For years, Choice Privileges has been one of the best-value ways to book hotels in Japan with points. The program has offered relatively inexpensive yet centrally located award options, making it my go-to loyalty program when visiting Japan.

In the past four years, I've redeemed Choice points for 45 nights, including 37 nights in Japan. That's largely because while Choice Privileges increased its award cap and pricing across many properties over the last few years, the program mostly spared its Japan properties.

Unfortunately, that's no longer entirely the case. As LoyaltyLobby reported Saturday, Choice Privileges recently increased the cost of award nights at some Japanese properties by as much as 200%. Still, when I took a closer look, I found that it's not all bad news: Some Choice Privileges properties in Japan now cost fewer points, and many others appear to have stayed the same. Here's what you should know.

Choice Privileges increases cost of award nights at some Japan properties

The worst of these Choice Privileges award night increases is in Tokyo and Osaka. As a reminder, you can check nightly award rates for each property by searching for an award stay and looking at the calendar that loads.

Award pricing can vary by night at Choice Privileges properties, but it doesn't appear to vary by night at Choice Privileges properties in Japan.

Unfortunately, you'll now need to redeem 20,000 to 30,000 Choice points per night to stay in the heart of Tokyo.

To put these award rates in comparison, I paid 8,000 points per night for an August 2023 stay at the Comfort Hotel Tokyo Higashi Nihombashi; that same stay would now cost 20,000 points per night. In May 2024 and January 2025, I stayed at the Comfort Hotel Tokyo Kanda for 8,000 points per night; now, award nights at the property cost 20,000 points. And in February 2026, I booked a stay at the Comfort Hotel ERA Tokyo Higashi Kanda for 12,000 points per night, but now, award nights cost 25,000 points.

The sad part of these award pricing increases is that many nights at these hotels don't carry high paid rates. For example, you could book this night at the Comfort Hotel ERA Tokyo Higashi Kanda for $96 or 25,000 points. If you redeem points for this night, you'd only get 0.38 cents per point in value (well below the 0.6 cents per point number noted in TPG's June 2026 valuations).

The cost of Choice Privileges award nights also increased in Osaka at the centrally located Comfort Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi. I stayed at this property for 8,000 points per night in May 2023, but now, it costs 20,000 points per night.

The number of Choice Privileges properties in Japan that have significantly increased their award rates is small, but the properties that increased significantly are many of the ones I've stayed at over the past four years.

Related: Travel to Japan with points and miles: Best ways to redeem your rewards for flights and hotels

A few Choice Privileges properties in Japan now cost fewer points

Interestingly, I did find several Choice Privileges properties in Japan that now cost fewer points. For example, I've seen award nights for 12,000 or 16,000 points at the Comfort Suites Tokyo Bay within the last year. However, award nights at this property — which is well located for visiting Tokyo Disney — now cost just 8,000 points per night.

Weekend nights often cost $171 at this property, meaning you'd get 2.14 cents per point in value when redeeming Choice points.

Likewise, I stayed at the Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino in February 2024 for 16,000 points per night. Now, this property is bookable for 8,000 points per night.

I'm not 100% confident this drop occurred within the last few weeks, but I am confident the Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino cost more than 8,000 points per night earlier this year.

Many Choice Privileges properties in Japan still cost 8,000 points per night

It's also worth mentioning that the vast majority of Choice Privileges properties in Japan still cost 8,000 points per night. You can see ample properties bookable for 8,000 points per night in the region surrounding Tokyo and Nagoya, for example.

So, it's still possible to reliably get award nights in Japan for 8,000 Choice points per night if you select your destinations carefully and avoid Tokyo and Osaka. But, even in the case of Osaka, you could stay in Shin-Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto for just 10,000 points per night (which is reasonable, especially in Kyoto).

Related: How (and why) to plan a ski trip to Niseko, Japan, with points and miles

Bottom line

Choice Privileges is no longer the easy answer it once was for booking centrally located award stays in Tokyo and Osaka. With some properties now charging 20,000 to 30,000 points per night — even when paid rates are relatively low — I'll likely book inexpensive business hotels such as APA Hotels or Toyoko Inn more often in these cities.

But this isn't a reason to write off Choice Privileges in Japan entirely. There are still plenty of 8,000-point properties, and a few hotels — including Comfort Suites Tokyo Bay and Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino — may now be better Choice sweet spots than before.

The practical takeaway: Don't assume Choice points are the best option in Japan, especially in Tokyo and Osaka. Compare paid and award rates, run the cents-per-point math and consider nearby cities or less obvious destinations where inexpensive award nights may still offer outsize value.

These days, premium travel cards are packed with statement credits designed to offset sky-high annual fees. As someone focused on real-world value, I'm not interested in how many statement credits I can access — I want to know how many of them I'll actually use.

The American Express Platinum Card® and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) each offer many statement credits, which often require effort to maximize.

Which top-tier card offers the most usable statement credits? Here's how they compare.

Methodology

To evaluate the real-world value of the statement credits on the Amex Platinum and Sapphire Reserve, I focused on five key criteria:

• Potential dollar value: The maximum dollar value available through statement credits
• Ease of redemption: The amount of effort required to redeem the credit, including any enrollment or activation requirements
• Frequency: How often the credit is available, whether annually, biannually, quarterly or monthly
• Broad vs. niche merchants: How broadly applicable the credit is and how easy it is to find eligible merchants
• Natural fit: Whether I use the credit organically or have to change my spending habits to justify it

Related: 7 cards that can replace your Amex Platinum

Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve: Potential value chart

Before we dive into each benefit side by side, let's take a look at the total potential value each card offers.

The table below breaks down each card's statement credits by seven categories. If you're interested in which card wins in practice, jump ahead to the category-by-category analysis.

Uber benefits are shown in both categories for comparison purposes, but are counted only once in the total value.

At face value, the Amex Platinum provides $636 in additional statement credits when compared to the Sapphire Reserve. But the key here is analyzing how easy it is to actually redeem the Amex Platinum's credits. That's what we'll dive into next.

*Enrollment is required.
#Add your qualifying Amex card to your Uber account and pay with any Amex card.
^Eligible charges vary by property.

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

Travel

The Amex Platinum and Sapphire Reserve each provide a credit toward travel, but they differ in how they're applied.

The Sapphire Reserve's $300 annual travel credit may be the easiest benefit to use on this entire list. It automatically applies to a broad list of travel purchases, including flights, hotels and public transit.

I used my Sapphire Reserve's annual travel credit throughout a recent trip to London, tapping in and out for (essentially) free tube rides the entire time.

Meanwhile, the Amex Platinum's airline incidental credit earns up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year on incidental fees charged by your selected airline (enrollment required). Qualifying airlines include many of the most popular U.S. airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.

Since I don't have a cobranded airline card or airline elite status, I find this credit useful. This year, I chose American Airlines and used it on checked bag fees and an Admirals Club day pass during a four-hour layover at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Terminal 8.

My verdict: I find both of these statement credits easy to use, but the Sapphire Reserve's flexible travel credit certainly wins out. It's simpler, broader and easier to use, while the Amex Platinum's airline fee credit requires more planning and effort.

Related: My 5 top travel credit cards — and how they elevate my trips

Hotels

The Amex Platinum's hotel statement credit is split into two biannual up-to-$300 increments. You're limited to using one half from January to June, then the other from July to December.

You can use your credit for a one-night stay through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, but you have to book at least two nights if you book through The Hotel Collection.

Meanwhile, the Sapphire Reserve splits its $500 annual hotel credit in half — but you can use your two $250 credits at any time; they just can't be combined. You have to book at least two nights through The Edit. This adds timing flexibility that the Amex Platinum's statement credit doesn't provide.

My verdict: I prefer the Amex Platinum's hotel statement credits because FHR and THC include more properties than The Edit. Plus, FHR allows one-night stays, which makes it easier for me to use the credit without spending as much cash. If you're likely to book at least one eligible stay in each half of the year, I think the Amex Platinum's credit offers more value. However, if you value the flexibility of accessing The Edit credits without a biannual restriction, that may be a better choice for you.

Related: 10 hotels where your Amex Platinum hotel credit covers half (or more) of your stay

Dining

The most prominent differences between the dining credits on the Amex Platinum and Sapphire Reserve are the frequency they're received and the platforms they partner with.

Amex Platinum cardmembers receive up to $100 in quarterly statement credits for U.S. Resy purchases (enrollment required), while the Sapphire Reserve offers up to $150 from January to June and $150 from July to December for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables through OpenTable.

Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables features a decent list of restaurants — especially in larger cities and popular vacation destinations — making this an excellent credit to stack with other benefits, like The Edit credit. However, its footprint isn't as broad as Resy, in my experience.

Additionally, Amex Platinum provides easy-to-use perks with Uber (and thus, Uber Eats), while the Sapphire Reserve offers DoorDash credits that can be a bit more complicated. However, the best part of the Sapphire Reserve's DoorDash benefit is receiving at least 12 months of DashPass for free (when you activate by Dec. 31, 2027).

My verdict: While the Sapphire Reserve offers higher potential value with its dining statement credits, I prefer the wider availability of restaurants with the Amex Platinum's U.S. Resy statement credit. I also prefer the ease of the Amex Platinum's U.S. Uber benefit, especially compared to the complexity of the Sapphire Reserve's DoorDash credits.

Related: Use your Amex Resy credit at even more restaurants

Entertainment and shopping

Both the Amex Platinum and the Sapphire Reserve offer statement credits for shopping and entertainment, so the winner here really comes down to your individual spending habits.

The Amex Platinum offers up to $25 in monthly statement credits for select digital entertainment and streaming services (up to $300 each calendar year; enrollment required). You can use it on eligible purchases made directly with popular services, including Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+ and Peacock.

I use this statement credit on YouTube TV and get $25 back every month. This is one of the easiest credits to use, especially if you already subscribe to an eligible service.

The Amex Platinum also provides up to $75 in quarterly statement credits for U.S. Lululemon purchases (online and in-store, excluding outlets; enrollment required), which is obviously useful if you already shop there. Generally, it's not hard for me to remember to use this credit each quarter for new workout gear or gifts.

Finally, Amex Platinum cardmembers receive up to $155 in annual statement credits for a recurring Walmart+ membership (enrollment required). If you shop at Walmart regularly, this benefit can be valuable. I've already saved more than $100 this year through fuel discounts and free delivery.

It's easy for live-event fans like me to redeem the Sapphire Reserve's up to $300 annual credit (split into two $150 biannual credits) for StubHub and Viagogo purchases (through Dec. 31, 2027). I've already bought tickets for a Sombr concert later this year, and I plan to use the next half of the credit toward tickets for a college football game in the fall.

The Sapphire Reserve also provides complimentary Apple TV and Apple Music subscriptions each year (one-time activation required for each service; subscriptions run through June 22, 2027), which are natural fits for those who already subscribe to these services.

My verdict: I enjoy the suite of entertainment and shopping credits on both cards, though the Sapphire Reserve's credits may be easier for some to redeem since they're received biannually and annually, while the Amex Platinum's credits are mostly received monthly or quarterly.

Related: The best credit cards to maximize your entertainment spending

Ride-hailing

The Amex Platinum provides benefits with Uber, while the Sapphire Reserve partners with Lyft.

As mentioned in the dining section, Amex Platinum cardmembers receive Uber benefits (up to $200 each year) that can be used toward U.S. Uber rides (and Uber Eats orders). They also receive an Uber One membership (up to $120 each year; subject to auto-renewal). Just make sure your Platinum card is added to your Uber account, and from there you can redeem your Uber Cash with any Amex card.

Meanwhile, the Sapphire Reserve gives cardholders up to $10 in monthly in-app credit on Lyft rides, which is a solid monthly benefit as long as you can maximize it.

My verdict: I find both benefits useful, and your personal loyalty to Uber or Lyft may push one ahead of the other. However, thanks to the addition of the Uber One membership and the fact that Uber may be more widely available in some parts of the U.S., the Amex Platinum's ride-hailing credits win here.

Related: 5 things to know before the next time you use a ride-hailing service at the airport

Health and wellness

The Amex Platinum provides up to $300 in annual statement credits for select Equinox memberships (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal), including the app, and up to $200 in statement credits for hardware purchases with Oura Ring each calendar year (enrollment required).

Meanwhile, Sapphire Reserve cardmembers receive up to $120 each year on Peloton subscriptions ($10 monthly membership credit through Dec. 31, 2027).

When it comes to the Amex Platinum's statement credits, you're likely to get the most out of the Equinox benefit if you have a nearby location, even though the app is included in the benefit. Plus, the Oura Ring perk may be difficult to get ongoing annual value from unless you upgrade your ring each year, since it's for hardware purchases only.

The Sapphire Reserve's Peloton credit may be easier for those who already have a bike and use it regularly. For instance, TPG contributing editor Matt Moffitt values the credit highly since he's been a subscriber for six years. So, he pays just $4 out of pocket per month for his subscription.

My verdict: Even though the Amex Platinum offers a higher total credit value, its credits are more niche. It's also worth noting that the Sapphire Reserve's Peloton credit may be easier only for existing Peloton users.

Related: 6 reasons why the Amex Platinum Card is the perfect card for fitness enthusiasts

Trusted traveler programs

Both the Amex Platinum and the Sapphire Reserve offer up to $120 in statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years (enrollment required for the Amex Platinum).

The Amex Platinum offers one additional statement credit, giving cardmembers up to $209 toward an annual Clear+ membership for expedited airport security (subject to auto-renewal; enrollment required).

My verdict: These statement credits are easy to use, and the Amex Platinum inches ahead of the Sapphire Reserve since it also offers Clear+.

Related: Can someone else use my Global Entry application credit?

Bottom line

The Amex Platinum's statement credits offer greater potential value — but they generally require more active tracking and include more niche merchants.

Comparatively, Sapphire Reserve provides less potential value — but its credits are much easier to track and use.

If you're interested in more value and more opportunities to redeem credits, then the Amex Platinum is the way to go. If you don't want to put as much effort into maximizing your benefits, the Sapphire Reserve is a better option, even though it provides less value and fewer opportunities.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Apply here: American Express Platinum

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

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

Don't let Central Florida's steamy weather stop you from visiting Walt Disney World in the summer. There is no denying it can get hot, humid and steamy in the summer months, but that's what hotel pools and water parks are for.

Temperatures aside, summer is one of the best times to visit Disney World thanks to new attractions, special discounts and exclusive experiences. Here are our top tips for planning the perfect summer visit to Disney World.

Lower crowds and cheaper tickets

While early summer — beginning with Memorial Day weekend and running through early August — can be busy at Walt Disney World, late summer is one of the cheapest and least crowded times to visit the parks.

You can find one-day tickets for as low as $119 for several dates in August and September (in 2026 and 2027). If you hop back one month to July or ahead to October 2026, ticket prices jump to $164 and up.

By mid-August, most kids are back in school, and there is a short window before Disney begins to celebrate Halloween (yes, Halloween starts in August in Central Florida) and the costumed crowds descend. In general, you'll see the lowest crowds on weekdays. Time your visit accordingly if your schedule allows.

Limited-time discounts

In addition to cheaper base prices, Disney is currently offering a limited-time discount on a four-day ticket that includes one day of admission to each theme park and a special afternoon ticket that includes two or three days of admission to one park per day after 2 p.m., starting at $117 per day.

If you already know you'll be visiting all four parks, the 4-Day, 4-Park Magic ticket is a great option. And, if your idea of vacation doesn't involve waking up at 6 a.m. to be at the parks for rope drop, the "After 2 PM" ticket can help you sleep in and save a bit of cash.

The summertime savings go beyond theme park entry. You can save up to 30% on your Disney World hotel stay, and kids ages 3 to 9 can get a free dining plan on eligible vacation packages. You can view all current offers on the Walt Disney World website.

Other ways to save

The no-annual-fee Disney® Visa® Card (see rates and fees) comes with all kinds of perks, including 10% off at select restaurants and gift shops, and 15% off select guided tours. That's in addition to the new cardholder bonus and the simple 1% cash back you'll earn on all purchases in the form of Disney Reward Dollars you can use to offset the cost of your next vacation. Disney Visa cardholders often receive additional exclusive discounts, such as free dining plans and more.

Related: With bonuses up to $500 and built-in Disney discounts, are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?

For even more perks and a higher welcome bonus, check out the new Disney® Inspire Visa® Card (see rates and fees), too. You'll get a higher welcome bonus that can offset the cost of your vacation and higher Disney Rewards Dollars earning rates.

Related: Disney releases a new premium card with a $600 bonus, annual park benefits and more

New attractions and experiences

If it's been a few years since your last visit to Disney World, a lot has changed (and, if you've never been, you are in for an even bigger treat). Major construction projects are underway at three of Disney's four parks, but you won't have to wait for the bulldozers to retreat to enjoy new rides and entertainment at Disney World.

Related: We tried out everything new coming to Disney World this summer, and things are looking bright

Magic Kingdom

Two popular Magic Kingdom attractions recently received updates that bring guests even deeper into Disney's expert storytelling. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland reopened in April with new ride vehicles outfitted with handheld blasters and video monitors, along with interactive targets and haptic feedback for more accurate alien-blasting.

Over in Frontierland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opened after being closed for more than a year. In addition to mechanical upgrades like new tracks and ride vehicles, Disney added a colorful Rainbow Caverns show scene.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Arguably, the biggest opening this summer is Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. As Disney World's only inverted coaster, it's a must-do for thrill seekers. The ride used to feature music by Aerosmith, but it got Muppet-fied just in time for summer with new music, characters and lots of memorabilia from the Muppets history (including the recently closed Muppet*Vision 3D).

In Galaxy's Edge, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run got a major upgrade. Now, instead of just one mission, there are several mission locations to choose from. And they all feature appearances by Grogu and the Mandalorian. He is almost too cute to look away from and focus on not crashing the ship.

Epcot

There have been a few iterations of Soarin' over the years, and to celebrate America's 250th birthday, Disney introduced a patriotic version of Soarin' Across America. The motion simulator flyover film highlights 13 iconic US locales and landmarks, culminating in a fireworks finale over Spaceship Earth.

Extra fun for families

After introducing the monthslong event last year, Disney brought back Cool Kids Summer for the 2026 season. The event runs from May 26 through Sept. 8, 2026, and includes fun for families with young kids across all four parks and select Disney resort hotels.

Each of the four Disney parks has a Cool Kids Summer spot where kids can interact with their favorite characters in new ways:

• Bluey's Wild World at Animal Kingdom — Hop on the Wildlife Express Train for a surprisingly quick trip to Australia, where you can play with Bluey and her sister Bingo, and meet kangaroos and wallabies at Jumping Junction. This is part of Cool Kids Summer, but is expected to last beyond the Sept. 8 end date.
• Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Hollywood Studios — This sing-and-dance-along show stars Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto. Kids (and parents) are encouraged to get up and dance as Mickey and Minnie round up their friends for a big celebration. This is also expected to last beyond Sept. 8 and is adjacent to The Magic of Disney Animation, which is expected to open later this summer.
• Jessie's Roundup: A Rip-Roarin' Revue! at Magic Kingdom — Visit the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland for games and dancing with Jessie, Woody, Bullseye and more "Toy Story" characters.
• GoofyCore at Epcot — A DJ-led dance party at Communicore Hall featuring dancing, games and appearances by Goofy.

Guests at select on-site hotels (Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside) can extend the fun beyond the parks with Cool Kids Summer perks like a welcome gift for kids, pool parties, pajama storytime with characters and more.

Related: I have stayed at every Disney World hotel — this is what I liked and didn't like about each property

Free water park visits

Disney introduced this popular perk in 2025, and it's coming back for summer 2026. Guests staying in a Disney Resort hotel between May 26 and Sept. 8, 2026, can visit one of Disney's water parks for free on their check-in day. This summer, both Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park are operating daily, so you can choose which you'd like to visit.

You don't need to do anything special to use this perk, just scan into the water park with your MagicBand, MagicMobile pass on your smartphone or hotel keycard. To take full advantage of free water park entry,

Tips for staying cool

The hottest and stormiest part of the day in Central Florida is late afternoon. If you are a morning person, you can beat the crowds and the heat by arriving close to rope drop (a.k.a park opening time). Keep in mind that on-site hotel guests get into the parks 30 minutes early. To be one of the first guests inside the park, you want to be at the turnstiles about 30 minutes before you can get into the park.

If you want to escape the hottest part of the day without sacrificing too much time in the park, stay for a few hours after rope drop and head back to your hotel for a midday break before returning when the sun has (blessedly) set for the evening. In addition to the cooler temperatures, the parks look completely different at night, and many of the outdoor rides feel different, too.

If you want to cut down on the time spent waiting outside in line for rides (many queues are indoor, but some are at least partially outdoor), you can purchase a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass to skip the standby line on most attractions. There are a handful of rides, like Tron: Lightcycle Run and Avatar Flight of Passage, that require a separate Lightning Lane Single-Pass purchase. The amount of money you'll save on bottled water and sunscreen might make these worth adding to your vacation budget.

Related: Lightning Lane Premier Pass skip-the-line service now available to all Disney World guests

Throughout the year, Disney also offers exclusive after-hours parties at its theme parks and water parks that allow you to enjoy the parks with much lower crowds, special entertainment and characters and, most importantly, unlimited free drinks and snacks. These events are separately ticketed, but the price is often lower than a regular daytime ticket, and the lines are almost nonexistent, so you can skip the daytime ticket and get just as much done even with less time in the park.

All of Disney's resorts have themed pools that are just as much fun for kids as the attractions inside the parks. When kids get cranky from the Florida heat, take a break at the pool to help everyone reset before returning to the parks in the evening.

In addition to the limited-time Cool Kids Summer offerings, Disney World has several indoor play areas where kids can play, and parents can relax in dark, air-conditioned bliss.

At Magic Kingdom, you'll find a circus-themed playground inside Dumbo the Flying Elephant; at Epcot, kids can blast off at Space Base at the exit of Mission: Space; and go under the sea at Sea Base inside the Seas pavilion to let their imaginations run wild at the exit of Journey Into Imagination.

Bottom line

Disney's pursuit of providing guests with a cool summer vacation, even when temperature are hot, doesn't stop at the hotel pool. Guests who visit Disney World during the summer can also enjoy lower crowds, cheaper ticket prices, hotel discounts and limited-time offerings you can't get any other time of year.

Related reading:

• Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach: The ultimate guide to Disney World's water parks
• Bluey, Buzz and Grogu: Opening dates for new Disney World and Disneyland attractions in 2026
• With bonuses up to $500 and built-in Disney discounts, are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?

American Airlines will soon have a new partner in the South Pacific.

Over the weekend, the Oneworld alliance announced that Philippine Airlines will soon become its newest member.

The move will see the airline, based in Manila, become a full-fledged alliance partner of American and more than a dozen other global airlines — like British Airways, Iberia, Qatar, Qantas and Japan Airlines.

The news of Philippine Airlines joining Oneworld came via a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Saturday at the International Air Transport Association's general meeting in Brazil.

Best Airlines Report 2026: Delta edges out rivals to win for eighth straight year

A new partner for American, Alaska and others

What will this shift mean for frequent travelers?

In the future, you'll be able to redeem your AAdvantage miles on a Philippine Airlines flight to Manila (or even elsewhere in Asia). You'll also be able to make use of your AAdvantage elite status perks on the flight, from lounge access, priority boarding and free baggage.

The same would be true for travelers with a stash of Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles or award currency from any other Oneworld carrier.

Typically, Oneworld elite members receive reciprocal loyalty benefits when flying with any airline in the alliance — as long as they book their flight using the loyalty number of the airline they have status with.

Oneworld alliance guide: Learn about airlines, lounges and elite status

Alaska, Hawaiian to deepen PAL partnership

American isn't the only U.S. airline gaining this new alliance partner.

Here in the U.S., fellow Oneworld member Alaska Airlines already had a more limited partnership with Philippine Airlines, allowing travelers to earn Atmos Rewards points on PAL flights.

But that tie-up will grow deeper once the carrier becomes a Oneworld member.

What PAL in Oneworld means for travelers

From its home base at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Philippine Airlines currently serves five airports in the U.S.:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu

With PAL's arrival in Oneworld, you'll be able to use your favorite Oneworld award currency to fly straight to Manila or, for instance, fly Hawaiian Airlines to Honolulu and then connect to the Philippines.

You could also use your AAdvantage miles to fly PAL to Manila and then connect onward to one of the many destinations PAL serves in Asia.

And, again, if you have status with American (or Alaska ... or BA), you'd get some of those elite benefits on PAL.

Oneworld expands

Philippine Airlines will be the 16th Oneworld carrier (and the 17th airline brand, including both Alaska and the recently acquired Hawaiian).

Other recent Oneworld entrants include Oman Air and Fiji Airways.

In a statement, Philippine Airlines called this move a "defining and transformative moment" for the airline.

American, for its part, touted the carrier's arrival in Oneworld as a boost to its partner footprint in the Pacific.

"Philippine Airlines' entry into Oneworld supports our long‑term strategic growth and strengthens our connectivity across key markets in the Asia Pacific region," American CEO Robert Isom said. "The airline has a proud heritage and will serve a critical role in our Southeast Asia network."

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• Which US airline is best? TPG's 2026 rankings
• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
• Spirit is gone. Can the other budget airlines survive?

Southwest Airlines is getting ready to switch on high-speed Starlink inflight connectivity.

The first aircraft equipped with the free and ultra-fast Wi-Fi, a Boeing 737-800, will enter service by the end of June, Southwest chief customer and brand officer Tony Roach said at an industry conference this weekend.

It's a major step forward for the Dallas-based carrier's on-board internet offerings, and the move comes just months after Southwest made its existing service free to all members of its Rapid Rewards loyalty program.

How quickly will Southwest passengers see the upgraded Wi-Fi?

"We have the capability to get to up to 300 [planes] by the end of the year but, at this point in time, it's more of the pacing on Starlink — when we can get the kits — we'll be putting them on the aircraft," Roach said, speaking Saturday at the International Air Transport Association's general meeting in Brazil.

A growing number of US airlines with Wi-Fi

With its debut, Southwest joins Alaska Airlines and its brand Hawaiian Airlines, boutique air carrier JSX and United Airlines offering Starlink connectivity on its planes in the U.S. Most recently, American Airlines announced plans to add the inflight Wi-Fi service to its Airbus jets beginning in 2027.

Fast inflight connectivity is an increasingly critical amenity for airlines as they compete for customers. The number of "dark" flights — or those without Wi-Fi — is rapidly shrinking, as consumers now expect connectivity options while airborne.

"The bar now is customers want very fast Wi-Fi," Andrew Watterson, the chief operating officer of Southwest, said. "Starlink has set the bar for how fast Wi-Fi should be on an aircraft, so you must meet that bar."

Free Wi-Fi: The new perk airlines can't add fast enough

A wave of change at Southwest

The debut of Starlink comes at a time of significant change for Southwest. The airline dropped its long-standing open seating policy in favor of assigned seats earlier this year and, at the same time, introduced its first premium-light product: extra-legroom seats. Last year, the airline began charging for checked bags.

And Southwest CEO Bob Jordan has repeatedly said the carrier is considering the addition of intercontinental routes, a network of airport lounges and a U.S. domestic first-class product for its planes.

While Southwest has confirmed plans to upgrade Starlink on some 300 planes, the carrier has not yet announced technological upgrades for the rest of its 800-aircraft-strong fleet, Roach said. He described the airline's current approach to high-speed Wi-Fi as "exploratory."

"We're exploring different vendors that provide that type of experience," he said.

Bottom line

Amazon Leo is Starlink's primary competitor, offering high-speed inflight connectivity. Delta Air Lines in March unveiled a deal to equip 500 aircraft with the Amazon product. JetBlue is also adding Amazon's tech to some of its jets.

Southwest's current inflight connectivity providers are Anuvu and Viasat. Planes equipped with the former's older technology are prioritized for Starlink installations.

Related reading:

• Your complete guide to maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards
• The best Southwest Airlines credit cards
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If you're a college student planning to study abroad, you're in for a real treat. There's nothing like living outside the country and immersing yourself in another culture, traveling and exploring different places virtually every weekend.

But this adventure doesn't come cheap. For example, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000 during a semester abroad in Europe (according to some reports) — and that doesn't even take accommodation into account.

The good news? All of the cards on this list charge no foreign transaction fees, so you won't get hit with extra costs every time you tap your card abroad. And if you're using a credit card, you can earn some serious rewards on your study abroad expenses. Plus, the right card will help you save money on fees and protect you if your travel plans go awry.

Here's what you need to know to choose the best credit card for studying abroad.

Comparing the best cards for studying abroad

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

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

If transferable rewards for no annual fee are what you're after, look no further than the Capital One VentureOne Rewards.

Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

This bonus is worth $370, according to TPG's June 2026 valuations.

Annual fee: $0

Why it's great for studying abroad: The VentureOne doesn't have an annual fee and earns an unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases. Cardholders will also earn 5 miles per dollar on car rentals, hotels and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.

You can use your miles in a variety of ways, but the best way is to transfer them to any of Capital One's 15-plus hotel and airline partners. This is likely your most valuable redemption option.

There aren't many no-annual-fee cards that allow you to transfer miles to travel partners, so this card is definitely worth a serious look for students studying abroad.

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

Learn more: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

If you want to keep your wallet simple, cash back is often the way to go. Consider the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.

Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Why it's great for studying abroad: The Savor Cash Rewards is a great way to earn cash back on all your purchases.

With it, you'll earn 5% back on hotels, rental cars and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 3% back on dining, entertainment and select streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Target and Walmart) and 1% back on all other purchases.

While the welcome bonus isn't lucrative, it does have a relatively low spending requirement. Given the expenses of studying abroad, every little bit helps.

To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards.

Learn more: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of our favorite credit cards, and for a good reason. It offers excellent value for its low annual fee.

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

TPG's valuations place this welcome bonus at $1,538.

Annual fee: $95

Why it's great for studying abroad: The Sapphire Preferred may be out of range if you're just starting your credit card journey, but it's certainly one to set your sights on if you're eligible.

It's a great starter card if you want to get into points and miles, thanks to its high earning rates on travel and dining. Every time you book a flight on Ryanair or end up at Wok to Walk again, you'll rack up fully transferable points.

And when you're ready to redeem the points you've earned with the Sapphire Preferred, you have some great options. Most simply, you can use your points with Points Boost to purchase flights and book hotel rooms through Chase Travel at a rate of up to 1.75 cents per point (depending on the specific redemption; see your rewards program agreement for full details).

But you can get even more value from your rewards by taking advantage of the card's ability to transfer points to any of Chase's airline and hotel partners.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred

American Express Green Card

The Amex Green is a great entry point to Amex's lucrative Membership Rewards points for travel enthusiasts.

Welcome bonus: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

This bonus is worth $800, per TPG's valuations.

Annual fee: $150

Why it's great for studying abroad: If you're interested in adding the Amex Green to your wallet for your studies abroad, it's a good idea to get the card before you book your travel. The card earns 3 points per dollar on a wide array of travel purchases, including airfare, hotels, tours and more.

It also earns 3 points per dollar in transit, a category you're likely to spend a good amount in while you're away. This category includes buses, taxis, trains and more.

Pair this with another bonus category, earning 3 points per dollar on dining at worldwide restaurants, and this card is a solid option for students abroad.

TPG values Membership Rewards points at 2 cents apiece when you maximize your earnings by transferring to one of Amex's transfer partners. For a $150 annual fee, this card is a solid earner in the program.

While it's more of an investment than other cards on this list, it offers up to $209 each calendar year for a Clear+ membership to help offset that (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal).

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

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

Discover it Student Cash Back

If you have limited or no credit history, a student card like the Discover it Student Cash Back is your best bet.

Welcome bonus: Discover will match all the cash back earned during the first 12 consecutive billing periods that the new account is open.

Annual fee: $0

Why it's great for studying abroad: With the Discover it Student Cash Back, you'll get 5% cash back on your first $1,500 in purchases on quarterly rotating categories after you enroll your card and then 1% cash back on everything else. While it isn't a fancy earnings structure, receiving 5% back on certain purchases on a student card is fantastic.

Students studying abroad can get outsize value from this card since all earnings during the first year are doubled.

And you won't have to worry about redemption minimums, so you can cash out your rewards at any time.

