare to future offers. However, issuers tend to provide a top-tier offer when a premium card launches, so it's safe to say now is likely a good time to apply.

Annual fee: $350

Why we like it: The IHG One Rewards Premier Select is Chase's newest card in the IHG lineup, geared toward those who strongly prefer IHG over other hotel brands. You'll be able to earn up to 28 points per dollar spent at IHG properties, plus use up to $75 in food and beverage rewards each quarter at IHG hotels.

As is common with hotel cards of this caliber, you'll receive one free anniversary night each year (worth up to 60,000 points). You'll also receive 20 elite night credits every calendar year, enough to unlock their first Milestone Reward each year. And you'll receive Platinum Elite status by default.

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier

If you stay at IHG properties a few times a year, the IHG Premier may be the right choice for you.

Welcome bonus: Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Nov. 18.

Per TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth $1,080.

The best offer we have seen in the card's history provided up to 300,000 points (in the form of five free nights valued at 60,000 points each; offer no longer available).

That said, the current welcome offer meets our threshold for when to apply, so we suggest going for the card now if you're interested.

Annual fee: $150

Why we like it: Despite no longer being IHG's top card, the Premier still offers a lot for cardholders. You'll receive a 50,000-point anniversary free night, earn up to 24 points per dollar spent at IHG properties and receive up to $25 in quarterly food and beverage rewards to use at IHG hotels.

Cardholders receive automatic Gold Elite status, along with 15 elite night credits each year. You'll receive two additional elite night credits for every $5,000 you spend on your card.

Apply here:IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Card

If you only stay with IHG once or twice each year, IHG's no-annual-fee introductory IHG One Rewards card may make the most sense for you.

Welcome bonus: Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Nov. 18.

This bonus is worth $750, per TPG's valuations.

The best offer we've seen in the card's history was for two free nights and 40,000 bonus points (for a total of up to 140,000 bonus points; offer no longer available).

That means the current offer is close to the card's best-ever, making now a solid time to apply.

Annual fee: $0

Why we like it: This card is a solid choice for anyone who likes IHG hotels but doesn't stay at them often enough to justify an annual fee. The IHG One Rewards still earns up to 17 points per dollar spent at IHG, a compelling earning rate for cash bookings and incidental charges.

You'll receive Silver Elite status and five elite night credits each year. And if you spend $5,000 on your card in a year, you'll unlock IHG's coveted fourth-night-free perk.

Apply here:IHG One Rewards Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Business

If you own a business, you'll want to consider the IHG One Rewards Business.

Welcome bonus: Earn 190,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Nov. 18.

TPG's valuations place this bonus at $1,140 in value, which far exceeds our minimum bonus for when to apply based on the card's welcome offer history.

Annual fee: $200

Why we like it: Just like the mid-tier Premier, the Business card offers up to $25 in food and beverage rewards for use at IHG properties each quarter. You'll earn slightly more points per dollar spent at IHG, up to 26 points per dollar spent.

In keeping with this card's designation as a business card, you'll receive up to $100 in statement credits every year toward Expensify purchases. You'll receive automatic Platinum Elite status, plus an annual free night worth up to 50,000 points.

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card

Application rules

You can have multiple IHG credit cards, but know that the IHG One Rewards cards are subject to Chase's 5/24 rule. This means if you've opened five or more personal credit card accounts across all banks in the last 24 months, Chase is unlikely to approve you.

Note that you also aren't eligible if any of these exclusions apply to you:

• For the Premier Select: If you currently have this specific card or have received a bonus on it in the past 24 months (this does not currently apply to anyone, as it is a new card).
• For the two other personal cards: If you currently have a personal IHG One Rewards credit card (which includes the legacy IHG One Rewards Select Credit Card; no longer available to new applicants) or if you received a new cardholder bonus on any personal IHG credit card in the past 24 months.
• For the IHG Business card: If you received a new cardholder bonus on this card in the last 24 months.

The information for the IHG One Rewards Select 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.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Bottom line

All four of IHG's credit cards have highly compelling welcome offers right now. Whether you're a loyalist looking to boost every stay or an occasional IHG visitor just looking for a little extra comfort, one of these cards can be a great fit for your wallet.

Just make sure you fall within Chase's application rules for its IHG cards, so you don't miss out on hundreds of thousands of bonus points.

If you're planning a dream getaway soon, now is a great time to determine your earning strategy and rack up those points and miles. One of the easiest ways to amass a large chunk of rewards is through credit card welcome bonuses, and several United cards are currently offering elevated, limited-time offers.

New bonuses have just dropped on all six of United's cards. While all meet our threshold for when to apply, the final two (for the entry-level and mid-tier personal cards) are at the highest we've seen, making now the perfect time to apply.

Chase issues United's cobranded cards, so make sure to keep its application rules in mind.

Let's look at each card to see what welcome offers they're currently offering.

Comparison of the United credit card welcome offers

Here's a look at United credit card offers at first glance:

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

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

United Club Card

The United Club Card is the top-tier United card. It's aimed at loyal United flyers who want an elevated experience.

Welcome bonus: Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,200 (including miles from adding an authorized user).

While not the highest offer in the card's history, it meets our recommendation for applying (when 90,000 miles or more are offered). If United status is on the table for you, it may make sense to wait for an offer that includes bonus Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs).

Annual fee: $695

Key benefits:

• United Club membership
• Elite status boost each year
• Premier Access travel services
• First and second checked bag free
• Hotel, car rental and ride-hailing credits (yearly opt-in for ride-hailing credits is required)
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus application fee credit
• Complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status

Earning rates:

• 11 total miles per dollar spent on eligible United flights
• 5 miles per dollar spent on hotel stays booked through Renowned Hotels and Resorts when you prepay for your booking using your Club Card
• 5 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible United purchases
• 2 miles per dollar spent on all other travel purchases
• 2 miles per dollar spent on dining
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

To learn more, read our full review of the United Club Card.

Apply here: United Club

United Business Card

The United Business Card is the more affordable of the two United business cards. It's a good choice if you're a small-business owner watching your budget but wanting to earn United miles and enjoy some perks when flying.

Welcome bonus: Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,200 (including miles from adding an authorized user; excluding the value of the PQPs).

While not the highest bonus we've seen on this card, it meets our threshold for when to apply and is especially valuable if you want to qualify or requalify for status.

Annual fee: $150

Key benefits:

• First checked bag free
• FareLock statement credit
• Hotel, car rental and ride-hailing credits (yearly opt-in for ride-hailing credits is required)
• Priority boarding
• Two one-time United Club passes each year
• United travel credit (after five United flight purchases of $100 or more each per calendar year)

Earning rates:

• 8 total miles per dollar spent on eligible United flights
• 5 miles per dollar spent on United Hotels
• 2 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible United purchases, local transit and commuting, gas stations, office supply stores, restaurants (including eligible delivery services)
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

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

Apply here: United Business

United Club Business Card

The United Club Business Card is the higher-tier options of the two United business cards. It's suited to high-spending small-business owners who want premium perks with United.

Welcome bonus: Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 2,000s PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,200 (including miles from adding an authorized user; excluding the value of the PQPs).

We've seen higher offers on this card, but the current bonus is still valuable, especially if you are chasing status.

Annual fee: $695

Key benefits:

• Elite status boost each year
• FareLock statement credit
• First and second checked bag free
• Hotel, car rental and ride-hailing credits (yearly opt-in for ride-hailing credits is required)
• Premier Access travel services
• United Club membership

Earning rates:

• 8 total miles per dollar spent on eligible United flights
• 5 miles per dollar spent on hotel stays booked through Renowned Hotels and Resorts when you prepay for your booking
• 2 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible United purchases
• 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

Learn more: United Club Business Card review

United Quest Card

The United Quest Card is the airline's upper-mid-tier card for frequent flyers. It's best for frequent United flyers who want travel perks without paying a steep annual fee.

Welcome bonus: Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs: Earn 500 PQPs after your first purchase and 80,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,080 (including miles from adding an authorized user; excluding the value of the PQPs).

Although not the highest offer we've seen, it meets our threshold for when to apply.

The 500 PQPs included in the bonus can also help you move closer to earning United Premier elite status. TPG credit cards writer Stephanie Stevens earned United Premier Silver status thanks to the PQP jump-start she earned through her Quest Card.

To earn United Premier Silver status for 2026, you need to earn 5,000 PQPs and 15 PQF (Premier Qualifying Flights), or 6,000 PQPs alone. This means the PQPs earned from the Quest bonus can offer a helpful boost to United elite status. It also provides a suite of travel perks, including priority boarding in group 2 and preferred seating at booking (for up to eight travel companions).

Annual fee: $350

For United flyers who check bags regularly and fly multiple times per year, the additional perks may justify the higher annual fee compared to lower-tier United cards.

Key benefits:

• Award flight discount
• Elite status boost each year
• First and second checked bags free
• Hotel, car rental and ride-hailing credits (yearly opt-in for ride-hailing credits is required)
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus application fee credit
• United travel credit

Earning rates:

• 10 total miles per dollar spent on eligible United flights
• 5 miles per dollar spent on hotel stays booked through Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers
• 4 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible United purchases
• 2 miles per dollar spent on other travel purchases, dining and select streaming purchases
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

To learn more, read our full review of the United Quest Card.

Apply here: United Quest

United Explorer Card

The United Explorer Card is a great option for those who want to enjoy United benefits at a reasonable cost.

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

Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $960 (including miles from adding an authorized user).

This matches the highest bonus we've seen on this card. Just note that this time you need to add an authorized user to reach the full 80,000-mile bonus.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150

Key benefits:

• First checked bag free
• Hotel, car rental and ride-hailing credits (yearly opt-in for ride-hailing credits is required)
• Inflight discount
• Priority boarding
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus application fee credit
• Two one-time United Club passes each year

Earning rates:

• 9 total miles per dollar spent on eligible United flights
• 3 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible United purchases
• 2 miles per dollar spent on hotel stays (when booked directly) and dining
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

To learn more, read our full review of the United Explorer Card.

Apply here: United Explorer

United Gateway Card

The entry-level United Gateway Card has no annual fee. It's a good option for those who fly occasionally with the airline and want to earn United miles.

Welcome bonus: Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $600 (including the miles from adding an authorized user).

This is the best-ever bonus we've seen on this card, making now the best time to apply.

Annual fee: $0

Key benefits:

• First and second checked bags free (after spending $10,000 in a calendar year)
• Inflight discount
• Special member pricing (after spending $10,000 in a calendar year)
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Earning rates:

• 5 total miles per dollar spent on eligible United flights
• 2 miles per dollar spent on other eligible United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

To learn more, read our full review of the United Gateway Card.

Apply here: United Gateway

How to maximize United MileagePlus miles

While United's dynamic award chart can make it difficult to score high-value redemptions, the airline does offer some solid benefits for loyal flyers. Its award sales provide excellent redemption options, sometimes starting at just a few thousand miles per ticket.

The airline also doesn't impose fuel surcharges on award tickets (which can easily save you hundreds of dollars).

It's also a Chase transfer partner, which can help you earn United miles across multiple credit cards. The airline's Star Alliance membership means you can redeem miles with the other roughly 25 member airlines, including Air New Zealand, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.

By taking advantage of low-cost domestic award tickets (such as flying from Houston to Orlando for as little as 3,500 miles), you can stretch the miles you earn with your credit cards to help you plan your upcoming trips.

Or, go big and start saving miles toward a fancy United Polaris business-class flight.

