Marriott Adds New Restrictions to 48-Hour Guarantee, Quickens Points Posting Window, and More by Tyler Glatt October 29, 2025 0 In the past month, Marriott introduced new restrictions on benefits like the 48-hour guarantee, changed how quickly points post after a stay with certain brands, and made several other smaller tweaks. Here’s a quick look at the most important Marriott Bonvoy terms and conditions changes from the October update.
Capital One Tightens Bonus Eligibility on Venture-Branded Cards by Adding New ‘Family’ Rule by Harrison Pierce October 27, 2025 0 Capital One just introduced new language restricting who is eligible to earn sign-up bonuses on Venture-branded credit cards. Here's what you need to know about these new restrictions.
Amex Expands Trip Cancel Guard to Flights Booked on Other Platforms — But Is It Worth Buying? by Harrison Pierce October 22, 2025 0 If you want to be able to cancel nonrefundable airfare, you're in luck. American Express offers Trip Cancel Guard, which reimburses you up to 75% for nonrefundable flights, provided you purchase it within 30 days of booking your flight and at least five days before departure. Here's everything to know, including how to determine if it's worth it.
How to Earn Rewards on Bill Payments With Plastiq — and if This Service Is Worth the Fees by Ryan Smith and Patrick Stouffer October 20, 2025 7 The landscape of paying bills with credit cards has changed, so it's worth overhauling our review of Plastiq — a service that allows you to pay nearly any bill with a credit card. While providing opportunities for increased spending is a positive, Plastiq charges fees for doing so. Are those fees worth it? And how does Plastiq work? Here's a look at Plastiq, plus its strengths and weaknesses in terms of credit card rewards.
SkyTeam Expands Domestic Lounge Access: Use Status to Access More Than 70 Domestic Lounges Worldwide by Skye Class and Harrison Pierce October 15, 2025 1 In April 2025, SkyTeam made some significant updates to its lounge access rules. The most notable change is that Elite Plus members can now access select lounges on select domestic itineraries. Here's what to know about SkyTeam lounge access rules.
Points of Interest: New Path to Marriott Elite Status, Southwest Standby Restrictions, Wyndham Vacasa Limits, and More by Tyler Glatt October 4, 2025 0 The past three months have been quite eventful for points and miles news. But amidst big headlines, a number of smaller ones slipped under the radar. So, here’s a roundup of the niche points and miles updates to Marriott, Southwest, Delta, Accor, and more that you may have missed over the past few months.
Air Canada Is Making Positive and Negative Changes to Elite Checked Bag Allowances in 2026 — What to Know by Cameron Laufer October 3, 2025 1 Air Canada is making slight changes to free baggage allowances next year for select Aeroplan elite tiers. Some changes are good...the others not so much. These adjustments will affect members with 25K and 35K status, while those with higher status won’t see any changes. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming so you’re not caught off guard on February 1, 2026
How To Get Free Breakfast at Hilton Hotels by Skye Class and Ben Nickel-D'Andrea September 27, 2025 2 Free breakfasts are among the best perks at hotels, but not all hotels have that option. And elite status can be a good path toward securing complimentary breakfast, but it doesn't apply equally at all hotel brands. Here's how to get a free breakfast on your next stay at Hilton Hotels.
How Chase Pay Over Time Works — And When It’s Worth Using by Tyler Glatt and Ryan Smith September 16, 2025 0 Chase Pay Over Time is a fixed payments option with Chase that can allow you to pay off larger credit card purchases over time. Today, we'll take a look at what this is, how it works, and the pros and cons. That way, you can make the right decision on whether or not to use it on your credit cards.
American Airlines Basic Economy Explained: Restrictions, Fees & What to Expect by Tyler Glatt and Sam Helmy September 7, 2025 42 American Airlines Basic Economy tickets have some restrictions. From no seat selection to limited change flexibility. This guide goes over everything you need to know about these fares. That way, you can decide whether the cost savings are worth it, plus tell you how to circumvent some of the restrictions.
The Complete Guide to United Basic Economy: Rules, Fees, and How to Make It Bearable by Tyler Glatt September 4, 2025 1 For the instances when you just need to book a seat from A to B, United's basic economy option is usually available at a compelling price point. But one thing is for sure: United basic economy is "basic" for a reason. Here's everything you need to know about United Airlines basic economy and how to navigate all the restrictions on this fare.
Fly All Fall and Winter for $299? What to Know About Frontier’s Just-Launched Seasonal GoWild! Pass by Tyler Glatt October 1, 2025 3 The Frontier Airlines GoWild! Pass can be very valuable, but it's not for every traveler. For travelers who don't need checked bags, seats, or other perks — and can be flexible enough to take a trip on a moment's notice — this pass might be for you. But there might be a better way to save on Frontier flights for most travelers.
How Emirates Skywards My Family Works — Including the Major Limitations You Need to Know by Carissa Rawson and Ashley Onadele August 14, 2025 47 Emirates offers family pooling of Skywards miles. With a My Family account, up to eight members can be in a family group and pool their award miles. Contributors can decide whether to pool all or none of their miles at any time.
Delta Selling Unbundled Travel Experiences for Travel Starting in October — Here’s What This Means for You by Harrison Pierce August 13, 2025 0 Delta's new unbundled fare structure (which it's calling "Travel Experiences") is now live for flights departing on or after October 1, 2025. With 11 different options to choose from, it can easily become overwhelming. Here's everything to know about the new fare structure, and how to know which one is best for your next trip.
How To Turn Off Amex Pay Over Time (And Why It’s a Good Idea) by Kennedy Miller and Cameron Laufer July 31, 2025 4 Pay Over Time from American Express gives cardmembers more options and flexibility when it comes to paying off their balance, but it comes with a price. Here's how and why you should turn off this feature to avoid accidental interest charges and to make sure you are eligible for future offers.
Delta Basic Economy: A Complete Guide to Delta’s Lowest Fares by Harrison Pierce July 26, 2025 0 Delta Main Basic is the basic economy product offered by Delta Air Lines. Although it comes with low fares, it also comes with numerous restrictions. When you book a Delta Main Basic ticket, you are the last to board, you won't earn miles, and you can't change or cancel your flight for free.
Who’s Eligible for the Citi Strata Premier® Card Bonus? A Guide to Citi’s Application Rules by Harrison Pierce and Kennedy Miller July 25, 2025 31 Are you eligible for the 60,000-point bonus on the Citi Strata Premier® Card? Like many card issuers, Citi implements a few policies that limit who can earn a lucrative welcome bonus. Here's what you need to know before applying for a ThankYou® Rewards card.
How to Pool Points and Miles Across Major Loyalty Programs — and Which Ones Let You Do It Free by Ajay Jain and Kennedy Miller July 23, 2025 113 There is a ton of information covering techniques to earn and burn points and miles. There's also advice about which cards to add to your wallet, but it's hard to come by reliable information on programs that let you share (or pool) your points and miles with others — and how to do so for free. We've got you covered.
Etihad Updated Its Convoluted Award Cancellation Policy — Here’s How It Works Now by Tyler Glatt July 8, 2025 2 Ever since making changes to its Guest loyalty program in early 2024, Etihad has held the title of having the most punitive award cancellation policy in award travel. The airline arguably still holds that title today, even after a few minor adjustments rolled out recently. Here’s what you need to know about Etihad’s award cancellation policy and how it works.
How to Maximize Bank of America Credit Card Approvals (and Avoid Common Pitfalls) by Ryan Flanigan July 6, 2025 4 Bank of America has a solid portfolio of cash-back and miles-earning credit cards. For those looking to earn significant rewards, there is great value to be had. But, can you just dive right in and quickly open every card the bank offers to get all the welcome bonuses? Unfortunately, the answer is no. So what are the rules for getting Bank of America credit cards? Let us show you.
American Airlines Reverses Same-Day Standby Policy — What It Means for You by Sam Helmy July 3, 2025 0 American Airlines has reversed its restrictive same-day standby policy. Now, same-day standby is available to all flyers regardless of status, cabin class, or even AAdvantage membership. Here's how to add yourself to the standby list.
Citi Product Change Rules Explained: How (and Why) to Downgrade, Upgrade, or Switch Cards by Ian Snyder June 30, 2025 15 Citi used to offer unmatched flexibility in credit card product changes, including the ability to switch between different card families. But recent rule changes have narrowed those options. That doesn’t mean product changes are off the table. Whether you’re looking to downgrade, upgrade, or sidestep an annual fee, we’ll walk you through what’s still possible with Citi and how to make the most of your options.
Delta Expands Basic Economy Restrictions with New Fees and Even Blackout Dates by Tyler Glatt June 27, 2025 0 As if they couldn’t get any more restrictive or expensive to change and cancel, Delta’s Basic Economy tickets just did. The airline quietly added new or increased region-specific change and cancellation fees on its most no-frills tickets. And Delta even introduced blackout dates when you can’t change or cancel certain tickets at all. Here's the latest.
A Complete Guide to American Airlines Award Travel Rules by Tyler Glatt and Carissa Rawson June 15, 2025 68 American Airlines AAdvantage miles can offer huge value if you know how and when to use them. If you learn the rules for booking awards, you’ll spend fewer miles, avoid unnecessary fees, and save valuable time planning your next trip. Here’s everything you need to know about booking award tickets with AAdvantage miles.
Southwest Airlines Checked Bag Fees: What You’ll Pay — and How to Avoid Them by Tyler Glatt May 28, 2025 2 You’ve probably heard the saying "nobody rides for free." That sentiment used to go against everything Southwest stood for when it came to checked bags, but those days are long gone. Here’s what you can expect to pay the next time you check bags with Southwest and how to avoid those fees altogether.
Here’s When You Will and Won’t Pay Resort Fees on Award Stays by Toni Southam and Ben Nickel-D'Andrea May 27, 2025 3 Resort fees are never fun to pay, but they are even more frustrating when they are implemented on your free nights and award stays. Here are all of the hotel brands that waive resort fees on award nights — as well as the ones that don't. This should help you know what to expect during your next hotel stay.
Can You Transfer Miles Between Frequent Flyer Programs? by Sam Helmy October 22, 2025 66 Can you transfer points and miles between frequent flyer programs? Sadly, the answer is "no" in most cases. However, there are a few options for moving points from one program to another. Besides, you may not need to transfer points between programs after all! Here's everything you need to know about transferring points between programs.
A Beginner’s Guide to Building a Credit Card Application Strategy by Erik Paquet and Mark Jackson May 25, 2025 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.
How To Check Your Chase 5/24 Status for Free by Brie Bash and Ryan Smith May 24, 2025 73 Chase's 5/24 rule is one of the strictest — and one of the more (in)famous — credit card application rules. However, Chase doesn't publicize this rule or tell you what your 5/24 status is. Here are the best free methods for checking your 5/24 status.
Spirit Just Increased Its Online Booking Fee — Here’s How You Can Avoid It by JT Genter May 22, 2025 2 Spirit Airlines just increased the fee it charges for booking flights online — a cost that now adds up to $27.99 per segment. Here's why Spirit is making this move — and how you can still avoid the fee (if you're willing to make the effort).