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

Related: 8 things you should know before applying for a credit card in college

Factors to consider when choosing a card for studying abroad

As you prepare to study abroad, look for these qualities to help you choose your best credit card:

• Card acceptance overseas: Not all cards are accepted equally around the world, so it's important to choose one you can rely on wherever you're headed. For the smoothest experience, it's a good idea to carry at least one Mastercard or Visa while studying abroad, since they tend to offer the broadest global acceptance (particularly across Asia, Europe and Latin America). American Express is widely accepted in many major cities, but this varies by country and merchant type. Discover's international acceptance is improving, but it remains less consistently accepted than the other major networks in many study-abroad destinations.
• Foreign transaction fees: Choose a card that doesn't charge fees on foreign transactions. If you use a debit or credit card that charges foreign transaction fees, you'll incur an additional fee of up to 5% on every purchase (with 3% being the average).
• Travel protections: Look for a credit card with travel protections that cover you when something goes wrong, such as travel delays, cancellations and other mishaps.
• Welcome bonus: Look for a card that offers a welcome bonus. The extra spending you'll do on your semester abroad is a great way to meet the minimum spending requirement to earn a bonus on a new credit card.

If you don't have enough credit to qualify for one of our favorite travel rewards cards yet, consider becoming an authorized user on a loved one's account. This will allow you to benefit from the card's protections and can also boost your credit score.

Related: The benefits of adding a relative as an authorized user

Bottom line

You'll spend heavily during a semester abroad — from flights and trains to group dinners and weekend trips. Choosing the right credit card turns that unavoidable spending into a strategic advantage.

A well-chosen, no-foreign-transaction-fee card can save you money from day one, while strong bonus categories, travel protections and flexible redemption options help you maximize every euro, pound or yen you spend.

Pick a card aligned with how you travel and what you value, and your time abroad won't just be unforgettable; it may also set you up for future trips you can book with the rewards you earn along the way.

Related: Can you pay your student loans with a credit card?

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card isn't the most rewarding Delta Air Lines credit card, but I think it's the sweet spot for occasional Delta travelers. The card's free checked bag benefit, priority boarding and award flight discount can easily offset the annual fee ($0 introductory for the first year, then $150 annually; see rates and fees) if you fly Delta just a few times per year.

If you're chasing lounge access or elite status, there are better Delta cards to consider. But for travelers who simply want to make Delta flights more affordable, the Delta Gold Amex remains one of the airline's strongest low-annual-fee cards.

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

Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex: The basics

If you're looking for an entry-level airline credit card, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex offers a solid mix of Delta-specific travel perks and ongoing value for a moderate annual fee.

Here's what you need to know:

• Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 annually
• Best for: Occasional Delta flyers seeking airline perks without paying for a premium travel card
• Rewards structure: Ability to earn bonus miles on Delta purchases, dining and U.S. supermarkets, plus miles on all other eligible purchases
• Key benefits: First checked bag free on flights worldwide and second checked bag free on U.S. domestic flights, Zone 5 priority boarding, 15% off Delta-operated award flights through TakeOff 15, annual Delta Stays and ride-hailing credits, and a path to earn a Delta flight credit
• Rewards currency: Delta SkyMiles, best redeemed for Delta flights and partner award travel

Unlike cards that earn transferable rewards, the Delta Gold Amex earns Delta SkyMiles directly. That means it's best for travelers who fly Delta at least a few times per year and can take advantage of the card's airline-specific perks.

Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex pros and cons

Related: Which Delta credit card is right for you? Expert advice from frequent Delta flyers

Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex benefits

First checked bag free (and second bag on domestic Delta flights)

This is easily the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex's most valuable benefit.

Cardmembers receive their first checked bag free on Delta-operated flights. The benefit also extends to up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation, creating substantial savings for families and groups.

Even better, cardmembers receive a second checked bag free on U.S. domestic Delta-operated flights, adding even more value.

Delta charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second checked bag on most domestic U.S. flights, including those to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a result, checking one bag on just two round-trip flights — or two bags on three flights — can more than offset the card's $150 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year; see rates and fees).

One feature I particularly appreciate is that you don't have to pay for your flight with the card to receive this benefit. Just make sure the reservation includes the cardholder's SkyMiles number.

TPG managing editor Madison Blancaflor says the free checked bag benefit is one reason why she continues to carry the card.

"As someone who doesn't chase elite status with any airline, the elitelike benefits I get with the Delta Gold Amex make it well worth the annual fee," she said. "Having my first checked bag free and 15% off award redemptions has saved me so much money and miles over the years."

Priority boarding

The card includes Zone 5 priority boarding on Delta flights.

While this may sound minor, it can make a meaningful difference when overhead bin space is limited, especially on busy routes.

Save 15% on Delta award flights

One of the most underrated Delta card perks is the TakeOff 15 benefit.

When redeeming SkyMiles for Delta-operated flights through delta.com or the Fly Delta app, cardmembers receive a 15% discount on the number of miles required.

If you redeem Delta miles regularly, this perk alone can save thousands of miles throughout the year.

TPG senior content strategist Gabrielle Bernardini keeps the card despite not flying Delta often.

"Though I don't fly Delta often," she said, "this card remains in my wallet due to several perks: a free checked bag, priority boarding and 15% off award flight bookings."

Delta flight credit

After spending $10,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, you'll earn a Delta flight credit worth up to $200.

I view this as a nice bonus rather than a reason to get the card. While this benefit can add value for cardholders who naturally spend $10,000 or more on the card each year, I wouldn't recommend pursuing the spending requirement solely to earn the credit. For many travelers, other rewards cards offer a higher return on everyday spending.

Delta Stays statement credit

Cardmembers can receive up to $100 back annually on prepaid Delta Stays hotel or vacation rental bookings when paying with the card.

For travelers who occasionally book hotels through Delta's travel portal, this credit can help offset a large portion of the annual fee.

Ride-hailing statement credit

After your first card renewal, cardmembers can earn up to $10 in statement credits each month on eligible U.S. ride-hailing purchases with select providers when paying with the card. That's up to $120 in value each year. Enrollment is required.

While I wouldn't value this benefit at the full $120 annually unless you regularly use ride-hailing services, it can provide meaningful savings for frequent airport trips and everyday transportation.

Savings on inflight purchases

Cardmembers receive 20% back as a statement credit on eligible Delta inflight purchases, including food, beverages and headsets. (Wi-Fi purchases are excluded.)

While not a reason to apply for the card on its own, it's a nice perk for travelers who regularly make onboard purchases.

Travel and purchase protections

The card also includes:

• Secondary rental car coverage*
• Baggage insurance**
• Extended warranty protection**
• Purchase protection**

I typically wouldn't recommend choosing a card solely for its protections, but they're valuable to have when travel disruptions or damages to purchases occur.

*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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

How to earn and use your rewards

Earning Delta SkyMiles

With the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex, you'll earn:

• 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases (made directly with Delta)
• 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
• 2 miles per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets
• 1 mile per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

The bonus categories make the card fairly easy to use for everyday spending, though there are stronger rewards cards available if maximizing earning rates is your primary goal.

Related: 5 things you need to know about Delta SkyMiles

Redeeming Delta SkyMiles

The best way to redeem Delta SkyMiles is typically for flights on Delta and its airline partners.

Because Delta uses dynamic award pricing, award rates vary significantly depending on travel dates and demand. That can make it difficult to target a specific redemption, but there are still excellent options available.

I particularly like Delta's SkyMiles Deals, which periodically offer discounted award flights across the U.S. and internationally.

Delta SkyMiles can also be redeemed on Delta's SkyTeam partners, including Air France, Korean Air and Virgin Atlantic.

These redemptions can sometimes provide better value than Delta-operated flights.

Related: How to redeem your Delta SkyMiles for maximum value

Potential drawbacks of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex

The biggest drawback is that the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex's value depends heavily on flying Delta.

If you aren't checking bags, redeeming SkyMiles or flying Delta once or twice per year, it can be difficult to justify paying the annual fee after the introductory period ends.

The card also lacks premium travel benefits such as airport lounge access, elite status acceleration and companion certificates.

Finally, while the earning rates are decent, they're not compelling enough to make this your primary everyday spending card.

Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex

Travelers who fly Delta frequently should also consider the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

The Platinum version includes many of the same core airline benefits but adds tools that can help you work toward Medallion status and offers a companion certificate each year after renewal.

For occasional Delta travelers, I still think the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex version delivers the better value proposition.

Is the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex worth it?

For many Delta travelers, yes.

I think the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex becomes easy to justify if you check a bag a few times per year, regularly redeem SkyMiles or can use the Delta Stays credit. For occasional Delta flyers, the combination of airline perks and a relatively modest annual fee is hard to beat.

Related: How to get Delta Sky Club lounge access with credit cards, elite status and more

When to apply for the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex

New Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Card members can earn up to 90,000 bonus miles: 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus an additional 20,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on purchases ($5,000 total) in the first six months of card membership.

According to TPG's June 2026 valuations, Delta SkyMiles are worth 1.2 cents each, making this offer worth up to $1,080.

Before applying, it's worth comparing the current offer with the card's past welcome bonuses to see whether it's a particularly good time to apply.

Due to American Express' one-bonus-per-lifetime rule, you generally won't be eligible for the welcome offer if you currently have this card or have previously had it.

Additionally, Amex may consider other factors when determining welcome offer eligibility, including the number of American Express cards you've opened and closed and whether you've held other Delta SkyMiles American Express cards.

Related: Current Delta American Express credit card welcome offers

Other cards to consider if you don't want the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex

If getting your first checked bag free on flights worldwide, your second checked bag free on U.S. domestic flights and priority boarding when flying Delta for a low annual fee are your main motivators, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex is probably your best option. However, another card may be better if you have different goals:

• If you want flexible rewards: The American Express® Gold Card earns American Express Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to Delta (and other loyalty programs). While it doesn't have perks specific to Delta and features a $325 annual fee (see rates and fees), it earns bonus points on flights, dining and groceries. To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Gold Card.
• If you want a Delta card with no annual fee: The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card earns Delta SkyMiles on everyday spending and includes perks like Pay with Miles and 20% back on eligible Delta inflight food-and-beverage purchases. It doesn't offer benefits like a free checked bag or priority boarding, but it's a solid option for occasional Delta travelers who want to earn SkyMiles without paying an annual fee. To learn more, check out our full review of the Delta Blue Amex.
• If you want Delta Sky Club access: With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you can get access to Delta's network of lounges (subject to limitations) and a companion certificate. For frequent Delta flyers, this card is likely the best fit. To learn more, check out our full review of the Delta Reserve Amex.

For additional options, check out our full lists of the best travel credit cards and the best American Express cards.

Related: What credit score do you need to get Delta SkyMiles American Express cards?

Bottom line

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is a great option because it keeps things simple.

I wouldn't recommend it to travelers chasing luxury perks or elite status. But if your goal is to save money on Delta flights through free checked bags, priority boarding and discounted award tickets, this card delivers more value than its annual fee suggests.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

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

Along with the regular deals, sweet spots and earning and redemption advice we publish on our site and social media channels every day, TPG has been working hard behind the scenes to find exclusive deals for our subscribers you won't find anywhere else.

How good are these deals?

New subscribers to our TPG Daily newsletter recently scored an exclusive, limited-time 125% bonus on buying Hilton Honors points. It was the highest-ever bonus — higher than any publicly available offer — for buying Hilton Honors points.

With this offer, select subscribers could purchase between 20,000 and 160,000 Hilton Honors points before the bonus was applied. Those who purchased the maximum received a bonus of 200,000 points, bringing their total to 360,000 Hilton points, enough to book the world's most luxurious Hilton properties.

Buying points with a huge bonus like this is a great way to top up your points balance for a dream redemption. It can also be a savvy way to save on cash rates during peak travel times, as TPG contributor Matt Moffitt recently discovered when needing accommodations during Brazil's famous Carnival festival.

If you missed out on this best-ever bonus offer and are looking to boost your points balance, don't despair. Another exclusive deal goes live on Tuesday, June 9.

We are always working on new offers to exclusively share with our subscribers, so subscribe to TPG's exclusive offers so you don't miss out.

Related reading:

• TPG exclusive: Travel hacks from Google Flights and an update on basic economy fares
• Buying points and miles saved me over $1,000 on flights and a hotel stay
• When does it make sense to buy points and miles?
• Deal alert: Roame.travel is a great way to find award flights — and TPG has an exclusive discount

Time is running out to earn the best-ever welcome offer on the popular Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees).

The offer is scheduled to end June 15 at 9 a.m. EDT, leaving eligible applicants only a short time to earn the largest publicly available bonus we've ever seen on the card.

Last chance: Apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve to earn 150,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This offer ends June 15 at 9 a.m. EDT.

The bonus is worth $3,075 when strategically redeemed for travel through loyalty partners (per our June 2026 valuation of Chase points).

The card carries a high $795 annual fee, but frequent travelers can offset much of that cost through a long list of benefits. These include an annual travel credit, airport lounge access, valuable travel and lifestyle credits and strong earning rates on flight, hotel and dining purchases.

More than just a welcome bonus

While the generous welcome offer is what makes now an especially compelling time to apply, the Chase Sapphire Reserve remains one of the most rewarding premium travel cards on the market.

Cardholders earn elevated rewards on travel and dining purchases, receive a $300 annual travel credit that automatically applies to eligible travel expenses and enjoy access to a growing network of eight Sapphire Lounges in the U.S. and more than 1,800 Priority Pass lounges around the world.

The card's Ultimate Rewards points are also highly valuable because they can be transferred to a range of airline and hotel partners, including United MileagePlus, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and World of Hyatt.

One of my favorite Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners is World of Hyatt, and I recently redeemed Hyatt points for one of my most memorable hotel stays.

My latest redemption: Park Hyatt Marrakech

This spring, I redeemed 105,000 Hyatt points for a three-night stay at the Park Hyatt Marrakech in Morocco.

Located about 20 minutes outside the city, the luxury resort impressed me from the moment I arrived. I particularly enjoyed the delicious food, sprawling gardens and beautiful indoor-outdoor pool complex that made it easy to spend an entire afternoon unwinding at the property.

The Park Hyatt Marrakech is a Category 7 World of Hyatt hotel. Under Hyatt's award chart, a standard room can cost between 25,000 and 55,000 points per night.

That means the Sapphire Reserve's 150,000-point welcome bonus could be enough for four nights at the property at Hyatt's moderate-tier pricing of 35,000 points per night (with 10,000 points left over).

Cash rates at the Park Hyatt Marrakech start at over $500 per night and can easily climb above $700, making Hyatt points an excellent way to save on a luxury stay.

Other ways to use 150,000 Chase points

Hotels aren't the only way to maximize a 150,000-point haul.

For example, you could transfer your points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue. 150,000 points could be enough for as many as five one-way premium economy flights to and from Europe (depending on the routes available through the program's monthly Promo Rewards).

I've flown KLM's premium economy cabin before and came away impressed. It's a comfortable middle ground between economy and business class, offering significantly more space and upgraded dining without requiring the huge number of points often needed for business-class awards. It's also a great option at a time when saver-level business-class award seats can be difficult to find.

Alternatively, you could transfer points to Air Canada Aeroplan and redeem 120,000-150,000 points for a round-trip business-class ticket to Europe on Star Alliance carriers such as Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss. That could mean crossing the Atlantic in a lie-flat seat while paying only taxes and fees out of pocket.

Related: 10 best ways to redeem 150,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points

Why you shouldn't wait

We've seen elevated welcome offers on the Sapphire Reserve before, but never one this large.

Whether you're hoping to book a luxury resort in Morocco, fly to Europe in business class or stretch your points across multiple premium economy trips, 150,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points can unlock thousands of dollars in travel value.

And unlike some elevated offers that linger for months, this one already has an end date. The offer is scheduled to disappear June 15 at 9 a.m. EDT, meaning eligible applicants don't have much time left to take advantage.

Related: Am I eligible for the Chase Sapphire Reserve's 150,000-point bonus?

Bottom line

The Chase Sapphire Reserve's limited-time 150,000-point welcome offer is the largest publicly available bonus we've ever seen on the card.

Combined with valuable perks like an annual travel credit, airport lounge access and the ability to transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs, it's one of the most valuable premium travel card offers currently available.

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

Apply here: Earn 150,000 bonus points with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

As someone who flies almost weekly, choosing the right card for airfare purchases matters to me. The card that earns the most points isn't always the one I reach for. I tend to prioritize travel protections and the ability to deal directly with an airline when something goes wrong.

That's especially true now that credit card issuers are investing heavily in their travel portals. These portals can offer eye-catching earning rates, but booking through one can also come with trade-offs.

