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  • Advertiser Disclosure: The credit card offers that appear on AwardWallet are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on AwardWallet (including, for example, the order in which they appear). AwardWallet does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers.

    Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Ian Snyder

Freelance Writer
Distance Traveled in 2026
Visited in 2026

Ian Snyder has had a passion for award travel ever since entering the miles and points world over a decade ago. He enjoys using them to see places both near and far, whether he’s traveling solo, with friends, or with his kids. Especially well versed in frequent flyer programs, Ian understands their intricacies and often is able to maximize his points using the best award deals.

Ian is closing in on 30 countries visited, which may seem like too few for someone who loves to travel as much as he does. But he also loves life in rural Northern California, and returning home from a trip is its own reward. More than anything, Ian wants to demonstrate that extraordinary travel is possible for the ordinary family. He loves helping his friends and family with their own award travel.

How To Redeem Amex Membership Rewards Points — And Which Options Offer the Best Value
How To Redeem Amex Membership Rewards Points — And Which Options Offer the Best Value
3

Have Amex points and wondering what to do with them? From luxurious business class flights to poor-value gift cards, not all redemptions are created equal. This guide breaks down the best (and worst) ways to redeem your American Express Membership Rewards points—including sweet spots with ANA, Virgin Atlantic, Iberia, and more — so you can get the most value from every point.

Ian SnyderCameron Laufer
Ian Snyder & Cameron Laufer

Reviewed by Toni Southam

Which Credit Card Should You Use to Pay Airline Award Taxes and Fees? Here are the Top Options.
Which Credit Card Should You Use to Pay Airline Award Taxes and Fees? Here are the Top Options.
11

Picking the right card to pay award taxes and fees could be the difference between being covered for a weather interruption or medical emergency or having to pay out of pocket. Plus, some cards allow you to earn bonus points on your taxes and fees that you can put toward a future flight. Here our picks for which cards to use to pay for award taxes and fees.

Ian SnyderHarrison Pierce
Ian Snyder & Harrison Pierce

Reviewed by Tyler Glatt

Marriott Annual Choice Benefits: Best Options for 2026
Marriott Annual Choice Benefits: Best Options for 2026
0

If you accrue 50 or 75 Marriott elite night credits in a calendar year, you'll be rewarded with a Marriott Annual Choice Benefit, one of the best perks of hitting these thresholds. Rather than an ongoing status benefit, you'll have a one-time selection from a list of options. The choices range from suite upgrades and Free Night Award to extra Elite Night Credits and even a $1,000 discount on a hotel brand mattress.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed by JT Genter

The Best Ways To Earn JetBlue Points
The Best Ways To Earn JetBlue Points
33

JetBlue might not have the massive route network of a legacy carrier but, its TrueBlue frequent flyer program offers great value for a revenue-based loyalty program. You can redeem TrueBlue points on any JetBlue flight with paid seats available, letting you enjoy the unique in-flight service offered by the carrier. While it's easy to redeem points, it's also quite easy to earn JetBlue points. Here are the best ways earn with the airline.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed by Allie Johnson

JetBlue TrueBlue Guide to Earning and Redeeming Points, Mosaic Status, and More
JetBlue TrueBlue Guide to Earning and Redeeming Points, Mosaic Status, and More
18

JetBlue's TrueBlue loyalty program has created a fan base by keeping things simple. While JetBlue has revamped its Mosaic elite status program over the years, most members have benefited from the changes. And JetBlue has been steadily expanding its list of airline partners, giving members more ways to redeem JetBlue points. Here's everything you need to know about JetBlue TrueBlue.

Ian SnyderLauren Wynn
Ian Snyder & Lauren Wynn

Reviewed by Allie Johnson

How To Earn Avianca LifeMiles: A Complete Guide
How To Earn Avianca LifeMiles: A Complete Guide
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There are plenty of ways to earn Avianca LifeMiles, and we cover all of them here. From flying with Avianca and its partners to earning lots of points using credit cards, you have multiple great strategies at your disposal. It's even worth considering buying LifeMiles at times, as the value can make sense in certain situations. Here's everything you need to know about earning LifeMiles.

