Award News

Thinking about adding a Capital One Venture X card to your wallet? Great choice! But did you know there's a *business* version too? The AwardWallet Blog just dropped a head-to-head comparison of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture X Business, and it's a must-read before you apply. Both cards offer similar rewards earning, share the same hefty annual fee, and give you access to the same awesome transfer partners for maximizing your points. So, what’s the difference? The article dives deep into the nuances, helping you figure out which card is better suited for *your* specific spending habits and financial situation. Ultimately, the best card for you will depend on whether you qualify for a business card and your spending profile. This comparison gives you all the facts to make an informed decision, potentially saving you money and maximizing your travel rewards. Don't leave points on the table – check it out!

Hey AwardTrail blazers! Alaska Airlines and Lyft are teaming up to give your wallet a little love. If you connect your Alaska Airlines' Atmos Rewards account to Lyft before January 14, 2026, you'll snag a cool $15 Lyft credit. That's basically a free ride (or a big chunk of one!). But the perks don't stop there. Once linked, you'll also earn double Alaska miles on every Lyft ride, racking up to 6X points depending on your Alaska Airlines elite status. Think of it as getting rewarded twice for something you were already doing. Why does this matter? Well, that $15 credit is free money, plain and simple. And those extra miles can add up fast, bringing you closer to your next award flight. So, if you're an Alaska Airlines flyer and a Lyft user, linking your accounts is a no-brainer. Get on it before January 14, 2026, to snag that free credit!

Hey fellow travelers! Still scrambling for those last-minute holiday gifts? Good news! Amazon's got some sweet deals on travel gadgets right now, and many are matching those Black Friday prices we saw a few weeks back. So, if you're looking to treat yourself (or someone you love) to some new gear before your next adventure, now's the time to browse. Why should you care? Well, nobody wants to pay full price, right? This is a great chance to snag things like noise-canceling headphones (essential for long flights!), portable chargers (never get caught with a dead phone again!), travel organizers, and other cool stuff that can make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, getting a deal feels good! These kinds of sales don't usually last long, especially this close to Christmas, so jump on over to Amazon and see what catches your eye. You might just find the perfect gift (or a little something for yourself) at a price that'll make you smile! Happy shopping, and happy travels!

Okay, awardtrail friends, buckle up! This week's news is a mixed bag. First up, American Express is now requiring Social Security Numbers for authorized users. This is kind of a bummer since it adds a layer of complexity when you're trying to share the perks of your card with family or friends. US Bank is making some negative changes to the Altitude Reserve card. Travel redemptions are going from 1.5 cents per point to just 1 cent. Big ouch! They're adding a "boost" feature to try and make up for it by offering 2% back on select travel, but this isn't likely to make up for the lost value. On the brighter side, Q1 2026 5% rotating categories are out, so you can plan ahead for maximizing your rewards with cards like Chase Freedom/Flex and Discover. Also, there are a bunch of new (and some state-specific) bank bonuses popping up, and Amazon's offering up to 40% off when you use Discover points (even just one!). As always, check the deals quickly, since the best ones don't last!

FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha) has reportedly implemented a new "18-month rule" that could impact your credit card application strategy. Basically, if you've opened an FNBO card recently, you might have to wait a year and a half before being approved for another one. This is a bummer if you were planning to snag multiple FNBO cards in quick succession to maximize rewards or take advantage of different card benefits. The details are still a bit hazy. We don't know if this rule applies to ALL FNBO cards or just specific ones like the Amtrak card. We're also unsure if it's a blanket rule – meaning, if you get any FNBO card, does that block you from getting ANY other FNBO card for 18 months? Why should you care? Well, if you're eyeing an FNBO card (especially the Amtrak one for its perks and rewards), you'll want to factor this new rule into your plans. Waiting 18 months between applications could seriously slow down your rewards-earning potential. Keep an eye out for more confirmed data points and experiences from other cardholders to get a clearer picture of how this is playing out!

