Mark Jackson Latest Posts

Distance Traveled in 2025
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Most of Mark’s professional career has revolved around credit cards and points and miles. He’s been to over 95 countries, but still hasn’t visited all the “real” countries of Epcot’s World Showcase. He enjoys leaving his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona anytime the temperature rises above 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

Alaska Airlines Companion Fare Just Got More Restrictive — Here’s How It Works Now

The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is available to both personal and business Alaska credit cardholders after meeting minimum spend requirements. The fare code allows you to book a one-time coach ticket for a companion for just $99 plus taxes and fees on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights within North America. Here's how it works.

Building Healthy Credit: A Beginner’s Guide to Credit Scores — And How Credit Cards Impact Your Score

Your credit is one of the most important assets that you have. Good credit makes it easier to borrow money and get approved for the best rewards credit cards. It also gives you access to the lowest interest rates on loans, which can save you many thousands of dollars over your lifetime. If you love travel rewards, knowing how to keep your credit in great shape while you pursue points is essential. Here's our complete guide to doing it right.

Spacious and Stunning: 9 of The Most Incredible Suites Bookable With World of Hyatt Points

The World of Hyatt program is an incredible example of hotel loyalty done right. Hyatt charges far fewer points for a free night than the competition—including to book the best rooms at top-tier properties. My favorite Hyatt redemptions are for ‘Premium Suites’, which members can book for double the standard award rate. Here are our picks for the best Hyatt Suites across the globe.

Is Earning Interest on Your Bilt Points Worth It? Here’s What You’ll Actually Get

One of the more unusual perks of Bilt elite status is the ability to earn interest — paid in the form of bonus points — on your existing Bilt Rewards balance. On the surface, it sounds like a no-brainer: keep your points, and they’ll grow over time. But, is it actually worth factoring into your Bilt strategy? Let’s break down how it works, what you can realistically earn, and when it might make sense.

Marriott’s Nightly Upgrade Awards, Explained: Where You Can Use Them and How They Work

Marriott Bonvoy's Nightly Upgrade Awards are a benefit that elite members can choose through Annual Choice Benefits. With these awards, you can request a room upgrade prior to arrival at the hotel. This benefit replaced the previous and similar Suite Night Awards. Here's a closer look at what Nightly Upgrade Awards are, how to earn them, and how to use them.

A Guide to Hyatt Explorist Status: Is It Worth It?

World of Hyatt Explorist status sits one level above Discoverist and one below top-tier Globalist. For those loyal to the Hyatt brand, Explorist offers enough perks to make each stay more comfortable and rewarding. While it's not Hyatt's elite status sweet spot (that award goes to Globalist), Explorist is fairly easy to earn and likely worth the investment to those who prefer Hyatt over competitors like Hilton and Marriott. Here's everything you need to know about World of Hyatt Explorist status, including how to earn it.