JT Genter

JT Genter

Editor-In-Chief

JT is AwardWallet’s Editor-In-Chief. JT originally joined the AwardWallet team in early 2020 as a freelance editor and writer, but he has been part of the points and miles ecosystem since 2014. Looking for a way to reduce the cost of a trip to China, he found he could sign up for just one credit card to get enough miles to book the flights.

 

That experience prompted him to dive headfirst into the world of airline, hotel, and credit card points and miles. After working for a decade as a tax accountant, JT focused his analytical skills on writing about points, miles, and credit cards. He started contributing at The Points Guy in 2015 and published over 2,000 articles on the site through 2020.

 

In June 2017, Katie and JT sold or donated nearly all of their possessions to become digital nomads, proving firsthand how points, miles, and credit card rewards can drastically reduce the cost of travel. JT has logged over 1.8 million miles on 102 airlines, visited 71 countries, and maintains elite status with 4 airlines (including American Platinum Pro, Asiana Diamond, and United Silver) and 6 hotel loyalty programs (including IHG Diamond, Hilton Diamond, and Marriott Titanium Elite)

Wonderful Waikiki and Gorgeous Grand Cayman: When To Buy Wyndham Rewards Points With Up to a 40% Bonus (0.93¢ Each)

Wyndham Rewards just launched its latest promotion to buy points with a bonus. Through December 30, 2023, members can buy Wyndham Rewards points with up to a 40% bonus. If you maximize this offer, you can grab points for as little as 0.93¢ each! With over 9,000 properties worldwide, there are numerous properties where you can receive outsized value from this deal. In this post, we go through the details to show you how to take advantage of this offer — from vacation condos for $70 per night to suites in Hawaii or fully-furnished apartments in San Francisco for $140 per night.

52 Loyalty Reward Program Promotions Ending Soon (115% LifeMiles Transfer Bonus, 100% Flying Blue Buy Miles Bonus)

Over the next couple of weeks, at least 52 loyalty reward program promotions and credit card offers are coming to an end, including the 115% transfer bonus with Avianca LifeMiles, the Flying Blue 100% bonus when buying points, over a dozen 10% cash back Chase Offers, and so much more. Here's a roundup of all of the promotions to consider maximizing in the next few weeks.

Swedish Ice Bars & Kiwi Vacation Homes: When To Buy Choice Points With a 30% Discount (0.72¢ Each)

Choice Privileges just launched a new holiday promotion to buy points. Now through December 16, 2023, Choice Privileges members can get a 30% discount when buying Choice Privilege points. When maximized, members can snag points for as little as 0.72¢ apiece. This promotion can be valuable under the right circumstances, so let's take a look at some examples.

Hilton Promotions: Register to Earn Up to Triple Points, Up to 5K Bonus Points, Up to $1k in Property Credit

Hilton is currently offering a slew of great promotions, including up to 3X points on stays, 500 bonus points when installing and using the app, 2,000 bonus points per stay, 500 bonus points for using a digital key, double points on certain rates, up to 5,000 bonus points when staying at new and newly renovated properties, and up to $1,000 in hotel credit at select properties in Mexico and the Caribbean. Here's our complete round-up of Hilton's offers.

20% Transfer Bonus From Chase Ultimate Rewards to Aeroplan (Stack to Get 30% Bonus)

Chase relaunched a promotion giving you a 20% bonus when you transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Air Canada Aeroplan. The promotion is valid for transfer through January 15, 2024, and stacks with the current 10% bonus Aeroplan credit cardholders can receive when transferring at least 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points to Aeroplan. Here's how to maximize this offer.

15 Best Rewards Credit Card Offers for December 2023

Each month, the AwardWallet editorial team assembles the top credit card offers that are currently available. The welcome offer — adjusted for how much the points are worth — gets the most weight. However, we consider each card's long-term value, application restrictions, and take into account how much spending is required to capture the full bonus. Here are our top 15 rewards card offers for December 2023 and why each made the list.

Discover Unveils New 5% Cash Back Bonus Categories for Start of 2024

Each quarter, select Discover cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 of spending in eligible categories. And Discover just unveiled its 5% bonus categories for the fourth quarter (October–December) of 2023. Activation isn't retroactive, so we recommend activating your 5% earnings for Q4 now so that you don't miss out on any bonus earnings. Here's how to do so.

Hyatt Expands Milestone Rewards, Caps Guest of Honor Bookings in Loyalty Program Revamp

Hyatt is revamping the World of Hyatt program for 2024. World of Hyatt members will soon get expanded Milestone Rewards options and be able to share awards with other members. However, from new limitations on Guest of Honor bookings to eliminating elite status earnings through hosting a set number of events, these changes aren't good news for everyone. Here's a full breakdown of the changes.

Hyatt Revamps the Guest of Honor Benefit. Here’s How You’ll Earn Guest of Honor Awards Starting in 2024.

One of the major benefits of Hyatt Globalist elite status is the Guest of Honor benefit. Through Guest of Honor bookings, Hyatt Globalists can book stays for other members, granting them all of the perks of Hyatt's top-tier elite status. Currently, Hyatt Globalists can make unlimited Guest of Honor bookings. However, that's about to end. Here's how Hyatt Guest of Honor Awards will work beginning in 2024 — and why you have an extra incentive to earn Hyatt Globalist before the end of 2023.