Chase might be feeling the heat from the recent Sapphire Reserve changes and its hefty $795 annual fee, especially compared to Amex's Platinum card revamp. Word on the street (and in online forums) is that people are cancelling their cards, and Chase is scrambling to keep them. How? With a targeted retention offer of a sweet $400 statement credit – no spending required! So, what does this mean for you? If you're a Sapphire Reserve cardholder thinking about cancelling, HOLD UP! It's definitely worth calling Chase and asking about a retention offer. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Some folks are reporting getting the offer after an initial rejection. It's like a secret menu item for cardholders. Just remember that Chase has been known to send out 1099 forms for these types of credits, so keep that in mind when doing your taxes. Happy dialing and hopefully, happy saving!

Heads up, YouTube Premium subscribers! Keep an eye on your email, because some lucky members are getting a sweet deal: 40% off the retail price of unlocked Pixel 10 phones! We're talking the standard Pixel 10, the Pro, the Pro XL, and even the Pro Fold. Why should you care? Well, if you're in the market for a new phone, this is a significant discount. For example, the base Pixel 10 could be yours for just $479.40, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold drops to $1,079.40. These prices undercut even yesterday's Amazon deal, making it a seriously tempting offer. If you received this email and aren't planning to use the code, spread the love! Share it in the comments section (but please, no code requests to keep things tidy). Happy shopping!

Heads up, DIY enthusiasts and homeowners! Lowe's is running a quick flash sale where you can snag a 20% bonus on e-gift cards. If you spend $100 or more on an e-gift card between December 22nd and December 24th, 2025, you'll get a bonus e-gift card. The maximum bonus is $40, which you'll get if you purchase a $200 gift card. This is essentially a 17% discount on anything you'd normally buy at Lowe's, making it a great way to save on upcoming home improvement projects, holiday decorations (for next year, of course!), or even just stocking up on essentials. Keep in mind that this is an online-only deal, there's a limit of one per household, and the bonus comes as a separate e-gift card. These e-gift card purchases are processed through Buyatab.com, so you won't get any extra points or cash back from cards that offer bonus rewards for home improvement stores. Why does this matter to award travelers? While it won't directly earn you points or miles, it's a fantastic way to lower your overall travel expenses, freeing up more budget for your next adventure! If you were already planning a trip to Lowe's, it's basically free money. It's a great reminder to always look for these types of discounts and offers, as they can add up and make your travel budget go further.

Target.com is having a sale on prepaid phone cards, knocking 15% off the price! If you regularly use these, now's the time to stock up. Doctor of Credit thinks this is the best discount we've seen from Target, who usually offer 5-10% off. Why should you care? Well, it's simple math. If you're already buying these cards, you're essentially getting a discount on your phone bill. Plus, you can stack savings! The author bought enough cards to last him for months and used his Target REDcard for an extra 5% off, totaling almost 20% in savings! Alternatively, use your Chase Freedom card with PayPal this quarter to earn 5x Ultimate Rewards points. It's all about maximizing those rewards!

Hey Award Trailblazers! Staples.com is running a promo you won't want to miss: discounts on Happy gift cards. You can snag a $100 One4All Holiday eGift card for just $85, which is a solid 15% off. While the smaller $50 Happy Holidays gift card is being offered at 20% off, the 15% discount on the larger card is probably the better play because of the brands you can exchange it for. Why should you care? Well, these Happy gift cards can be exchanged for gift cards to a wide range of popular brands like Southwest, IKEA, Ulta, XBOX, PetSmart, Grubhub, Lyft, and Wayfair. So, you're basically getting a discount on travel, home goods, entertainment, and more! To maximize your rewards, use your Chase Ink Cash or Ink Plus card to pay and earn 5x points. Alternatively, if you're chasing those rotating category bonuses, use your Chase Freedom card through PayPal for another 5x points this month. These extra points can be transferred to travel partners, so make sure you use the best credit card to optimize your return. Happy shopping and happy travels!