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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.

Mark Jackson

Freelance Writer
Distance Traveled in 2026
Visited in 2026

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.

Building Healthy Credit: A Beginner’s Guide to Credit Scores — And How Credit Cards Impact Your Score
Building Healthy Credit: A Beginner’s Guide to Credit Scores — And How Credit Cards Impact Your Score
13

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.

Dan MillerMark Jackson
Dan Miller & Mark Jackson

Reviewed by Harrison Pierce

Spacious and Stunning: 9 of The Most Incredible Suites Bookable With World of Hyatt Points
Spacious and Stunning: 9 of The Most Incredible Suites Bookable With World of Hyatt Points
15

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.

Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson

Reviewed by Allie Johnson

Traveling to Universal Epic Universe? Here Are the Best Hotels Nearby Bookable With Points
Traveling to Universal Epic Universe? Here Are the Best Hotels Nearby Bookable With Points
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Epic Universe made quite a splash earlier this summer when it was unveiled to the world. If you want to check out the newest major theme park in the U.S., you have several hotel options — from those offering valuable perks for visitors to those bookable for as few as 12,000 points per night! In this post, we explore all available options, brand by brand.

Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson

Reviewed by Tyler Glatt

Is Earning Interest on Your Bilt Points Worth It? Here’s What You’ll Actually Get
Is Earning Interest on Your Bilt Points Worth It? Here’s What You’ll Actually Get
0

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.

Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson

Reviewed by Allie Johnson

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

Ashley OnadeleMark Jackson
Ashley Onadele & Mark Jackson

Reviewed by Allie Johnson

A Guide to Hyatt Explorist Status: Is It Worth It?
A Guide to Hyatt Explorist Status: Is It Worth It?
0

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.

Tyler GlattMark Jackson
Tyler Glatt & Mark Jackson

Reviewed by Allie Johnson

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

You Can Now Use Your Alaska Airlines Companion Fare on Hawaiian Airlines
You Can Now Use Your Alaska Airlines Companion Fare on Hawaiian Airlines
1

Alaska’s "Famous Companion Fare" is famous for a reason. This lucrative benefit allows eligible Mileage Plan credit cardholders to purchase a round-trip ticket for a companion for $99 (plus taxes and fees) anywhere Alaska Airlines flies within North America. Traditionally, it’s only been valid on Alaska-operated flights, but now you can take it even further on Hawaiian Airlines.

Mark JacksonJT Genter
Mark Jackson & JT Genter
Alaska Mileage Plan Adds Redemptions on Porter Airlines — Fly to Canada From 4.5k Miles Each Way!
Alaska Mileage Plan Adds Redemptions on Porter Airlines — Fly to Canada From 4.5k Miles Each Way!
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Alaska Mileage Plan members can now book awards on Porter Airlines using Alaska miles. The partnership between Porter and Alaska kicked off in late 2023, but until now, it hasn't been possible to book award travel on the airline using Alaska miles. Let's dig into the details of this new redemption partner and see if it makes sense for your future travels to and from Canada.

Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson