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  • Mailbag: Earning Rewards on Group Travel and Amazon Purchases, Plus 2 More Questions

    Mailbag: Earning Rewards on Group Travel and Amazon Purchases, Plus 2 More Questions

    Welcome back to the Points Insider Mailbag. Each week, we round up a handful of your questions about points, miles, credit cards, and travel and answer them in one convenient place: right here.

    This week, we’re looking at earning rewards on a big travel purchase, what to do with an old AAdvantage credit card, whether Amazon’s Prime Visa is useful for travel rewards, and how to get airport lounge access without paying a hefty annual fee.

    Here we go.

    What’s the Best Credit Card for Booking a Big Group Trip?

    A reader is organizing a big trip involving substantial spending on flights, hotels, and potentially Airbnb stays. They already have the Chase Sapphire Preferred and want to know how to earn the most rewards, whether that’s points, miles, or cash back.

    Opportunities to earn rewards on this much travel spending don’t come around every day, and this is a situation where you have some really good options.

    Given what you already have, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great starting point since it earns 2X points on travel purchases made outside Chase Travel. But I think this could be a good opportunity to earn even more rewards, potentially including a sizable welcome bonus, while using a card separate from your personal one.

    A few come to mind:

    • Chase Ink Business Preferred: Earns 3X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases across several categories, including travel, each account anniversary year. Flights, hotels, and Airbnb bookings generally count as travel, so this is a good all-around option. Plus, you can combine the points you earn with those on your Sapphire Preferred.
    • Chase Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Reserve for Business: Both cards earn 4X points on flights and hotels booked directly and offer substantial welcome bonuses. The trade-off is a much higher annual fee, and neither offers the same bonus earning rate on Airbnb purchases as the Ink Preferred.
    • Capital One Venture Business or Venture X Business: Both earn a flat 2X miles on purchases, although their benefits and welcome bonuses differ. That’s something I particularly like about these cards: You don’t have to worry about how a purchase is categorized to earn rewards. They’re useful not just for booking travel, but also for the other expenses that come with organizing a big trip.

    I think the Ink Preferred is particularly interesting if you want to keep things simple and continue building your Chase points balance. But if you’re planning to put a lot of spending on a new card, one of the Capital One options is worth considering, too.

    Ultimately, I’d lean toward earning transferable points rather than committing all that spending to a single airline or hotel program. You’ll have more flexibility when you’re ready to use the rewards, whether that’s for another group trip or something entirely different.

    {{ credit-card-widget uri=”inkbusinesspreferred” }}

    Should You Product Change an Old AAdvantage Credit Card?

    A reader has held a Citi AAdvantage Gold Mastercard since 1994 and pays a $50 annual fee. They also opened an AAdvantage Platinum Select earlier this year and want to know whether they should product change their older card rather than close it.

    If you’re not getting much value out of the Gold card, especially when you’re already paying for another AAdvantage card whose benefits you use, I’d definitely consider a product change.

    I actually went through Citi’s product change process a couple of weeks ago. Citi occasionally changes which cards you can convert to, but the two options given to me were the AAdvantage MileUp and AT&T Points Plus cards. Neither has an annual fee.

    The AT&T card is particularly interesting because it earns Citi ThankYou points, which you can transfer to participating airline and hotel partners. It also offers some AT&T benefits that could be useful if you’re already a customer.

    And given how long you’ve held the Gold card, a product change would let you keep that longstanding account open without continuing to pay an annual fee.

    The best thing to do would be to contact Citi and ask which no-annual-fee product changes are available. The options can vary by account, so it’s worth seeing what they’ll offer before making a decision.

    More on This: Two Citi AAdvantage Cards Are Getting More Expensive (and More Benefits)

    Is the Amazon Prime Visa Good for Earning Travel Rewards?

    A reader spends a fair amount of money at Amazon and already has a Prime membership. They’re considering the Amazon Prime Visa and want to know whether its rewards can be used for travel.

    I’m also in the “spend a fair amount at Amazon” camp, which is part of what made the Amazon Prime Visa attractive to me in the first place.

    That said, I view this card more as a way to save money on everyday purchases than as a tool for booking travel.

    With an eligible Prime membership, the card earns 5% back on Amazon purchases. You can redeem those rewards toward Amazon purchases, take them as cash back, or use them through Chase Travel, where 100 points are worth $1 toward a booking.

    Personally, I prefer taking the cash back and putting those savings toward travel. There’s no real advantage to redeeming through Chase Travel at the same value, and cash gives you more flexibility.

    One important distinction is that, unlike cards earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can’t transfer Prime Visa rewards to airline or hotel partners, even if you have another Chase card.

    Before getting the Prime Visa, I used a card earning 2X transferable points on Amazon purchases, like the Capital One Venture or Amex Blue Business Plus.

    Ultimately, it comes down to whether you’d rather earn 5% cash back on Amazon purchases or 2X transferable points that could potentially be worth more toward travel. Both can be good options, depending on how you plan to use the rewards.

    The Amazon Prime plane has arrived into Anchorage, Alaska. This plane gives many the opportunity to purchase items across the platform. Many will benefit from this arrival.
    CWEIMER4 / ISTOCK

    More on This: Current Amazon Prime Visa Welcome Offer

    What’s the Cheapest Way to Get Airport Lounge Access?

    A reader is considering the Capital One Venture X, which has a $395 annual fee and includes Priority Pass membership. They want to know whether there’s a more affordable way to get airport lounge access, specifically through Priority Pass.

    As a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holder myself, I think the card has a relatively low out-of-pocket cost once you factor in its annual travel credit and anniversary bonus miles.

    The other benefits, like its earning rates, Capital One Lounge access, and Priority Pass membership, are just icing on the cake (in my opinion).

    That said, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card is one option worth considering if you’re looking for something cheaper. It has no annual fee and offers limited complimentary Priority Pass access in the form of four complimentary visits per membership year. You can use those visits for yourself or accompanying guests. Just remember that’s four visits total, not four per person.

    Depending on how often you visit airport lounges, that might be plenty!

    One thing I’d caution against is assuming every card offering Priority Pass membership includes complimentary lounge visits. Some cards, like the $95 PenFed Pathfinder (a neat card if you aren’t familiar with it), offer a membership that still requires you to pay an entrance fee each time you visit.

    So, I’d consider how often you’ll actually use airport lounges. If you’re only planning a few visits each year, the Altitude Connect could make more sense than paying several hundred dollars annually for a premium travel card.

    Missed Last Week’s Mailbag?

    Catch up on last week’s questions and answers in our previous edition.

    Ask Your Own Question

    Got a points question of your own? Email us at newsletter@pointsyeah.com, and we’ll answer a few each week.

  • Credit Card Benefits and Statement Credits to Use Before the End of 2026

    Credit Card Benefits and Statement Credits to Use Before the End of 2026

    The end of the year is (very quickly) approaching, and if you have a credit card with statement credits or other recurring benefits, now is a good time to check whether you’ve used them.

    These days, plenty of credit cards offer hundreds of dollars in annual credits toward travel, dining, shopping, and other purchases. But those benefits don’t necessarily roll over. Some reset on January 1, while others expire monthly, quarterly, or every six months.

    That makes the final weeks of the year a good time to review your cards and see what’s still available. You might have an unused hotel credit, a dining benefit you’ve forgotten about (or never knew existed), or a spending threshold you’re close to reaching.

    We’ve rounded up some of the major credit card benefits worth checking before December 31, organized by issuer.

    How Credit Card Benefit Reset Dates Work

    Not all credit card benefits follow the same schedule, and understanding the difference can help you avoid leaving money on the table.

    • Calendar-year benefits: Reset on January 1, regardless of when you opened your card.
    • Semiannual benefits: Typically provide one allocation from January through June and another from July through December.
    • Quarterly benefits: Reset every three months, with the final quarter ending December 31.
    • Monthly benefits: Reset each month, including at the end of December.
    • Cardmember-year benefits: Reset around your account anniversary rather than the calendar year.

    This guide focuses primarily on benefits with calendar-year deadlines, including monthly, quarterly, and semiannual credits. We’ve also included selected spending-based and anniversary benefits worth reviewing.

    Keep in mind that some benefits require enrollment or activation. Eligible purchases may also need to post before the applicable deadline, so it’s worth checking the terms rather than waiting until December 31.

    American Express Card Benefits to Use Before Year-End

    American Express offers some of the most extensive collections of recurring credit card benefits by a wide margin. Many are divided into monthly, quarterly, or semiannual credits, so it’s particularly easy to overlook something.

    American Express Platinum Card®

    • Up to $600 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $300 in statement credits each half of the calendar year on eligible prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. Beginning January 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings must also be for at least two nights to qualify.
    • Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit: Receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for eligible incidental charges with one selected qualifying airline. Airline selection required.
    • Up to $400 Resy Credit: Receive up to $100 in statement credits each quarter on eligible purchases at qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants and other eligible Resy purchases. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $300 Lululemon Credit: Receive up to $75 in statement credits each quarter on eligible purchases at U.S. Lululemon stores and lululemon.com. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $200 Oura Ring Credit: Receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year on eligible Oura Ring purchases at ouraring.com. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Receive up to $25 in monthly statement credits on eligible purchases with participating entertainment providers. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $200 Uber Cash: Receive $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus an additional $20 in December, for eligible U.S. rides and orders. Add your Platinum Card to your Uber account and select an Amex Card for the transaction.
    • Up to $120 Uber One Credit: Receive up to $120 in statement credits per calendar year for an eligible auto-renewing Uber One membership paid for with the card.
    • Up to $219 CLEAR+ Credit: Receive up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year toward an eligible CLEAR+ membership.
    • Walmart+ Credit: Receive a monthly statement credit covering up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes for an eligible monthly Walmart+ membership.
    • Centurion Lounge Guest Access: Unlock complimentary access for up to two guests per visit after spending $75,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

    • Up to $600 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $300 in statement credits each half of the calendar year on eligible prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. Beginning January 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings must also be for at least two nights to qualify.
    • Up to $200 Hilton Credit: Receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter on eligible purchases made directly with Hilton. Enrollment in the benefit and Hilton for Business required.
    • Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit: Receive up to $200 in annual statement credits for eligible incidental charges with one selected qualifying airline. Airline selection required.
    • Up to $219 CLEAR+ Credit: Receive up to $219 in annual statement credits toward an eligible CLEAR+ membership.
    • Up to $1,150 Dell Technologies Credit: Receive up to $150 in annual statement credits on eligible U.S. Dell purchases, plus an additional $1,000 after spending at least $5,000 on qualifying purchases in a calendar year. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $300 ChatGPT Business Credit: Receive up to $300 in annual statement credits on eligible U.S. ChatGPT Business subscriptions. Enrollment required.
    • $250 Adobe Credit: Receive a $250 statement credit after spending at least $600 on qualifying U.S. Adobe purchases in a calendar year. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $360 Indeed Credit: Receive up to $90 in statement credits each quarter on eligible Indeed purchases. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $120 Wireless Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible wireless service purchases. Enrollment required.
    • Centurion Lounge Guest Access: Unlock complimentary access for up to two guests per visit after spending $75,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    American Express® Gold Card

    • Up to $100 Resy Credit: Receive up to $50 in statement credits each half of the calendar year on eligible purchases at qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $120 Dining Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible purchases with participating dining partners, including Grubhub, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Wonder. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $120 Uber Cash: Receive $10 in Uber Cash each month toward eligible U.S. rides or orders when your Gold Card is added to your Uber account and you select an Amex Card for the transaction.
    • Up to $84 Dunkin’ Credit: Receive up to $7 in monthly statement credits on eligible purchases at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.

    American Express® Business Gold Card

    • Up to $240 Flexible Business Credit: Receive up to $20 in monthly statement credits on eligible U.S. purchases at Grubhub, office supply stores, and UPS.com. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $300 ChatGPT Business Credit: Receive up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on eligible U.S. ChatGPT Business subscriptions. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $150 Squarespace Credit: Receive up to $150 in annual statement credits on qualifying U.S. Squarespace purchases. Enrollment required.
    • Walmart+ Credit: Receive up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes in monthly statement credits for an eligible Walmart+ membership.

    American Express® Classic Green Card

    Although the Classic Green Card is no longer accepting new applications, existing cardmembers can receive up to $219 in statement credits each calendar year toward an eligible CLEAR+ membership.

    Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

    • Up to $200 Hilton Credit: Receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter on eligible purchases made directly with properties in the Hilton portfolio.
    • Free Night Reward: Earn a Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
    • Hilton Honors Diamond Status: Earn an upgrade to Diamond status after spending $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

    • Up to $400 Hilton Resort Credit: Receive up to $200 in statement credits each half of the calendar year on eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton resorts.
    • Up to $200 Flight Credit: Receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter on eligible flight purchases made directly with airlines or through American Express Travel.
    • Up to $219 CLEAR+ Credit: Receive up to $219 in annual statement credits toward an eligible CLEAR+ membership.
    • Additional Free Night Rewards: Earn a Free Night Reward after spending $30,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year and another after spending an additional $30,000.

    The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

    • Up to $240 Hilton Credit: Receive up to $60 in statement credits each quarter on eligible purchases made directly with Hilton properties.
    • Hilton Honors Diamond Status: Earn Diamond status after spending $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

    • Up to $120 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible U.S. rideshare purchases after your first card renewal. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $100 Delta Stays Credit: Receive up to $100 in annual statement credits on eligible prepaid hotel or vacation rental bookings through Delta Stays.
    • $200 Delta Flight Credit: Earn a $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

    • Up to $120 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible U.S. rideshare purchases after your first card renewal. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $150 Delta Stays Credit: Receive up to $150 in annual statement credits on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings.
    • $200 Delta Flight Credit: Earn a $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

    • Up to $120 Resy Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible purchases at qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $120 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible U.S. rideshare purchases. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $150 Delta Stays Credit: Receive up to $150 in annual statement credits on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings.

    Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

    • Up to $120 Resy Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible purchases at qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $120 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible U.S. rideshare purchases. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $200 Delta Stays Credit: Receive up to $200 in annual statement credits on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings.

    Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

    • Up to $240 Resy Credit: Receive up to $20 in monthly statement credits on eligible purchases at qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $120 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible U.S. rideshare purchases. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $200 Delta Stays Credit: Receive up to $200 in annual statement credits on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings.
    • Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access: Unlock unlimited visits after spending $75,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

    • Up to $240 Resy Credit: Receive up to $20 in monthly statement credits on eligible purchases at qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $120 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible U.S. rideshare purchases. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $250 Delta Stays Credit: Receive up to $250 in annual statement credits on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings.
    • Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access: Unlock unlimited visits after spending $75,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

    • Up to $300 Dining Credit: Receive up to $25 in monthly statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide.
    • Brilliant Earned Choice Award: Earn a choice benefit after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card

    • Free Night Award: Earn a Free Night Award worth up to 50,000 points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

    • Additional Free Night Award: Earn a Free Night Award worth up to 35,000 points after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    Chase Card Benefits to Use Before Year-End

    Chase offers a mix of monthly, semiannual, and calendar-year benefits. However, some of its most recognizable travel credits follow a cardmember anniversary schedule instead, so those don’t necessarily need to be used by December 31.

    Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    • Up to $500 The Edit Credit: Receive up to $250 in statement credits per eligible prepaid booking through The Edit by Chase Travel, for up to $500 annually. A two-night minimum stay is required.
    • Up to $300 Dining Credit: Receive up to $150 in statement credits each half of the calendar year for eligible dining purchases at restaurants participating in Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables through OpenTable.
    • Up to $300 StubHub Credit: Receive up to $150 in statement credits each half of the calendar year on eligible StubHub and viagogo purchases through December 31, 2027. Activation required.
    • Up to $120 Peloton Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits for eligible Peloton memberships through December 31, 2027. Activation required.
    • Up to $120 Lyft Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly in-app credits for eligible Lyft rides through September 30, 2027.
    • DoorDash Benefits: Eligible DashPass members receive monthly DoorDash promotions for restaurant and non-restaurant purchases. DashPass activation required.

    The card also offers a $300 annual travel credit, but that benefit resets each account anniversary year rather than on January 1.

    Cardmembers should also review the card’s annual spending benefits. Spending $75,000 in a calendar year can unlock additional credits and elite-status benefits with participating travel brands.

    Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

    • Up to $500 The Edit Credit: Receive up to $250 in statement credits per qualifying prepaid booking through The Edit, for up to $500 annually. A two-night minimum stay is required.
    • Up to $250 Chase Travel Hotel Credit: Receive up to $250 in statement credits on qualifying prepaid hotel bookings through Chase Travel with participating hotel brands through December 31, 2026. A two-night minimum stay is required.
    • Up to $400 ZipRecruiter Credit: Receive up to $200 in statement credits each half of the calendar year on eligible ZipRecruiter purchases.
    • Up to $200 Google Workspace Credit: Receive up to $200 in annual statement credits on eligible Google Workspace purchases.
    • Up to $100 Gift Card Credit: Receive up to $50 in statement credits each half of the calendar year on qualifying gift card purchases through the card’s designated gift card portal.
    • Up to $120 Lyft Credit: Receive up to $10 in monthly in-app credits toward eligible Lyft rides through September 30, 2027.
    • DoorDash Benefits: Eligible DashPass members receive monthly promotions for restaurant and non-restaurant orders. Activation required.

    Cardmembers should also review the card’s annual spending benefits. Spending $120,000 in a calendar year can unlock additional credits and elite-status benefits with participating travel brands.

    IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

    • Up to $100 Food and Beverage Rewards: Receive a $25 food and beverage reward each quarter for eligible purchases at IHG hotels.
    • $100 Airline Statement Credit: Receive a $100 statement credit after spending at least $250 on qualifying flights purchased directly from airlines in a calendar year, through December 31, 2027.
    • 15,000 Bonus Points: Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
    • Additional Elite Night Credits: Earn five additional elite night credits after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, in addition to the card’s regular spending-based elite night credits.

    IHG One Rewards Credit Card

    • 10,000 Bonus Points: Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
    • IHG One Rewards Gold Elite Status: Qualify for Gold Elite status after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card

    • Up to $300 Food and Beverage Rewards: Receive a $75 food and beverage reward each quarter for eligible purchases at IHG hotels.
    • $200 Airline Statement Credit: Receive a $200 statement credit after spending at least $250 on qualifying flights purchased directly from airlines in a calendar year, through December 31, 2027.
    • Up to $50 United TravelBank Cash: Receive two $25 United TravelBank deposits annually, one for each half of the calendar year, after registering the card with your United MileagePlus account.
    • 20,000 Bonus Points: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
    • IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status: Qualify for Diamond Elite status after spending $25,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card

    • Up to $100 Food and Beverage Rewards: Receive a $25 food and beverage reward each quarter for eligible purchases at IHG hotels.
    • $100 Airline Statement Credit: Receive a $100 statement credit after spending at least $250 on qualifying flights purchased directly from airlines in a calendar year, through December 31, 2027.
    • Up to $100 Expensify Credit: Receive up to $100 in annual statement credits on eligible Expensify purchases.
    • Additional Free Night: Earn a Free Night Award worth up to 50,000 points after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
    • 20,000 Bonus Points: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $25,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    United℠ Explorer Card

    • Up to $60 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $5 in monthly statement credits on eligible rideshare purchases. Annual enrollment required.
    • Up to $120 Instacart Credits: Receive up to $10 in monthly Instacart credits through December 31, 2027.
    • $100 United TravelBank Cash: Earn $100 in United TravelBank cash after spending $10,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
    • 10,000-Mile Award Flight Discount: Earn a 10,000-mile award discount after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    United Quest℠ Card

    • Up to $100 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $8 in monthly statement credits from January through November and up to $12 in December. Annual enrollment required.
    • Up to $180 Instacart Credits: Receive up to $15 in monthly Instacart credits through December 31, 2027, divided into separate $10 and $5 credits.
    • 10,000-Mile Award Flight Discount: Earn a 10,000-mile award discount after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    United Club℠ Card

    • Up to $150 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $12 in monthly statement credits from January through November and up to $18 in December. Annual enrollment required.
    • Up to $240 Instacart Credits: Receive two $10 monthly Instacart credits through December 31, 2027.
    • Award Flight Discounts: Earn a 10,000-mile award discount after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, up to twice annually.

    United℠ Business Card

    • Up to $100 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $8 in monthly statement credits from January through November and up to $12 in December. Annual enrollment required.
    • Up to $120 Instacart Credits: Receive up to $10 in monthly Instacart credits through December 31, 2027.
    • $125 United TravelBank Cash: Earn $125 in United TravelBank cash after making five qualifying United flight purchases of at least $100 each in a calendar year.
    • Economy Plus Upgrades: Earn two qualifying Economy Plus seat upgrades after spending $25,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    United Club℠ Business Card

    • Up to $150 Rideshare Credit: Receive annual statement credits for eligible rideshare purchases. Enrollment required.
    • Up to $240 Instacart Credits: Receive monthly Instacart credits through December 31, 2027.

    United Gateway℠ Card

    • Award Flight Savings: Unlock additional savings on eligible United award flights after spending $10,000 on purchases in a calendar year.

    Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

    • Tier Qualifying Points: Through December 31, 2026, earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent on eligible purchases.

    Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

    • Tier Qualifying Points: Through December 31, 2026, earn 2,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent on eligible purchases.

    Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

    • Tier Qualifying Points: Through December 31, 2026, earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent on eligible purchases.

    Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

    • Tier Qualifying Points: Through December 31, 2026, earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent on eligible purchases.

    World of Hyatt Credit Card

    • Additional Free Night Award: Earn an additional Category 1–4 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

    • Points Rebate: Spend $50,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year to unlock a 10% rebate on qualifying points redemptions for the remainder of the year, on up to 200,000 points redeemed.
    • Elite Night Credits: Earn five tier-qualifying night credits for every $10,000 spent on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    The World of Hyatt Business Card also offers up to $100 in Hyatt statement credits each anniversary year, but that benefit doesn’t necessarily reset on December 31.

    Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card

    • Up to $100 Air Canada Credit: Receive up to $50 in statement credits each half of the calendar year on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada.

    Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

    • Up to $100 Airline Statement Credit: Receive a $50 statement credit after spending at least $250 on purchases made directly with airlines between June 4 and December 31, 2026. Earn another $50 statement credit after spending at least $250 on eligible airline purchases between January 1 and June 30, 2027.
    • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status: Earn Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card

    • Free Night Award: Earn a Free Night Award worth up to 50,000 points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    Citi Card Benefits to Use Before Year-End

    Citi has expanded the range of annual credits on several of its premium travel cards. Some offer straightforward annual benefits, while others divide credits into two six-month periods.

    Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

    • Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Receive up to $300 off an eligible hotel stay of at least two nights booked through Citi Travel each calendar year.
    • Up to $200 Splurge Credit®: Receive up to $200 in annual statement credits on qualifying purchases with up to two selected participating brands, including American Airlines, Best Buy, 1stDibs, Future Personal Training, and Live Nation. Selection required.
    • Up to $200 Blacklane Credit: Receive up to $100 in statement credits each half of the calendar year on eligible Blacklane purchases.
    • Admirals Club Passes: Receive four Admirals Club passes each calendar year.

    Citi Strata Premier® Card

    • $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Receive $100 off one eligible hotel stay of at least $500, excluding taxes and fees, booked through Citi Travel each calendar year.

    The discount is applied at booking, rather than issued as a statement credit after the purchase.

    Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

    • Up to $500 American Airlines Vacations Credit: Receive up to $250 in statement credits each half of the calendar year on eligible American Airlines Vacations packages.
    • Up to $200 inKind Dining Credits: Receive two $100 dining credits annually, one for each half of the calendar year, for eligible purchases through the inKind app.
    • Up to $180 Lyft Credits: Earn a $15 Lyft credit after completing three eligible rides in a calendar month.
    • Up to $120 Avis and Budget Credit: Receive up to $120 in annual statement credits on eligible prepaid Avis and Budget car rentals booked directly.
    • Up to $100 Inflight and Admirals Club Credit: Receive up to $100 in annual statement credits on eligible American Airlines inflight and Admirals Club purchases.

    Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®

    • Up to $240 Turo Credit: Receive up to $30 in statement credits per eligible Turo trip, for up to $240 annually.
    • Up to $100 Inflight Credit: Receive up to $100 in annual statement credits on eligible inflight purchases aboard American Airlines.
    • Up to $100 Splurge Credit®: Receive up to $100 in annual statement credits on qualifying purchases with up to two selected participating brands, including eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings, 1stDibs, Future Personal Training, and Live Nation. Selection required.
    • Admirals Club Globe Passes: Receive four Admirals Club passes each calendar year.

    Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

    • Up to $180 Turo Credit: Receive up to $30 in statement credits per eligible Turo rental, for up to $180 annually.

    The card also offers a $125 American Airlines flight discount after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases during a cardmembership year and renewing the card. Because this follows the cardmembership year, it doesn’t necessarily have a December 31 deadline.

    Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®

    • American Airlines Companion Certificate: Earn a companion certificate after spending $30,000 on eligible purchases during a cardmembership year and renewing the card. Redemption requires a $99 ticketing fee plus applicable taxes and fees.

    Bank of America Card Benefits to Use Before Year-End

    Bank of America offers multiple credit cards with annual travel and lifestyle credits. Its Atmos Rewards cards also have lounge benefits and spending-based rewards worth reviewing, although some follow your card anniversary rather than the calendar year.

    Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card

    • Up to $300 Airline Incidental Credit: Receive up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year for qualifying airline purchases, including seat upgrades, baggage fees, lounge fees, and inflight services.
    • Up to $150 Lifestyle Credit: Receive up to $150 in statement credits each calendar year on eligible purchases, including streaming services, food delivery, fitness subscriptions, and rideshare services.

    Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

    • Up to $100 Airline Incidental Credit: Receive up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year for qualifying airline purchases, including seat upgrades, checked baggage fees, inflight services, and airport lounge fees.

    Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card

    • Alaska Lounge Passes: Receive two Alaska Lounge day passes each quarter, for a total of eight passes per calendar year.
    • 25,000-Point Global Companion Award: Receive a 25,000-point Global Companion Award each card anniversary.
    • 100,000-Point Global Companion Award: Earn an additional Global Companion Award worth up to 100,000 points after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases during a card anniversary year.

    Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card

    • $99 Companion Fare: Earn a $99 Companion Fare, plus taxes and fees starting at $23, each account anniversary after spending at least $6,000 on eligible purchases during the preceding anniversary year.

    Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card

    • $99 Companion Fare: Earn a $99 Companion Fare, plus taxes and fees starting at $23, each account anniversary after spending at least $6,000 on eligible purchases during the preceding anniversary year.

    Bilt Card Benefits to Use Before Year-End

    Bilt’s Obsidian and Palladium cards offer semiannual hotel credits worth checking before December 31.

    Bilt Obsidian Card

    • Up to $100 Bilt Travel Hotel Credit: Receive up to $50 in hotel credits each half of the calendar year on qualifying hotel bookings of at least two nights through Bilt Travel.

    Bilt Palladium Card

    • Up to $400 Bilt Travel Hotel Credit: Receive up to $200 in hotel credits each half of the calendar year on qualifying hotel bookings of at least two nights through Bilt Travel.
    • $200 Bilt Cash: Receive $200 in Bilt Cash each year. Each award expires 12 months after it’s earned, on the last day of that month.

    Wells Fargo Card Benefits to Use Before Year-End

    Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

    • $50 Annual Airline Credit: Receive a $50 statement credit on your first eligible airline purchase of at least $50. Starting in year two, this benefit resets every 12 months, starting on the first day of the month following your annual fee assessment.

    Barclays Card Benefits to Use Before Year-End

    Barclays issues a few JetBlue cobranded credit cards with calendar-year benefits.

    JetBlue Premier Card

    • Up to $300 TrueBlue Travel Credit: Receive up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on eligible purchases booked directly through TrueBlue Travel.
    • Up to $500 Companion Credit: Earn a one-time companion credit of up to $500 after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

    JetBlue Plus Card

    • $100 JetBlue Vacations Credit: Receive a $100 statement credit once per calendar year after purchasing an eligible JetBlue Vacations package of at least $100.

    JetBlue Business Card

    • $100 JetBlue Vacations Credit: Receive a $100 statement credit once per calendar year after purchasing an eligible JetBlue Vacations package of at least $100.

    Don’t Forget About Calendar-Year Spending Requirements

    Statement credits aren’t the only benefits worth checking before December 31.

    Several cards offer additional free night awards, airline benefits, points bonuses, or elite-status perks after reaching a spending threshold during the calendar year.

    These can be easy to miss because, unlike monthly statement credits, they often require thousands of dollars in purchases before you receive anything.

    That’s why it’s worth checking your progress sooner rather than later. For example, if you’re close to a threshold, moving an upcoming expense to a card that’s close to earning a bonus reward might make a lot of sense.

    But that doesn’t mean you should spend unnecessarily just to earn a reward. Consider what the benefit is worth to you, how much additional spending it requires, and whether you could snag a better return elsewhere.

    Young couple enjoying breakfast in a modern kitchen, using a smartphone and credit card for convenient online grocery shopping, fostering connection and togetherness during their morning routine
    MILORAD KRAVIC / ISTOCK

    Check Your Credit Card Benefits Before December 31

    With so many different reset schedules, it’s easy to lose track of what’s still available.

    Before the year ends, open the benefits section of each credit card account and review any remaining credits, spending requirements, and enrollment or activation steps.

    Pay particular attention to quarterly and semiannual benefits. Those often have smaller allocations that disappear at the end of each period, even when you’ve only used part of the available annual benefit.

    And remember, you don’t need to use every credit just because it’s there. A credit that saves you money on a purchase you were already planning is far more useful than one that encourages you to spend money you otherwise wouldn’t have.

  • Why Dynamic Pricing Is One of the Best Things to Happen to Points and Miles

    Why Dynamic Pricing Is One of the Best Things to Happen to Points and Miles

    Dynamic pricing gets a bad reputation. People assume it means “higher prices” or “worse redemptions.”

    Let me be clear: dynamic pricing has created more opportunities for travelers than almost any other change in the last decade.

    Here’s why.

    Greater Efficiency for Operators and Members

    Before dynamic pricing, airlines tightly controlled award inventory. Two seats here, four seats there, and if you weren’t lucky enough to grab one, your miles sat unused.

    That created a negative cycle: members got frustrated, stopped earning and engaging, and airlines lost out on future revenue, which only gave them more reason to protect award inventory.

    Dynamic pricing helped change that.

    As long as there’s a seat available for sale on the plane, dynamic pricing can make it bookable with miles, rather than restricting redemptions to a small pool of award seats.

    Any flight. Any day. Any route.

    More availability means fewer frustrating searches and more opportunities to use miles.

    More on This: Why We’re the Ultimate Beneficiaries of Revenue-Based Loyalty Programs

    Prices Can Go Lower Than Before

    Dynamic pricing gave airlines a more efficient way to price award seats based on demand.

    Some routes price higher, but others price lower than under the old fixed charts.

    For example, I recently booked a round-trip American Airlines flight to from Austin (AUS) to Monterrey (MTY) through AAdvantage for 19,000 miles. Under the much older fixed (non-dynamic) award chart, it would have cost 35,000 miles, assuming I could even find a seat.

    Dynamic pricing didn’t just raise prices. It redistributed them and created opportunities for lower pricing on many routes.

    For some members, pricing may feel higher on certain routes, and sometimes it is. But before writing off dynamic pricing, it’s worth asking whether that seat would have been available to book with miles before.

    For many expensive awards today, the comparison isn’t necessarily the old price versus the new price. It’s the new price versus having no award availability at all.

    Miami, Florida, USA - April 29, 2025: American airline. American airlines group plane departure in airport. Airport terminal. Plane arrival American airline. Departure and arrival airport terminal.
    PHOTOSVIT / ISTOCK

    Redemption Pricing Isn’t Directly Tied to Cash Pricing for Many Airlines

    This is one of the biggest misconceptions. For many programs, mileage pricing isn’t pegged dollar-for-dollar to cash ticket prices.

    You can have a $1,000 last-minute ticket that still prices relatively low in miles. You can also have a cheap cash fare that prices high in miles.

    An airline’s priority is to fill seats. Whether a passenger pays with cash, miles, or a combination of the two can matter less than it once did, especially when ancillary revenue from bags, seat selection, and upgrades provides additional income regardless of how the base fare was paid.

    More Options, More Flexibility, More Everyday Value

    Dynamic pricing hasn’t necessarily made travel harder. It has made redemptions possible in more situations:

    • Last-minute trips
    • Off-peak bargains
    • Flights for fewer miles
    • Spontaneous getaways
    • Everyday travel instead of once-a-year splurges

    So why do some airlines still use award charts or multi-tier redemption systems?

    My take is that they’re still in transition. A change like this isn’t a switch airlines can flip overnight. It takes substantial operational work, and airlines must consider how members will respond.

    That’s why some airlines haven’t fully adopted dynamic pricing yet. I expect more will eventually move toward this model, creating additional opportunities for consumers. And as a consumer, you’ll benefit when they do.

    More on This: After Redeeming 100M+ Miles, This One Rule Matters Most

    Pricing Has to Work for the Entire Program

    Major U.S. airlines have tens of millions of loyalty program members. Smaller carriers have fewer, but their programs still have millions of members, with travel demand spread across an enormous number of routes.

    At that scale, no pricing model will satisfy everyone.

    Some members will find that their preferred redemptions cost more, while others will discover opportunities that weren’t available before.

    That’s not a defense of every dynamically priced award. It’s simply the reality of designing a pricing system for millions of members with different travel needs.

    More on This: The Future of Loyalty Isn’t Just About Earning Points

    Bottom Line

    Dynamic pricing didn’t just change the cost of award travel. It expanded the possibilities.

    More seats available. More opportunities to find lower prices. More chances to redeem miles for everyday travel.

    For travelers who use their miles, having more opportunities to redeem them can be just as important as the price itself.

  • Chase Aeroplan Card Offers Up to 80K Bonus Points and Automatic Elite Status

    Chase Aeroplan Card Offers Up to 80K Bonus Points and Automatic Elite Status

    Chase and Air Canada are offering a welcome bonus of up to 80,000 Aeroplan points on the Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card, which is being advertised as a limited-time offer.

    New cardmembers can earn 60,000 bonus points after meeting a spending requirement, plus up to 20,000 additional points through a temporary boost on eligible purchases.

    The card also comes with automatic Aeroplan 25K elite status, a discount on eligible Air Canada award flights, and up to $100 in annual Air Canada statement credits. Those are among the benefits introduced when the card was refreshed in mid-2026.

    Here’s how the current offer works.

