Award News

Hey award trail blazers, here's a sweet deal for those of you who are FoundersCard members! You can snag United Silver status by simply enrolling in a special promo and taking *one* qualifying flight before May 31, 2026. That's right, one flight and boom, you're a Silver member. So, why should you care? Well, United Silver status gets you perks like complimentary Economy Plus seating at check-in (score extra legroom!), priority boarding (no more fighting for overhead bin space!), and a free checked bag. These perks can seriously add up, especially if you fly United even semi-regularly. Getting status usually requires a lot of flying or spending, so this shortcut is pretty awesome if you're already a FoundersCard member. Make sure to enroll in the promotion ASAP so you don't miss out on this easy path to United Silver status.

IHG is back with its annual offer to let select members *buy* their way to elite status, specifically up to Diamond, and keep it all the way through 2026. Basically, you can purchase Elite Qualifying Points (EQPs) to reach the desired tier. This means you could skip a ton of hotel stays and instantly unlock perks like upgrades, bonus points, and free breakfast. Now, should you jump on this? It depends. This offer is targeted, so not everyone will see it. More importantly, do the math! Consider how often you stay at IHG hotels. If you're a frequent guest who values those sweet Diamond benefits, and the cost of buying the points is less than what you'd spend on hotel nights to earn the status organically, then it might be a steal. Think about the value of those potential upgrades and free breakfasts over the next two years. However, if you only stay at IHG hotels once in a blue moon, or if the price of the points seems astronomical, you're probably better off skipping this offer. Remember, elite status is only valuable if you actually use it! So, log in to your IHG account and see if you're targeted, then crunch those numbers before you decide.

Heads up, budget travelers! American Airlines has quietly stopped awarding AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points on basic economy tickets. This means those super-cheap fares no longer help you earn elite status or free flights. If you're all about maximizing rewards, this is a major bummer. Why does this matter? Loyalty Points are how you climb the elite status ladder with American. No Loyalty Points earned means it will be harder to qualify for status if you're flying basic economy. This could impact things like free checked bags, priority boarding, and upgrades. While this isn't great news, it could have been worse. Other airlines have severely restricted basic economy benefits and American didn't go quite that far. If you need the absolute cheapest flight and don't care about perks, basic economy still gets you from A to B. Just remember to factor in the lost mileage when you're comparing flight costs.

Bad news for our friends across the pond! If you're in the UK and collect American Express Membership Rewards points, your Emirates Skywards redemptions are about to take a hit. Starting February 1, 2026, the transfer ratio from Amex to Emirates Skywards is being slashed from 4:3 to a measly 2:1. Ouch! What does this mean in plain English? It simply means you'll need *way* more Amex points to book those dreamy Emirates flights. For example, if a flight previously cost you 40,000 Amex points, it will now cost you 80,000 after the change. That's double the points! So, if you've been eyeing a premium cabin Emirates experience and have a stash of Amex UK points, now's the time to book before the devaluation hits. Why does this matter? Emirates is known for its luxurious cabins and top-notch service, making it a popular choice for using points. This devaluation significantly reduces the value of your Membership Rewards when redeeming for Emirates flights. Plan accordingly and consider transferring to other airline partners if Emirates no longer offers good value.

Hey awardtrail readers! Air Canada is having a flash sale where you can snag Aeroplan points for up to 30% off, bringing the price down to about 1.91 cents per point. So, is this a deal worth jumping on? Well, that depends on your travel goals. Buying points speculatively (just hoping for a good deal later) is generally risky. However, if you have a specific flight in mind, especially a premium cabin booking on a partner airline (like a fancy business class seat), do the math! Sometimes, buying points at this discounted rate can be cheaper than paying cash for the same flight. Look into routes and airlines that offer outsized value when redeeming Aeroplan points. This offer is only valid until January 24th, so you don't have much time to decide. Before you buy, check award availability for your desired flights to ensure the points can actually get you where you want to go. Happy travels!