Here are the best credit cards for booking flights and how I think about choosing between booking directly with an airline or through a credit card travel portal.

The top cards for booking flights

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
• Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees)
• American Express Platinum Card®
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (see rates and fees)
• Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees)
• American Express® Gold Card
• American Express Green Card®

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

Comparison of the best cards for booking flights

Should you book flights through a credit card travel portal?

Credit card issuers have invested heavily in travel portals to encourage cardholders to keep more of their travel spending within their ecosystems. That's why portal earning rates have become so generous.

However, more points don't always mean better value.

TPG's analysis of online travel agency pricing found that portal prices can be higher than booking directly with an airline. Capital One Travel had the smallest average markup at less than 1%, followed by Chase Travel at roughly 6%, American Express Travel at just over 10% and Citi Travel at nearly 15%.

Booking through a portal can also make changes and cancellations more complicated since you'll often need to work through the portal rather than directly with the airline.

Personally, I've decided the extra points usually aren't worth the added complexity. I typically book directly with airlines and use a card with strong travel protections. However, the right choice depends on your itinerary, number of travelers and potential rewards.

Booking through a portal generally won't prevent you from earning airline miles or elite status credits, provided your frequent flyer number is attached to the reservation. And if you're booking an award ticket and only paying taxes and fees, I'd prioritize travel protections over earning rates.

One exception is airline credit cards. If you're loyal to a specific carrier, benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding and elite-status boosts may outweigh earning additional transferable points.

Related: How to choose an airline credit card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Annual fee: $795

Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Airfare earning rate: Earn 8 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel and 4 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines.

Why I like it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is my top overall pick for booking flights. It earns the highest portal rate on this list, but what really sets it apart is its travel protections.

I fly frequently, and things occasionally go wrong. Last year, the Sapphire Reserve helped cover the cost of a damaged checked bag after an airline mishandled it. That's one reason I continue to use this card for many flight purchases, even when another card might earn slightly more points.

You'll also receive up to $300 in annual travel credits that can be used on flights booked directly with airlines or through Chase Travel.

Access to Sapphire Lounges is another major selling point.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Citi Strata Elite

Annual fee: $595

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Airfare earning rate: Earn 6 points per dollar on flights booked through Citi Travel and 1.5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines.

Why I like it: The Citi Strata Elite is one of the strongest cards for travelers who are comfortable booking through a travel portal. Earning 6 points per dollar on flights through Citi Travel can add up quickly.

However, the card's earning rate drops significantly when booking directly with airlines, so it's best suited to travelers who regularly use Citi Travel and are willing to compare prices before booking.

Another major advantage is that Citi ThankYou Rewards points can be transferred to American Airlines AAdvantage. Cardholders also receive four Admirals Club passes each calendar year, making the card particularly attractive for AA flyers.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Strata Elite.

Apply here: Citi Strata Elite

American Express Platinum

Annual fee: $895 (see rates and fees)

Welcome offer: New cardmembers can find out their offer and may be 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.)

Airfare earning rate: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

Why I like it: The Amex Platinum remains one of the strongest cards for airfare purchases thanks to its combination of rewards and airport benefits.

The card offers the broadest lounge access of any card on this list, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required) and Delta Sky Clubs (limited to 10 annual visits; unlimited visits can be unlocked by spending $75,000 or more on your card in a calendar year).

You'll also receive up to $200 in annual airline incidental fee statement credits and up to $209 in annual Clear+ statement credits (subject to auto-renewal; enrollment required for select benefits).

If airport lounge access is your top priority, this is the card I'd choose.

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

Apply here: American Express Platinum

Capital One Venture X

Annual fee: $395

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Airfare earning rate: Earn 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines.

Why I like it: The Venture X is one of the most compelling cards for travelers who don't mind booking through a travel portal.

You can use the card's annual $300 Capital One Travel credit toward flights booked through Capital One Travel, and the portal includes useful features such as price prediction, price drop protection and price matching.

The card also includes access to Capital One Lounges.

What makes the Venture X particularly appealing is that Capital One Travel had the smallest average markup in TPG's portal pricing analysis. If you're looking to maximize rewards through a portal while minimizing the risk of paying more than you would directly with an airline, this is one of the best options available.

For more details, read our full review of the Capital One Venture X.

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey

Annual fee: $95

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Airfare earning rate: Earn 4 points per dollar on airlines.

Why I like it: The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey earns a strong return on airfare purchases without requiring you to book through the issuer's travel portal.

That's an attractive proposition for travelers who prefer booking directly with airlines while still earning an elevated return.

The main drawback is that Wells Fargo has fewer transfer partners than the other rewards programs on this list. For some travelers, that won't matter; for points enthusiasts seeking maximum flexibility, it may.

To learn more, read our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey.

Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey

Citi Strata Premier

Annual fee: $95

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

Airfare earning rate: Earn 3 points per dollar on air travel.

Why I like it: The Citi Strata Premier is one of the best all-around rewards cards available.

In addition to earning 3 points per dollar on airfare, it also earns bonus points on several popular spending categories, including hotels, restaurants and supermarkets.

Unlike several other cards on this list, the Citi Strata Premier does not include airport lounge access. However, if you're looking for a relatively low annual fee card that earns well across both travel and everyday spending, it's an excellent option.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Strata Premier.

Apply here: Citi Strata Premier

American Express Gold

Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)

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

Airfare earning rate: Earn 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com and the Amex Travel App.

Why I like it: The Amex Gold isn't primarily known as an airfare card, but it still earns a respectable return on flights.

This card makes the most sense for travelers who already use it for dining and supermarket purchases and want to continue earning Membership Rewards points when booking airfare.

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

Apply here: American Express Gold

American Express Green

Annual fee: $150

Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Airfare earning rate: Earn 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.

Why I like it: The Amex Green is one of the most underrated travel cards on the market.

It earns 3 points per dollar on a broad range of travel purchases — not just airfare — and includes up to $209 in annual Clear+ statement credits (enrollment required).

If you want a lower-fee way to earn Membership Rewards points on travel purchases, it's worth a look.

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

Bottom line

The best card for booking flights depends on your priorities:

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve is my top pick thanks to its combination of travel protections and rewards.
• If airport lounge access is your main goal, the Amex Platinum stands out.
• If you're comfortable booking through a portal, the Capital One Venture X offers strong earning rates and historically low markups compared with competing portals.

Chasing every last point isn't always the smartest move. For me, strong travel protections and the ability to deal directly with an airline often outweigh a higher earning rate — but the right choice ultimately depends on how you travel.

Related: 9 things to consider when choosing to book via a portal vs. booking directly

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

Peru is a country of jaw-dropping landscapes, but I didn't come for the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. I came for Lima, a vibrant city that's home to 11 million people. On my first evening in town, standing on the Malecón pedestrian boardwalk above the Costa Verde cliffs, I watched as the Pacific turned amber and then violet as the sun set. I understood immediately why the Peruvian capital deserves a trip all its own.

Most first-time visitors to Peru spend exactly one night here before rushing off to Machu Picchu. I spent four — and I'd argue that's the smarter trip. The capital has quietly become one of the most compelling urban destinations in South America, and Miraflores, its most visitor-friendly district, now has a luxury hotel worthy of anchoring a proper stay.

Related reading: The best IHG hotels in the world

What's it like at InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores by IHG?

The 292-room, 29-suite InterContinental opened in June 2025, and it still has that unmistakable new-hotel air — everything is in pristine condition with not a nick or scuff in sight. But what strikes you first isn't the newness. It's the lobby.

Interior designer Germán Margozzini, a Lima hospitality veteran, built the ground-floor public spaces around a vocabulary of warm neutrals, dark browns and polished marble. The result: Space that feel luxurious but grounded, more private club than glitzy resort. The centerpiece is a dramatic double-helix spiral staircase, its white sculpted curves and black treads rising through multiple floors against a glass curtain wall, lit from below for effect. It's the kind of architectural gesture that stops you mid-step.

The check-in desk continues that contrast through a traditional-style dark wood counter with carved legs, that wouldn't look out of place in a Lima mansion, set against a floor-to-ceiling shelving installation styled like a gentleman's library: curated art books, ceramic vessels, a brass dome lamp. Overhead, a large abstract ink painting anchors the wall. In the adjoining lounge, large circular sculptural rings hang from a double-height ceiling, while oversized photographs of grand European interiors — gilded halls, chandeliered corridors — share wall space with bold geometric abstracts. It's eclectic but considered, and it gives the lobby a gallery-like energy that rewards lingering.

Add to this the extravagant floral arrangements — towering bursts of birds-of-paradise alongside ginger and tropical foliage that feel distinctly Peruvian — and you have a first impression that is, frankly, quite good. Whether it all adds up to a "sense of place" is a fair question; Margozzini's design sensibility skews cosmopolitan over local. But it's polished, warm and beautiful.

What's also interesting is that the complex comprises two related properties that share restaurant access: the InterContinental and Hotel Indigo Miraflores. This is actually the first Hotel Indigo in South America. The location seals the deal: a quick walk across the street reaches Larcomar, and the Malecón walking path puts the artsy Barranco neighborhood well within reach.

The Executive Club lounge was another compelling feature: A dedicated VIP space with panoramic Pacific views, comfy seating and complimentary food and beverages (the local Inca Kola was a treat). Staff learned our names immediately and helped us plan daily itineraries and suss out restaurants that matched our tastes.

And the rooftop infinity pool, while not large, was uncrowded and offered splendid ocean views. A very relaxing spot.

How much does it cost to stay at the InterContinental Lima and how should you book it?

Looking at the hotel's cash prices over the next 12 months, you'll find all-in nightly rates from $269 to $299 in June, August through February, and in April. If you prefer to use IHG One Rewards points, nights during those months range from 47,000 to 53,000 each. March, May and July are pricier, with nights ranging from $385 to $497 or 60,000 to 85,000.

Related reading: IHG One Rewards: How to earn and redeem points, elite status and more

The hotel offers 441-square-foot Classic rooms, many with excellent ocean views. The 29 suites have a bit more variety. Junior Suites are available at 600 to 670 square feet, as well as a larger version that's roughly 800 square feet. Both options offer ocean views. The Executive Suite lands at 1,220 square feet and offers a separate bath and walk-in shower, while the largest suite, the 2,010-square-foot Ambassador Suite, offers a separate bath and walk-in shower. All rooms and suites may include access to the club lounge, depending on your booking.

Before booking my stay, I considered all the options. I could have used IHG One Rewards points for my April stay (or transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards points to my IHG account). However, the cash price was low (about $280 per night), so that didn't make sense.

Knowing I'd pay cash, the next question was which credit card and travel booking portal would offer the most enticing benefits and extras. My options included booking with my:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve card via the Chase portal and taking advantage of The Edit and IHG-specific annual credits,
• American Express Platinum via Amex's Fine Hotels + Resorts program, offering free breakfast, food and beverage credit and the possibility of a space-available room upgrade,
• Bilt Palladium card, which offers a Home Away from Home booking with extras (since I have Bilt Gold status) and the option to use some Bilt Cash that I recently earned.

I opted to book this stay with my Bilt card. It was absolutely the right thing to do. Not only did I receive a room upgrade, but also access to the exclusive Executive Club lounge, free breakfast daily and IHG elite night credit.

Rooms at InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores by IHG

The InterContinental's guest rooms and suites are well-designed and spacious. They are exactly what you'd expect at an InterContinental property: modern yet understated design with high-end flourishes and Byredo Bal D'Afrique bath amenities.

Rooms are very comfortable but they don't exude the Peruvian spirit. Don't get me wrong, I loved our junior suite with its light wood flooring, crisp grays and greens with a few pops of orange, but the room could have been anywhere in the world. In fact, the box cutout framing the floor-to-ceiling windows reminded me of The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto.

We actually got to stay in two different rooms: a king Classic with Executive Club access on a high floor and one of the 800-square-feet Junior Suites (also with club access). Both were upgrades of the Classic king room I booked through Bilt's Home Away from Home platform.

The move to the suite was due to a faulty air-conditioner that decided to kick the bucket in our first room. The in-house handyman tried to get it started again, but after two tries, the hotel decided to move up to the suite to avoid any wasted vacation time. We appreciated that. A sweet snack (some chocolates) greeted us upon arrival in both rooms. That was lovely, but I would have preferred something with a stronger Peruvian flair. Earlier in the trip, we stayed at the JW Marriott Hotel Lima and received two good-sized bottles of fancy local sea salt as a welcome gift.

I would book the Classic king again for short stays, but for three or more nights, I'd likely spring for the Junior Suite. It was nice having a dining table and chairs as well as a full sofa. And, the bathroom — with a separate tub and shower — was a plus.

Dining at InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores by IHG

The Executive Club lounge on the 20th floor offered the best dining we experienced at the hotel.

Our Bilt Home Away From Home booking also included complimentary breakfast at The Market on the third floor. We chose the buffet, but you can also order from the a la carte menu. The fruit and array of fresh juices were especially good. The Market is also open for lunch and dinner.

I'm sorry to say that the one dinner we had at the hotel's outdoor Circo was disappointing. The vibe was lovely with comfortable furniture, room between the tables and twinkling fairy lights, but the food was poorly prepared, especially a steak which was so overcooked they had to bring out a second one, and that was equally inedible. We probably should have stuck with a pizza from the brick oven, but the crust seemed too thick — akin to Boboli — for our liking.

I'm hopeful Circo will improve over time (we visited just a few months after the hotel opened). But with so many incredible restaurants in Lima, I would not recommend booking dinner at this hotel. There are far better options just steps away.

Other dining options at the InterContinental include:

• Nau Nikkei Lounge, a restaurant on the rooftop that serves Nikkei cuisine, which is a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors (think sushi, tempura, lomo saltado and more).
• Factory Steak & Lobster on the first floor, serving high-end (pricey) steaks and seafood.
• Nina, located next door at the Hotel Indigo, serves traditional Peruvian dishes. The menu leans into comfort foods, such as papa rellena (potato stuffed with meat, Creole sauce and chili mayonnaise), ceviche and pastel de choclo (short rib with mushrooms, Cajamarca cheese and Peruvian corn cakes).

Amenities and things to do

When in Lima, the destination itself is the star, but the InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores offers some solid amenities for you to enjoy during your downtime. These include the following:

• A spacious fitness center kitted out with TechnoGym gear and weights
• The Presence Spa with one couples treatment room and three single rooms offering massages and facials; you'll also find wet and dry saunas and a relaxation room
• A small but lovely rooftop infinity pool with a half-dozen loungers, two sunbeds and stunning beach and ocean views
• The Executive Club lounge on the 20th floor, serving breakfast and happy hour drinks and snacks for guests booked in Executive rooms and suites
• A business center

Insider tips

• Splurge for a room or suite on a higher floor. The sweeping ocean views from the floor-to-ceiling windows are worth the premium.
• Walk across the street to the Malecón about an hour before sunset for a fantastic photo opp.
• If you have Executive Club access, definitely ask for their assistance in planning your stay. All of the recommendations we received were on point for what was most important for our vacation.
• Visit the pool during early morning hours or at dinnertime and you'll likely have it all to yourself.

Accessibility

InterContinental hotels and resorts do a good job of making their properties accessible and the InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores is no different. As you arrive at the hotel, there is a wide entrance with a ramp for those who need to avoid a step up. Wide entry doors are on either side of the central revolving door.

Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant elevators serve all hotel levels; there is ramp access to the rooftop pool; and the hotel has a wheelchair available for guests as needed.

There are a variety of ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible guest rooms with features such as bathrooms with grab bars, tall toilet seats, showers with built-in transfer seats and accessible bathroom controls.

Checking out

If you're the type who wants the air of familiarity around you — even while traveling — InterContinental Real Lima Miraflores is a good bet. It strikes a nice balance between delivering a product that largely meets your expectations of a high-end property while blending subtle traditional Peruvian flourishes into its interior design and restaurant menus.

Where the InterContinental shines is in the many ways you can book with loyalty points (IHG, American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt, Chase Ultimate Rewards and more). And don't forget about those extra credit card benefits — like complimentary space-available room upgrades, free breakfast and other perks — when you book via portals like American Express Fine Resorts + Hotels, Chase's The Edit and Bilt's Home Away From Home program.

However, if you normally gravitate toward boutique or art-centric properties, look in the nearby Barranco neighborhood. There, you're closer to quiet tree-lined streets, cool shops and artists' galleries, such as the excellent Museo Jade Rivera.

