Alright award aficionados, buckle up! Today's a whirlwind of deals, devaluations (sort of), and data breaches. The recurring theme? Banks and brands are battling for your loyalty by dangling points, perks, and cashback, but it's crucial to stay vigilant and informed. Let's dive in!

First up, let's talk points, points, and more points! Amex is offering a hefty 30,000 points for opening a business checking account – a solid deal for small business owners. Meanwhile, Bilt Rewards is upping its luxury game with a new hotel booking platform, but access is limited to elite members only. Is it worth chasing status? That depends on how much you value those potential upgrades and free breakfasts. And don't forget about GarudaMiles—they're having a "mystery discount" sale, which might be worth exploring if you're feeling adventurous and have a specific flight in mind.

Chase is also playing the long game, doubling down on "Pay Yourself Back." This extension and expansion of PYB continues the trend of card issuers recognizing that flexibility and cash-back-like redemption options appeal to a broad range of users, especially when travel plans are uncertain. It might not be as glamorous as a lie-flat business class seat, but a discount on groceries or utilities is nothing to sneeze at!

But it's not all sunshine and roses in the world of rewards. News of the Evolve Bank data breach serves as a stark reminder of the risks we take when entrusting our personal information to fintech companies. With apps like Wise and Bilt potentially affected, it's time to check those credit reports and change those passwords. This reinforces the idea of limiting your exposure, where possible, and using virtual card numbers for online transactions.

Finally, we have deals galore! Citi Shop is offering statement credits for online shopping, ShopBack has officially launched in the U.S. with signup bonuses and cashback opportunities, and Topcashback is giving away free VPN subscriptions. These are all fantastic ways to earn "free money" on purchases you were already planning to make. Just remember to compare rates on Cashbackmonitor.com and read the fine print before clicking through!

So, what's the takeaway from today's news? Rewards programs are evolving, with more emphasis on flexibility, cashback options, and targeted perks. But as we chase those points and savings, we need to stay informed, protect our data, and always be ready to pivot when the next devaluation or data breach comes along. Happy travels (and safe shopping) everyone!