Heads up, IHG loyalists! IHG is running another "Points & Cash" promotion where you can save 15% on the cash portion of your stay when you book using a combination of points and cash. But here's the real kicker: this is basically a sneaky way to buy IHG points on the cheap – we're talking as low as 0.51 cents per point! Why does this matter to you? Well, if you're planning any IHG stays before the end of the year, this is a fantastic opportunity to stock up on points at a discounted rate. Think of it as a flash sale on points, disguised as a booking discount. You can then use those points for future stays, potentially saving you a ton of money, especially during peak travel times. If you happen to have an IHG credit card, the deal gets even sweeter. The discount might make your point purchase even cheaper. Be sure to check out the details and fine print over at AwardWallet Blog to make sure you maximize this awesome offer before it disappears on December 31st. Happy travels (and cheap points)!

Hey AwardTrail blazers! Want to seriously boost your rewards game? The secret might be in strategically combining Citi credit cards. By picking the right cards, you can earn anywhere from 2x to a whopping 6x points per dollar on your purchases. That's already pretty sweet. But here's where it gets really exciting: Citi's got a bunch of transfer partners (airlines and hotels you can convert your points to). By transferring wisely, you could potentially squeeze up to 12 cents of value out of every dollar you spend. We're talking serious travel hacking potential here! So, if you're looking to supercharge your points earning and unlock amazing travel experiences, it's time to dive into the world of Citi credit card combos. Start researching which cards fit your spending habits and travel goals – your next dream vacation could be closer than you think!

Hey awardtrail readers! This week is packed with changes that could impact your travel plans and points strategies. First up, Turkish Airlines' Miles&Smiles program has quietly devalued domestic Star Alliance awards, especially within the US and Hawaii. If you were planning on using those miles for a cheap flight, double-check the award pricing before you transfer any points! On the domestic front, United Airlines is shaking things up. While elite status requirements are staying put for now, expect some significant changes to the program in the near future, both good and bad. Details are still emerging, so keep an eye on awardtrail for a deeper dive as soon as we have them! Plus, American Airlines is keeping a close eye on the Spirit Airlines bankruptcy proceedings, which could have a ripple effect on the airline industry and future flight availability. Finally, some deals to snag! You can save 30% on Roame with code FM30, score 10% back at IKEA with targeted AmEx and Chase Offers, and get a $15 Amazon gift card for donating blood with the American Red Cross. Fulton Bank has a $500 business checking bonus for those in DE, DC, MD, NJ, PA, & VA. AmEx is offering 10% back on Expedia hotel bookings, and Dollar General has 20% off Uber gift cards. And a heads up: Amex is now requiring SSNs for authorized users. Happy travels and happy deal hunting!

Good news for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders! That revamped card now boasts a sweet $300 annual dining credit ($150 split into two 6-month periods). While it's meant for fancy "Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables" restaurants found in select cities, there are ways to maximize this perk, even if you're not near a participating location. The official terms exclude gift cards, delivery, and takeout. However, there are reports suggesting that buying physical gift cards or paying for takeout *directly at the restaurant* might trigger the credit anyway, as it processes like a regular purchase. Even better, there's growing evidence that online gift cards ordered via restaurants using the "Toast" system are now working! This could significantly expand your options for using the credit. Keep in mind that "Your Mileage May Vary" (YMMV) applies here. Also note that tips, taxes, and service fees *do* count towards the credit. The credit should post to your account within a few days, though Chase says to allow up to 6-8 weeks. So, before you write off that dining credit, explore the possibilities – you might just find a tasty (and cost-effective) way to use it!

Heads up, foodies and savvy spenders! The inKind app, which gives you credit to spend at awesome restaurants, just upped its referral bonus game. Now, when you get a friend to sign up, you'll snag a cool $50 in credit (that's double the previous $25!). Your friend still gets $25 off their first $50 purchase, so it's a win-win. Why should you care? Well, if you're already using inKind to save money on dining out, this is basically free money! Start sharing your referral link with friends and family. Think of it as padding your dining budget for even more culinary adventures. Just remember that they're cracking down on referral spam, so keep it friendly and organic.