Looking for romantic sunset and ocean views with quick access to the Malecon boardwalk right outside your door? Then the InterContinental is a fantastic choice.

Related reading:

• The award traveler's guide to IHG One Rewards
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What is IHG One Rewards elite status worth?
• Current offers on IHG One Rewards credit cards
• Which credit cards offer the most lucrative rewards for hotel stays?
• The best hotel rewards programs in the world
• Best hotel credit cards

Some of us are into points and miles for the luxury of it all: the business-class flights with tablecloth service and the opulent hotel upgrades to stunning suites so high up your eyes might start to water. I fall into a secondary set of enthusiasts: People on a mission to see what the world has to offer, with award travel acting as the guide.

Growing up in Florida, a state chock-full of natural splendor, I learned early on that our planet was bountiful and, for the most part, free to explore if you stick to what Mother Nature gave us. As an adult, this mindset translates to affordable memory-making travel with Earth's landscape as the main attraction, as well as an opportunity to take advantage of points and miles along the way. My favorite way to do this is with bonus points and miles promotions.

Hyatt's recent bonus points promotion

Instead of having a destination in mind, I like to let promotions do the initial planning for me.

World of Hyatt recently had an offer to earn 3,000 bonus points for every three nights stayed at an eligible hotel. If you really wanted to commit to the bit, you could have done this several times to earn up to 21,000 bonus points — enough to get you a couple of free nights at a lower-tier Hyatt property.

At the beginning of the promotional window, my partner and I visited Southern California, earning two eligible nights from our stay at the Hyatt Regency Orange County. Though the property is generally known as a place to stay when visiting Disneyland, we were in town to see a post-punk show one night and a podcast taping the next and found it to be a good location to use as home base. Even though I don't currently hold any World of Hyatt status and only spent $367 total, we got lucky with a spacious suite upgrade overlooking the atrium lobby.

Back home, I realized I only needed one more night to receive bonus points.

My first thought was to consider Hyatt properties around New York City for a quick staycation. The Livingston had opened recently in my own borough of Brooklyn, and Mr & Mrs Smith's Rockaway Hotel + Spa on the coast and just a short train ride away looked like a quaint, little retreat.

But then I thought about traveling within the state to see nature.

Of course, Niagara Falls came to mind. I'd never been, and I always felt like I needed to see it with my own eyes.

Lucky for me, I quickly discovered a newly renovated Hyatt hotel on the Canadian side of the falls had just opened, transitioning from an out-of-fashion Embassy Suites into an airy and welcoming Hyatt Regency. I immediately made plans, as the end date for the bonus points promo was fast approaching.

Getting to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls

From New York City, getting to Niagara Falls is fairly simple — even without a car. While you can drive — which takes about 6 1/2 hours but may cause some headaches when trying to park due to the high parking fees anywhere and everywhere — or take an Amtrak train, I flew via Delta Air Lines in premium economy from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). The flight is so short you barely have time to read a full book chapter.

Once you land, you can take a 30- to 40-minute Uber ride directly to the American side of the falls and walk across the Rainbow Bridge, getting smacked right in the face with Niagara Falls' majesty the moment you see it, to reach the Canadian side. Simply show your passport and state your reason for your visit when you cross to gain entry and start exploring.

The scenic mile to the hotel, situated right next to the biggest and most jaw-dropping portion of the falls, is walkable. However, I need to warn you that there is a very large hill on the way. I learned this the hard way, so if trekking with a rolling suitcase isn't your vibe, you can call another Uber or hop on the easy-to-use public bus.

Checking into the Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls Fallsview

Not everyone likes a conference hotel, but I personally find them consistent in quality and budget-friendly — particularly my Hyatt Regency stays.

This property, standing 42 stories tall and visible for miles, felt decidedly like it belonged in Niagara Falls. Just like its surrounding buildings, it had a certain Las Vegas-esque spectacle to it, dampened only by the dreary offseason.

With a Starbucks in the lobby, two chain restaurants, a big indoor pool, a workout room and a gaming zone that felt a little bit like it belonged in the backrooms, the hotel has everything you need to keep entertained during your stay — and whatever else you may find yourself needing is only a short walk away.

As for my room, I initially booked one with a view. However, I paid an extra $70 a night to upgrade to a suite on a high floor with a better view of Horseshoe Falls and a Jacuzzi tub just for fun. I'm so glad I did because it was the most memorable view I've ever woken up next to.

The queen-size bed was incredibly comfortable, and the Jacuzzi tub made for a perfectly cozy night in with a bottle of wine I purchased from a local vineyard.

Though I only needed one qualifying night for my bonus points, I chose to stay two nights so I could properly visit the falls and see more of its surrounding area. All in, my two-night stay cost 632.16 Canadian dollars (about $453).

Thanks to the property's renovations, some of which seemed to still be in the works while I was present, there was a bit of a new paint and carpet smell. At the same time, it felt special to be there for its first couple of weeks back in business, like a little secret only I knew about.

Bottom line

Niagara Falls is a true natural wonder, and getting to see it in person is something I'll never forget.

At the end of this bonus points challenge from my three eligible nights, I added 7,300 points (4,300 standard points plus the 3,000-point bonus) to my Hyatt account. But perhaps the best part of it all was that I gained a ton of memories I'll never forget.

If you're also a newbie to points and miles, bonus challenges are a great way to expedite and maximize your points and miles as you travel.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) is the premium travel rewards card for Chase Ultimate Rewards enthusiasts to earn valuable transferable points and enjoy top-tier card benefits.

The Sapphire Reserve's current bonus is sky-high: New cardholders earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This is the highest public offer we've ever seen on the card. This bonus is worth $3,075, per TPG's June 2026 valuations.

With an offer this valuable, you won't want to miss out. Here are 10 of the most frequently asked questions we've seen on the Sapphire Reserve and its current 150,000-point bonus, answered.

Can I earn the 150,000-point bonus if I previously held the Sapphire Reserve?

Unfortunately, if you have previously held the Sapphire Reserve, you're likely not eligible for this bonus now.

Chase states that you may not be eligible for the bonus if you're a previous cardholder. So, even if you don't currently have the Sapphire Reserve or didn't earn its bonus when you did have it, you shouldn't expect to be eligible for the bonus now.

Related: Am I eligible for the Chase Sapphire Reserve's 150,000-point bonus?

Can current Sapphire Reserve cardholders qualify for or receive this bonus?

If you are a current Sapphire Reserve cardholder, you will not qualify for the current 150,000-point bonus.

It's also worth noting that closing or product-changing your Sapphire Reserve is unlikely to make you eligible, given Chase's restrictions on Sapphire bonuses across your lifetime.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve statement credits: What they are and how to use them

Does being an authorized user on a Sapphire Reserve affect my eligibility for the bonus?

Being an authorized user on another person's Sapphire Reserve does not affect your ability to get your own card and earn the bonus.

As long as you've never been a Sapphire Reserve cardholder before and meet other eligibility requirements, you should be eligible to receive the bonus.

Related: 6 ways the Sapphire Reserve cards make international travel even better

Who is eligible for the 150,000-point bonus, and what are the key restrictions?

These are the general eligibility rules for the Sapphire Reserve:

• You can't currently have a Sapphire Reserve card open.
• You may not be eligible if you have previously received a Sapphire Reserve bonus.
• If you previously had a Sapphire Reserve, you may not be eligible for this offer, even if you didn't earn a bonus on that Sapphire Reserve.
• If you have opened five or more new credit cards in the past 24 months, you likely will be declined for a new Chase card.
• Approval depends on your overall credit profile and your relationship with Chase.
• Since the Sapphire Reserve is a Visa Infinite card, you'll need to be eligible for at least a minimum $10,000 credit line.

Related: Chase's 5/24 rule: Everything you need to know

Can Sapphire Preferred cardholders upgrade to the Sapphire Reserve and receive the bonus?

If you currently have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and have never held the Sapphire Reserve, it's likely that you're eligible for the Sapphire Reserve and its bonus — as long as you meet other eligibility requirements (being under 5/24 and having an adequate credit score, as mentioned previously).

Just remember that you'll need to put in a new application for the Sapphire Reserve to receive its bonus. If you simply upgrade your Sapphire Preferred, you won't be eligible for the 150,000-point bonus.

Along these lines, remember that you can carry the Sapphire Reserve and the Sapphire Preferred at the same time.

Related: Have the Chase Sapphire Preferred? You're likely eligible for the Sapphire Reserve. Here's how

Is this the best-ever offer on the Sapphire Reserve?

Yes. The current 150,000-point bonus is the highest publicly available offer we've ever seen on the Sapphire Reserve.

The Sapphire Reserve's previous public bonus offered 125,000 points for the same $6,000 minimum spending requirement (offer no longer available). The card also once provided a highly targeted offer of up to 175,000 points in late 2025 (offer no longer available), but it was not widely accessible.

So, if you're considering wide availability and redemption value, this 150,000-point offer is the highest bonus we've seen.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve jumps to 150,000 points — is this the best-ever offer?

What is the real value of 150,000 Ultimate Rewards points?

TPG's June 2026 valuations deem Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth 2.05 cents apiece. When you consider this valuation, the 150,000 points from the Sapphire Reserve are worth a whopping $3,075.

Of course, how much real value you get out of the 150,000-point bonus depends on how you plan to redeem your rewards. If you take the Chase Travel℠ route for booking flights or hotels with your points, you could potentially get up to 2 cents per point in value with Points Boost. Even better, a few hotels are eligible for up to 2.5 cents per point through Points Boost.

We typically recommend you transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to one of Chase's 14 airline and hotel transfer partners. Redeeming this way could get you more than 2.05 cents per point, depending on your redemption.

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

How do I maximize 150,000 Ultimate Rewards points?

There are multiple ways to maximize the Sapphire Reserve's bonus.

Here are a few ideas:

• Transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan to book Swiss business-class seats from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Zurich Airport (ZRH). You could purchase tickets for two passengers with 140,000 points (plus $114.82).
• Transfer to World of Hyatt to book a beach villa at the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. "Moderate" rates on the current award chart sit at 60,000 points, so you could book two nights with this bonus during that window — or possibly less, depending on when your stay will be.
• Transfer to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to book round-trip economy flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York to Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London, starting at 6,000 points one-way plus taxes and fees. You could book this itinerary 12 times with the full 150,000-point bonus — or you could save the leftover points for another redemption.

Related: Stretch your points: 8 of the most valuable Chase Points Boost bookings

What's the best strategy to meet the minimum spend and earn the full bonus?

With the current Sapphire Reserve bonus, you'll have to spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months to earn 150,000 points.

There are many strategies you could employ here, including:

• Buying everything with your new card (including rent and housing costs that you can pay with a credit card)
• Prepaying bills, such as insurance, utilities and other regular expenses
• Picking up the tab when you dine with a larger group
• Donating to charity

These are just a few methods you can use to earn a new cardholder bonus. As always, just be sure you have enough funds in your bank account to pay off your statement balance in full each month. Otherwise, interest and late fees could decrease the value of your rewards.

Related: Why I time my credit card applications around predictable big annual bills and elevated welcome offers

Bottom line

These are some of the most common questions we've seen about the best publicly available offer on the Sapphire Reserve.

With a whopping 150,000 valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points on the line, you want to be sure you're eligible for this bonus if you're looking to apply. Plus, remember that the card's $795 annual fee is steep, but there are multiple perks that help offset it.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card overview

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees) is Marriott's entry-level personal cobranded credit card. This no-annual-fee product offers a way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and gives cardholders a jump-start on achieving elite status. However, frequent Marriott guests are better off with a card that charges an annual fee and offers more perks. Card rating*: ⭐⭐½

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

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold is the only no-annual-fee card in the Marriott Bonvoy family.

As they say, you get what you pay for, and that's true regarding credit cards, too. Consequently, the Bonvoy Bold sacrifices some earning potential and popular benefits to compensate for the lack of an annual fee compared to its higher-priced counterparts.

Still, this can be a great option for someone just getting into travel who wants to enjoy the benefits of Marriott Silver Elite status during hotel stays.

We recommend a credit score of at least 670 for the best approval chance.

Here's what else you need to know about the card if you want to apply.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold pros and cons

Marriott Bonvoy Bold welcome offer

New Marriott Bonvoy Bold cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

TPG's June 2026 valuations place Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making this bonus worth $480.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be under Chase's 5/24 rule
• Meet Marriott's own eligibility rules

Cobranded Marriott cards have notoriously confusing eligibility requirements, and the Bonvoy Bold is no exception.

Before applying, be sure to check your eligibility, as these requirements typically require you not to hold another Marriott cobranded card or have received a welcome bonus on another Marriott cobranded card for a certain period of time.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Marriott Bonvoy Bold benefits

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold card comes with automatic Silver Elite status. This status includes a 10% bonus on points earned during stays, complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, priority late checkout and a reservation guarantee.

The card also comes with five elite night credits per year. These elite night credits can help you progress to a higher status level, providing more valuable perks when staying at Marriott properties.

In addition, cardholders receive baggage delay insurance, car rental insurance, concierge access, extended warranty, lost luggage reimbursement, no foreign transaction fees, purchase protection and trip delay reimbursement.

It's rare to find no-annual-fee credit cards offering baggage and trip delay coverage, making the Marriott Bonvoy Bold more attractive for travelers who pay for travel.

Cardholders can also use Chase Pay Over Time on purchases of $100 to $5,000 made directly with an airline or Marriott Bonvoy hotel. (Access to Pay Over Time is not guaranteed and is based on factors such as account behavior, creditworthiness and credit limit.)

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Earning points on the Marriott Bonvoy Bold

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold earns:

• 3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
• 2 points per dollar spent at grocery stores and on cable, internet, phone, ride-hailing, and select food delivery and streaming services
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Remember that the 3 points per dollar you earn on Marriott hotel stays are in addition to the points you earn through the Bonvoy program.

Between the 10 base points and the 10% bonus from Silver Elite status, you'll earn up to 14 total points per dollar spent on eligible Bonvoy hotel stays with the Bonvoy Bold card. This equates to a 11.2% return on spending based on TPG's valuations.

It's worth mentioning that these earning rates don't compare favorably to any of the other Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. All the other Marriott cards offer higher earning rates on both Marriott stays and everyday spending (and some have a few other bonus categories).

If you have a general travel credit card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you'll be better off using one of those cards for most travel purchases.

Related: Your complete guide to earning Marriott Bonvoy points

Redeeming points on the Marriott Bonvoy Bold

As is the case with Bonvoy cards, Bonvoy Bold included, you'll typically get the most value from your points when you use them for award stays at eligible Bonvoy hotels.

A nice benefit to redeeming Marriott points for award stays is that you'll get a fifth night free at eligible properties, saving you 20% on five-night stays.

Beginners who may not have massive points balances for redemptions can also take advantage of Marriott's Cash + Points redemption options, where you can use points to pay for part of your hotel stay and cash for the rest.

TPG lead writer Katie Genter spent five nights at Le Meridien N'Fis in Marrakech, Morocco, for just 52,500 Marriott Bonvoy points by taking advantage of the "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" feature.

Related: How I plan to redeem more than 800,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

Transferring points on the Marriott Bonvoy Bold

Unlike many other hotel-branded cards, the Bonvoy Bold has decent transfer options. You can transfer your Marriott points to a list of nearly 40 airline partners, typically at a 3:1 ratio.

This is rarely the best redemption option, but it can be useful for topping off points or miles balances with airline programs that have no other transfer partners, such as Saudia Alfursan.

Related: Should you transfer hotel points to airline partners?

Which cards compete with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold?

If you want more Marriott Bonvoy perks or prefer different rewards, consider one of these alternatives:

• If you want more Marriott Bonvoy benefits: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees) comes with a $95 annual fee but gives you more Marriott Bonvoy perks and greater earning potential on your Marriott stays. To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
• If you stay at Hilton properties more often: The Hilton Honors American Express Card has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and allows you to earn Hilton Honors points and receive automatic Hilton Honors Silver status. To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex.
• If you want to earn transferable points with no annual fee: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee and earns simple and unlimited miles on all purchases. The miles you earn can be transferred to Capital One's 15-plus airline and hotel transfer partners. To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards.

For additional options, see our list of the best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards and the best hotel credit cards.

Related: Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: Which beginner Marriott card is best for you?

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bold worth it?

Since there's no annual fee to justify, beginners may find enough value in the Bonvoy Bold's automatic Silver Elite status to make the card worthwhile. However, anyone who stays at Marriott properties regularly and is willing to pay an annual fee is better off using their Chase 5/24 slot for a Marriott card with more robust benefits.

Bottom line

While the Marriott Bonvoy Bold offers some decent value for beginners, you'll likely get more value from other travel credit card options, especially when you look at the full lineup of Marriott Bonvoy cards.

These other cards offer rewards rates and additional perks that more than offset their annual fees. However, true beginners (and maybe those who don't want another annual fee in their wallets) could find solid value in the Bonvoy Bold.

While it's not the most rewarding card on the market, it can be a useful entry point into the Marriott Bonvoy program, especially for those looking to avoid annual fees.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bold

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

Chase credit cards are often top of mind when travelers book trips, largely due to their travel protections. Many of Chase's premium credit cards offer a full suite of travel protections, including trip delay reimbursement and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

Trip delay reimbursement covers reasonable out-of-pocket expenses during long flight delays. Meanwhile, trip cancellation/interruption insurance reimburses eligible nonrefundable travel expenses when a trip is canceled or cut short for a covered reason, such as illness, jury duty or a named storm warning.

This guide explains which Chase credit cards offer these benefits, what is currently covered and how to file a successful insurance claim.

Chase cards offering trip delay and trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Here is an overview of the Chase cards that offer trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance or both:

What is covered by trip cancellation/interruption insurance?

Chase trip cancellation/interruption insurance can reimburse eligible nonrefundable travel expenses when a trip is canceled or cut short due to certain qualifying events, such as illness, severe weather, travel disruptions or legal obligations.

The full terms and conditions for what is covered on your specific card are outlined in your guide to benefits, which is available in your Chase account online.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve's guide to benefits includes the following covered reasons and exclusions.

Covered reasons

Medical events

• Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness experienced by you or a traveling companion that prevents you or a travel companion from traveling on the trip
• Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness experienced by an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion when it's considered life-threatening, requires hospitalization or requires care by you or your traveling companion, verified by a physician
• Quarantine of you or your traveling companion imposed by a physician or by a competent governmental authority having jurisdiction, due to health reasons

Weather and travel disruptions

• Severe weather that prevents a "reasonable and prudent person" from beginning or continuing a trip (terms about what constitutes qualifying severe weather can be found in your guide to benefits)
• Named storm warning
• Your or your traveling companion's place of permanent residence being made uninhabitable, being burglarized or damaged by fire or flood
• Your or your traveling companion's lodging accommodations at the destination of the trip are made uninhabitable
• Death or hospitalization of your or your traveling companion's host at the destination
• An organized strike affecting public transportation, causing you or your traveling companion to either miss 20% or more of your scheduled trip or miss the departure of a prepaid cruise or scheduled tour (booked through a tour operator)
• Terrorism (there are exceptions here; exact terms on what types of terrorist incidents are covered for trip cancellation and interruption insurance are listed in your guide to benefits)

Government and legal obligations

• Change in military orders for you or your spouse
• Jury duty or a court subpoena, neither of which can be waived

Exclusions

Chase does provide an extensive list of things that are not covered by trip cancellation/interruption insurance as well:

Travel and personal decisions

• Change in plans, financial circumstances and/or business obligations for you or your traveling companion or their immediate family members
• Disinclination to travel due to civil unrest

Medical exclusions

• Preexisting conditions
• Any medical travel
• Any loss due to the voluntary surrender of unused vouchers, tickets, credits, coupons or travel privileges available prior to their expiration date
• Travel arrangements scheduled to take place after the 26th week of pregnancy, or when a multiple pregnancy (such as twins or triplets) occurs prior to the initial deposit date or booking date of the trip, or pregnancy associated with an assisted reproductive program (such as in vitro fertilization)
• Any loss for a trip booked while on a waiting list for a specified medical treatment

Documentation and legal issues

• Failure of you or your travel companion to obtain necessary visas, passports or requisite travel documents
• Illegal activity

Supplier and geopolitical exclusions

• A country closing its borders or disinclination to travel due to an epidemic or pandemic
• Financial insolvency of a common carrier, travel agency, tour operator or travel supplier
• War (not including eligible acts of terrorism)

Other exclusions

• Suicide, attempted suicide or intentional self-inflicted injury
• Drug use at the time of the loss (except if the drug is taken and used as prescribed by a physician)

The card covers nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses charged directly by a travel supplier, which is defined as a "Travel Agency, Tour Operator, Provider of Lodging, rental car agency, Rented Recreational Vehicle Provider, commercial recreational excursion provider, Cruise Line, airline, railroad, and other Common Carriers" by Chase.

The terms also note that mileage redeposit fees are covered if you need to cancel an award ticket.

That said, coverage does not include event tickets or other prepaid fees for theme parks, museums, golf courses or other points of interest unless they're booked as part of a travel package.

What is covered by trip delay insurance?

Trip delay insurance reimburses expenses incurred when your trip is delayed by more than six hours or requires an overnight stay. It does not include costs covered by the airline or other common carrier responsible for the delay — for example, if Alaska Airlines pays for a hotel during an overnight delay, you cannot claim it.

You and your family members are covered when you put at least part of a trip on your eligible Chase card.

Covered expenses include meals, lodging, toiletries and medication, but do not include prepaid trip-related expenses, such as tour or activity fees. In the past, TPG team members have had hotels, taxi fares, rental cars (to use to get to their hotel) and other essentials covered.

Chase defines covered hazards as equipment failure, inclement weather, strikes and hijacking/skyjacking. The guide to benefits specifically exempts any delay due to a covered hazard that was made public or made known to you before your departure.

Filing a claim

When you have a delay or trip cancellation/interruption that you think qualifies for coverage, you can file a claim through Chase's online claims center.

Trip delay reimbursement requires the following documentation:

• Expense receipts: Keep itemized receipts from all of the expenses incurred due to the delay.
• Fare receipt: You'll need a receipt showing that you purchased at least some of the common carrier fare with your card. This can generally include award taxes and fees.
• Multiple payment methods: If you used more than one payment method for your fare, you must provide documentation outlining any additional currency, vouchers, points or other payment methods used. For example, if you used points to pay for your flight and just used your card for taxes and fees, you'd need to show documentation to that effect.
• Common carrier statement: This is proof of the trip delay and the reason for the delay.
• Original itinerary: You'll have to submit a copy of your original ticket.
• Covered card account statement: Must show the last four digits of the account number, demonstrating that the payment for the common carrier fare was made on your covered card and/or with redeemable rewards.
• Settlement from the carrier: You are required to file a claim with the common carrier before submitting a claim with Chase. You'll need a copy of the settlement from the carrier, your insurance (if applicable) and any other reimbursement you'll receive from another party.

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance requires slightly different documentation:

• Original itinerary: You must submit a copy of your original travel itinerary, including any prepaid activities you are including in your claim.
• Confirmation of cancellation/interruption: You must provide documentation explaining the cancellation/interruption, such as an official doctor's note, death certificate, official military orders or other supporting documentation.
• Carrier cancellation/refund policy: You must submit a copy of the cancellation or refund policy of the common carrier, tour operator or travel supplier.
• Expense receipts: Keep the receipts of expenses incurred due to your trip interruption.
• Monthly billing statement: You are required to submit a monthly billing statement showing the last four digits of the account number as proof of prepaid travel rather than a fare receipt.
• Any unused vouchers, tickets or coupons: You can add these expenses to your claim, but you'll need to be able to provide proof of purchase.

When you fill out the claims form online, you will be asked to upload these documents. You can scan paper receipts (or submit clear photos) as needed. Typically, you have up to 90 days to file a claim after a delay or cancellation.

Proof of flight delay or cancellation

One of the documents required to file for trip delay reimbursement is a verification form that outlines the carrier's reason for the delay or cancellation. You can typically get this at the airport when the delay or cancellation is announced, but keep in mind that it may require a supervisor. Major U.S. airlines also have a process for requesting this information after the fact.

Keep in mind that if you did not book your reservation directly with the airline, you'll have to go through a third-party travel booking agency for a receipt. This includes online travel agencies (like Expedia or Orbitz) and credit card travel portals.

Here is an overview of the process different U.S. airlines require for you to receive a delay or cancellation verification form:

Related: Best credit cards with travel insurance

Bottom line

Having a card with travel insurance benefits can save you hundreds of dollars when unexpected hiccups occur in your travel plans. Still, it can be confusing to know what exactly is covered and what documentation you need to file a claim.

Nothing is worse than getting through an entire claims process only to be denied or having to start over because you don't have the required documentation for the insurance provider. Before you file a claim, make sure you have all the documents listed above.

Keep in mind that a provider may ask for additional documentation related to the incident, so you may have to collect receipts and other forms to help your case.

Refer to your card's guide to benefits for the latest information, as benefit terms may change at any time.

Related: Flight canceled or delayed? Here's what to do next

AvGeeks and anyone nostalgic for the yesteryears of travel will be excited to learn that they can once again fly on a plane donning the iconic livery of Pan Am.

This week, tickets went on sale for a luxe safari trip to Africa operated by the new-age version of Pan American World Airways.

A fixture in the skies from its launch in 1927 until its collapse in 1991, Pan Am helped define what many people consider the "golden age of aviation." The carrier pioneered routes across Latin America and the Pacific, and it even operated the famous Boeing 314 Clipper aircraft, Flying Boats that were capable of landing on water. Pan Am also helped bring the Boeing 747 to market, which made long-haul international travel much more accessible to the masses.

The Pan Am onboard experience is remembered for being both luxurious and fun, complete with attentive staff and fine dining.

Related: Pan Am gets new life with airport lounges planned — and a luxury, history-rich trip

It's been decades since Pan Am went under, with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines acquiring many of its route and assets.

But now, the Pan Am name is returning to the skies, albeit in a different form, after a travel company acquired the name in recent years with plans to revive the brand — if not the airline itself.

New life for the Pan Am brand

Pan Am Journeys — a series of ultraluxury private-jet journeys — is giving modern travelers the chance to step aboard a Pan Am-branded aircraft again.

Last summer, TPG got a look at the retro plane with modern comforts.

This month, the new-era Pan Am jet is "tracing the transatlantic" as part of its true maiden voyage.

And already, the company is planning its next voyage: "A Journey to Reimagine Africa. Set for 2027, the expedition features an African safari itinerary operated aboard the private Pan Am-themed Boeing 757-200, which offers lie-flat business-class seating.

This trip is designed to recreate the glamour of the former airline's illustrious experience in the skies. But it also includes true luxury on the ground, with stays at high-end hotels and a curated itinerary operated in partnership with SafariScapes.

"Former crew members, aviation enthusiasts, and travelers who remembered the golden age of travel — and those who longed to experience it — came together around a shared belief: that elegance, discovery and the journey itself still matter," Craig Carter, CEO of Pan Am Global Holdings (the parent company of Pan American World Airways), said this week.

These itineraries aim to highlight historic Pan Am routes and destinations.

The move comes at a moment when aviation nostalgia feels particularly strong, considering the recent closure of low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines which, historians note, was the biggest collapse of a major U.S. carrier since 1991, when Pan Am (and Eastern Air Lines) went under.

Read more: Spirit's bright yellow planes are grounded for good — a sad ending for the storied budget airline

Bottom line

These all-inclusive journeys don't come cheap; for most travelers, flying Pan Am today will certainly be more of a bucket-list splurge than a practical travel option.

But for AvGeeks who have spent years reminiscing on Pan Am and collecting vintage memorabilia, the opportunity to board a Pan Am plane and experience a semblance of the former airline's hospitality and atmosphere may be money well spent.

If you want to experience the legacy of Pan Am, you can book through your travel adviser, contact Pan Am Journeys directly at journeys@panam.com or visit its website. All-inclusive fares start at $129,000 per person, based on double occupancy.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• Which US airline is best? TPG's 2026 rankings
• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
• Spirit is gone. Can the other budget airlines survive?

Welcome back to our weekly Friday series, where we feature a reader success or mistake story. Last week, we published a mistake from a reader who lost 100,000 Avianca Lifemiles after misunderstanding the program's expiration policy.

This week, we're turning to one of TPG's staff members, Caroline English, TPG's director of social media. When her young daughter became ill during a recent family trip to Disney World and her family of four had to miss most of a day in the parks, Caroline managed to turn a $12 insurance purchase into a $400 reimbursement for her park tickets.

Missing a day at Disney because of a sick kid

When Caroline booked a hotel last December for her family's spring 2026 trip to Disney World, she accidentally opted in for trip interruption insurance without realizing it.

"I booked [our hotel] through Marriott with points," Caroline said. "Apparently, on my initial booking, I opted in for the trip insurance but had no memory of it."

Related: The best travel insurance policies and providers

Cut to a few months later.

"As soon as we boarded the flight, I noticed my daughter's breathing was a little faster than normal, but I thought it might be because the plane's air was dry. When we landed, it was a little bit worse, so when we checked into the hotel, I asked them if there was a doctor that they recommended we could take her to, just to be safe, and they recommended a service through the local hospital that has a doctor come directly to your hotel room," Caroline said.

Even though the in-room doctor didn't take insurance and she had to pay cash, she opted for the convenience.

"He came with so much equipment that he literally could dispense the steroids she needed right there in the room," Caroline said.

After the doctor gave her daughter the medications, he cleared her to go into the park.

"He told us to just take it easy and not push too much but that she was fine," Caroline said.

Even though they were able to go into the park for a couple of hours that day, Caroline said that she regretted not purchasing trip insurance because Disney tickets are so expensive.

What happened after returning home

Thankfully, she didn't have to remember her accidental purchase from months earlier. When Caroline returned home, there was an email from Allianz in her inbox welcoming her back and asking if any unexpected events had affected her trip. The email included links to her plan benefits and the direct claims filing page.

Since she had forgotten she had purchased trip interruption insurance, the email confused her.

"I was so paranoid that it was a scam, I literally opened a new checking account to get the direct deposit," Caroline said.

She eventually went back and found another email confirming she had opted in and paid $12 for insurance when she initially booked her hotel.

In her claim to Allianz, she made it clear that her family missed most of the day in the park, not the whole day. "And they still paid for the full park tickets for that day because it technically interrupted our day in the parks," Caroline said.

Because the insurance only covered trip interruption, not medical bills, she couldn't file a claim for the doctor's visit. However, the cost of the park tickets she got back was about the same as the doctor's visit.

How to replicate this success

The next time you book a hotel or flight, it's worth paying attention to the insurance offers on the checkout page. Just be sure to opt in when checking out for extra peace of mind, especially if you're traveling with small children who are prone to illness. Don't forget to also note the coverage in your trip planning documents so you remember you have options in case anything happens during your trip.

While many travel credit cards include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, many don't cover reimbursements for event or theme park tickets unless they're booked as part of a larger travel package. Before purchasing additional insurance, double-check the fine print of what you're already covered for with your credit cards.

Related: The best cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance — and what it actually covers

It's also worth noting that most credit card travel insurance doesn't cover medical bills, like the one Caroline paid for on her trip. One notable exception is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), which includes emergency medical and dental benefits that cover up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when you or an immediate family member becomes sick or injured 100 miles or more away from home during a trip.

Bottom line

Most hotels and airlines partner with an insurance company like Allianz to offer trip protection coverage when you check out and pay for your trip. While many travelers — including myself — often opt out to save money on the nominal fee, Caroline's story may make you reconsider opting in next time.

It also never hurts to familiarize yourself with your credit card's trip interruption insurance, as you may already be protected without paying extra for additional coverage.

If you have your own story to share with other TPG readers, fill out our mistake story form or success story form. (For ongoing issues that you feel owed compensation for circumstances beyond your control, please contact TPG's ombudsman, Michelle Couch-Friedman, at ombudsman@thepointsguy.com.)

Related: What your credit card's trip protection covers — and what it doesn't

From bonus points on your next hotel stay to sales on award tickets, we're always looking for travel deals that help you earn more points and miles and redeem them for maximum value. In other words, we want to help you book the vacation of your dreams.

This week, we found flights to Europe from just 18,750 miles each way and a chance to earn up to 30,000 Wyndham bonus points. Plus, there's still time to nab the best welcome bonus we've ever seen on this traveler-favorite credit card.