Related: How to get maximum value from the United MileagePlus program

Bottom line

Taking advantage of a United welcome bonus can get you closer to your next trip. Plus, if you're interested in the elevated bonuses available, now is a great time to apply.

Before you put in your application, ensure you're aware of Chase's 5/24 rule: If you have opened five or more accounts in the past 24 months, you may have difficulty getting approved for these cards.

If you're successful in applying, you'll be well on your way to a more elevated flying experience with United and its partner airlines.

Apply here: United Club
Apply now: United Business
Apply here: United Quest
Apply here: United Explorer
Apply here: United Gateway
Learn more: United Club Business

If you have the Discover it® Cash Back or Discover it® Student Cash Back, take note: Discover's fourth-quarter rotating categories are now live.

Through Dec. 31, eligible cardholders who activate can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined eligible purchases across entertainment, restaurants and utilities.

If you haven't activated yet, you can still register. Just remember that Discover's 5% cash back isn't retroactive — you'll only earn the elevated rate on qualifying purchases made after you activate.

Here's what to know about the Q4 categories and how this year's lineup breaks from Discover's typical fourth-quarter playbook.

Discover Q4 2026 categories

Through Dec. 31, eligible Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Student Cash Back cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases across:

• Entertainment: including movies, concerts and live sporting events
• Restaurants: including full-service restaurants, fast food, takeout and delivery
• Utilities: including electricity, water, internet and phone services

The categories are active through Dec. 31, and activation is required.

If you maximize the $1,500 combined quarterly spending cap, you can earn $75 in cash back at the 5% rate during Q4. After you reach the cap, additional purchases earn the card's standard 1% cash-back rate.

One thing to keep in mind with utilities: Check whether your provider charges a fee for paying by credit card, since that could offset some or all of the additional cash back you'd earn.

Related: Quarterly statement credits and bonus categories: Your July-September 2026 checklist

Analyzing the Q4 bonus categories

Discover's Q4 lineup looks notably different from its typical fourth-quarter offerings.

Historically, the fourth quarter has been a major opportunity to earn bonus cash back on holiday shopping, with Amazon appearing as a Q4 category every year from 2017 through 2025. Target or Walmart also appeared during several of those years. This year, none of those retailers is included.

• Entertainment: For the first time, eligible cardholders can earn 5% cash back on qualifying entertainment purchases, including movies, concerts and live sporting events.
• Restaurants: Restaurants are returning as a 5% category for the second time this year. Since restaurants have not previously appeared as a Q4 category, this gives cardholders a new opportunity to earn bonus cash back on dining during the holiday season.
• Utilities: Utilities return as a cash-back category for the second consecutive year, offering 5% cash back on qualifying recurring household expenses such as electricity, water, internet and phone services. Because these are recurring bills, this category could be an easy way to work toward the quarterly spending cap.

These categories represent a shift toward categories that align with holiday experiences and recurring household expenses.

With three different bonus categories to choose from, cardholders have several ways to work toward the $1,500 quarterly cap. Eligible purchases across all three categories count toward the same combined spending limit.

Discover cash-back categories history

Here's how Discover's cash back categories have looked in recent years:

Discover 5% cash-back categories FAQs

How do Discover's rotating categories work?

Each quarter, Discover announces a new group of bonus categories. Cardholders must activate the categories to earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined eligible purchases during the quarter. After reaching the $1,500 spending cap, purchases earn the card's standard 1% cash-back rate.

Cash back earned during the billing cycle is generally added to your rewards balance after your monthly statement closes. Once available, you can redeem your cash back at any time, with no minimum redemption amount, including for a statement credit or deposit into a bank account.

How do I activate my Discover 5% categories?

You can activate your Q4 categories through the Discover mobile app or your online account.

In the app, select your card, navigate to the rewards or cash-back section and tap "Activate Now." On a desktop, log in to your Discover account and select "Activate Now" next to the Q4 bonus categories.

It's a good idea to activate as soon as possible so you don't accidentally make an eligible purchase before registering.

If your Discover account has already migrated to Capital One, you can activate your Q4 categories through the Capital One app or your online account. The benefit and activation process remain the same.

How much cash back can I earn each quarter?

If you spend the full $1,500 quarterly limit on eligible purchases, you'll earn $75 in cash back at the 5% rate. Multiply that by four quarters and you've got $300 of cash back in your pocket.

Once you've reached the $1,500 cap, additional purchases in the bonus categories earn the card's standard cash-back rate of 1%.

New cardholders can get even more through Discover's Unlimited Cashback Match™. At the end of your first year, Discover automatically matches all the cash back you've earned, with no minimum or maximum rewards.

So, if you earn the maximum $75 in cash back from the 5% categories in a single quarter, Discover would match that $75 at the end of your first year, bringing your total from those purchases to $150.

And because Cashback Match applies to all cash back earned during your first year, the match can apply across multiple quarterly bonus periods.

Is Discover's 5% cash back retroactive?

No, Discover's rotating-category bonus is not retroactive.

You must activate the categories before making eligible purchases. You'll earn 5% cash back only on qualifying purchases made after activation during the applicable earning period.

For example, if you activate your Q4 categories on Oct. 15, an eligible restaurant purchase made Oct. 10 would not earn 5% cash back.

How can I maximize Discover's rotating categories?

The best strategy is to activate your categories as soon as they're available and then prioritize your Discover it Cash Back or Discover it Student Cash Back for purchases that fall within the bonus categories.

For Q4 2026, that means looking at your expected spending on restaurants, entertainment and utilities and determining which expenses you can reasonably put on your card.

Because the $1,500 cap applies across all three categories, you don't need to spend $1,500 in any one category. You can combine eligible purchases across the three categories until you reach the quarterly limit.

Just remember that Discover's bonus categories shouldn't automatically replace a card that offers a better return for a particular purchase. If another card in your wallet earns a higher rate or provides a more valuable benefit, compare the two before deciding which card to use.

Related: The best credit cards for everyday spending

Bottom line

Discover's Q4 2026 bonus categories are now live, giving eligible cardholders the opportunity to earn 5% cash back on entertainment, restaurants and utilities through Dec. 31 after activation.

This year's categories shake up Discover's traditional fourth-quarter lineup, swapping the holiday-shopping focus for experiences and everyday expenses.

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

If you have the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) or legacy Chase Freedom®* in your wallet, your card's Q4 categories are now live.

From now through Dec. 31, you'll earn up to 7% cash back (or up to 7 points per dollar spent) on dining, grocery stores and American Red Cross donations.

You must activate your categories by Dec. 14 to earn at these rates (on up to $1,500 in combined spending across these categories; then 1% back or 1 point per dollar spent).

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

Activate your Chase Freedom fourth-quarter categories

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

Chase Freedom Q4 2026 categories

Through Dec. 31, Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders will earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar spent) across these bonus categories (on up to $1,500 in combined purchases; then 1% back or 1 point per dollar spent):

• Dining (Freedom Flex cardholders will earn an elevated 7% cash back or 7 points per dollar spent on these purchases for Q4)
• Grocery stores
• American Red Cross donations

Dining already appeared as a bonus category earlier this year, so those who dine out often or order a lot of food delivery will appreciate a second chance to earn up to 7% cash back.

Grocery stores are one of the most common quarterly bonus categories on the Freedom cards, while this is the first time we're seeing American Red Cross donations as a stand-alone category.

And extra good news for Freedom Flex cardholders: The card no longer charges foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for dining and grocery purchases both in the U.S. and abroad in Q4. (The legacy Freedom card still charges foreign transaction fees, so cardholders may want to consider calling Chase and product changing to the Freedom Flex.)

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

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

Analyzing the Q4 bonus categories

The fourth quarter is a time when many people rack up plenty of charges from restaurants and grocery stores, between the holidays, end-of-year travel and gatherings with loved ones. Since dining and groceries are likely two of the highest spending categories for many Freedom cardholders, it's nice to see them offered as bonus categories at the same time.

If you're feeling in a charitable mood this holiday season, consider using your eligible Freedom card to donate to the American Red Cross.

Here are the details:

• Dining: If you're a Freedom Flex cardholder, Chase has confirmed that you'll be eligible for a boosted 7% cash back on dining purchases, including eligible takeout and delivery; legacy Freedom cardholders (no longer open to applicants) will earn 5% cash back. 7% cash back is among the highest rates available for dining purchases, so Freedom Flex cardholders should make a point to charge those purchases — both in the U.S. and internationally — to that card in Q4.
• Grocery stores: Whether you're buying weekly groceries, preparing for winter storms or gearing up for holiday meals, you'll be able to get 5% cash back on your grocery purchases with your eligible Freedom card. (Note that Walmart, Target, wholesale clubs, discount stores and some drugstores are not eligible for the quarterly bonus.)
• American Red Cross donations: If you decide to donate to the American Red Cross in Q4, you'll earn 5% cash back on your donation. While some cards offer bonus rewards on charitable donations, it isn't too common. That makes your eligible Freedom card a great pick for any donations to this particular charity. Make sure to make your donation directly through the Red Cross; otherwise, your purchase may not code correctly for the 5% bonus cash back.

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

Upcoming Q1 bonus categories

As part of the Freedom Flex's latest updates, Chase is giving cardholders an earlier look at upcoming quarterly bonus categories. While you can't activate the Q1 2027 categories until Dec. 15, Chase has already announced that they will include:

• Grocery stores (excluding Target and Walmart)
• Select streaming services

Those who plan to maximize the grocery store quarterly category in Q4 will be happy to see it continue for Q1. This is the first time Chase has offered grocery stores in consecutive quarters. Streaming services last appeared as a category in Q2 2025.

Chase Freedom rotating categories history

Chase Freedom bonus categories FAQs

How do rotating categories work?

Chase offers a set of bonus categories each quarter that earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar) for three months (on up to $1,500 in combined spending).

Chase now previews upcoming bonus categories about a quarter in advance, giving cardholders more time to plan their spending. You can activate your categories until midway through the last month of the quarter.

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

How much cash back can I earn each quarter?

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

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

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

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

How do I activate my 5% categories each quarter?

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

Here's how to register:

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

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

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

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

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

How do I maximize my Freedom and Freedom Flex cards?

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

If you're a Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex cardholder, your Q4 categories include dining, grocery stores and American Red Cross donations.

Most of these purchases will earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar spent) from October through December. The exception is dining purchases on the Freedom Flex, which will earn an elevated 7% cash back (or 7 points per dollar spent).

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

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

Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex

If you're an Air France-KLM enthusiast, you may be eyeing the Air France KLM Visa Signature® credit card for its status boosts, bonus miles (after spending $50 in an account year) and strong earning rate on SkyTeam purchases.

Before applying for any credit card, you want to make sure you get a solid welcome bonus. Welcome bonuses provide substantial first-year value, and that's no exception with the Air France KLM Visa Signature.

Let's take a look at the card's current offer.

Air France KLM Visa welcome offer

Currently, new Air France KLM Visa Signature cardholders can earn 70,000 bonus miles and 100 Experience Points (XP) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

According to TPG's October 2026 valuations, the bonus miles are worth $980. The XP you'll receive after hitting the spending requirement will grant you Flying Blue Silver status for one year.

Since you'll get one year of status on top of 70,000 miles, I consider this a valuable welcome offer. I recommend applying now if you're interested.

Just remember that Air France-KLM often charges high taxes and fees on award tickets, and you may be subject to a 70 euro change or cancellation fee if you attempt to rebook a Standard award.

Flying Blue Silver status comes with some useful perks across SkyTeam and nonalliance partner airlines, including an extra free checked bag and priority check-in.

