Award News

Hold on to your hats, folks, because things could be getting shaken up in the world of credit cards! Former President Trump has publicly called for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates starting in 2026. This is a big deal because it could drastically change the credit card landscape as we know it.

Why should you, a savvy awards traveler, care? Well, credit card companies make a ton of money from interest charges. If that revenue stream gets slashed, they'll need to find other ways to make up the difference. And guess what's often on the chopping block when profits are threatened? That's right – rewards programs! We could see less generous points earning, devalued redemptions, or even higher annual fees.

The American Bankers Association is already pushing back, arguing that such a cap would reduce credit availability and hurt consumers. They suggest card issuers might compensate by cutting rewards or hiking fees elsewhere. While it's unclear if this cap will actually happen, it's definitely something to keep an eye on. It could impact how you maximize your rewards and travel perks in the future!

Hey Award Trailblazers, Capital One's just dropped a little something that might tickle your fancy – a 15% transfer bonus to Avianca LifeMiles! This means that for every Capital One mile you transfer, you'll get 1.15 LifeMiles instead of the usual 1. It's live until February 11, 2026, so you've got plenty of time to ponder.

Now, before you jump for joy and transfer all your miles, here's the deal: 15% isn't the biggest bonus we've ever seen for Avianca. Other card issuers often roll out better deals. But, if you have a specific Avianca redemption in mind (maybe that dream business class flight to South America?), this could be a sweet way to snag it for fewer Capital One points. Otherwise, transferring speculatively (just because there's a bonus) isn't usually the smartest move. Keep an eye out for potentially better offers, but definitely take advantage if you have an immediate use for Lifemiles!

Heads up, awardtrail readers! Minute Key is back with another promo code to snag a free key. These deals pop up now and then, and they're super handy if you need a spare for a house sitter, pet walker, or just to have as a backup (we've all been locked out at some point, right?). The current working code is SEPTF92CAA.

This offer is pretty straightforward: plug in the code at a Minute Key kiosk (usually found in hardware stores or supermarkets), and you'll get one key duplicated for free. Keep in mind that these offers are usually limited to a certain number of keys, so it's best to jump on it sooner rather than later.

Why should you care? Well, free is free! Even if you don't immediately need a key, it's worth grabbing one while the offer lasts. Think of it as a small, practical perk for being a savvy deal hunter.

Heads up, Capital One miles enthusiasts! If you've been hoarding those points for a sweet Emirates flight, listen up! Capital One is following the trend and devaluing their transfer rate to Emirates Skywards. Starting January 13, 2026, at 12:00 AM ET, your 1,000 Capital One miles will only get you 750 Emirates Skywards miles, instead of the current 1,000.

Why should you care? Well, if Emirates is your go-to airline for luxurious travel, this means your Capital One miles won't stretch as far. That dream first-class flight just got a little bit pricier in terms of points. The good news is that Capital One is giving us plenty of notice! You have until early 2026 to transfer your miles at the current, more favorable rate.

This move isn't totally unexpected. Other programs like Chase, American Express, BILT and Citi have already made similar changes to their Emirates transfer rates, some even temporarily eliminating the option altogether. If you have a specific Emirates redemption in mind, now's the time to crunch the numbers and see if transferring your Capital One miles before the change makes sense. Don't let your hard-earned miles lose value!

Heads up, awardtrail readers! That sweet free mobile plan from Helium Mobile? It's getting a tiny bit less sweet starting January 27, 2026. While you'll still get 3GB of data, 300 texts, and 100 minutes of calls for absolutely $0, you'll now have to cover taxes and fees. These fees vary depending on your service address, so check your billing history in the app to see the exact amount you'll be charged. Also, 2GB of your monthly data will be exclusively on the Helium Network, while the remaining 1GB will be on a partner nationwide network.

Why does this matter? Well, free is always good, and while it's still free (minus taxes/fees), it’s a change that you need to be aware of. Plus, there's a new option! Helium has launched a $5/month kids plan that includes unlimited calls and texts in addition to the 3GB of data. If you're already on the free plan and want unlimited talk/text, you can add it for $5/month, too. This could be handy for a backup phone, a travel phone, or even just to snag deals that require a separate number. Just remember you'll need to download the app and submit a photo of your ID to sign up.