Award News

Looking to stretch those Hilton Honors points further? AwardWallet Blog just dropped a list of the top 10 Hilton hotels worldwide where you can snag a budget-friendly stay using your points. This isn't just any list – it highlights properties in the U.S., Europe, and beyond that offer serious value. Why should you care? Because who doesn't want a luxurious stay without emptying their points stash? Whether you're planning a quick domestic trip or dreaming of a European adventure, knowing where your points go the furthest is key. This list gives you a head start on finding those sweet spots where you can enjoy Hilton quality without the premium price tag in points. So, before you book your next Hilton stay, check out the AwardWallet Blog's top 10 list. You might be surprised at the amazing deals you can find and unlock your next dream vacation on a budget!

Tired of flipping between a million apps to keep track of your flights, hotels, and dinner reservations? AwardWallet has a super handy feature called the Timeline that acts like a central hub for all your travel plans. It automatically pulls in your bookings – flights, hotels, rental cars, even restaurant reservations – and displays them in a simple, easy-to-read itinerary. Why is this a game-changer? Because instead of scrambling to find confirmation emails or opening multiple apps, you can access all the details you need with just a click or a tap within AwardWallet. No more travel chaos! This feature is a huge time-saver for award travelers who are constantly juggling multiple bookings. If you are using AwardWallet, make sure you are using this feature to help keep your trips organized.

Equity Bank, especially if you're in KS, MO, AR, OK, or possibly NE (due to their acquisition of Frontier Bank), is offering a sweet $400 bonus for opening a new checking and savings account. To snag this bonus, use code GOLD when opening the accounts in person or online. You'll need to jump through a few hoops: set up at least $1,000 in direct deposits within 45 days of opening the account, and activate/use your new Equity Bank debit card within the same timeframe. Why should you care? Well, $400 is a decent chunk of change for a little bit of effort! Plus, the checking account is a Simply Free Checking, so no monthly fees to worry about. You can even fund the account with up to $2,500 on a credit card, which could be a great way to hit minimum spending requirements on a new card and earn even more rewards. Just make sure you haven't had a consumer checking, savings, or money market account with Frontier Bank or Equity Bank in the past 180 days. Keep in mind this offer is valid until March 31, 2026, and there's a limit of one bonus per household. Once you've met all the requirements, the bonus should hit your account around 45 days later. You'll also get a 1099-INT form for tax purposes. It's worth checking out if you're eligible and looking for an easy way to boost your travel fund!

Hey Awardtrail friends! Want to pad your travel fund with some easy cash? TruStone Financial (available in WI & MN) is offering a sweet bonus of up to $500 when you open a new checking account. The deal is pretty straightforward: you get cashback for setting up direct deposit within 45 days of opening the account. The more you direct deposit, the bigger the bonus, maxing out at $500 for $5,000 in direct deposits. You also need to enroll in e-statements to get the last $50 of the bonus. Here's why this matters to us award travelers: That extra $500 could be a plane ticket, a fancy hotel upgrade, or a stockpile of points! There are no monthly fees to worry about, making this a super low-risk opportunity. Just make sure you don't close the account within six months, or they'll ding you with a $20 early termination fee. This offer is valid until December 31, 2026, so there's still plenty of time to take advantage of it. If you're in Wisconsin or Minnesota and can swing the direct deposit requirement, this is a no-brainer for adding some extra fuel to your travel hacking adventures. Happy travels (and happy banking)!

Trustco Bank is back with a sweet deal for those in FL, MA, NJ, NY, and VT! You can snag a $300 bonus by opening a "Home Town Free Checking" account and a "Rainy Day Fund" account. To qualify, you'll need to set up direct deposits totaling $500 or more (think payroll, Social Security, or pension) into your checking account, and transfer a minimum of $10 per week from your checking to your rainy day account. This offer is valid until April 30, 2025, and keep in mind there's a limit of one bonus per household per year. The bonus will be paid out within 60 days of meeting all the requirements. The checking account is fee-free, as is the savings account with a $200+ balance. Just be aware of the $26 early account termination fee if you close the account within three months – plus, you'd forfeit the bonus. Why should you care? Bank bonuses are essentially free money! This is an easy way to pad your travel fund. Just make sure you read the fine print and meet all the requirements to avoid any hiccups. Also, remember that the bonus is considered income, so you'll need to factor it in when tax season rolls around.