Award News

Byline Bank is offering a sweet bonus of up to $450 for opening a new Simple Checking account! However, there's a catch: this deal *might* be targeted to specific people in Illinois and Wisconsin who received a special mailer. The terms mention the mailer a couple of times, so it's unclear if you'll get the bonus if you didn't get one. (YMMV - "Your Mileage May Vary" - is the blogger's way of saying "this might not work for everyone"). If you *are* eligible, you'll need to use the promo code SIMPLE450 when opening the account online or in-branch. The key requirement is making at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits each month for two consecutive months. If you do that, you'll get $225 at the end of each statement cycle for a total of $450. The offer is valid until March 31, 2026. Why should you care? Well, $450 is a pretty good chunk of change for opening a checking account! If you live in IL or WI and received the mailer, it's definitely worth looking into. Even if you didn't get the mailer, it *might* still work, so it could be worth a shot if you're looking for a new bank. Just be aware that there's a $5 monthly fee (easily waived), a small early account termination fee, and that the bonus will be reported to the IRS as income.

Heads up, deal hunters! Staples is running a sweet promotion where you can get 100% back in Staples Rewards on Post-it products, up to a total of $40. The deal is good both in-store and online, but remember, you absolutely must activate the offer *before* you shop to qualify. This offer is valid until January 17, 2026. Why should you care? Well, if you're already planning on buying Post-its or other supplies at Staples, this is basically free money (or, you know, store credit). Think of it as a little bonus for stocking up on office essentials. Staples Rewards can then be used on future purchases, so it's like getting a discount on your next haul. Thanks to Doctor of Credit reader Celia for sharing this money-saving tip!

Chase just dropped a brand-new business credit card: the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business! The initial offer is a whopping 200,000 points after you spend $30,000 in the first six months. But hold on, before you jump in, there's a hefty $795 annual fee. While that bonus is tempting, you need to weigh it against your spending habits and other cards you might have. This offer is ending soon, so you need to act fast! The card earns bonus points on travel booked through Chase, Lyft rides, direct bookings with hotels and airlines, and social media/search engine advertising. Plus, you get a ton of credits and perks, including a $300 annual travel credit, lounge access (Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire Lounges), DashPass membership, monthly DoorDash credits, Google Workspace Credit, monthly Lyft credits, gift card credits, and even credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. It also comes with IHG Platinum Elite status. If you spend $120,000 in a calendar year, you get even *more* goodies like statement credits and elite status with IHG and Southwest. Here's why this matters to you: while that 200,000-point bonus is eye-catching, earning those points requires significant spending. The card lacks some of the appealing bonus categories found on other Chase Ink business cards, like 5x points at office supply stores. So, do the math! Could you earn more points and a bonus with a different card by strategically using bonus categories? The author thinks that, after the first year, it's hard to justify the ongoing annual fee with so many smaller credits that can be difficult to use. Still, it's a bonus worth considering, and might pop up in referral links soon.

CVS is running another promo where you can snag free photo prints! Right now, the offer is for two (or maybe even three!) free 5x7 glossy prints when you use the promo code A3FREE57 at checkout. This deal pops up pretty frequently with different codes, so it's always worth checking if you have some pics you've been meaning to print. Why should you care? Well, who doesn't love free stuff? Especially when it comes to preserving travel memories! Whether it's that stunning sunset from your last beach vacation or a goofy shot with newfound friends in a foreign city, these prints are a tangible way to relive your adventures. Plus, they make great, budget-friendly gifts. The fine print usually limits you to one use of the code, but it's worth a shot if you have multiple CVS accounts or family members willing to participate. If the CVS app is being finicky, try placing your order online. Keep an eye out for future deals too, as CVS seems to roll these out regularly!

Heads up, snack lovers! 7-Eleven's 7NOW delivery app is constantly dropping promo codes that can save you serious cash on your next munchies run. We're talking discounts like $10 off $20, $15 off $30, or even $20 off $30! Why should you care? Well, if you're traveling and find yourself in a hotel room craving a late-night snack (or forgot to pack essentials), this is a lifesaver. Plus, these deals often work on pickup orders too. Just download the 7NOW app, load up your cart with at least the minimum purchase, and enter the promo code at checkout. The codes change frequently, so keep an eye out for the latest deals. Keep checking back for the latest codes (like WILDCARD, GAMEDAY, SLURPEE, etc.) and treat yourself without breaking the bank. It's basically free money towards snacks, drinks, and travel necessities.