Keep in mind that since this card is issued by Bank of America, you'll be subject to their application rules. If you've been approved for three new cards in the past year or four cards in the past two years, you'll likely be declined. In my experience, Bank of America prefers a preexisting relationship with credit card applicants, as well.

Air France KLM Visa benefits

The Air France KLM Visa charges an $89 annual fee, which is lower than most mid-tier cards. To help justify this fee, this card offers the following notable perks:

• Bonus miles on Air France-KLM and SkyTeam purchases, as well as on dining and rent paid through Bilt (for Bilt, on up to $50,000 in spending each year, with the ability to earn up to 75,000 points maximum)
• 5,000 bonus anniversary miles (after spending $50 in an account year), worth $70 according to TPG's valuations
• A status boost every account anniversary, plus additional boosts after meeting certain spending requirements
• No foreign transaction fees

Provided you fly with Air France-KLM at least a few times each year, it should be easy for you to find tangible value with this card. That's especially true if you also fly with these airlines' partners, such as Delta Air Lines.

Bottom line

If you're interested in getting the Air France KLM Visa Signature, now's a great time to apply. You can earn a nice heap of miles alongside Flying Blue Silver status for one year (via the 100 XP included in the offer) after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days after opening your account.

It isn't too common for an airline card to offer status as part of a welcome offer, so this is a great opportunity for any Air France-KLM enthusiast.

Apply here: Air France KLM Visa Signature credit card

Two of Hilton's flagship luxury resorts in Mexico — the Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya — are becoming all-inclusives as of today, Oct. 1, 2026, and the Waldorf Astoria will become an adults-only resort as of Jan. 10, 2027.

As of today, both resorts will transition to an all-inclusive model, according to a press release shared by Hilton earlier today.

These mark the first Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties in the world to officially become all-inclusive resorts, though they and others have offered all-inclusive packages as rate options in the past. Presumably, the success of those offerings is part of what is leading to this change.

"Today's travelers want the freedom and ease of an all-inclusive resort, paired with the distinctive depth, personalization and sense of place they expect from Hilton's award-winning luxury brands," said Sylvia Scholey, vice president and global head of all-inclusive and resorts at Hilton.

Here are the other details we know so far.

Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya going all-inclusive and adults-only

The 173-room Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya opened back in November 2022 and quickly became a popular option for Hilton Honors members looking for sun-splashed getaways on Mexico's east coast thanks to its luxurious rooms, varied restaurants and gardenlike spa.

This announcement heralds two major changes to the resort. First, that guests will no longer have to pay extra for in-room dining or to dine at most venues on-site, including:

• Malpeque
• Chaya
• Peacock Alley
• Ja'O
• Pool Bar

However, certain specialty meals and events will presumably cost extra.

Guests can also expect unlimited premium beverages, artisanal cocktails and sommelier-selected wines with an open bar from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Additionally, there will be complimentary daily activities, access to the fitness center and cultural experiences on offer.

The included activities are grouped into categories like "Awaken your senses" for sunrise fitness classes and "Artisan Journeys" for craft workshops.

What's more, daily refreshed minibars will also be included, as will private round-trip transfers from Cancun International Airport (CUN) for eligible direct bookings. All told, you could be getting a lot for that nightly rate.

Speaking of nightly rates, they currently appear to be unavailable on the Hilton site, but we'll update them here once they're back online.

As for the other big piece of news, the resort will also be going adults-only, meaning guests must be 18 or older. Don't worry, you can still stay at the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya with kids or the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort.

However, folks with existing reservations at the Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya will be honored according to the plan and terms confirmed at booking — so if you already made a reservation at the hotel for dates after it goes all-inclusive, you can get the extra inclusions and should not have to pay extra.

More importantly, though, for travelers with reservations that include guests under 18 and arrival dates on or after Jan. 10, 2027, the resort is supposed to work with each guest to identify alternative accommodation options and provide personalized assistance throughout the process. So, don't wait to call Hilton to figure out an alternative (and email us to let us know how it goes!).

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya goes all-inclusive with an adults-only section

The nearby Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya opened in January 2022 and, though it has 349 rooms and suites, feels more like a secluded getaway than some of the other megaresorts on the Riviera Maya.

Guests will be able to dine at the following restaurants as part of the all-inclusive rate:

• Kengai
• Ukai
• Chiringuitos
• Arbolea
• Maratea
• Cafetal
• Ultramar
• Chaak Bar

Other experiences will cost extra.

Those who directly book stays of four or more consecutive nights will also be entitled to:

• Airport transportation
• Choice of one bespoke wellness, nature or family experience or excursion

Like at the Waldorf, the Conrad will offer thematic groupings for included activities, ranging from "Awaken" sunrise yoga to "After dark" live music and cultural showcases.

Finally, the resort will also unveil a dedicated adults-only experience called Ceiba Club with special access to an adults-only pool and beach, the Autor restaurant (which serves contemporary Mexican cuisine), the Ceiba Lounge and Carbon Restaurant.

As with the Waldorf, room rates are not available for the moment, possibly while Hilton transitions its pricing and booking system to the new all-inclusive rates, but check back here for updates on paid and points pricing.

In a bit of good news, Hilton says that existing reservations at the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya will be honored in accordance with the plan and terms confirmed at the time of booking.

Bottom line

There's no doubt about it: The all-inclusive trend in hotels is continuing full steam ahead. That's true for budget-conscious travelers as well as those booking luxury experiences, as everyone is looking to squeeze as much value as possible from higher and higher nightly rates.

The transition of these two flagship Hilton luxury resorts to the all-inclusive model and the fact that the Waldorf Astoria is going adults-only are both interesting signals of where Hilton might be heading next as it diversifies its already wide-ranging hotel portfolio.

Related reading:

• Best Hilton credit cards
• Hilton Honors elite status: What it is and how to earn it
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What is the best hotel loyalty program in the world? How to choose the right one for your travel needs
• Best hotel credit cards

Tanzania has joined a growing list of destinations requiring visitors to be covered by travel insurance. And not just any insurance — the new mandate requires tourists to purchase a specific policy, even if they have already purchased trip insurance or have coverage through a travel credit card.

Here's how you can prepare for your trip to Tanzania.

Under Section 134A of Tanzania's Insurance Act, Cap. 394, which was amended through the Finance Act 2025, most inbound foreigners are now required to carry a specific travel insurance policy as of Oct. 1. This applies whether you enter the country by air, land or sea.

Transit passengers are exempt, as are diplomats, select work and residence permit holders and some residents of other African states. Most American tourists, however, will need this insurance to set foot in this popular safari and beach destination.

How can you purchase the necessary coverage? That depends on where you enter the country.

If you arrive in mainland Tanzania, such as Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near the safari gateway of Arusha or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in the capital of Dar es Salaam, you will need to purchase coverage through National Insurance Corporation. If you enter through the island of Zanzibar, you will need a policy through Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. Either policy will allow you to travel between the mainland and Zanzibar.

The required policies are designed to provide emergency assistance to tourists, including for accidents, health emergencies and repatriation costs. According to the Tanzanian government, policies will also cover things like baggage delays and theft.

Premiums cost around $44 per adult and $22 per child aged 3-17, with a 10% discount for groups of 10 or more. Children under 3 are free. You can purchase an individual, family or group package based on your party size.

The policy is valid for up to 92 days and allows multiple entries. So, you could land in Tanzania, travel by car to other African countries and return to Tanzania all on a single policy, as long as the total trip length did not exceed 92 days.

The new requirement is in line with an existing rule in Zanzibar and comes on the heels of a similar mandate initiated in Kenya.

Bottom line

Tanzania's new trip insurance mandate adds another cost — albeit a relatively small one in the grand scheme of safari travel — to factor into your trip budget. More importantly, it is crucial to get the required coverage before you travel to avoid being delayed, or even potentially turned away, when you arrive in Tanzania.

The requirement starts today, Oct. 1, so anyone with an upcoming trip will need insurance. Head to the appropriate site for mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar to get yours.

Related reading:

• The best time to take an African safari
• Your travel health checklist: How to stay safe abroad
• The best places to travel in 2026

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

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

Related: How TPG determines its points and miles valuations

What are credit card points and miles worth?

What are Bilt Points worth?

What are airline points and miles worth?

*Calculated using data provided by Points Path.

What are hotel points worth?

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

Top points and miles news for October

Alaska Airlines has just made a slew of announcements that will be music to the ears of Atmos Rewards members.

Beginning in 2028, Alaska will roll out its Aurora premium experience across its Boeing 787 fleet and at least 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10s. It will be the first time Alaska has operated lie-flat seats on narrow-body aircraft, and even more exciting, the MAX 10s will have 12 lie-flat suites with direct aisle access.

Hawaiian's A330s will also receive luxurious Leihoku Suites, and both airlines will add a premium economy cabin in 2028. New lounges are on the way, too, including a massive flagship lounge in Seattle for long-haul premium flyers and top-tier elite members.

Atmos Rewards members can now choose how they earn both redeemable points and elite status on flights taken from Jan. 1, 2027. There are three choices:

• By distance: 1 point per mile
• By spending: 5 points per dollar
• By segments: 500 points per flight

Existing members will default to distance, and new members will default to spend. But members can switch their earning method once per calendar year.

You can currently transfer Bilt and Marriott Bonvoy points to Atmos Rewards. But starting in 2027, select Bank of America cardholders will be able to transfer points to Atmos Rewards. We don't yet know the transfer ratio or which cards will qualify, though. Atmos Rewards will also launch a new debit card in 2027 that earns points on everyday spending and refresh its business credit card later in 2026, adding perks such as lounge passes and same-day flight changes.

Top offers for earning points and miles in October

October's cobranded credit card offer of the month is the suite of Delta SkyMiles credit cards, where you can earn up to 200,000 bonus SkyMiles, statement credits, Delta Comfort Flight Certificates and more.

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

• American Express Platinum Card®: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within three months from account opening, plus receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus points
  after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• American Express® Gold Card: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Do the powdery soft sand and turquoise waters of French Polynesia beckon you?

Now just might be the perfect time to book a trip to the iconic island destination, thanks to a massive new offer from French Polynesia cruise specialist Paul Gauguin Cruises and its sister brand, Ponant Explorations.

Available for select French Polynesia sailings in 2026 and 2027, the Tempting Tahiti offer, as it's being called, will get you a whopping $1,000 in shipboard credit that can be applied to the cost of a wide range of experiences, from pampering spa treatments to high-end wines while on board a Tahiti-based ship.

That's right, a full thousand dollars in credit.

In addition, and this is a great kicker, the offer is combinable with early-booking offers from Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant Explorations that can provide bonus savings of up to 30% off standard brochure or stateroom rates.

It's also combinable with several other savings programs, including the savings that come with the Ponant Yacht Club loyalty program (which is the loyalty program for both Ponant Explorations and Paul Gauguin Cruises), Strategic Account Amenity Program savings, Paul Gauguin's Canadian Resident Savings and Onboard Savings.

The only major catch: To qualify for the offer, you have to book by the end of October (and mention promo code TEMPTAH). There are a few other limitations that we'll discuss below.

French Polynesia, two ways

The new offer comes as Ponant Explorations, a leading luxury and expedition cruise company, bases one of its new-built-for-adventure Ponant Explorers vessels — the 184-passenger Le Jacques Cartier — in French Polynesia for the first time.

