Points, Points Everywhere: Bonuses, Sales, and Savings Galore!
Hello AwardTrail readers! Buckle up, because today's news is jam-packed with opportunities to earn, buy, and save points across a variety of programs. From limited-time bonuses to ongoing discounts, it's a veritable points-palooza out there. The key takeaway? Diligence and a calculator are your best friends!
Citi Takes Center Stage: Bonuses and Spending Credits
Citi cardholders, listen up! Today, Citi is hogging the spotlight. First, there's the last call to take advantage of the Citi Shop Day promotion, offering 20x rewards at select merchants through the Citi Shop portal. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely – if you were already planning to buy something from a participating retailer. Think of it as bonus points for minimal effort. Second, Citi Strata Elite cardholders need to strategize on how to utilize their $200 "Splurge Credit" before year-end. The limited options require planning. And if you're thinking of getting the Citi Strata Elite, you should run to a local branch (or call!) to see if you can snag that elevated 100,000-point welcome bonus. This extra points will get you closer to an award booking and a vacation.
Hotel Hopping: IHG Discounts and Hilton Points on Sale
On the hotel front, IHG is offering up to 30% off stays in select regions, plus up to 25% off at new properties in Africa, the Middle East, India, and South Asia. If you have travel planned for these regions, now is the time to book! At the same time, Hilton is tempting travelers with a points-purchase promotion, offering up to a 100% bonus on purchased points. Is it a good deal? It depends! Crunch the numbers and compare the cost of buying points versus booking directly. These points bonuses are especially enticing for those looking to stay at luxury properties for less.
Flight Frenzy: United Miles, ANA Sweet Spots, and Air Canada Savings
For those chasing award flights, there are several notable opportunities to consider. United is offering a bonus on purchased miles. Proceed with caution and only buy if you are topping off your account to make an award booking. Also, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can score a 5,000-point discount on Air Canada Aeroplan award bookings by registering for a flight reward certificate. And if you're ready to dive deep, explore the ANA Mileage Club, a potentially lucrative program for scoring international award flights. While ANA's program has its quirks, the sweet spots in their award chart can unlock incredible value.
Don't Forget the Chase Offers!
Finally, a quick reminder to check your Chase Offers! Targeted discounts on hotels, flights, car rentals, and tours could help you save even more on your upcoming travels. Remember, these offers are personalized, so it's a treasure hunt to see what deals await you.
So, what's the overarching theme today? It's all about maximizing value. Whether it's through limited-time bonuses, strategic points purchases, or targeted discounts, there are plenty of opportunities to save money and travel smarter. Just remember to do your homework, crunch the numbers, and act fast when you see a deal you like! Time to put those points to use!