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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.

Travel Summary
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
2

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
11

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!
1

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
Guide to Southwest’s Icelandair Partnership: How to Book, Earn Points, and Add a Stopover
Guide to Southwest’s Icelandair Partnership: How to Book, Earn Points, and Add a Stopover
3

Southwest’s partnership with Icelandair opens the door to new international travel opportunities. You can now book joint itineraries from several Southwest cities to Iceland — and even add a stopover on your way to Europe. Here's what travelers can expect, how to earn Rapid Rewards points on these bookings, and what’s coming next for this expanding partnership.

Mark JacksonCameron Laufer
Mark Jackson & Cameron Laufer

Reviewed by Tyler Glatt

Best 0% APR Intro Balance Transfer Offers With No Annual Fee in 2026
Best 0% APR Intro Balance Transfer Offers With No Annual Fee in 2026
2

A 0% APR intro balance transfer offer can save you a lot of money on interest. The best cards offer a mix of strong earning rates, a top-tier welcome offer to deliver instant value, and a long introductory APR period so you have plenty of time to pay down the balance without suffering high interest rates. Here are the top cards with a balance-transfer offer to knock your interest charges down to zero for up to 24 months.

Tyler GlattMark Jackson
Tyler Glatt & Mark Jackson

Reviewed by JT Genter

A Beginner's Guide to Building a Credit Card Application Strategy
A Beginner's Guide to Building a Credit Card Application Strategy
14

U.S banks play a huge role in the travel rewards ecosystem. Learning about credit card application rules won’t be the most exciting part of your points-and-miles education, but it’s hard to overstate the importance of building a healthy relationship with the banks for your credit card application strategy. In this post, we explain how to build a sustainable, long-term strategy.

Erik PaquetMark Jackson
Erik Paquet & Mark Jackson

Reviewed by Tyler Glatt