New in the region since September, Le Jacques Cartier was specifically designed for "expedition-style" voyages to remote and hard-to-reach places, and it's operating truly unusual new itineraries to some of French Polynesia's most off-the-beaten-path and undeveloped corners, including the far-flung atolls of the sparsely populated Gambier and Austral Islands.

In offering new sailings across French Polynesia, Le Jacques Cartier is joining Paul Gauguin Cruises' 330-passenger m/s Paul Gauguin — the longtime leader in authentic, immersive and luxurious trips to the region.

Permanently based in French Polynesia and an icon of tourism in the region, The Gauguin, as the line likes to call it, operates seven- to 14-night voyages that include stops at some of the best-known islands of the South Pacific, including such icons as Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea.

The two vessels offer two very different ways to experience French Polynesia — both quite wonderful.

In the case of Ponant's Le Jacques Cartier, the sailings bring such expedition-style adventures as landings by Zodiac boats on isolated beaches for exploring, lagoon snorkeling at uninhabited atolls, scuba diving along deep sea walls (scuba instructors will be on all sailings to lead dives) and trekking to ancient archeological sites.

Designed in collaboration with local communities, activities also include cultural outings such as traditional hand-carved wooden outrigger canoe rides and a visit to a locally owned and operated vanilla orchid plantation.

On these Ponant sailings, all expedition-style landings and daily shore excursions are included in the fare.

Sailings on The Gauguin are more traditional in their style and offer an immersive way to explore multiple French Polynesian islands, including Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti, without the logistics of island-hopping by air.

As I saw firsthand just last year during a sailing that was so lovely that I didn't want to leave, The Gauguin, notably, is uniquely integrated into the local community, with Polynesian hosts who live aboard the ship (known as Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins) providing cultural activities and many excursions led by local residents.

Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, in particular, play a big role in the experience, bringing the spirit of Polynesia to life while you're on board. Throughout afternoons and evenings on The Gauguin, you'll experience the retelling of ancestral legends through dance, delight in traditional songs, and learn local handicrafts during hands-on demonstrations.

In addition, on select summer and holiday voyages, children ages 6 to 15 have access to additional hands-on learning with a local twist — everything from naturalist-led island excursions to crafts, games and science activities — as part of the line's complimentary Moana Explorer Program. It's offered in partnership with South Pacific Marine Education and Conservation Foundation Te Mana O Te Moana.

The experience of sailing The Gauguin also includes dining daily on locally sourced cuisine, lounging on wide-open decks with panoramic views and access to a private islet for exclusive beach activities.

On The Gauguin, shore excursions generally come with an additional charge. But here's the great news: The Tempting Tahiti offer's $1,000 in onboard credit can be used to offset shore excursion costs, too.

Elegant, upscale vessels

While their cruising styles differ, both Le Jacques Cartier and The Gauguin share an upscale feel, with elegant cabins and suites, public areas and dining. Both are owned by the same France-based parent company, and they also have a particular French flair, with French officers and staff sprinkled throughout the ships and French cuisine and style often on display.

Both of the ships are known for their warm and genuine service — something I have seen myself on quite a few Ponant and Paul Gauguin sailings over the years.

Nearly 70% of the cabins and suites on The Gauguin have private balconies offering front-row seats to the magnificent views. On Le Jacques Cartier, it's all of the cabins and suites.

Sailings on The Gauguin also come with butler service for top suites.

The small size of the ships — Le Jacques Cartier, in particular, feels more like a large private yacht than a cruise vessel — means that they are not only much more intimate than the typical large cruise ship but can access Polynesian islets and lagoons that are inaccessible to almost every other ship.

Both ships also have back-of-ship marinas for a range of water activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Fares for both vessels are mostly all-inclusive, covering most drinks, meals, Wi-Fi and gratuities. The things for which you'll pay extra, such as spa treatments and high-end drinks, can all be covered by the $1,000-a-cabin credit that is part of the Tempting Tahiti promotion.

Unique itineraries

Elegance and ties to local culture aside, for some would-be visitors to French Polynesia, the wide range of itineraries offered by these two ships is their main allure.

On a typical land resort stay in French Polynesia, vacationers will spend the bulk of their trip at a single property on Bora Bora, Tahiti or Moorea. When you sail on The Gauguin, on most departures, by contrast, you'll experience extended, overnight visits to all three of these islands while also stopping at at least a couple more idyllic French Polynesian island escapes for the day.

This allows for a deeper exploration of French Polynesia's natural wonders, communities and cultures, which vary from island to island.

In addition to voyages that take in such iconic destinations as Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea, which are all part of a corner of French Polynesia known as the Society Islands, The Gauguin offers cruises to the:

• Cook Islands
• Marquesas Islands
• Tuamotus
• Fiji and Tonga
• Melanesia, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia

The new sailings on Le Jacques-Cartier add even more depth to the offerings with expedition-style sailings to a wide mix of additional archipelagos and far-flung outposts, including the:

• Austral Islands (including Raivavae, Tubuai, and Rurutu)
• Gambier Islands
• Pitcairn Islands
• Remote Tuamotu atolls

The deal in detail

As noted above, the new Tempting Tahiti deal includes $1,000 in onboard credit, per cabin or suite, when you book a cabin for two people.

For solo travelers occupying a room, the credit is $500.

You'll find this offer available for quite a few French Polynesian sailings taking place between now and the end of 2027, including every Paul Gauguin sailing and a nice mix of Le Jacques Cartier sailings.

Among caveats:

• The offer is for new bookings created and deposited by Oct. 31.
• You must mention code TEMPTAH at the time of booking.
• There is no cash value for unused shipboard credits.
• The shipboard credit on Le Jacques-Cartier sailings will be dispersed in the equivalent converted value in euros, the onboard currency.
• Bookings must be made through the Americas office for U.S. dollar-denominated brands.

In addition, as noted above, the offer is combinable with Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant bonus offers, Ponant Yacht Club Savings, Strategic Account Amenity programs, Paul Gauguin Cruises Canadian Resident Savings and Onboard Savings.

It's not combinable with Reduced Single Supplement (0%-85%) offers, Roadshow or Webinar discounts, group pricing, Interline pricing, reduced-rate bookings, or free-of-charge bookings.

To take advantage of the combinable Paul Gauguin Cruises Canadian Residents Savings, you must request these savings at the time of booking.

Fares shown as part of the promotion are in U.S. dollars on a per-guest basis and include all port taxes and fees. They also include all available bonus savings of up to 30%.

Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant also note that fares for the sailings are based on availability, and all offers mentioned are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

It's easy to think of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card as a card that matters most when you're flying Delta.

While that's true, many of the card's best benefits begin well before takeoff and continue long after you've landed. From airport lounge access that can transform a travel day to statement credits that fit into everyday life and perks that can help you work toward Medallion Status, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card can deliver value before, during and between trips — and make it easy to justify the $650 annual fee (see rates and fees). Terms apply.

Right now, there's an especially compelling reason to take another look. For the first time ever, new cardmembers can earn two round-trip Delta Comfort flights* (with no blackout dates) plus 50,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 in eligible purchases during the first six months of card membership.* This limited-time offer ends November 4, 2026.

*Fulfilled as Flight Certificates valid for Delta Comfort or Delta Main to select domestic destinations, booked 21+ days in advance; up to $80 per person in taxes/fees apply. Other terms and restrictions apply.

That welcome offer can help set the stage for your next vacation, but it's only the beginning of what the card has to offer.

Start your next trip with a great welcome offer

The current limited-time offer gives new cardmembers two different ways to start planning future travel.

First, the 50,000 bonus miles can help build your SkyMiles balance, putting your next Delta redemption that much closer.

Then there are the two round-trip Delta Comfort flight certificates, which offer tremendous flexibility with no blackout dates. Delta Comfort offers extra legroom, dedicated overhead bin space, and complimentary premium snacks and beverages on eligible flights, making it an easy way to enjoy a more comfortable journey.

Whether you're planning a long weekend or visiting family across the country, those flight certificates can help make your next trip both more comfortable and more affordable — particularly at a time when travel costs remain an important consideration for many travelers.

The certificates are valid for eligible travel within the 48 contiguous U.S. states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Keep in mind that eligible travel requires a 21-day advance purchase, and taxes and fees of up to $80 per person apply.) Since there are no blackout dates, you'll more easily be able to get solid value from these certificates — even more so than other airline certificates that come with substantial limits to work around.

As appealing as the welcome offer is, it's best viewed as the start of the card's value rather than the finish line.

Make travel days feel more premium

Some of the Delta Reserve Card's most valuable benefits kick in before you even reach your gate.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardmembers can enjoy 15 visits each Medallion® Year to Delta Sky Clubs® when flying Delta, offering a quieter place to relax, catch up on work or grab a bite before departure. Plus, enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card. Terms apply.

The card also includes a $120 statement credit every four years for a Global Entry application fee (or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck®), helping offset the cost of programs that can make your airport experience faster and easier. Terms apply.

Whether you're departing on vacation or connecting between flights, these benefits can help make travel days feel a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.

The card keeps working between trips

One of the biggest misconceptions about airline credit cards is that they only provide value when you're flying.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card continues delivering value long after you've unpacked.

Eligible statement credits — including up to $240 annually after using your card to pay for eligible purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants and up to $120 annually after using your card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers — can help offset everyday spending throughout the year. Enrollment is required for both benefits; terms apply.

The card can also help travelers working toward Delta Medallion Status. Cardmembers receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year through MQD Headstart, giving them an immediate boost before making a single purchase. Eligible purchases then earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent, allowing everyday spending to help move you closer to Medallion Status while also earning SkyMiles. Terms apply.

For frequent Delta flyers, that means the card can continue helping you reach your travel goals even when your next trip is still weeks or months away.

Get more from the Delta flights you already take

When it's time to board a Delta flight, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers another collection of valuable benefits.

After each card renewal, cardmembers receive an annual Companion Certificate that's valid on eligible round-trip Delta First, Delta Comfort or Delta Main Cabin travel to destinations including all 50 U.S. states, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges, terms and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit. Terms apply.

The card also includes a first complimentary checked bag on Delta flights and Zone 5 Priority Boarding. In addition, basic cardmembers receive a second complimentary checked bag on domestic Delta flights. Terms apply.

Eligible cardmembers will be added to the complimentary upgrade list after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members, adding another potential perk every time they fly. Terms apply.

Together, these benefits can add meaningful value for travelers who regularly choose Delta — even if they aren't flying every week.

Bottom line

The current limited-time welcome offer makes this an especially attractive time to consider the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. Earning two round-trip Delta Comfort flight certificates plus 50,000 bonus miles (after meeting the spending requirement) is the kind of offer that can help jump-start future travel plans. Terms apply.

But the card's long-term appeal goes well beyond its introductory offer.

Its combination of airport lounge access, valuable flight benefits, eligible statement credits and built-in support toward Medallion Status means it can continue delivering value before, during and between your trips — not just while you're in the air.

To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card.

Learn more: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles American Express Reserve Card, click here.

Anyone who may have been hoping that Bilt would be the simple savior in the Hyatt transfer-ratio devaluation storyline is about to be disappointed.

First, Chase Ultimate Rewards announced it was shifting from a 1:1 to a 4:3 transfer ratio to the popular World of Hyatt program from many of its rewards cards, including the popular Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees). In fact, those changes take effect on Oct. 1 for many existing cardholders.

And now, we've learned that Bilt will make the same transfer ratio shift as of Jan. 1, 2027.

Beginning in January, transfers of Bilt Points to World of Hyatt will change from 1:1 to 4:3. That means you'll need to transfer 33% more Bilt points to get the same number of Hyatt points.

To put real numbers to it, a 60,000-point World of Hyatt stay will require 80,000 Bilt points instead of the 60,000 it requires now.

And, unfortunately, this change applies to all Bilt members.

Chase — which issues Hyatt's slate of cobranded credit cards — maintained the 1:1 transfer ratio for those with the premium Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) cards.

There won't be a similar carve-out for cardholders with any of the Bilt-issued credit cards, including those with the highest-tier Bilt Palladium Card (see rates and fees).

Our take on the changes

This is, of course, unquestionably bad news for Bilt members who had grown accustomed to earning points from monthly housing payments, through Bilt's numerous partners and via spending on its three credit cards — and then transferring those points 1:1 to Hyatt.

That said, it's worth zooming out to consider how this change fits into broader loyalty industry trends — and, more specifically, the widespread structural changes we've seen within the World of Hyatt points ecosystem.

To rewind a bit, this announcement follows not only Chase's change to its transfer ratio but also Hyatt's major pricing shifts to its award chart earlier this year. Those changes moved Hyatt from three pricing tiers to five and increased the maximum number of points that could be charged across categories.

And while the average number of points required for many awards didn't skyrocket overnight when those changes were first introduced, Hyatt's SVP of Loyalty, Laurie Blair, has said that the shifts to its program will be "an evolution in the years to come."

Whether that ultimately means prices evolve toward the higher ends of those tiers is something we'll only know in hindsight. But if that does happen, Hyatt certainly wouldn't be the first loyalty program to make its way toward higher award prices incrementally rather than all at once.

Hyatt has also announced a new cobranded credit card coming with Chase, and while not confirmed, this is widely expected to be a premium Hyatt credit card.

One confirmed detail is Hyatt's growth targets for its credit card portfolio and similar third-party relationships. The company expects the revenue impact from these sources to increase from $50 million in 2025 to $105 million in 2027, with continued growth thereafter.

Put all of that together, and it's clear that the World of Hyatt program is at a moment of some change.

Several changes are shaping the future of the World of Hyatt

It's also fair to wonder whether some of these shifts are laying the groundwork not only for the "long-term sustainability of the program," but also for Hyatt's forthcoming new card and the role the company may want that card to play in the broader ecosystem.

For a long time, the best way to earn Hyatt points has often been with cards issued within other programs, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt.

And to be clear, there are certainly still good opportunities there — especially when utilizing bonus categories or when using the Points Accelerator option to earn 3 Bilt points per dollar on the Bilt Palladium Card. At the forthcoming 4:3 transfer ratio, that's effectively 2.25 World of Hyatt points per dollar spent if you ultimately transfer those points to Hyatt.

But if you take all these changes together, Hyatt may be aiming to position itself and its own cards at the top of the wallet for those who want to put their proverbial eggs in the World of Hyatt basket.

And if so, it's hardly the first program to prioritize its own members and cobranded cardholders.

Singapore Airlines, for example, has long restricted premium-cabin awards to members of its own program, and earlier this year, Lufthansa first-class awards disappeared entirely from partner programs.

Perhaps the most wide-ranging change along these lines came from United Airlines. The carrier has offered special award pricing and availability to cobranded cardholders, but earlier this year, it also implemented higher earning rates for these members.

Only time will tell how Hyatt's changes fit into this industry-wide shift.

Bottom line

In the world of rewards travel, the best opportunities are always evolving and changing. So while today's announcement from Bilt is unwelcome news, a future Hyatt card announcement may unveil a new earning opportunity we don't have now.

In the meantime, we have until the end of the year to transfer Bilt points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business Cards can still transfer at that 1:1 ratio, and of course, TPG will do some additional analysis on our recommendations on whether a proactive transfer makes sense ahead of this coming Jan. 1 change for Bilt.

IHG and Chase are making major changes to their cobranded credit card lineup, adding new benefits, enhanced earning opportunities and more ways for cardholders to earn elite status.

The three existing IHG credit cards are getting updates, including new names for two of them, annual fee increases on two, higher anniversary free night caps and additional Elite Night Credits.

They're also expanding the portfolio with a new premium card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card (see rates and fees).

For cardholders, the refresh brings more potential value and additional benefits that depend on statement credits and spending thresholds.

Here's what's changing across the IHG credit card portfolio.

The updated four-card IHG lineup

The refreshed IHG credit card lineup includes four cards — one brand-new — with annual fees ranging from $0 to $350, each offering a different mix of IHG benefits and elite-status perks. Here's how they compare:

IHG One Rewards Card (refreshed)

The no-annual-fee IHG One Rewards Card, formerly known as the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, will retain its $0 annual fee while adding new Elite Night Credits and updating some of its earning rates and spending incentives.

The card will continue to offer automatic IHG One Rewards Silver Elite status, and cardholders will also now receive 5 Elite Night Credits each calendar year. These should post within 6-8 weeks of opening a new account and by Feb. 1 each year (existing cardholders will see these post for the first time in 2027). The spending requirement to earn Gold Elite status is also dropping from $20,000 to $15,000 in a calendar year.

The card earns:

• Up to 17 points per dollar at IHG properties (up to 10 points for being an IHG member, 5 points from being a cardholder and up to 2 points from Silver Elite status)
• 3 points per dollar on dining, gas station and grocery store purchases
• 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Grocery stores are a new bonus category, while utilities, internet, cable, and phone services, and streaming purchases will no longer earn at an elevated rate for all transactions posted after Dec. 31, 2026.

One notable trade-off is that, starting in 2027, cardholders will need to spend $5,000 in a calendar year to unlock the fourth-night-free benefit for the remainder of that year and the following year. (This perk was previously included automatically with the card.)

Overall, the no-annual-fee card is gaining Elite Night Credits and a lower spending threshold for Gold Elite status, but cardholders will have to meet a new spending requirement to access one of its most valuable redemption perks.

IHG One Rewards Premier (refreshed)

The mid-tier IHG One Rewards Premier Card is getting a broader collection of benefits — but its annual fee will increase from $99 to $150 (this will take effect in 2027 for existing cardholders).

Among the additions are up to $100 in annual IHG Food & Beverage Rewards (issued as $25 per quarter) and a $100 annual airline statement credit (after spending at least $250 on flights purchased directly with the airline each calendar year; through Dec. 31, 2027).

The card's anniversary free night is also getting an upgrade, with its redemption cap increasing from 40,000 to 50,000 points. As before, you can use an unlimited number of additional IHG points from your account to top up this award. Starting in 2027, cardholders will receive the enhanced 50,000-point anniversary free night on their account anniversary date each year.

The card earns:

• Up to 24 points per dollar at IHG properties (up to 10 points for being an IHG member, 10 points from being a cardholder and up to 4 points from Gold Elite status)
• 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines, car rentals, dining, gas station and grocery store purchases
• 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Grocery stores are a new bonus category, while the card's broader travel category is being narrowed, meaning non-IHG hotel purchases and other miscellaneous travel purchases will no longer earn at the elevated rate for all transactions posted after Dec. 31, 2026.

Instead of the automatic Platinum Elite status previously offered, cardholders will receive Gold Elite status along with 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year. However, existing Premier cardholders will retain their Platinum Elite status through Dec. 31, 2027. They'll also earn two additional Elite Night Credits for every $5,000 spent, and can earn Platinum Elite status after spending $15,000 in a calendar year and Diamond Elite status after spending $40,000.

Overall, the Premier is getting a $51 annual fee hike and losing automatic Platinum Elite status, but if you can use the new credits and take advantage of the enhanced free night and Elite Night Credits, you may still find enough added value to offset the higher cost.

IHG One Rewards Business Card (refreshed)

The IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card, formerly known as the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, is getting new benefits — alongside a large annual fee increase, from $99 to $200 (like the Premier card, existing cardholders will see this hit for the first time in 2027).

Among the additions are up to $100 in annual IHG Food & Beverage Rewards (issued as $25 per quarter), a $100 annual airline statement credit (after spending at least $250 on flights purchased directly with the airline each calendar year; through Dec. 31, 2027) and up to $100 in annual statement credits toward eligible Expensify purchases.

The card's anniversary free night is also increasing from 40,000 to 50,000 points (with the option to add points to reach a higher redemption level). Starting in 2027, cardholders will receive the enhanced 50,000-point anniversary free night on their account anniversary date each year.

The card earns:

• Up to 26 points per dollar at IHG properties (up to 10 points for being an IHG member, 10 points from being a cardholder and up to 6 points from Platinum Elite status)
• 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines, car rentals, dining, gas station and select advertising purchases
• 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

There are some trade-offs in the updated earning rates. Office supply store purchases will no longer earn bonus points, while the broader travel category is being narrowed to flights booked directly with airlines and car rentals. Both of these changes are effective for transactions posted after Dec. 31, 2026.

The card's United TravelBank Cash benefit will also be discontinued after Dec. 31, 2026. Existing Business cardholders can continue to use the benefit through the end of 2026, but it won't be available to new cardholders.

However, the business card is maintaining its automatic Platinum Elite status — and you can still earn Diamond Elite status by spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year*.

With the annual fee more than doubling and the loss of bonus categories and TravelBank cash, whether the refresh adds value will largely depend on how much use cardholders get from the new credits.

*Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, this spending requirement will increase to $50,000 per year.

IHG One Rewards Premier Select (new card)

Rounding out the refreshed lineup is the new IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card, which is now IHG's most premium credit card — with a $350 annual fee.

The card offers automatic Platinum Elite status, 20 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and an anniversary free night worth up to 60,000 points. Starting in 2027, cardholders will receive the 60,000-point anniversary free night on their account anniversary date each year.

It also comes with up to $300 in annual IHG Food & Beverage Rewards (issued as $75 per quarter), a $200 annual airline statement credit (after spending at least $250 on flights purchased directly with the airline each calendar year; through Dec. 31, 2027) and up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash (issued as $25 biannually; one-time registration required).

With many of its most valuable benefits tied directly to IHG stays, the Premier Select is geared toward frequent IHG guests who can make regular use of its hotel-specific perks.

To learn more, read our full breakdown of the IHG Premier Select.

What existing and prospective IHG cardholders need to know

If you already have an IHG credit card, the timing of these changes will vary.

The refreshed cards and their updated benefits and earning rates are now available to new applicants. In addition, we interpret the terms to mean that the above earnings rates take effect immediately for all cardholders. And existing Premier and business cardholders will see their new annual fees take effect in 2027.

Many of the new and enhanced benefits take effect Oct. 1, though some have specific timing or eligibility requirements. Chase says existing cardholders will receive additional details directly about which changes apply to their accounts and when they take effect.

We don't yet know what will happen to those with the legacy IHG One Rewards Select Card.

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

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

Bottom line

IHG and Chase are significantly reshaping the IHG One Rewards credit card lineup, adding new benefits, enhanced free nights and more opportunities to earn elite status — but some of those changes come with higher annual fees and the loss of select benefits.

For existing cardholders, whether the refresh adds value largely depends on how much they use the new credits and spending incentives.

And for new cardholders, now is a great time to pick up one of these cards, as they're all offering limited-time welcome bonuses ending on Nov. 18.

Related: How to get more out of every all-inclusive vacation with IHG One Rewards

Chase and IHG One Rewards just expanded their cobranded card offerings with a new premium IHG credit card.

This card, the new IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card (see rates and fees), is a premium card designed for frequent IHG guests.

It's now open to new applicants, so here's what you should know.

