Award News

Heads up, Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom cardholders! It's time to activate your cards for Q1 2026 (January 1st to March 31st) to snag 5% cash back on some cool new categories. This is basically free money for purchases you're likely already making, so don't leave it on the table! While the specific categories weren't revealed in the provided article content, activating your card through the Chase website or app is usually a breeze. Keep an eye on your Chase account for the activation link to maximize your rewards. Remember, these bonus categories rotate quarterly, so staying on top of activation ensures you're always earning the most you can. Why does this matter? Well, think about it – an extra 5% back on everyday spending adds up fast! Whether it's gas, groceries, or that online shopping spree you've been planning, this is an easy way to pad your wallet. So, set a reminder, activate that card, and happy spending!

Ever booked a flight or hotel, then kicked yourself when you saw the price drop a week later? Well, you don't have to just accept it! Savvy travelers know that airline and hotel prices are constantly changing, and it pays (literally!) to keep an eye on your existing reservations. This isn't just about finding cheaper options *before* you book; it's about continually checking the price of bookings you've *already* made. Why bother? Because if the price goes down *after* you book, you can often rebook at the lower rate. For flights, this might mean getting a travel credit or even a refund. For hotels, it's usually a simple matter of cancelling and rebooking at the new, lower price. The key is to regularly check your reservations, especially as your travel date approaches. It might seem like a lot of effort, but think of it as free money (or points!). A few minutes of your time could save you a significant chunk of change. So, before you finalize those travel plans, make "reprice check" a regular part of your routine. Your wallet will thank you!

Thinking about a hotel credit card? AwardWallet Blog took a deep dive into the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, and it sounds like a solid option for anyone who stays at Hilton hotels even a few times a year. The review highlights how the card's benefits, like complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status (think free breakfast and potential upgrades!), can easily outweigh the annual fee. Basically, if you find yourself regularly booking Hilton stays, this card could seriously up your travel game. The annual fee might seem daunting, but the perks—like bonus points on Hilton spending and free night awards—are designed to help you recoup that cost quickly. It's worth checking out the full review to see if your travel habits align with the card's strengths.

Alright deal hunters, listen up! Webster Bank is *sometimes* offering a bonus of up to $400 for opening a new checking account. However, this deal is a bit of a rollercoaster. It pops up and disappears more often than my travel budget after a great flight deal! The last listed expiration date was February - April 2021 so this deal is likely no longer available. Here's the lowdown: They *used to* offer $250 for their Value Checking account or $400 for their Value Premier account. To snag the bonus, you *needed* to use a specific promo code and meet certain requirements like setting up a direct deposit or maintaining a hefty minimum balance. The exact terms vary, so it's important to read the fine print carefully *if* this deal is ever offered again. Why does this matter to you? Well, free money is always a good thing! If you live in NY, MA, RI, or CT and are looking for a new bank account, keep an eye out for this offer to resurface. Just remember to factor in any monthly fees and make sure you can meet the requirements to waive them, otherwise, that bonus might not be worth the hassle!

Heads up, bonus hunters! Hanmi Bank is offering a $200 bonus for opening a new personal checking account in CA, IL, NJ, NY, TX, or VA. The best part? No direct deposit is required! You'll snag $100 for maintaining a $3,000 balance for three months, $50 for going paperless with e-statements, and another $50 for spending $250 on your debit card each month for the first three months. You also need to enroll your debit card in uChoose Rewards within 30 days. This is a solid deal because it's a soft pull (won't affect your credit score), and there are no monthly fees to worry about. Just make sure you keep the account open for at least six months, or you'll forfeit the bonus. While a larger bonus used to be available, this is still a relatively easy way to pad your travel fund. The offer's good until the end of 2026, giving you plenty of time to decide!