Ian SnyderHarrison Pierce
Ian Snyder & Harrison Pierce

Reviewed by Allie Johnson

American Express Business Platinum Card Review: Are the New Benefits Worth the Higher Annual Fee?
American Express Business Platinum Card Review: Are the New Benefits Worth the Higher Annual Fee?
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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium business card that commands a high annual fee but offers tons of value through lounge access, hotel and car rental elite status, over $4,000 in annual credits, travel protections, and even cell phone insurance. Check out our detailed review of the card, covering the welcome offer, earning rates, travel perks, and the array of credits that can save you lots of money. These will help you decide if the card is right for you.

Ian SnyderHarrison Pierce
Ian Snyder & Harrison Pierce

Reviewed by Tyler Glatt

Comprehensive Guide to the New Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards Program
Comprehensive Guide to the New Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards Program
52

With valuable points, a strong elite program, and unique partnerships with global airlines, Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards is one of the best U.S. airline loyalty programs. Here, we provide a complete guide to Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards, including how to earn and redeem points, the ins and outs of elite status, and the best Alaska Atmos Rewards redemption options.

Ben Nickel-D'AndreaIan Snyder
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea & Ian Snyder

Reviewed by JT Genter

Cathay Asia Miles Routing Rules: How to Build Multi-Stopover Trips to Maximize Value
Cathay Asia Miles Routing Rules: How to Build Multi-Stopover Trips to Maximize Value
0

Real magic can happen when you use the Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Oneworld multi-carrier chart to book award tickets. You can add multiple stopovers to create a complex trip at a great price. Some of the pricing bands offer excellent value, especially compared to the cost of many business class one-way and round-trip awards. Here, we cover all the award routing rules in one place.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed by Tyler Glatt

Southwest Rapid Rewards Guide: How the 2025 Changes Are Reshaping the Program
Southwest Rapid Rewards Guide: How the 2025 Changes Are Reshaping the Program
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Southwest’s loyalty program has long been a fan favorite thanks to perks like the Companion Pass, no change fees, and two free checked bags. But major changes in 2025 — including lower earning rates, variable award pricing, and adding bag fees — have reshaped the program. Here’s what still works, what’s changing, and how to maximize your Rapid Rewards points going forward.

Ian SnyderMark Jackson
Ian Snyder & Mark Jackson

Reviewed by Allie Johnson

ANA Mileage Club Guide: How to Earn, Redeem, and Maximize This Valuable Amex Transfer Partner
ANA Mileage Club Guide: How to Earn, Redeem, and Maximize This Valuable Amex Transfer Partner
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ANA Mileage Club is a frequent flyer program you don’t want to overlook — especially if you collect Amex points. With some of the best redemption rates for premium cabin travel and a strong lineup of airline partners, ANA miles can unlock serious value. This in-depth guide covers how to earn ANA miles, book award flights, maximize sweet spots, and navigate the program’s unique rules.

Ian SnyderCarissa Rawson
Ian Snyder & Carissa Rawson

Reviewed by Tyler Glatt

IHG Milestone Rewards: Earn Perks Every 10 Nights Stayed at IHG
IHG Milestone Rewards: Earn Perks Every 10 Nights Stayed at IHG
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IHG Milestone Rewards provide additional benefits to frequent guests of IHG hotels. You can earn rewards for every 10 nights stayed each calendar year, starting at 20 nights. The benefits range from bonus points, to food and beverage rewards, to confirmable suite upgrades. At two specific levels, you'll also have the option to select an annual lounge membership. IHG Milestone Rewards can offer excellent value to members, depending on how you use them.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed by Allie Johnson

Amazon Business Prime American Express Card Review: Fantastic Rewards on Amazon Purchases
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card Review: Fantastic Rewards on Amazon Purchases
0

If your business consistently spends at Amazon, you're likely missing out on rewards if you don't have the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card in your wallet. The card earns 5% back on Amazon purchases, as well as at AWS, Whole Foods, and other Amazon brands. The card doesn't have much in terms of other benefits, but it's lack of annual fee is another upside.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed by Tyler Glatt