    Current Chase Aeroplan Card Welcome Offer: Up to 80,000 Points

    The Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card is offering new cardmembers the opportunity to earn up to 80,000 bonus Aeroplan points. However, the offer has two separate components:

    • 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
    • Up to 20,000 additional bonus points by earning 50% more points on purchases that ordinarily earn 1X during the first two months of account opening.

    The first 60,000 points are fairly straightforward: Spend $3,000 in three months, and you’ll earn the bonus. The remaining points come from earning an extra 0.5X on eligible purchases that normally earn 1X, bringing the total to 1.5X during the first two months.

    To earn the full advertised 80,000 bonus points, you’d need to spend $40,000 in eligible 1X categories within the first two months. That spending can also satisfy the $3,000 requirement for the initial 60,000-point bonus.

    The 80,000-point figure also excludes the points you’d ordinarily earn on purchases. Someone who spends $40,000 entirely in eligible 1X categories during the first two months could earn 120,000 total points, including regular spending rewards.

    The card carries a $195 annual fee.

    {{ credit-card-widget uri=”ac” }}

    Chase Aeroplan Card Earning Rates

    Following its refresh earlier this year, the Chase Aeroplan Card earns:

    • Up to 5X points on Air Canada purchases: 3X from the card, plus up to 2X from Air Canada when traveling as an Aeroplan 25K member.
    • 3X points on travel purchases.
    • 3X points at grocery stores through Dec. 31, 2026, dropping to 2X afterward.
    • 3X points on dining, including eligible takeout and delivery, through Dec. 31, 2026, dropping to 2X afterward.
    • 2X points at gas stations.
    • 1X points on all other purchases.

    The 3X travel category and 2X gas station category give cardmembers opportunities to earn additional Aeroplan points beyond Air Canada purchases.

    Automatic Aeroplan 25K Status and Other Benefits

    Another benefit of the Chase Aeroplan Card is automatic Aeroplan 25K elite status without a spending requirement, a feature introduced as part of the card’s mid-2026 refresh.

    Aeroplan 25K status provides benefits such as priority check-in, Zone 2 boarding, additional baggage allowance, Star Alliance recognition, and eUpgrade credits.

    Cardmembers also receive several other Air Canada benefits:

    • 15% off eligible Air Canada award redemptions through the FLY15OFF benefit.
    • Up to $100 in annual Air Canada statement credits, distributed as up to $50 twice annually after eligible transactions.
    • Free first checked bag for the cardmember and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights.

    These benefits can be particularly useful if you regularly fly Air Canada, especially if you can take advantage of the award discount and automatic elite status.

    How to Use Aeroplan Points

    Aeroplan points can be redeemed for flights on Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and ANA.

    That makes the program useful for far more than trips to Canada. You can use Aeroplan points to book flights throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions.

    Aeroplan uses a published award chart that considers factors such as the regions you’re traveling between, flight distance, and whether you’re flying Air Canada or a partner airline.

    You can also use PointsYeah to search for Aeroplan award availability alongside other loyalty programs before deciding how to redeem your points.

    {{ search-widget mode=”flight” }}

    More on This: Aeroplan Award Chart: Air Canada and Partner Redemption Rates

    Who Is Eligible for the Chase Aeroplan Card Welcome Bonus?

    Chase has two separate eligibility requirements for the card’s advertised up-to-80,000-point offer.

    • 60,000-point welcome bonus: You cannot currently hold the Chase Aeroplan Card or a previous version, or have received a new cardmember bonus on one within the past 24 months.
    • Additional 20,000-point earning offer: You must have never held an Aeroplan credit card of any kind in the United States or Canada, regardless of which bank issued it.

    The second restriction is easy to miss. Even if you’re eligible for the 60,000-point welcome bonus, you won’t qualify for the additional earning offer if you’ve previously held an Aeroplan credit card.

    There’s also Chase’s unofficial 5/24 rule to think about. Chase typically declines applicants who have opened five or more personal credit cards across issuers within the previous 24 months.

  • Tokyo, Japan: Airports, Airlines, and How to Get There With Points and Miles

    Tokyo, Japan: Airports, Airlines, and How to Get There With Points and Miles

    Tokyo is a city you could visit a dozen times and still find something new. Between its bustling neighborhoods, centuries-old temples, incredible food, and easy connections to the rest of Japan, there’s plenty to build a trip around.

    And if you’re hoping to visit using points and miles, you have options. Several airlines fly nonstop between the U.S. and Tokyo, and many of those flights can be booked through multiple loyalty programs.

    Here’s what to know about getting there, which airports to search, and how to find flights and hotels using your rewards.

    Getting to Tokyo: Haneda vs. Narita

    Tokyo has two major international airports: Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). Both serve flights from the United States, but they’re not equally convenient for getting into the city.

    AirportLocationGetting Into Tokyo
    Haneda (HND)Roughly 10 miles south of central TokyoAround 30 minutes by train to central Tokyo, depending on your destination
    Narita (NRT)Roughly 40 miles east of central TokyoAround 40–60 minutes by express train to major Tokyo stations

    Haneda is the more convenient option for most visitors, particularly those staying in central Tokyo. Narita is farther away, but express trains make getting into the city straightforward without relying on a taxi, which can be expensive in Japan.

    When searching for award flights, it’s worth checking both airports. You can also search the entire Tokyo metropolitan area using the code “TYO.” You might find a redemption into Narita when nothing is available into Haneda, or vice versa.

    And if you’re connecting onward to another destination in Japan, double-check your itinerary. Transferring between Haneda and Narita can take well over an hour, even before accounting for check-in and security.

    Which Airlines Fly to Tokyo?

    Tokyo has nonstop flights from major U.S. gateways, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.

    ANA, Japan Airlines, United, American, Alaska, Hawaiian, and Delta are among the airlines connecting the U.S. and Tokyo. Depending on where you’re departing from, you may have several routes and carriers to choose from.

    If you’re starting from a smaller airport, consider searching from nearby airports or major international gateways. Sometimes, booking a separate positioning flight can open up award availability that isn’t showing from your home airport.

    Flying to Tokyo With Points and Miles

    You don’t necessarily need miles with the airline you’re flying to book a ticket. Airline partnerships make it possible to use several loyalty programs to book flights to Tokyo.

    Here are some of the major airlines and programs worth checking.

    AirlineLoyalty Programs Worth Searching
    ANAANA Mileage Club, Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
    United AirlinesUnited MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan
    Japan AirlinesAmerican AAdvantage, Atmos Rewards, British Airways Club, Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
    American AirlinesAmerican AAdvantage, Atmos Rewards, British Airways Club
    Delta Air LinesDelta SkyMiles, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
    Alaska AirlinesAtmos Rewards, American AAdvantage, British Airways Club

    Partner award availability varies, and not every flight can be booked through every program.

    These programs provide access to a wide range of transferable credit card currencies, including American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou points, and others.

    For example, you may be able to transfer Chase points to Air Canada Aeroplan to book an ANA flight, or American Express points to British Airways Club to book Japan Airlines.

    ANA and Japan Airlines are particularly worth checking if you’re hoping to fly in a premium cabin. Both offer long-haul business class products, although finding award availability can require flexibility with your dates and departure airport.

    More on This: Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses

    Find Flights and Hotels in Tokyo With PointsYeah

    With two major airports and several airlines to choose from, searching broadly can make a big difference when planning a trip to Tokyo.

    PointsYeah lets you search bookable award flights across multiple loyalty programs, search flexible travel dates, and explore options from different departure airports.

    {{ search-widget mode=”flight” }}

    Once you’ve found a flight, you can also search for hotels bookable with points, whether you’re looking to stay in central Tokyo or elsewhere in the city.

    {{ search-widget mode=”hotel” }}

    Want to explore more possibilities? Visit our Japan flights with points and miles hub to browse award flight opportunities across Japan.

    A Few Things to Know Before Booking

    Consider flying into another Japanese city. If you’re struggling to find award availability to Tokyo, try searching for flights to Osaka (KIX). Japan’s extensive rail network makes it possible to reach Tokyo from Osaka by bullet train in roughly two and a half hours, though you’ll need to factor in the additional cost.

    Compare different loyalty programs. The same flight can have different award prices and taxes depending on where you book it. Check your options before deciding which points to use.

    Transfer points only when you’re ready to book. Credit card transfers are irreversible, and award availability can change quickly. Find the flight you want and confirm the booking options before transferring your rewards.

  • Rakuten Amex Card: $100 Bonus, Plus Elevated Cash Back Through 2026

    Rakuten Amex Card: $100 Bonus, Plus Elevated Cash Back Through 2026

    If you’re planning to do some holiday shopping, the Rakuten American Express Card is worth considering.

    New cardholders can earn a $100 bonus after spending $1,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account approval.

    There’s also a separate promotion offering elevated cash back at Walmart through December 31. Beyond these limited-time offers, the card has some rewarding benefits for anyone who regularly shops through Rakuten.