We help our readers each week by rounding up promotions so they don't have to scour the internet for the best reward redemptions and offers. This includes everything from frequent flyer programs and hotel rewards programs to credit card offers and rental car deals. Here's our latest list of noteworthy new points and miles promotions for June.

Airline loyalty program promotions (June 2026)

Airline loyalty programs can offer trip discounts on specific dates, the opportunity to earn more points or miles for future travel and exclusive deals to accumulate points or miles toward elite status. Below are some of the best offers we found for June.

Book Atmos international award flights for less

Atmos Rewards' first Members Day is here with a variety of offers — including an award sale with deals as low as 7,500 points. But you'll need to act fast.

The sale includes one-way economy flights from the U.S. to the following destinations:

• Mexico City: starting at 7,500 points
• Helsinki: starting at 15,000 points
• Paris: starting at 20,000 points
• Tahiti: starting at 20,000 points
• Bangkok: starting at 25,000 points
• Taipei, Taiwan: starting at 30,000 points

Book by June 6 for travel between Sept. 1 and Nov. 15. And keep your eyes peeled for future Members Day specials, dropping the first Wednesday of every month.

Score 1,000 AAdvantage miles with 1 button

Another of our favorite airlines is running a limited-time offer — this time through its shopping portal.

If you're new to the American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping portal browser button (even if you've used the portal before), you can earn 1,000 bonus miles just for installing the button and making a single purchase. That's on top of the miles you'd normally earn through the portal, as well as any rewards you'd earn with the credit card you use to pay.

To qualify, your purchase must be at least $25, and you must use the browser button to buy it by June 8; you must keep the button installed for at least 30 days after the end of the promotion period.

Earn more Lufthansa miles with World Cup wins

You don't have to be cheering on Germany in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to score with this promotion.

If you rent a car from Sixt this summer, you can earn bonus Lufthansa Miles & More depending on how far the German national team gets in the tournament, with 1 additional mile per euro spent for each additional tournament round. Sixt awards 2 to 4 base Miles & More miles per euro spent, depending on the vehicle class, so this promotion could give you up to 8 to 10 miles per euro total if Germany wins the World Cup.

Book by June 30 for rentals through July 31. The promotion applies to worldwide rentals, but your rental must be two days or more to qualify.

Related: How to choose an airline credit card

Hotel loyalty program promotions (June 2026)

Hotel loyalty programs regularly offer discounted award stays and new ways to earn extra points. Here are some June deals to consider when booking your next stay.

Celebrate America250 with up to 10k Best Western points

Some hotel programs are helping travelers celebrate America's Semiquincentennial (250th birthday) in style, and Best Western Rewards is joining in on the fun.

With this patriotic promotion, you can earn 2,500 extra Best Western points per night — up to 10,000 bonus points total — at any Best Western branded hotel. Register before booking, and stay between July 1 and 7.

Eat more, earn more Wyndham points

Hotel and dining rewards are two of our favorite things here at TPG. So, combining them? Yes, please.

Wyndham Rewards and Club Applebee's have teamed up to help members supercharge their earnings. Here's how it works: You can earn 10 Wyndham points per dollar and receive free delivery on Applebee's orders of $15 or more (before gratuity, taxes and fees) when you order through the Wyndham app while staying at a Wyndham hotel booked directly.

Even better, the partnership is kicking off with 2,500 bonus points on your first eligible order. See all terms and conditions here.

Earn 20k Marriott points on a vacation package

Did you know Marriott Bonvoy lets you book vacation packages? And for a limited time, you can score a big chunk of Bonvoy points on a qualifying trip.

This summer deal from Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy is offering 20,000 bonus points — worth $160 based on our June 2026 valuations — on a package of five or more consecutive nights at participating hotels worldwide. Book your vacation by June 30 for travel through Dec. 31.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

Credit card promotions (June 2026)

Card issuers offer deals and discounts on a wide range of products, from airfare to dining. Here are some of the offers we've rounded up this week; these are targeted, so they may or may not be available on your account. Note that you must activate these offers on your card and use the enrolled card to make the purchase in order to earn bonus rewards.

Targeted Amex Offer at Hotels.com

Sometimes, the stay you want isn't available on a hotel loyalty program or credit card travel portal. But there are still ways to maximize your rewards and cut costs — especially if you're targeted for this Amex Offer, which we spotted on the American Express® Gold Card.

Earn 10% back on qualifying prepaid hotel purchases made here by Aug. 31. There's a limit of $100 back in total statement credits.

Targeted Amex Offer at Marriott

The hotel savings don't end there. If you have this Amex Offer on your account, you can get up to 40% back as a statement credit on your next Marriott stay.

Earn $150 cash back when you spend at least $375 at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties in the U.S., the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico. This offer ends July 22.

Targeted Chase Offer on tours and activities

Looking for something fun to do on your next trip? Viator and TripAdvisor have hundreds of thousands of tours and activities, from outdoor adventures to foodie feasts. And this offer, which we found on the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees), could help you save.

Earn 8% cash back on your first two payments at Viator or Trip Advisor Experiences, up to $10 cash back total. This offer is valid through June 30 at Viator and/or TripAdvisor.

Targeted Chase Offer at Lyft

This handy Chase Offer could save you money while traveling or at home.

If targeted, you can earn 10% cash back on a Lyft purchase through June 30, up to a maximum of $10 cash back.

Related: Your ultimate guide to saving money with Amex Offers

Ongoing travel deals

In addition to these new offers, many others from previous weeks are still available:

• With National Car Rental Emerald Club's "One Two Free" promotion, you can earn one promotional free day for every two eligible rentals through June 7. To qualify, a rental must be at least two consecutive days in the midsize or larger vehicle class. Preregister online.
• Triple your Marriott Bonvoy points on vacation rentals in select Caribbean and Latin America destinations, as long as you stay five or more consecutive nights. Sign in and book by June 26 for stays between June 1 and Dec. 31.
• Earn Southwest Rapid Rewards bonus points when you rent a car at a participating Budget airport location in the U.S. and Canada. Earn 600 points for rentals of one to three days or 2,400 points for rentals of four days or longer. Book with coupon number "MUAY174," and complete your qualifying rental by June 30.
• Earn up to 3,000 bonus Miles & More miles when you fly the program's newest member, ITA Airways. Activate this offer, book eligible flights and travel by June 30.
• Earn 2,000 World of Hyatt bonus points per night stayed — up to 60,000 bonus points total — at Under Canvas locations and select other properties. Register for this offer by June 30, and complete your stay(s) by July 1.
• Earn 15,000 Wyndham Rewards bonus points when you stay five or more consecutive nights at select extended stay brands. Register and book by June 30, and complete your stay by Sept. 30.
• Earn 8,000 extra Choice Privileges points every time you stay twice at participating Choice hotels, up to 32,000 bonus points maximum. Register and book by July 6, then complete your stays by July 7.
• IHG One Rewards members can earn triple American Airlines AAdvantage miles on IHG hotel stays. Register with your AAdvantage number, then book and stay by July 6.
• Earn up to $80 toward future Uber rides when you fly Delta premium economy. Enroll in the Promotions section of your Delta SkyMiles account, then book and fly by July 19.
• Get 20% of your World of Hyatt points back on award stays at participating Las Vegas hotels and resorts when you register, book and stay by July 31.
• Earn double Accor Live Limitless base points on an eligible stay of two-plus nights at a participating hotel in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Panama or Brazil. Activate this offer first, then book by Aug. 8 and complete your stay by Sept. 8.
• Score 2,000 Hilton Honors bonus points per stay of up to three nights, or 4,000 points per stay of four-plus nights. This applies to any hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. Register first, and complete your stay(s) by Aug. 15.
• Fast-track your way to Emirates Skywards elite status with this offer. Until Aug. 31, you can earn 20% bonus tier miles on flights, regardless of your booking date, and reach status with just 80% of the usual mileage or flight requirements.
• With IHG One Rewards' "Pick Your Points" offer, you can choose to receive 2,000 bonus points for every two nights you stay this summer or 8,000 bonus points for every four nights, with no earning cap. Register, then book and stay by Aug. 31.
• From June 1 to Aug. 31, you can earn 50% more Miles & More miles and elite status qualifying points when you fly premium economy on Lufthansa or its partners. To take advantage of this promotion, simply book through the participating airline's website with your Miles & More number.
• Best Western Rewards members can earn 1,000 bonus points per eligible night (with no cap) for stays through Sept. 7. No registration is required.
• WorldHotels Rewards members can earn 1,000 bonus points (redeemable at both WorldHotels and Best Western properties) per night, with no maximum, at participating properties through Sept. 7. Log in here to register before booking.
• Earn 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points for every stay this summer at participating properties across the U.S. and Canada. Book with code "S2449" and stay by Sept. 8.
• New members of the Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards program can save up to $50 on their next flight simply by joining the program by Dec. 31. U.S. residents outside Alaska, California and Hawaii can register here for their discount code; residents of Alaska, California and Hawaii can register here.
• Earn 5,000 bonus Hyatt points on each stay of five-plus nights at participating Hyatt House and Hyatt Studios properties. Register, book and stay by Dec. 31.
• If you're targeted for Hilton's "Stay More, Earn More" offer, you can earn up to 15,000 bonus points in total on your next five stays. Check to see if you're targeted and register here by Dec. 31, then complete your stay(s) within six months of registration.

Targeted Amex Offers

• Earn an additional 5 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases of cruise reservations made online at the Oceania Cruises website, by calling 855-623-2642 or through an Oceania Cruises travel adviser by June 10.
• Get $60 back after spending $600 on one or more qualifying purchases at participating Sonesta hotels in the U.S. and U.S. territories. Book on Sonesta's website by June 20.
• Earn 10% back on purchases of prepaid hotel bookings ("pay now") online at Expedia by Aug. 4, up to a maximum of $125 in total statement credits.
• Get $100 back after spending $500 or more with Omni Hotels & Resorts. Enroll by July 13 and make your purchase by Aug. 14.
• Earn a $150 statement credit after you spend a minimum of $375 at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties in the U.S., the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico before July 22.
• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend a minimum of $1,000 on qualifying Norwegian Cruise Line purchases by June 30.
• Get $75 back as a statement credit when you spend a minimum of $300 at select Hyatt Hotels & Resorts worldwide by June 30.
• Earn 10 additional points per dollar spent on qualifying prepaid hotel bookings at Hotels.com through June 30, up to a cap of 10,000 points.
• Earn a $125 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $500 on room rate and room charges at select WorldHotels properties. Book on the World Hotels website and complete your purchase by Aug. 31.
• Earn a $100 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $500 on room rate and room charge purchases at select Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Luxury Destinations around the world. Book on the Wyndham website, and complete your purchase by Oct. 27.

Targeted Chase Offers

• Earn $200 cash back on your Trafalgar purchase when you spend $2,000 or more with Trafalgar online by June 15.
• Earn 5% cash back at 75-plus Cambria Hotels properties in the U.S., with a $12.25 cash back maximum. This offer expires June 26.
• Earn 10% cash back, up to $62 maximum, on your IHG Hotels & Resorts purchase of $400 or more by June 30. A handful of properties are excluded, so check the terms before booking.

Related reading:

• The best places to visit in June
• The 'coolest' vacation spots to escape the heat this summer
• Airfares soar 27% as fuel costs spike: See our booking tips
• How to pick the right travel credit card for you
• 9 ways to save on your next family vacation

You don't have to be a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist to find ongoing value in the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees).

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless stands out in the Marriott card suite thanks to its solid lineup of perks, including an annual free night award (certain hotels have resort fees) and elite night credits, in exchange for a relatively low annual fee.

Whether you love being a frequent Marriott guest or want a few extra perks the next time you stay with the brand, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless makes sense for a wide range of travelers. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: The basics

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is a cobranded card between Marriott Bonvoy and Chase. The card earns Marriott Bonvoy points, which can be used to book free nights at more than 9,000 properties worldwide.

The best way to redeem Marriott points is for free nights at Marriott hotels and resorts. However, you can also transfer your points to airline partners.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless provides a standout suite of perks, including an annual free night award and automatic Silver Elite status, for a $95 annual fee.

I find it especially impressive that a mid-tier hotel card with a modest annual fee offers such lucrative perks, especially the annual free night award. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Here's a breakdown of the perks included with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless:

• Anniversary free night award: Cardholders receive a free night award on their account anniversary. This free night award is worth up to 35,000 points, but it can be topped off with up to 25,000 additional points — making the award worth up to 60,000 points, potentially. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
• Elite status: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless provides automatic Silver Elite status.
• No foreign transaction fees: You won't pay any extra fees when you use your card outside the U.S.
• Purchase and travel protections: These include baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, purchase protection and trip delay reimbursement.

You don't have to go all in on Marriott to get a lot out of having this $95-annual-fee card in your wallet, and that's what makes the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless worth considering.

Related: Marriott Bonvoy elite status 'soft landing' policy: How to requalify for status

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless pros and cons

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless benefits

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless packs a punch for its reasonable annual fee. Here's what cardholders can expect.

Anniversary free night award

Given TPG's June 2026 valuation of Marriott points at 0.8 cents apiece, the 35,000-point certificate is worth up to $280. This is nearly three times the card's $95 annual fee and is a fantastic benefit, especially since you don't have to spend on the card to earn the certificate.

Elite status

While the Silver elite status on the card is the first level of Marriott's elite program, it does offer a few useful benefits, such as a 10% points bonus on paid stays and priority late checkout.

If you put at least $35,000 of spend on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless in a calendar year, you'll earn Gold Elite status. This comes with more perks, such as a 25% points boost and enhanced room upgrade (when available).

However, this wouldn't be a good idea for most cardholders, since a $35,000 spending requirement in exchange for a $95 annual fee card is quite steep.

If Gold Elite status is your goal, you may be better off combining the card's 15 complimentary elite night credits with 10 paid nights; this totals 25 elite nights needed for Gold Elite status.

If you're eligible for a business card, you can also pair the 15 elite night credits given by the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless with 15 elite night credits provided by the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. These 30 total elite night credits leave you with just 20 nights to earn Platinum Elite.

You can also reach a higher elite status by earning one elite night credit for every $5,000 spent on purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.

Related: How to choose a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card

How to earn and use Marriott Bonvoy points

Earning points

When you spend on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you'll earn:

Given TPG's relatively low valuation of Marriott points, I only recommend paying for Marriott stays with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless. There are other cards on the market that earn more valuable rewards on dining, gas and groceries.

Redeeming points

The best way to redeem your Marriott points is by booking free nights at one of the brand's hotels.

Since Marriott uses dynamic award pricing (meaning the number of points needed fluctuates based on demand and availability), you may have to take extra time and effort to strategize for maximum value.

Marriott has an award calendar search function that can help narrow down the best deal for your points. For example, a night at the Moxy Boston Downtown in June could cost as few as 33,000 points per night or as many as 65,000 points per night, depending on when you book.

While TPG values Marriott points at 0.8 cents apiece, there are ways to get better value.

For instance, TPG lead writer Katie Genter recently redeemed 112,000 points for a five-night stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Vaughan for a music festival. Compared against a cash rate of $1,464, Katie got an impressive 1.31 cents per point from this redemption.

Also, keep in mind that Marriott offers a fifth-night-free benefit. When you book at least five consecutive nights on points, you'll get the night that's worth the lowest number of points for free. This can help you stretch your points for longer trips.

Transferring points

Marriott points are also transferable to nearly 40 airline partners at a 3:1 ratio. These include some hard-to-earn currencies, such as Frontier Airlines and Korean Air.

However, unless you have a specific airline redemption in mind and need to top off your account, transferring is unlikely to be the best use of your points.

Related: Can you mix hotel points and free night certificates for a fourth or fifth night free?

Where the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless falls short

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless won't be the perfect fit for everyone. Here are some shortfalls to consider:

• Marriott Bonvoy prices award nights dynamically, so rates can vary greatly and be steep at peak times.
• The anniversary free night included as an ongoing benefit on the card is limited to 35,000-point redemptions (though it can be topped off with 25,000 points).
• This card charges an annual fee.
• This card isn't a good fit for Bonvoy loyalists looking for top-tier Marriott perks from a credit card.
• This card has poor earning rates on everyday spending; it's only best for earning bonus points on Marriott stays.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium sibling to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless. It charges a much higher $650 annual fee (see rates and fees) but provides more benefits for Marriott loyalists.