Last Call: Book Marriott Stays Using Fewer Amex Points With a 20% Transfer Bonus

American Express has a 20% bonus for transferring Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy, though it ends on November 30, 2023. With this offer, you'll get 1,200 Marriott points for every 1,000 Membership Rewards points after the 20% bonus. As we explain in the article, that's not the best deal. However, this offer may still be worth taking advantage of in some circumstances.

How To Fly Lay-Flat Delta One Business Class Seats Within the U.S.

Delta mostly uses its internationally-configured aircraft, well, on international flights. However, during December 2023, Delta has scheduled widebody aircraft with lay-flat business class seats on over 2,100 domestic U.S. flights. In this article, we list out all 44 routes and the exact flights where you'll find these aircraft flying within the U.S. Plus, we'll show you the best ways to book these flights with points and miles.

[Extended] 5,000 AAdvantage® Miles Bonus For Opening a New Bask Bank Account

Bask Bank burst onto the points and miles scene in early 2020 with a revolutionary new mileage-earning savings account. Since then, Bask has launched a cash-interest savings account and raised the interest rates on both accounts several times. From earning rates and sign-up bonuses to whether it's better to earn miles or interest, here's what you need to know about Bask Bank savings accounts — including a bonus of 5,000 bonus miles if you sign up by February 29, 2024 and meet deposit requirements.

How To Fly American Airlines’ Best Business (and First) Class Seats Within the U.S.

Usually, you have to fly pretty far to fly in American Airlines' best lie-flat business and first-class seats. However, during December 2023, AA is flying 1,919 flights within the U.S. using these internationally-configured and specialty aircraft. Check out this article to see the 44 routes that have an Airbus A321T or Boeing 777 or 787 flying within the U.S. this month.

Last Chance to Register for Hyatt Elite Status Shortcut for American Airlines AAdvantage Elites

In mid-September, Hyatt and American Airlines launched a new round of elite-status fast track match-challenges. This time around, AAdvantage elites members have the opportunity to match to get elite status in the World of Hyatt program. Then, you can challenge to keep that status through February 2024 by completing qualifying activities. However, you'll need to register by November 30, 2023 to take advantage of this year's offer.

Today Only: Thrifty Traveler 50% Off Premium Subscriptions

Thrifty Traveler is offering a 50% off flash sale for Thrifty Traveler Premium subscription. From cheap flights to Europe to unicorn-level award availability, Thrifty Traveler Premium alerts you to it all — including by text message if you opt into that option. Here's more about what you get with Thrifty Traveler Premium and whether its worth it.

5X on Top Category, 3X on Travel and Food, 2X on Everything Else: The Citi ThankYou Rewards Trifecta

Earning rates on Citi cards are among the best available. With the right combo of cards, you can earn 5x in a category of your choice; 3x on dining, gas, and travel; and 2x on all other purchases. You'll pay just $95 in total to hold all three cards each year. Plus, all three cards are currently offering generous sign-up bonuses. Here's how to put together a winning Citi card trifecta to quickly build a substantial balance of ThankYou Points.

15% Transfer Bonus From Amex Membership Rewards to LifeMiles

Through December 10, 2023, you can convert points from American Express Membership Rewards to Avianca LifeMiles with a 15% bonus. This bonus opens the door to several incredibly lucrative award redemptions, including 55k-point business class flights to Europe and ANA first class to Asia for just 79k points.

Qatar Airways 25% Transfer Bonus From Citi ThankYou Points, HSBC and 10% Transfer Bonus From Amex

Qatar Airways is offering a 25% transfer bonus when transferring eligible bank points (including Citi and HSBC) to Avios by November 30. And now, Qatar just added a new 10% transfer bonus for Amex Membership Rewards transfers. These transfer bonuses unlock Qsuite award flights for as few as 56k Citi points! Here are the relevant details of this limited-time offer.

New: Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to JetBlue With a 25% Bonus

For the first time we've ever seen, Chase Ultimate Rewards just launched a transfer bonus to JetBlue TrueBlue. Now through January 10, 2024, Chase cardholders can transfer Ultimate Rewards to JetBlue with a 25% bonus. But should you take advantage of this bonus? While it's not a slam-dunk for JetBlue redemptions, Chase cardholders can use this transfer bonus to book Qatar Qsuite business class from 56k Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Singapore Airlines Spontaneous Escapes: 30% Off Award Flights to Germany, Tokyo in December 2023

Singapore Spontaneous Escapes price-busting award bookings are back again! For flights in December, you can save 30% off KrisFlyer award bookings between the U.S. and England or Singapore, plus dozens more routes between Singapore and its many destinations. Book one-way award flights starting at just 5,950 KrisFlyer miles. However, you need to book by November 30, so act fast. Here are charts of all eligible routes this month.

Last Call: Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club With a 30% Bonus

Chase Ultimate Rewards cardholders will receive a 30% transfer bonus when transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, but this offer is ending soon. Here are three examples of ways to maximize this transfer bonus — including sweet spots within the U.S. (from 6k Chase points each way) to the Bahamas (from 7k points each way), Europe (business class for 39k points each way), and Japan (business class from 35k points each way).