    Current Rakuten Amex Card Offers

    Here’s what’s currently available with the Rakuten Amex Card:

    • $100 welcome bonus: Apply and spend $1,000 within 90 days of account approval. The bonus is awarded after the 90-day period ends and may take another 15 days to appear in your Rakuten account.
    • 4% cash back at Walmart: Earn an additional 3% on top of the card’s standard 1% rate on up to $1,000 in eligible Walmart purchases through December 31, 2026. That’s up to $40 in total cash back, including $30 from the promotion.
    • Extra 4% on Rakuten purchases: Earn an additional 4% cash back on eligible online and in-store Rakuten purchases, on top of the retailer’s regular Rakuten cash back rate. This ongoing benefit applies to the first $10,000 in eligible purchases per calendar year. After reaching that cap, eligible Rakuten purchases earn 1% from the card.

    The card also offers the following standard earning rates:

    • 10% cash back through Rakuten Dining, combining the card’s additional 5% with the program’s regular 5%.
    • 2% cash back at grocery stores and restaurants.
    • 1% cash back on other eligible purchases.

    The Rakuten American Express Card has no annual fee.

    You’ll need a Rakuten account to earn rewards with the card. If you don’t already have one, it’s free to join, and new members can earn a $50 bonus after spending $50 when signing up through a referral link by December 31, 2026.

    More on This: Earn $50 or Up to 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points With Rakuten’s New Member Bonus

    Why the Rakuten Amex Is Worth Considering

    The card’s biggest draw is its ability to stack rewards. If a retailer is offering 10% cash back through Rakuten, for example, paying with the Rakuten Amex could bring your total return to 14%, provided the purchase qualifies for the additional 4%.

    And there’s another reason points-and-miles enthusiasts might find the card appealing.

    Rakuten offers several ways to receive your rewards, including:

    • Check
    • PayPal
    • American Express Membership Rewards points
    • Bilt Rewards points
    • Samsung Cash

    That means you can use Rakuten for everyday shopping and potentially turn those rewards into transferable points for travel, rather than taking cash back.

    The card also includes several American Express network benefits, such as access to Amex Offers and Amex Experiences, along with retail protection for eligible purchases damaged or stolen within 90 days and extended warranty coverage of up to 12 additional months, subject to the applicable terms.

    Just note that certain Rakuten purchases, including those made using Buy Now, Pay Later services and most travel purchases, earn only 1% rather than the additional 4%. Rakuten Dining also requires linking the card to your Rakuten wallet.

  • Wyndham Is Selling Rewards Points With up to a 100% Bonus

    Wyndham Is Selling Rewards Points With up to a 100% Bonus

    Buying hotel points might sound like an unnecessary extra step. After all, if a room is available, why not just pay for it?

    Sometimes there’s a good reason. Buying the points needed to book a room can cost less than paying the hotel directly.

    Wyndham Rewards sells points throughout the year and periodically runs promotions that lower their cost. There’s little reason to buy just because a sale is happening. But with a Wyndham stay already in mind, the program makes it easy to see whether buying points could save money.

    That’s because Wyndham prices hotel award nights at one of four tiers: 5,000, 15,000, 30,000, or 45,000 points per room. And with Wyndham Homes & Havens, members can also redeem points for vacation rentals.

    Current Wyndham Buy Points Offer

    Wyndham is offering eligible members a 100% bonus when buying at least 3,000 points in a single transaction, bringing the purchase price down to approximately 0.65 cents per point.

    The promotion also temporarily doubles the annual purchase limit to 200,000 points before the bonus.

    • Current promotion: 100% bonus on purchases of 3,000 or more points
    • Price per point: 0.65 cents
    • Offer ends: December 31, 2026
    • Annual purchase limit: 200,000 points before the bonus

    Note that some members may see different offers, including an 80% bonus that brings the price to approximately 0.72 cents per point or a 90% bonus at roughly 0.68 cents per point.

    Buy Wyndham Rewards points directly from Wyndham

    Wyndham runs points sales periodically, so there’s rarely a reason to buy solely because a promotion is happening now. For reference, click the arrow below to see past offers.

    {{ buy-points-history type=”hotel” program=”Wyndham Rewards” }}

    More on This: Current Buy Points and Miles Offers

    What Wyndham’s Free Night Tiers Cost During This Sale

    Wyndham’s four-tier redemption structure makes the math super simple.

    At the current promotional price of approximately 0.65 cents per point, here’s roughly what it would cost to buy enough points for one night at each tier:

    Points per nightCost to buy points
    5,000 points$32.50
    15,000 points$97.50
    30,000 points$195
    45,000 points$292.50

    These are effective costs based on the promotional rate, not necessarily exact purchase amounts.

    For example, a hotel requiring 15,000 points per night would effectively cost $97.50 in purchased points. If the same room costs $175 in cash, buying points could save you money. But if the cash rate is $90, there’s no reason to buy points instead.

    Aerial pool view of the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort.
    Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort. WYNDHAM

    You Can Also Use Wyndham Points for Vacation Rentals

    Wyndham recently introduced Homes & Havens, a collection of professionally managed vacation rentals that members can book using points.

    Homes & Havens uses a per-bedroom redemption structure rather than a flat rate for the entire property.

    There are currently three redemption tiers:

    • 15,000 points per bedroom, per night
    • 30,000 points per bedroom, per night
    • 45,000 points per bedroom, per night

    At the current sale price, a two-bedroom rental at the lowest tier would cost approximately $195 per night in purchased points. A three-bedroom rental would cost about $292.50.

    That could make buying points worthwhile for families or groups who would otherwise need multiple hotel rooms. Just keep in mind that taxes, cleaning fees, and other charges may still apply.

    When Buying Wyndham Points Makes Sense

    The easiest way to decide whether buying points makes sense is to start with a specific property.

    Check how many points it requires, calculate what those points would cost under the current promotion, and compare that with the cash price for the same room.

    The math is simple:

    Points needed × current price per point = cost to buy the points

    A 30,000-point hotel night, for example, effectively costs about $195 in purchased points with the 100% bonus.

    It’s still worth comparing the same accommodations and dates. Taxes, resort fees, and other charges can differ depending on how a stay is booked, so the headline room rate doesn’t always tell the whole story.

    More on This: How to Search Hotels With Points and Miles Using PointsYeah

    Don’t Buy Points Just Because They’re on Sale

    There’s little reason to stock up on Wyndham points without a stay in mind. Wyndham runs purchase promotions periodically, and another offer will eventually come along.

    Instead, start with the hotel. Check the cash price, check which redemption tier it falls into, and calculate what those points would cost to buy.

    Sometimes cash wins. Sometimes points do.

    And with Wyndham’s four redemption tiers, figuring out which one is cheaper takes very little math.

  • Where Travelers Want to Go This Winter: 10 Top International Destinations According to PointsYeah Data

    Where Travelers Want to Go This Winter: 10 Top International Destinations According to PointsYeah Data

    Winter is a popular time of year for travel. Some travelers are looking to escape the cold, while others are planning ski trips, holiday getaways, or a few days exploring somewhere new.

    And if you’re hoping to use points and miles, you’re probably already searching for flights. At least that’s what the data shows.

    We looked at PointsYeah search data to see which short-haul international destinations travelers were searching for most from U.S. airports for winter 2026–2027. The results include plenty of familiar beach destinations, but also a few cities that might surprise you.

    Here are the 10 destinations:

    1. Cancún, Mexico (CUN)
    2. Mexico City, Mexico (MEX)
    3. Aruba (AUA)
    4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)
    5. Vancouver, Canada (YVR)
    6. Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD)
    7. Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA)
    8. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ)
    9. Lima, Peru (LIM)
    10. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM)

    From Mexico and the Caribbean to Canada and South America, here’s what makes each destination worth considering for a winter getaway.

    Cancún, Mexico (CUN)

    It’s not hard to see why Cancún is a popular winter destination. Warm weather, beaches, and tons of resorts make it an appealing escape when temperatures drop across much of the U.S.

    Or, for much of the year, actually.

    Winter also falls during the region’s relatively dry season. Beyond the Hotel Zone, travelers can explore Isla Mujeres, visit Mayan archaeological sites, or head south toward Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

    Cancún is served by a wide range of U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, United, Southwest, and JetBlue.

    Explore flights to Cancún, Mexico (CUN) →

    Mexico City, Mexico (MEX)

    If you’d rather spend your winter vacation exploring a city than sitting on a beach, Mexico City is another top option.

    The Mexican capital has an amazing food scene, world-class museums, and historic architecture. Neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Condesa are packed with restaurants and cafés. Winter brings mild afternoons, cooler evenings, and relatively little rain.

    Mexico City also has extensive air connections with the U.S., including service from Aeromexico and several major U.S. carriers.

    Explore flights to Mexico City, Mexico (MEX) →

    Aruba (AUA)

    Aruba has long been a favorite for travelers looking for reliable sunshine, and winter is an especially popular time to visit.

    Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are among its biggest attractions, but there’s more to do than sit by the water, such as visiting Arikok National Park or exploring the island’s hiking trails.

    Aruba has nonstop flights from several major U.S. airports, particularly along the East Coast. And because the airport offers U.S. preclearance, you can complete immigration formalities before boarding your flight home.

    Explore flights to Aruba (AUA) →

    Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)

    For travelers who want to get away without planning every detail of their trip, Punta Cana should be top of mind.

    The region is known for its all-inclusive resorts, many of which bundle accommodations, meals, drinks, and activities into a single price (or award booking, in some cases).

    Punta Cana International Airport sees flights from numerous U.S. gateways, so there’s a good chance you can fly your preferred airline to PUJ.

    Explore flights to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ) →

    Vancouver, Canada (YVR)

    Not everyone wants to escape winter. Vancouver is a great option for travelers who’d rather embrace it.

    The city combines excellent restaurants, waterfront neighborhoods, and easy access to the mountains. Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain are nearby, and Whistler Blackcomb is roughly two hours away by car. Just don’t expect snow everywhere, as Vancouver’s winters are often rainy at sea level.

    Vancouver International Airport is well connected to the U.S., particularly through West Coast gateways and major airline hubs.

    Explore flights to Vancouver, Canada (YVR) →

    High angle view of downtown Vancouver
    Vancouver, Canada. FANGXIANUO / ISTOCK

    Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD)

    Los Cabos offers a different kind of Mexican beach vacation, with desert landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and luxury resorts at the southern tip of Baja California.

    Cabo San Lucas is known for its marina and nightlife, while San José del Cabo has a quieter atmosphere, art galleries, and restaurants. Winter is also whale-watching season, with humpback and gray whales migrating through the surrounding waters during this time of year.

    Los Cabos International Airport has nonstop service from numerous U.S. cities, particularly in the western half of the country.

    Explore flights to Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) →

    Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA)

    Guatemala offers something a little different from the beach destinations on this list.

    Many travelers arriving in Guatemala City continue to Antigua, a colonial city surrounded by volcanoes, or head to Lake Atitlán for mountain scenery and lakeside villages. Winter coincides with Guatemala’s dry season, so it’s a great time for hiking and outdoor activities.

    La Aurora International Airport has nonstop connections with several U.S. airports. Antigua is generally about an hour or more away by road, depending on traffic.

    Explore flights to Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA) →

    Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ)

    Punta Cana may attract much of the Dominican Republic’s resort traffic, but Santo Domingo offers a different experience.

    The country’s capital is home to a UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, with centuries-old architecture, lively public squares, restaurants, and museums. And while it isn’t primarily a beach destination, there are coastal areas within driving distance.

    Winter brings warm weather and generally less rainfall, while Las Américas International Airport has nonstop flights from several U.S. cities, particularly in Florida and the Northeast.

    Explore flights to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ) →

    Lima, Peru (LIM)

    While much of the U.S. is bundled up for winter, Lima is enjoying summer, with warmer temperatures and more sunshine from December through March.

    Peru’s capital is especially appealing for food lovers, with internationally recognized restaurants and neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco where you’ll find cafés, galleries, and Pacific Ocean views. Lima can also be a starting point for exploring the rest of Peru, although the Andes experience their rainy season during these months.

    Jorge Chávez International Airport has nonstop flights from several major U.S. gateways, including Miami, Atlanta, Houston, and New York.

    Explore flights to Lima, Peru (LIM) →

    Peruvian Flag at Bicentennial Park - Miraflores District, Lima, Peru
    Lima, Peru. JORGE CHOROCO / ISTOCK

    Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM)

    Grand Cayman rounds out the list with another warm-weather Caribbean getaway.

    Seven Mile Beach is the island’s best-known attraction. There, you’ll find clear water, white sand, and plenty of resorts and restaurants. Visitors can also snorkel, dive, visit Stingray City, or explore quieter parts of the island.

    Winter brings warm temperatures and generally drier conditions. Owen Roberts International Airport has nonstop flights from several U.S. gateways, making Grand Cayman particularly convenient for travelers departing from the eastern half of the country.

    Explore flights to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM) →

    Find Your Winter Award Flights With PointsYeah

    These 10 destinations were among the most searched international destinations from U.S. airports on PointsYeah for winter 2026–2027.

    Search interest doesn’t necessarily mean award seats will be available on every date or from every airport. But it does offer a look at where travelers are hoping to put their points and miles to work this winter.

    If one of these destinations is on your list, you can use PointsYeah to view award flights across airlines and loyalty programs, search flexible dates, and see what options are available from your preferred departure airport.

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    Winter travel dates around Christmas, New Year’s, and school holidays can be especially competitive. Searching as early as possible and checking a range of dates can help you find more options.

    It’s also worth considering nearby departure airports, even if that means booking a separate positioning flight to reach your international departure point.

  • Military and Veteran Airline Benefits: What 8 U.S. Airlines Offer

    Military and Veteran Airline Benefits: What 8 U.S. Airlines Offer

    Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize those who have served in the U.S. military (and if you’ve served, thank you for your service). But when it comes to air travel, many of the benefits available to service members and veterans extend well beyond November 11.

    Several major U.S. airlines offer discounted fares, complimentary checked bags, priority boarding, and other travel benefits. Depending on the airline, these perks can save travelers quite a bit of money, especially when traveling with family or checking multiple bags.

    There’s an important distinction, though. Not every military travel benefit is available to veterans. Some are reserved for active-duty service members, while others extend to retirees, veterans, and eligible family members.

    Here’s what eight U.S. airlines offer and who qualifies.

    Military and Veteran Airline Benefits Compared

    AirlineWho QualifiesNotable Benefits
    American AirlinesActive-duty military; select veteran offersFree checked bags, priority boarding, select military fares
    Delta Air LinesPrimarily active-duty militaryFree checked bags, early boarding, select military fares
    United AirlinesActive-duty military, select recently discharged members5% leisure fare discount, free checked bags, preboarding, lounge access
    Southwest AirlinesActive-duty military and eligible dependentsMilitary fares, priority boarding, baggage fee exemptions
    Alaska AirlinesActive-duty military, eligible dependents, and veterans through select programsMilitary fares, baggage benefits, lounge access, WeSalute discounts
    JetBlueActive-duty military, veterans, retirees, and eligible families5% fare discounts and two free checked bags for eligible travelers
    Allegiant AirActive-duty military, veterans, and eligible familiesFree checked bags, carry-ons, priority boarding, and an in-cabin pet
    Frontier AirlinesActive-duty military and accompanying eligible familyFree carry-on and checked bags, priority boarding

    Eligibility, verification requirements, and benefits vary by airline. Some offers require booking by phone or enrollment in a paid membership program.

    What Each Airline Offers

    American Airlines

    American offers active-duty U.S. military members up to three complimentary checked bags when traveling for personal reasons, or up to five when traveling on orders. Active-duty service members with valid identification can also board in Group 1.

    The airline also offers special government and military fares in certain markets, although travelers need to contact reservations to check availability.

    For veterans, American participates in the WeSalute program, which provides access to select vacation savings through a paid membership. These are separate from the active-duty baggage and boarding benefits.

    Delta Air Lines

    Delta offers active-duty military members additional checked baggage allowances, early boarding, and access to special military fares, which can be reserved by phone or by messaging the airline.

    The number of complimentary bags depends on whether the traveler is flying on military orders or for personal reasons, as well as the cabin booked.

    Delta also has special policies for military-related pet travel and certain medical emergency trips involving injured service members.

    United Airlines

    United offers active-duty military travelers up to five complimentary checked bags, depending on the purpose of travel, along with preboarding and United Club access when certain requirements are met.

    The airline also offers a 5% discount on eligible leisure fares for active-duty service members who verify their status through MileagePlus. The discount applies to the base fare on select United-operated flights and can cover up to nine passengers on the same reservation. Basic economy fares are excluded.

    Certain cadets, reservists on active orders, and recently discharged service members may also qualify for military benefits.

    For veterans, United offers separate discounts on eligible flight-and-hotel packages booked through United Vacations.

    Southwest Airlines

    Southwest offers military fares to eligible active-duty service members and their dependents. These fares aren’t available through the airline’s website, so travelers must call Southwest or visit an airport ticket counter to book.

    Active-duty military members also receive priority boarding before Group 1 and exemptions from checked baggage fees, including certain excess, oversized, and overweight bag charges.

    Alaska Airlines

    Alaska offers military fares in select markets, along with baggage benefits and certain lounge privileges for eligible service members.

    For example, active-duty personnel traveling on qualifying government-sponsored itineraries may receive complimentary Alaska Lounge access. Other eligible active-duty travelers may qualify for discounted lounge day passes.

    Alaska also participates in WeSalute and provides flight discounts to eligible members, including veterans.