These perks include higher Platinum Elite status, 25 elite night credits each calendar year toward status and an annual free night award valued at 85,000 points. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

To learn more, read our showdown of the Bonvoy Boundless versus the Bonvoy Brilliant.

Related: 3 reasons why the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is worth the $95 annual fee

When to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

Currently, with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless's bonus, you can earn 125,000 bonus points and a free night award* after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Additionally, you can receive up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases through June 30.

*Nights are valued at up to 50,000 points each. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

We recommend applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless when the welcome offer provides more than three free night awards or at least 125,000 bonus points. Either option provides a solid level of value for new cardholders.

If you max out the free night award and earn the statement credits for airline purchases, this bonus is worth up to $1,500, per TPG's valuations.

Related: The best credit card welcome bonuses available now

Other cards to consider instead of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless has multiple competitors. Here are a few to consider:

• If you qualify for a business card: The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is a solid option for business owners loyal to Marriott. Like the Boundless, the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex provides a free night award each card renewal year (worth up to 35,000 points; certain hotels have resort fees) and 15 elite night credits, which can be stacked with a Marriott personal card. To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Business.
• If you want a Marriott card without an annual fee: The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees) is a good option for those who want to earn Marriott points for a $0 annual fee. It also offers Silver Elite status. To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold.
• If you want to earn flexible rewards: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) charges the same $95 annual fee as the Boundless but earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points. These points are highly valuable and can be transferred to multiple partners, including Marriott. To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.

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

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

Bottom line

I find the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless to be an excellent choice for everyone, from Marriott loyalists who don't want to pay a high annual fee to those who occasionally stay at the brand's hotels and resorts.

This is because you get solid ongoing value from the annual free night award and high earning rates, without paying a high annual fee.

Of course, if you're a fierce Marriott loyalist chasing status, a more premium card may be a better choice. And, if you want an option that earns higher-valued rewards at a better rate on everyday purchases, you may want to look at a general travel card that earns transferable rewards.

Overall, however, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless certainly provides enough ongoing value in exchange for its modest $95 annual fee, making it worth keeping year after year.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

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

Is relaxing on a private island one of your favorite things to do when on a cruise? Here's the good news: One of the world's most famous cruise line private islands just got a major upgrade.

On June 1, cruise giant Carnival unveiled a massive redevelopment of Half Moon Cay — the private island in The Bahamas it has long shared with sister brand Holland America.

Renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, the island is now home to an all-new beach resort area that is for the exclusive use of passengers arriving on Carnival ships.

Located along the previously undeveloped northern end of the spectacular, two-mile-long crescent beach that is the defining feature of the island, it boasts thousands of loungers and umbrellas facing the water, waterside eateries and bars, and every sort of water toy that you can imagine.

Meanwhile, the previously existing development on the island, located at the southern end of the same beach, is also getting a bit of a makeover that will be finished later this year. Going forward, this area — until June, regularly visited by both Carnival and Holland America ships — will mostly be for the use of passengers arriving on Holland America ships.

The beach is so long and huge that, as I saw during a visit to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on the day the new Carnival resort area opened, there's room for both of these side-by-side developments.

In effect, they will act as two separate private island destinations located along the very same beach.

Here, a guide to everything you need to know if you'll be visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a Carnival ship (that is, if you're arriving at the Carnival side of the island).

Where is RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is located in The Bahamas. It's about 100 miles southeast of Nassau, the most visited cruise port in The Bahamas, and 277 miles southeast of Miami.

Officially known as Little San Salvador Island, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay has been owned by Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Carnival and Holland America, since 1996. Purchased for $6 million, it is the largest private island owned by a cruise company in The Bahamas, measuring about 2,400 acres.

Even after Carnival's recent resort area expansion on the island, only a small portion of the island's footprint has been developed — at last count, less than 100 acres.

Most of the island has been preserved as a nature area and bird sanctuary.

Related: The ultimate Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and more

Which cruise ships go to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Nearly every Carnival and Holland America ship that operates in The Bahamas and the Caribbean stops at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on at least some if not all sailings in the region.

For the coming year, this includes 22 of Carnival's 29 vessels and six of Holland America's 11 vessels.

In Holland America's case, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is a stop on every Caribbean sailing.

For Carnival, stops at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay are particularly common on Bahamas sailings out of Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida. But you'll also find them on Bahamas cruises out of Baltimore, Maryland; Galveston, Texas; Jacksonville and Tampa in Florida; New York City; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and Norfolk, Virginia.

In general, Carnival ships visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay far more often than Holland America ships. Carnival ships sail to the island year-round, whereas Holland America ships mostly only visit from the fall through spring. Holland America ships generally spend the period from spring through fall in Europe and Alaska. Carnival also has far more ships than Holland America.

How do you get around RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

How you get around RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay depends on which cruise line takes you to the island.

As part of its massive development at the northern end of the island's long crescent beach, Carnival added a large dock that can accommodate up to two ships at a time — the first-ever dock at the island. This allows Carnival passengers to walk right off their ships to a new Arrival Plaza where they will find a tram system (also new) for getting around.

This new tram system has two loops — the Green Line and the Yellow line. Both start at the Arrival Plaza and head southward along the portions of the beach that are within the Carnival development. The Green Line makes three stops (stops 2, 3 and 4) at the closer areas of the beach. The Yellow Line offers direct service to two further-away stops (stops 5 and 6) along the beach.

These five stops offer easy access to all of the eateries, bars, cabanas and other guest venues and services on the Carnival side of the beach so you don't have to do too much walking. Or you can just walk along the pathways that arc around the island's one long, curving beach.

There is also a tram to take passengers directly to a hub for shore excursions.

Should you arrive at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a Holland America ship, you will be landing two miles to the south of Carnival's Arrival Plaza at the previously developed portion of the beach.

As there is no dock in that area, you will tender from your ship (which will anchor just off the island) to land by water shuttle — just as all arriving cruise visitors on both Carnival and Holland America ships did for decades. Once there, you can walk to the beach, eateries, bars and other venues on that side of the island or take one of the open-air shuttles that connect the various venues.

Note that there may be some (initially relatively rare) times when Carnival sends three ships to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a single day. In such cases, the two largest of the ships will dock at the northern end of the beach, at the new Carnival arrival area, while the third (and smallest) Carnival ship anchors off the southern part of the beach that is typically reserved for Holland America ships.

On those sorts of days, the Carnival ship anchoring to the south will use the beach facilities, eateries and bars located at that area.

What are the best things to do at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

As noted above, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay's main feature is a truly stunning crescent beach that is two miles long — so long that it really feels endless.

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in The Bahamas, it offers powdery-soft, white sand and is fronted by crystal-clear turquoise water.

For many visitors, a beach day at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is all about enjoying this wonderful beach.

As I saw firsthand during my visit, the beachfront areas on the northern end of the beach developed for Carnival passengers (the main focus of this guide) is lined with nearly 10,000 new lounge chairs and nearly 5,000 new umbrellas — all available for use at no extra charge. There also are lots of extra-charge cabanas, daybeds and clam shells with lounge seating available for renting by the day (more on those in a moment).

The amount of seating is so extensive that even on days when two Carnival ships are docked at the north end of the island, there should be plenty of spots for everyone to lounge in comfort.

To add to the experience, you can rent a floating mat ($21.99 for the day) to float in the luscious-looking water or snorkel gear ($21.99 for the day) to see what's down below.

Also available for rent:

• Stand-up paddleboards ($39.99 per hour)
• Single kayaks ($32.99 per hour)
• Double kayaks ($50.99 per hour)
• Big Dipper noodles ($10.99 per day)
• Hobie Catamaran sail boats ($49.99 per person)

In addition to all the above for beachy fun, you'll find beach volleyball courts spread around the beach for group play, usually at the top of the beach.

What are the best excursions at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

You'll find more than half a dozen extra-charge excursions at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Carnival executives tell TPG that more could be coming soon.

The best RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay excursions currently available include:

• Historic Nature Walk ($26.99 per person). This guided walk takes you along nature trails throughout the over 90% of the island that remains undeveloped, to learn the local flora and fauna.
• Island Bike Tour ($26.99 per person). This guided bike tour takes you around accessible areas of the island for a glimpse of such things as the island's stables, church and lagoon.
• Stingray Adventure ($54.99 per person). Snorkel with stingrays at the island's Stingray Cove, where stingrays are always present.
• Tropical Kayak Adventure ($59.99). This guided kayak outing takes you into the 1,400-acre lagoon in the nature area of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
• Horseback Riding by Land and Sea ($136.99 per person). This excursion is a guided horseback ride around the island that includes a horseback walk into the ocean.
• Snorkel by Boat ($65.99 per person). This group boat ride gets you out onto the crystal-clear waters around RelaxAway Half Moon Cay with a stop for snorkeling.

Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay offer cabanas to rent?

If you want to reserve a private space along the Carnival portion of the RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay beach front, you'll find 22 all-new private cabanas available that are designed for groups of up to seven people.

Known as RelaxAway Cabanas, they comprise a semi-private covered structure with a coffee table, a three-seat sofa and two armchairs, as well as two loungers in front of this structure that are shaded by an umbrella. In addition, the cabanas come with a safe where you can secure your personal belongings while out and about around the island.

The cabanas (all located near tram station 3) also come with several amenities that are normally an extra charge on the island:

• Chips and fresh fruit
• Water and soda
• Floating mats (four per cabana)
• Snorkel gear

Pricing for cabanas is set on a per cabana basis not per person, with dynamic pricing that will vary depending on demand (on the day I visited, the cost was $799.99 per cabana).

Other extra-charge options for a private space at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay including 48 all-new Luxury Daybeds. These are plush two-person daybeds covered with a canopy that offers protection from the sun, plus two more traditional lounge chairs with an umbrella just in front of the daybed. In theory, that means they offer room for four people (two on the daybed and two in the lounge chairs). They are typically priced starting around $149.99 per unit.

Clamshell Sunshade rentals also are available, typically priced at $64.99 per person.

Cabanas and daybeds can be reserved in advance of sailing through Carnival's Cruise Planner. If spots remain, you can also reserve cabanas and daybeds once on board your ship through the onboard Carnival HUB app, the Shore Excursion Desk, or Guest Services. Additionally, if space remains, you can reserve cabanas and daybeds once on the island at the Guest Services and Shore Excursions kiosk, and the rental kiosks that are located across the island.

Is food included at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Yes, two eateries along the Carnival portion of the RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay beach front serve a complimentary barbecue lunch.

The two eateries are Hibiscus Beach Grill (located at tram station 5) and Orchid Beach Grill (located at tram station 2). Both of these serve lunch during the midday hours (typically from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) with stations for hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs, grilled chicken, slow-roasted pulled pork, salads, nacho bars and all sorts of sides.

Both have drinks stations with complimentary water, lemonade and tea, and a bar where you'll find alcoholic drinks and sodas for an extra charge. Desserts include chocolate brownies, apple crumble and cookies.

Similar eateries are located on the Holland America side of the island.

Does my drink package work at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

No. Whether you're arriving at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a Carnival or Holland America ship, your onboard drink package won't work on the island. The length-of-cruise drinks packages sold by both Carnival and Holland America only are valid when you are onboard your ship.

This is notably different than what you'll find at some other cruise line private islands including Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay. At the latter, drinks packages work the same as onboard.

Should you want a drink while on the island, you'll pay a la carte prices that are similar to what you'll find on board ships (cocktails are $12.50) — and have no shortage of options.

On the Carnival side of the island, bars can be found at tram stops 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Is there shopping at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Whether you're looking for souvenirs or need to pick up the sunscreen or swim goggles you forgot to pack, you can find what you're looking for at one of three gift shops along the Carnival portion of the beach located at tram stops 1, 3 and 5. There's also a small Artisan Market at the Arrivals Plaza where local Bahamians sell their wares.

The gift shops only accept payment via your ship Sign & Sail card (and thus whatever you charge will show up up on your final cruise bill). At the Artisan Market, you can pay with cash or credit cards but not your Sign & Sail card.

What additional amenities will I find at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Restrooms and beach showers are scattered throughout the island and are well marked on maps. You'll also find designated smoking areas, lockers and first aid stations.

Locker use comes with an extra charge.

One thing you won't find on the island is a beach towel station. You will find beach towels in your cruise cabin that you should bring with you to the island for the day. And then don't forget to bring them back as towels are not meant to stay on the island.

Beach wheelchairs with extra-thick tires for navigating RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay's sandy shore are available to borrow throughout the island.

Can I stay overnight at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Alas, you can only relax away at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay during the daytime.

While there are some quite nice cabanas on the island with loungers where you easily could fall asleep for hours, you can't rent them overnight. No matter when your cruise ship arrives, it will sail away later the same day, and the only people who spend the night on the island are staff members.

What's the weather like at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

The Bahamas has great weather year-round. Expect highs in the low 80s during the winter and low 90s during the summer.

The rainiest months in the Bahamas are June, August and September. In addition, hurricane season runs June through November, with the peak time for storms from August through October. Your ship will not call on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay if conditions are unsafe.

All that said, don't worry too much if you see a forecast for rain on the day you're supposed to visit. Like in other tropical destinations, rain showers tend to pass quickly and you can see them coming. If it does start raining, maybe used the time to head to the covered areas at the island's eateries and bars for lunch, a snack or a cocktail. By the time you're done, it might just be sunny again.

Related: The best times to cruise to Bahamas

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay FAQ

What else do you need to know about RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay? Here's an FAQ with fast facts.

Is smoking allowed at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is for the most part a smoke-free destination. You can't smoke at cabanas, eateries, bars, shops or along the beach front. The only places where you can smoke are at a handful of designated smoking areas tucked away in inconspicuous spots.

Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay have Wi-Fi?

Yes. Passengers who have bought a Wi-Fi package through Carnival will find that they will be able to access internet while at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay as well as the Carnival HUB app. This is a change that came with the island's redevelopment in 2026. Before that, Wi-Fi was not available.

Are there lifeguards at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Yes. Every beach area has a lifeguard station that is manned by a lifeguard at all times when passengers are on the island.

Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay have a pool?

Unlike many cruise line private islands, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay does not have a pool.

Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay have an adults-only area?

As of now, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay does not have an adults-only area. But Carnival executives have hinted to TPG that an adults-only area might be something they do in a later phase of development on the island.

Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay have a waterpark?

No. Carnival has very deliberately designed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay as a destination for a relatively quiet, relaxing beach day, not a theme park-like experience. The company says it has no plans to add a waterpark or other big family resort attractions of the sort found at some other cruise line private islands.

Is RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay all-inclusive?

No. While food at the island's eateries is free, you'll pay extra for drinks on the island. You'll also pay extra for excursions, cabanas and water play toys including snorkeling equipment and floating mats. That said, there is no charge to use lounge chairs and umbrellas.

How old do I have to be to drink alcohol at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

You must be 21 years old or older to purchase alcohol at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

Will Carnival and Holland America ships visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay at the same time?

Yes. There will be times when both a Carnival ship and a Holland America ship are visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay — at the northern and southern ends of the island's long beach, respectively. But Holland America only sends ships to the island seasonally from fall to spring. On many days, it'll just be Carnival ships visiting.

Can all Carnival ships visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Yes. The new dock has made it possible for even the biggest Carnival ships such as the 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and 5,362-passenger Carnival Celebration to visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. That wasn't the case before.

In addition, the dock is big enough for two Carnival ships to tie up at the same time.

Can I walk from the Carnival development on the island to the Holland America development?

Yes. There is nothing stopping you from walking from the Carnival resort area at the northern end of the island's long crescent beach to the Holland America resort area at the southern end. But the two areas are far apart. The beach is roughly two miles in length from end to end.

Note that the tram service on the Carnival side of the beach does not extend all the way to the Holland America side.

Can I have my wedding at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Yes. Weddings are currently available at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. To arrange a wedding at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, call Carnival Weddings at 800-933-4968 or visit Carnival's wedding planning webpage.

Are mobility scooters allowed at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Yes. Passengers are welcome to bring their scooters to the port. Be advised that there are no designated scooter charging stations.

Can I bring my service animal to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Yes. Certified service dogs may come ashore at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. You must notify the Guest Services desk on your Carnival ship in advance, and dogs must remain leashed at all times. Emotional support animals are not permitted under cruise line policy and destination regulations.

Can I see the map for RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Here is the map for the Carnival portion of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay:

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