Welcome offer

New IHG One Rewards Premier Select members can earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This limited-time offer is available through Nov. 18.

TPG's October 2026 valuations put IHG points at 0.6 cents each, meaning 200,000 points are worth $1,200.

Plus, new cardmembers can earn another 10,000 bonus points after adding an authorized user to their account within the first three months from account opening.

The offer terms state that the card isn't available to current or previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus within the last 24 months.

Since the Premier Select is brand-new, holding another IHG One Rewards card shouldn't make you ineligible for this offer. Of course, keep in mind Chase's 5/24 rule and other application restrictions.

Annual fee

The annual fee on the new IHG One Rewards Premier Select is $350.

In terms of how this annual fee compares to other popular hotel credit cards, it's most similar to that of the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Premier Card, which charges $395.

But, the IHG Premier Select's $350 annual fee is also lower than that of several other premium hotel credit cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card ($650 annual fee; see rates and fees) and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card ($550 annual fee; see rates and fees).

And for many frequent IHG guests, the ongoing perks on the new IHG Premier Select can provide more value than the card's annual fee.

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

IHG perks

The primary reason to get the IHG Premier Select card is the perks it offers for IHG stays. Here's a look at these perks:

• Up to $300 in annual food and beverage rewards, provided as one IHG food and beverage reward voucher of up to $75 each quarter
• Anniversary free night certificate each account anniversary year for a night with a point redemption value of 60,000 points or less (you can use points from your IHG account to redeem above the 60,000 point redemption level)
• Automatic Platinum Elite status
• 20 elite night credits each calendar year
• IHG fourth reward night free benefit

Cardmembers will receive 20 elite night credits within six to eight weeks of opening their card and 20 elite night credits by Feb. 1 each calendar year thereafter. These 20 elite nights are enough to unlock the first IHG Milestone Reward, which lets you choose 5,000 bonus points, two $20 food-and-beverage rewards or one confirmable suite upgrade.

The annual food and beverage rewards and the anniversary free night certificate can offer enough value on their own to justify the IHG Premier Select's $350 annual fee. But you'll only get the full $300 in annual value if you can fully use the $75 in food and beverage rewards available each quarter. Each $75 voucher expires at the end of the quarter in which it's issued and can only be used during one stay (any unused value is forfeited).

Earning rates

The IHG One Rewards Premier Select's earning rates are solid, though its IHG-specific benefits are likely to be a bigger reason to get it. Here's a look at its earning rates:

• Up to 28 total points per dollar spent on stays at IHG properties
• 6 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and all other travel
• 3 points per dollar spent on all other purchases

The up to 28 points per dollar spent on IHG stays sounds amazing — until you notice that the card only actually provides 12 points per dollar spent on IHG stays. The up to 28 total points also include up to 16 points per dollar spent on IHG stays that you get as an IHG Platinum Elite member (a status you automatically get as an IHG Premier Select cardholder), regardless of the card you use to pay.

IHG Premier Select cardmembers can also unlock the following benefits by spending with their card:

• 2 elite night credits for every $5,000 spent on purchases
• 5 elite night credits and 20,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases within a calendar year
• Diamond Elite status for the remainder of the calendar year in which you qualify and the following calendar year after spending $25,000 on purchases within a calendar year
• An additional free night award for a night with a point redemption value of 60,000 points or less after spending $40,000 on purchases within a calendar year

Statement credits and other benefits

The IHG Premier Select card also offers the following non-IHG travel perks:

• $200 airline statement credit per calendar year when you make a purchase of at least $250 with your card for flight tickets booked directly with the airline (this credit is only available through Dec. 31, 2027)
• Up to $120 statement credit every four years for a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee paid with your card
• Up to $50 in United TravelBank cash each calendar year, offered as $25 around Jan. 5 that expires July 15 and $25 around July 5 that expires Jan. 15 (one-time activation required)
• 3 months of complimentary Instacart+ membership (when you activate your membership for the first time with your card by Dec. 31, 2027), plus $10 in Instacart credits monthly while you have an active Instacart+ membership
• 12 months of complimentary DashPass (when you activate your membership for the first time with your card by Dec. 31, 2027), plus $10 off each month at checkout on one qualifying non-restaurant order on DoorDash (as long as you remain enrolled in a DashPass membership)

You'll also enjoy no foreign transaction fees and standard World Elite Mastercard benefits.

How does the Premier Select compare to other IHG cards?

Alongside the IHG Premier Select launch, the existing IHG cards are also being refreshed. Chase says existing IHG cardmembers will receive details in October about when their new benefits take effect, while annual fee changes will take effect in 2027. But, here's how the new card compares to the refreshed portfolio:

If you stay at IHG properties enough to maximize most of the annual food and beverage rewards and redeem the anniversary free night for a night costing 60,000 points or more, the IHG Premier Select will likely provide the best value. This is especially true if the extra elite night credits each year will help you earn Diamond Elite status through nights or secure additional IHG Milestone Rewards perks.

Related: Best time to apply for IHG Chase cards based on offer history

My take

The IHG One Rewards Premier Select is clearly designed for travelers who often stay at IHG properties. Its $350 annual fee is substantial, but frequent IHG guests should have multiple opportunities to offset it through the up to $300 in annual food and beverage rewards and the 60,000-point anniversary free night.

It's also great to see a relatively flexible airline credit. Other cards split this up quarterly or limit the types of purchases that are eligible. In fact, since it's a calendar year benefit, you should be able to get one $200 credit now and another in early 2027 (assuming you spend at least $250 directly with an airline on each purchase).

I'm particularly interested in the 20 elite night credits cardmembers get each year. Those elite night credits are enough to unlock IHG's first Milestone Reward each year and can provide a meaningful head start toward Diamond Elite status and additional Milestone Rewards.

That makes the card an easy choice for my husband, who strives to earn IHG Diamond Elite status each year. The 20 elite night credits will help him toward that goal, and since we stay at IHG properties regularly, we'll be able to use the food and beverage rewards before they expire each quarter.

The card is much less compelling for me, though. I usually travel with my husband, so I rarely credit IHG stays to my own account (unless I'm redeeming an anniversary free night). I'd have a much harder time fully using quarterly food and beverage rewards, as the cardmember must be checked into an eligible IHG stay to use these rewards, and the elite night credits wouldn't be nearly as valuable to me.

That contrast gets to the heart of the new IHG Premier Select card. It isn't simply a more expensive IHG card with a longer list of benefits. It's a premium card aimed at travelers who frequently stay with IHG and can make meaningful use of its hotel-specific perks. For those travelers, the 200,000-point launch offer makes the card especially compelling.

Bottom line

The new IHG One Rewards Premier Select offers a strong mix of IHG-specific perks, elite-night credits and travel benefits for frequent IHG guests.

And with a limited-time 200,000-point welcome offer, it could be especially compelling for travelers who can make full use of the card's ongoing benefits.

Rove, the travel rewards program that lets you earn transferable miles without a credit card, credit score or credit check, has launched three generous airline transfer bonuses for October.

Until Oct. 31, members can get a 50% bonus when transferring their Rove miles to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, a 40% bonus when transferring to Air France-KLM Flying Blue and a tiered bonus of up to 35% when transferring to Qatar Airways Privilege Club.

Here's what you need to know about each bonus and how best to use them.

Not a Rove member yet? Sign up through this link and earn a referral bonus of 1,500 miles, with the opportunity to earn an additional 5,000 miles when making your first hotel booking over $500 as a new user with the code "BRIANKELLY500."

50% bonus on Rove transfers to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank

Rove is offering a huge 50% bonus to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, which matches the bonus Rove offered when it added Japan Airlines as a transfer partner in March.

Japan Airlines prices one-way awards on its own flights between the U.S. mainland and Japan dynamically, with prices starting from just 27,000 miles in economy, 40,000 miles in premium economy and 55,000 miles in business class, plus taxes, fees and surcharges.

With the bonus, available until Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, these seats would require 18,000 Rove miles in economy, 26,700 Rove miles in premium economy and 36,700 Rove miles in business class, an incredible deal for one-way flights to Japan. One of the great features of the Rove loyalty program is that you can transfer miles in increments of 100 rather than 1,000 like many other programs (though a minimum of 2,000 miles per transfer applies), so you can transfer the exact amount you need without wasting any miles.

Japan Airlines also offers award seats at higher mileage rates on popular dates, so check the price for your dates before you transfer. Even though these amounts may be higher, this can still be a great deal given the 50% transfer bonus.

You can also use Mileage Bank miles on partner airlines, including Emirates, British Airways and Air France.

There are two rules to keep in mind before you transfer. Japan Airlines generally doesn't allow new Mileage Bank members to redeem miles until their accounts have been open for 60 days (though you can still transfer miles from Rove immediately), so if you don't have an account yet, it's a good idea to open one as soon as possible.

You can also only book Japan Airlines award tickets for yourself and eligible family members.

Related: Japan Airlines' A350-1000 inaugural from New York to Tokyo: Same great service, fabulous new seats

40% bonus on Rove transfers to Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France and KLM, has one of the best sweet spots across the Atlantic of any airline program. Business-class awards between the U.S. and Europe start from just 60,000 miles one-way. That means that during this 40% transfer bonus available through 6:59 p.m. EDT on Oct. 31, you could transfer just 42,900 Rove miles to book a business-class Flying Blue award.

Premium economy awards start from 40,000 miles (or 28,600 Rove miles with the bonus), and economy awards start at 25,000 miles one-way (or about 17,900 Rove miles with the bonus).

Keep in mind that Flying Blue recently introduced Light, Standard and Flex award fares. Those lowest award prices are now Light fares, which don't include changes, refunds or advance seat selection. Business Light awards don't include lounge access, and Economy Light awards don't include a checked bag, so keep these restrictions in mind if you are looking at the cheapest award rates.

If you need flexibility, you may wish to upgrade to a Standard or Flex award since you'll receive 40% more miles when you transfer from Rove to Flying Blue.

Related: A review of Air France economy on the Airbus A350-900 from Paris to Denver

Up to 35% bonus on Rove transfers to Qatar Airways Privilege Club

Rove's bonus to Qatar Airways Privilege Club is available through 4:59 p.m. EDT on Oct. 31 and depends on how many Rove miles you transfer:

• Transfers of up to 49,999 Rove miles will earn a 15% bonus.
• Transfers of 50,000 to 99,999 Rove miles will earn a 25% bonus.
• Transfers of 100,000 Rove miles or more will earn a 35% bonus.

This means that if you transfer 100,000 Rove miles, you will receive 135,000 Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios.

The standout use for Privilege Club Avios is Qatar Airways' award-winning Qsuite business class. Off-peak, one-way awards from U.S. airports to Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha start at 70,000 Avios plus taxes and fees. Booking through Privilege Club comes with better availability than when booking through partner programs like American Airlines AAdvantage.

With the 25% transfer bonus tier, you'd need exactly 56,000 Rove miles for a flight of up to 16 hours (such as from California) in lie-flat comfort, an exceptional way to redeem your miles.

You can also move Avios from Privilege Club to British Airways Club, Iberia Club, Finnair Plus and Aer Lingus AerClub for even more redemption options.

Related: Qatar Airways Qsuite review: Still setting the standard for business class (and a mileage sweet spot)

Bottom line

Rove has been busy adding new transfer partners like Copa Airlines recently, so offering three generous transfer bonuses is the cherry on top.

While transfer bonuses from transferable currencies to airline loyalty programs are common, they are often only at 20% or 30%, so the ability to get up to 35%, 40% or even 50% is a terrific way to maximize your rewards.