    One important distinction is that Alaska’s special military fares generally apply to qualifying active-duty travel and certain recently discharged service members, rather than all veterans.

    The Alaska Airlines "Honoring Those Who Serve" livery 737 takes off from Portland International Airport.
    DAVEALAN / ISTOCK

    JetBlue

    JetBlue has one of the more straightforward offers for veterans.

    Through WeSalute+, eligible veterans, military retirees, and their families can receive a 5% discount on JetBlue-operated flights, along with two complimentary checked bags weighing up to 50 pounds each.

    Active-duty military travelers can receive similar benefits without enrolling in WeSalute+, with additional baggage allowances when traveling on duty.

    There are a few catches. WeSalute+ is a paid membership, and eligible travelers must call JetBlue to book. The discount applies to the base fare, not taxes or fees, and doesn’t apply to tickets booked with TrueBlue points.

    Allegiant Air

    Allegiant’s military benefits stand out because they explicitly extend to veterans and eligible family members, not just active-duty personnel.

    Through its Allegiant Honors program, eligible travelers can receive two complimentary checked bags, a free carry-on, priority boarding, and even one in-cabin pet without the usual fee.

    Eligible spouses, domestic partners, children, and dependents traveling on the same itinerary can also receive benefits.

    Considering how many of Allegiant’s usual services carry additional fees, those exemptions could make a substantial difference to the total cost of a trip.

    Frontier Airlines

    Frontier doesn’t offer a general military airfare discount, but it does provide several baggage benefits to eligible active-duty military members and accompanying spouses and children.

    These include a complimentary carry-on bag, two checked bags, and waivers for certain oversized and overweight baggage charges. Eligible travelers can also receive priority boarding.

    Military members can verify their status through ID.me, after which the benefits can be applied to eligible reservations.

    What About Veterans Specifically?

    Many of the most generous airline benefits, particularly complimentary checked bags and priority boarding, are reserved for current service members. Having previously served doesn’t automatically qualify a traveler for those perks.

    However, some airlines offer expanded eligibility:

    • Allegiant: Includes veterans in its military benefits program.
    • JetBlue: Provides veteran discounts and baggage benefits through WeSalute+.
    • Alaska: Offers flight discounts through WeSalute+.
    • American: Offers select vacation savings through WeSalute.
    • United: Offers discounts on eligible United Vacations flight-and-hotel packages for veterans.

    Before booking, check whether a discount requires membership in a third-party program, whether it applies to everyone on the reservation, and whether it can be combined with other offers.

    How to Make Sure You Receive Your Benefits

    The U.S. Department of Transportation maintains a Support Our Troops dashboard that compares certain commitments airlines make to current service members and their families.

    Those commitments include baggage allowances and flexibility when military orders interfere with travel. However, the dashboard isn’t a complete list of military discounts, and an airline without a particular commitment may still offer the benefit under its own policies.

    Before booking, check the airline’s eligibility requirements and whether you need to verify your status, present military identification, or call reservations.

    And if you’re considering a discounted military fare, compare it with the regular price. Special fares aren’t necessarily the cheapest option on every route.

    Most of these benefits are available year-round, so there’s no need to wait until Veterans Day to use them. Just be sure you know which benefits you’re eligible for before booking.

  • Beyond Points and Miles: How Citi Is Expanding Its Dining and Entertainment Experiences

    Beyond Points and Miles: How Citi Is Expanding Its Dining and Entertainment Experiences

    Credit card rewards tend to get measured in points, miles, and statement credits. And when used strategically, those benefits can make a big difference in what you spend on travel and other experiences.

    But there’s another side to credit card benefits that doesn’t get nearly as much attention: the experiences you can access simply by having a particular card in your wallet.

    For Citi cardholders, that might mean getting a seat at a sought-after restaurant, attending a private dinner with a renowned chef, or enjoying an event built around Formula 1.

    I recently spoke with Courtney “CJ” Joseph, Citi’s Head of Reward Products & Premium Customer Experience, about the bank’s growing focus on dining and entertainment. Much of our conversation centered on what cardholders can do with their cards, rather than just what they can earn and burn.

    And Citi has a few neat programs worth knowing about, even if you’ve never given much thought to credit card experiences.

    The Supper Club

    Getting a reservation at a popular restaurant can be difficult enough. Finding a way into a private dinner with the chef is another matter entirely.

    That’s the broad appeal of The Supper Club, which gives eligible Citi Strata Elite cardmembers access to exclusive dining events at restaurants around the country.

    Events typically feature a specially curated menu, often developed with the restaurant’s head chef, and bring together a small group of cardmembers for an evening centered on the food and the people preparing it.

    The program has expanded throughout 2026, with participating restaurants including Fooq’s in Miami, Mother Wolf in Los Angeles, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf in Chicago, and Cafe Carmellini in New York (a personal favorite). Other events have taken place in Dallas and the Hamptons.

    Citi says demand has been strong, as you might expect, and we’ve noticed that events frequently sell out quickly. Given the restaurants involved, that’s not all that surprising.

    Of course, access doesn’t mean a free meal. Tickets for some events have started around $100 per person, though prices vary by restaurant.

    Eligible Strata Elite cardmembers can browse upcoming events and purchase tickets through The Supper Club’s Citi page. Events for 2027 haven’t been announced yet, but you can join the notification list to hear when new dates become available.

    New events are typically released one or two at a time, so it’s worth acting quickly if something comes up that you’re able to attend.

    The Curated Table

    Citi’s other dining series, The Curated Table, pairs food with major cultural events.

    Developed in partnership with Mastercard’s Priceless program, the series has featured experiences tied to fashion, motorsports, and the arts.

    For 2026, Citi organized three events:

    • New York City, September 9: A fashion-themed experience featuring designer Christian Siriano and chefs Michael and Bryan Voltaggio.
    • Austin, October 21: A Formula 1-themed event featuring the McLaren Mastercard team, dinner, and a special driver appearance.
    • Miami, December 2: An art-focused experience coinciding with Miami’s Art Week, featuring dining, music, and immersive programming.

    The Austin event gives you a sense of where Citi is going with this partnership. With Formula 1’s growing popularity in the U.S. (and around the world), an evening involving an actual F1 team is quite different from a typical restaurant reservation.

    Tickets have started at $100, with more expensive packages available for certain events. Access is limited to eligible Strata Elite cardmembers.

    You can explore upcoming events through Mastercard’s Priceless platform.

    A Filipino couple in their 30s who are enjoying a fun and relaxing weekend staycation exploring San Francisco, California, smile while reviewing the menu at a restaurant in the Little Italy neighborhood of the city.
    FLY VIEW PRODUCTIONS / ISTOCK

    Citi Entertainment Isn’t Just for Premium Cardholders

    The dining experiences above are geared toward Citi’s premium cardholders, but you don’t necessarily need a premium travel card to take advantage of Citi’s entertainment benefits.

    Citi Entertainment has been around for years and offers eligible Citi credit and debit cardholders access to concert presales, preferred seating, sporting events, and other opportunities through partnerships including Live Nation.

    The biggest draw is often the chance to purchase tickets before the general public. If you’ve ever tried getting tickets to a popular concert, you know how useful another presale window can be.

    Depending on the event, there may also be VIP packages or other special experiences.

    You can browse upcoming opportunities at Citi Entertainment. These aren’t necessarily discounted tickets, but it’s worth checking what’s available before heading straight to a general ticketing site.

    Where Citi Goes From Here

    Dining and lifestyle benefits have become an increasingly competitive space for credit card issuers.

    American Express has its Resy partnership, which it expanded with the acquisition of Tock. Chase has built out Sapphire-exclusive dining experiences, and Capital One has been investing in restaurant access and entertainment benefits of its own.

    Citi is looking to compete for that same audience.

    During our conversation, Joseph described Citi’s dining strategy around three ideas: access, experience, and value.

    The Supper Club focuses on private dinners at sought-after restaurants, while The Curated Table connects dining with cultural and sporting events. Citi also offers more everyday dining benefits, including elevated weekend “Citi Nights” dining rewards on the Strata Elite and inKind credits on the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard.

    But the value of these experiences depends quite a bit on where you live and travel. A private dinner in New York or Los Angeles isn’t particularly useful if you rarely visit either city.

    That’s something I was curious about during my conversation with Joseph. Citi has expanded The Supper Club’s geographic reach this year, but hasn’t announced specific plans to bring these experiences to additional cities (beyond the obvious big ones) or make them available on more cards.

    I also wouldn’t suggest opening a premium credit card solely for access to these events. Availability is limited, tickets cost extra, and there’s no guarantee that something you’re interested in will be offered near you.

    That said, if you already have an eligible Citi card, take a look at the upcoming events. And if nothing catches your eye right now, check back from time to time. The Supper Club in particular is worth watching as Citi begins announcing its 2027 lineup.