Whichever bonus you choose, follow our golden rule of transferring points and miles: Don't transfer them until you've found the award space you want to book, as transfers cannot be reversed.

Joining Rove costs nothing, and you can earn 1,500 bonus miles when you sign up through TPG's link. As an added bonus, new users can earn an additional 5,000 miles after making their first hotel booking of $500 or more with code "BRIANKELLY500."

The U.S. passport is getting a facelift.

As first reported by Newsweek, the Trump administration has announced upcoming changes to the passport's appearance as well as the application process. Here's everything travelers need to know.

New application process and design

The biggest change is a new online process for first-time passport applicants, who historically had to apply in person at an authorized facility (though online renewals have been available for years). The new process — part of the AI-powered government services platform America.gov, which launched Tuesday — will allow applicants to apply for their first passport entirely online.

The online platform will streamline the process by pre-populating information that the government already has, allowing applicants to take their own photo and upload it directly from their device, and facilitating online payments. Then, a new real-time tracking feature will keep applicants up to date on their application status, so they will know exactly when to expect their shiny new passport.

And the new passports will indeed be shiny. The updated design, coming in 2028, will feature a more prominent Great Seal (the official emblem of the U.S. government, which centers a bald eagle) and larger "United States of America" text, both in gold.

Inside, the pages will show major moments in U.S. history, such as the American Revolution and NASA's Artemis missions. There will also be a flipbook-style eagle design, so that flipping through the pages will give the impression of an eagle in flight.

What it means for travelers

You can still travel with an older passport design; existing passports will remain valid through the expiration date listed.

When the time comes to renew — if you do so after these changes are implemented — you can expect an easier process thanks to the new online system. That means foregoing an in-person photo appointment with a third-party service (most of which charge fees) and tracking your application in real time.

The online platform is slated to be up and running by the end of 2027, and the new design is expected to roll out in 2028.

Related reading:

• 8 passport mistakes to avoid
• When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department
• Can you get a same-day passport?
• Guide to getting your child's passport
• How to take your baby's first passport photo

American Airlines AAdvantage miles are by far the airline currency that I redeem the most. After all, there are some excellent AAdvantage sweet spots, and the AAdvantage program has customer-friendly award cancellation policies.

But to redeem a lot of AAdvantage miles each year, I must earn a sizable amount of AAdvantage miles. So, here's what you should know about earning American miles.

What to know about earning American Airlines AAdvantage miles

As you'll learn, there are many ways to earn AAdvantage miles. But there are two different types of American miles you can earn: base miles and bonus miles.

The difference between base and bonus miles isn't important if you're primarily interested in redeemable miles, as both types are equally redeemable. But if you're interested in earning American Airlines elite status and Loyalty Point Rewards, know that base miles — not bonus miles — are what get you Loyalty Points.

Related: American AAdvantage miles vs. Loyalty Points: What's the difference?

Earn American miles by flying

You can earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles on paid flights with the carrier and its partners when you list your AAdvantage loyalty number on your booking.

However, how you earn American miles will depend on which airline markets (in other words, sells) the flight. The marketing airline is often different from the airline that operates your flight; it's the one indicated by your flight number. For example, on Oct. 10, AA175 is operated and marketed by American Airlines, while JL7013 is the exact same flight marketed by Japan Airlines.

Earn on flights marketed by American Airlines

On flights marketed by American Airlines, you'll earn 5 base miles per dollar spent on the ticket cost, excluding government-imposed taxes and fees, if you don't have any elite status with American. Meanwhile, AAdvantage elite members earn base miles at the following rates:

• AAdvantage Gold: 7 base miles per dollar spent
• AAdvantage Platinum: 8 base miles per dollar spent
• AAdvantage Platinum Pro: 9 base miles per dollar spent
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum: 11 base miles per dollar spent

This means that for a $250 flight, excluding government-imposed taxes and fees, a member without status would earn 1,250 base miles, an AAdvantage Gold member would earn 1,750 base miles, an AAdvantage Platinum member would earn 2,000 base miles, an AAdvantage Platinum Pro member would earn 2,250 base miles and an AAdvantage Executive Platinum member would earn 2,750 base miles.

You'll earn at the same rate on the base price of paid upgrades, and you can earn more miles on flights by buying a mileage multiplier before departure.

However, basic economy fares bought on or after Dec. 17, 2025, don't earn any American miles. So, you'll want to avoid booking basic economy if you want to earn American miles on your fare.

Earn on flights marketed by partners based on ticket price

American Airlines AAdvantage works closely with select airlines — currently Aer Lingus, British Airways, Fiji Airways, Iberia, JetSmart and Oman Air — such that you earn American miles based on your ticket price (excluding government-imposed taxes and fees).

On flights marketed by these airlines that you credit to AAdvantage, you'll earn American miles as follows when you buy an eligible published fare ticket in an eligible booking code and fly an eligible route:

• Member: 5 base miles per dollar spent
• AAdvantage Gold: 7 base miles per dollar spent
• AAdvantage Platinum: 8 base miles per dollar spent
• AAdvantage Platinum Pro: 9 base miles per dollar spent
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum: 11 base miles per dollar spent

For flights marketed by each of these airlines, you'll usually find a list of eligible fare codes on which you can earn American Airlines miles. For example, here's the list for Aer Lingus.

Earn on flights marketed by partners based on fare class and distance

For flights marketed by other AAdvantage partners — currently Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Southern Airlines, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Gol Airlines, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines — you'll earn American miles based on the flight distance and the fare class of your ticket when you buy an eligible published fare ticket in an eligible booking code and fly an eligible route.

Each of these AAdvantage partners has its own earning chart. For example, here's the earning chart of Alaska Airlines-marketed flights credited to American Airlines AAdvantage.

And here's the earning chart of Cathay Pacific-marketed flights credited to American Airlines AAdvantage.

If the fare class for your flight isn't listed in the table for your marketing airline, you won't earn AAdvantage miles. Be sure to read all the fine print on the marketing airline's AAdvantage partner page, as some routes and fare classes may earn differently in some cases.

Additionally, you'll earn American miles on flights marketed by Aer Lingus, British Airways, Fiji Airways, Iberia, JetSmart and Oman Air based on your fare class and flight distance when you book special fares or other fares for which American Airlines AAdvantage can't determine your ticket or fare details when your flight posts. You can check how special fares earn for each of these airlines on this page.

Earn American miles through credit cards

U.S. consumers can earn American miles through credit cards in two primary ways: directly through American Airlines AAdvantage cards and indirectly by earning Citi ThankYou Rewards points and then transferring them to AAdvantage.

American Airlines AAdvantage cards

You can currently apply for any of the following five Citi / AAdvantage credit cards, all of which let you earn American miles on purchases:

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

Citi ThankYou Rewards cards

You can also transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points to American Airlines AAdvantage. However, some cards earn Citi ThankYou Rewards points that you can transfer to AAdvantage at a 1:1 ratio, while no-annual-fee Citi ThankYou Rewards cards only transfer points to AAdvantage at a 1:0.7 ratio.

Here's a look at some of the currently available Citi ThankYou Rewards cards:

Related: Best ways to redeem Citi ThankYou Rewards points

Other ways to earn American miles

Finally, there are plenty of ways to earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles without flying or having a specific credit card. Here's a look at your options.

Earn on dining

You can earn American miles when dining at local restaurants thanks to the AAdvantage Dining program. Just enroll your favorite dining credit cards in the AAdvantage Dining program and then use them at participating restaurants, bars and clubs.

If you are an AAdvantage Dining program member, opt in to email communication and have completed at least 11 qualifying transactions in the current or previous calendar year, you'll earn 5 base miles per dollar spent. If you are an AAdvantage Dining program member and opt in to email communication but haven't completed at least 11 qualifying transactions in the current or previous calendar year, you'll earn 3 base miles per dollar spent. And if you are an AAdvantage Dining program member but haven't opted in to email communication, you'll earn 1 base mile per dollar spent.

I enrolled all the cards I use for dining and have opted in to email communication, but I don't actively seek out restaurants that participate in AAdvantage Dining. As such, I only tend to earn miles through AAdvantage Dining every few years.

Earn when shopping

You can earn American miles while shopping online when you click through the AAdvantage eShopping portal. I often earn through eShopping on Marriott stays, IHG stays, Lululemon orders and Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy bookings. You can also link credit cards to your AAdvantage eShopping account to take advantage of in-store offers.

Consumers with a Mastercard can also earn American miles when making purchases with their card by enrolling in and then using SimplyMiles offers. Many SimplyMiles offers are for online purchases, but some are also valid for in-store purchases.

Related: The best credit cards for online shopping

Earn on hotel stays

You can earn American miles on hotel stays when you book through the AAdvantage Hotels platform. You usually won't earn hotel points or enjoy elite benefits on these stays, but you can earn up to 15,000 base miles per reservation.

You can also earn American miles as follows with three major hotel loyalty programs:

Booking stays through AAdvantage Hotels can be a good way to earn base miles. Know, though, that you usually won't get good value when opting to earn American miles on IHG, Marriott or Hyatt stays — and converting your hotel points to American miles is usually a low-value way to redeem your hotel points.

Related: How I earned 29,000 Loyalty Points and 23,000 AAdvantage miles on a single $800 hotel stay

Earn on car rentals

You can earn American miles on car rentals with the following companies when you opt in to earn AAdvantage miles:

• Alamo: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all qualifying paid rentals at participating locations.
• Avis and Budget: Most members earn 2 miles per dollar spent, although AAdvantage Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members earn 5 miles per dollar spent, AAdvantage Gold and Platinum members earn 4 miles per dollar spent and Citi / AAdvantage credit card holders earn 3 miles per dollar spent.
• Dollar: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent.
• Hertz: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent.
• National: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on qualifying paid rentals at participating locations.
• Payless: Earn 500 miles per rental on all qualifying rentals at participating locations.
• Sixt: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on qualifying rentals.
• Thrifty: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent.

Related: The best rental car loyalty programs

Earn on vacations

You can earn American miles on vacation packages when you book through American Airlines Vacations. AAdvantage members earn 1 base mile per dollar spent on the total package price, excluding taxes, fees and mileage redemption, and AAdvantage elite members earn 5 base miles per dollar spent.

And if you're interested in earning bonus miles, you'll often find some compelling offers.

However, know that you won't earn all the miles associated with the package price if there are multiple guests on your booking. Instead, base miles are divided equally among the guests, even if some don't have AAdvantage numbers.

Other ways to earn American miles

• Buy tickets: Earn 1 base mile per dollar spent on ticket purchases (excluding taxes and fees) directly from Ticketmaster through the AAdvantage Events platform.
• Book cruises: Earn 1 base American mile per dollar spent on cruises when you book through AAdvantage Cruises.
• Fuel up: Join the Fuel Rewards program, and earn 3 miles per gallon purchased at Shell.
• Savings account: Earn 1.75 bonus miles per dollar saved annually with a Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account.
• Take surveys: Earn miles when you enroll in Miles for Opinions and take surveys.
• Home electricity and gas: Earn miles on your home's electricity and gas payments if you use NRG or Reliant by NRG.
• Buy miles: You can buy American miles, but the cost is high (around 3.5 cents per mile) without any discounts. You can also effectively buy bonus miles while helping a good cause each fall through the Stand Up To Cancer promotion.

Bottom line

There are plenty of ways to earn American miles, even if you don't frequently fly with American Airlines. Between credit cards, Citi ThankYou Rewards transfers and AAdvantage partners for everything from dining to shopping to hotels, I find it relatively easy to keep my mileage balance stocked for the AAdvantage redemptions I want to book. But remember, if you're also working toward AAdvantage status, focus on opportunities that earn base miles — and therefore Loyalty Points — whenever possible.

Alaska Airlines plans to launch a new credit card that will earn points without charging an annual fee.

Fresh off of revealing plans Tuesday to add a points-earning debit card to the mix, the airline also confirmed it will release a no-annual-fee credit card in the near future.

The exact timeline and benefits of the card weren't clear.

However, the card should allow Atmos Rewards members to earn both redeemable points and status points.

Atmos is the shared loyalty program of both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, and it has become a popular go-to option for frequent travelers hoping to stretch their award currency.

Airlines layer in more card options at more price points

Airline credit cards without an annual fee are a great way for less-frequent flyers to earn points without incurring a high yearly cost.

No-annual-fee cards typically have fewer perks and freebies (like complimentary checked bags). However, considering Atmos Rewards points routinely rank among the most valuable in the U.S., this should be an enticing option for some travelers.

Looking at the travel sector as a whole, it underscores how both airlines and hotels are layering in cobranded credit cards to appeal to consumers across more price points.

Alaska's growing Atmos card lineup

In Alaska's case, this newest card will give the Atmos program a trifecta of consumer cards:

• One with no annual fee (no word on what it will be called)
• Another that comes in at $95: The Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card, which has a handful of money-saving perks like an annual Companion Fare and a free checked bag.
• Plus, there's the more premium Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card, which includes valuable Global Companion Awards and up to 8 annual passes to the Alaska Lounge network. That card's annual fee: $395

Those are in addition to Alaska's new debit card and its business credit card, which the airline said is set to get a refresh by the end of the year.

TPG's take: Best credit cards of 2026

Great news for Atmos members who fly American Airlines

If you use Alaska's Atmos Rewards program but frequently fly on top partner American Airlines, there's good news.

Alaska's unique new loyalty option will apply whenever you take a flight on American.

Beginning Thursday, Atmos members will be able to choose how the airline awards them points:

• Based on how many miles they fly
• Based on how many flights they take
• Based on how much money they spend

Whichever option you choose will apply to any flights you take with American, as long as you attach your Atmos number to your reservation.

And, keep in mind: If you enter your Atmos number when flying AA, you won't earn American's AAdvantage miles.

No more US transfer partners expected

Alaska made a splash this week by announcing a new credit card transfer partner in Bank of America, which means certain cardholders will be able to transfer their points to Atmos.

The carrier also turned heads by suggesting more transfer partners could be coming.

Spoiler: Atmos members in the U.S. probably won't see any new banks get an "in" to Atmos. Alaska's loyalty chief tells TPG any additional transfer partners will probably be banks based outside the U.S.

"Think about Australia, the U.K., or otherwise," Brett Catlin, Alaska senior vice president of network, partnerships and loyalty, said in an interview. "It is more of a global play than additional U.S.-centric financial institutions."

Bank of America will actually be Alaska's second Atmos transfer partner. The carrier already has a tie-up with Bilt.

Will Bank of America-Atmos transfers be 1:1?

Speaking of the new Bank of America arrangement, Alaska didn't say whether Bank of America transfers to Atmos will be 1:1 (that is, 1,000 BoA Rewards equals 1,000 Atmos Rewards points).

Catlin said the bank will announce which cardholders will be eligible to transfer to Atmos — and what the rate would be.

"But I would fully expect that it would be competitive with what's seen across the industry," he said.

"Basic" is coming to yet another premium cabin on United Airlines.

The Chicago-based carrier plans to launch a restrictive new basic fare for its domestic first-class passengers.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks, according to an internal memo that TPG viewed Wednesday.

Passengers who book the airline's new "Base" first-class fares won't be able to choose their seat or make changes to their itinerary after booking.

They'll also earn fewer MileagePlus miles than passengers who pay for a full-fare ticket.

This arrival of basic first class comes months after United launched unbundled fares for its long-haul Polaris business-class cabin, and for its Premium Plus (premium economy) seats.

'Basic' fares in every cabin

Basic economy tickets have been around for more than a decade. But in 2026, a growing number of U.S. airlines have brought the no-frills concept to their higher-priced cabins.

Along with United, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue have begun rolling out similarly unbundled fares in recent months.

Like discounted coach fares, these basic first, business and premium economy tickets usually offer customers a trade-off: Pay the lowest price in that cabin, but sacrifice perks and flexibility.

In announcing basic first-class, United said the move is about "giving customers the choice to select the travel experience that best matches their needs."

But critics argue this pricing tactic causes many flyers to simply lose perks while paying the same price.

"It is an indirect fare hike," Henry Harteveldt, industry analyst and president at Atmosphere Research Group, told me in a recent interview. "A lot of people are not happy about the fact that they're now having to pay more to get what they once [did]."

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

United's basic first and short-haul business fares: What to know

United's latest "United First Base" fares will apply to passengers flying in its domestic first-class cabin.

Here's how the restrictions shake out:

• No complimentary seat selection.
• One free checked bag instead of two.
• No itinerary changes.
• Reduced flight credit. Passengers who cancel will pay a fee.
• Fewer miles. Passengers flying basic in every cabin earn at the same reduced MileagePlus rate.

Basic short-haul business, too

United is also launching a basic "United Business" fare, which it will offer to customers booking short-haul international flights to destinations in Canada and Latin America.

Those passengers will face similar fare rules, though they will still be allowed into the airline's United Clubs.

Bottom line

Beyond the premium cabins, we're seeing a wave of big changes to airlines' basic economy fares, too.

That includes new restrictions affecting loyalty members' perks. Plus, a growing number of carriers' cheapest award redemptions are now basic economy fares. United does not offer basic award tickets.

Related reading:

• United MileagePlus: Your guide to earning, redeeming, status and more
• The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers
• United's big MileagePlus changes are in effect: What to know
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• Sneak peak: On board United's posh new Airbus A321XLR
• United adds 10 new international destinations in massive 13-route global expansion

These days, nearly every major credit card issuer has rules in place to prevent applicants from repeatedly earning welcome offers, and American Express is no exception. While Amex doesn't follow a defined policy like Chase's 5/24 rule, it has its own restrictions on card applications and welcome offers.

One of the most important restrictions is Amex's once-per-lifetime rule, which limits cardmembers to earning one welcome offer per card.

That makes timing your application important. Applying for a new Amex card today could disqualify you from earning an even higher welcome offer in the future. Here's what you need to know about Amex's once-per-lifetime rule and how it could affect your next credit card application.

Related: The best American Express credit cards

What is the Amex once-per-lifetime rule?

More than a decade ago, American Express allowed you to earn welcome offers on the exact same card multiple times. However, since 2014, the issuer has clamped down on welcome offer eligibility and limited cardmembers to one welcome offer per card per lifetime, regardless of how long it has been since they last held that card.

For example, you can apply for the American Express Platinum Card® and earn a welcome offer. However, applying for the card again in the future will likely make you ineligible for another welcome offer. That's because the rates and fees link for the Amex Platinum includes the following language:

"You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab, the Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley or previous versions of these Cards. You also may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors. If you are not eligible for a welcome offer, we will notify you prior to processing your application so you have the option to withdraw your application."

The information for The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab and The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Currently, for the American Express Platinum Card®, you can find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

Card family restrictions

Amex also has restrictions that can prevent you from earning a welcome offer on a lower-tier card if you've held a higher-tier card in the same family.

An example of this is the American Express® Gold Card. If you currently hold or have previously held the Platinum card, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer on the Gold card.

With this restriction in mind, if you want to earn welcome offers on both cards, consider applying for the Gold first, then the Platinum.

Amex also has welcome offer restrictions on its personal Delta credit cards.

For example, one of the strictest family rules can be found on the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card (see rates and fees):

"You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Options Credit Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or previous versions of these Cards. You also may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors. If you are not eligible for a welcome offer, we will notify you prior to processing your application so you have the option to withdraw your application."

The information for the Delta SkyMiles Options 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.

That said, some cardmembers have reported receiving a second welcome offer on the same card years later, though such instances are rare.

Does the once-per-lifetime rule apply to all Amex cards?

This once-per-lifetime rule applies to all American Express-issued cards, including cobranded airline and hotel cards, business cards, cash-back cards and rewards cards.

Although this rule covers all Amex cards, you can earn a welcome offer on personal and business cards of the same type.

For example, the American Express Gold Card and American Express® Business Gold Card are from the same card family, but one is a personal card and the other a business card. Amex allows you to earn the welcome offer for each card — as long as you have never held either card in the past and are in good standing with family restrictions.

The rule also applies to rebranded or updated versions of existing cards. For many years, the Amex Gold was called the Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express. Applicants who previously held the Premier Rewards Gold Card may not be eligible for a welcome offer on the current Amex Gold.

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

Related: Amex Gold vs. Amex Business Gold

How many Amex cards can I have?

Amex doesn't officially disclose how many cards you can hold, but most cardmembers are reportedly limited to five Amex credit cards across their personal and business accounts.

Amex also reportedly limits cardmembers to 10 cards with no preset spending limit. This category includes the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum.

For example, TPG editor-in-chief Nick Ewen has the following American Express cards currently open:

• Amex Gold
• Amex Platinum
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Since five of the seven are credit cards, he has reached the unofficial five-credit-card limit with Amex.

We've seen occasional data points that some people have been able to get a sixth or even a seventh Amex credit card, but this seems rare.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

How do I know if I qualify for an Amex welcome offer?

Tracking which Amex cards you have held in the past will give you a better idea of whether you are eligible for a certain card's welcome offer. If you're not sure, Amex has a welcome offer eligibility tool that can alert you if you don't qualify for a bonus.

In fact, you don't even have to start an application to find out. Amex will sometimes display a message stating that no welcome offer is available to you while you're browsing its cards, even if you haven't logged in to your account.

You may also receive a pop-up warning during the application process if Amex determines that you're ineligible for a welcome offer. This gives you the option to withdraw your application or proceed without earning a welcome offer.

Even if you're ineligible for a welcome offer, you could still be approved for the card and enjoy its benefits.

Additionally, you may be eligible for another offer if you're targeted for an offer that doesn't include the standard lifetime restriction language. Check your email or log in to your American Express account to look for targeted or preapproved offers. However, the absence of lifetime restriction language doesn't guarantee you'll qualify for a welcome offer.

Keep in mind that previous card ownership isn't the only factor Amex considers when determining welcome offer eligibility.

Before submitting your application, review the offer terms carefully and consider taking a screenshot of your offer. This could be helpful if you encounter issues receiving your offer after meeting the applicable spending requirements.

How can I earn the highest welcome offer on a card?

We track historical offers across a range of American Express cards, so compare the offer you've received to our guides to the best offers on:

• Amex-branded cards (like the Gold and Platinum)
• Delta cards
• Hilton cards
• Marriott cards

This will help you decide the best time to apply.

Bottom line

American Express has an impressive portfolio of cards with generous welcome offers for first-time applicants. While Amex's lifetime rule is restrictive, targeted offers and occasional exceptions may still give you a shot at a repeat bonus.

Before applying for a new Amex card, review the offer terms and check your eligibility to avoid missing out on a welcome offer. Since you may only have one opportunity to earn an offer on a particular card, it's also worth considering whether the current offer is right for you.

Related: American Express Gold vs. American Express Platinum

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Amex Blue Card, click here.