Award News

Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program is getting a facelift, and if you're like me and take advantage of this program, you'll want to pay attention! They're changing the name, the different status tiers, and the amount of money you need to have with them to qualify for each tier. While the exact details are still a bit fuzzy, BofA is teasing some other changes that could affect the perks you enjoy. Why does this matter? Well, Preferred Rewards can unlock some sweet benefits like boosted credit card rewards and waived fees, which can save you a good chunk of change. So, keeping an eye on these changes ensures you can keep maximizing your BofA relationship for your next adventure! Stay tuned for more details as they emerge; we'll be sure to break it all down for you.

Citi has a ton of credit cards, and knowing when to snag one can be tricky! The good news is, they sometimes roll out seriously awesome welcome offers – like bonus points or cash back just for signing up and meeting a spending requirement. This post is all about figuring out when Citi's throwing a party with extra-good offers. It's crucial because a bigger welcome bonus means faster free travel or more cash in your pocket. Instead of just applying randomly, you can wait for those "best-ever" deals and maximize your rewards. Timing is everything. Basically, keep an eye out for historical trends and comparison points to make sure you are getting the best value for your time and credit score!

Alliant Credit Union is back with another enticing offer for new customers, and this is a deal you don't want to miss! Right now, you can snag up to $200 just for opening a new Alliant Credit Union checking account through Rakuten. The basic offer gets you $150 (or 15,000 Rakuten points) when you open a new account and set up a direct deposit of $500 or more within 30 days. Why should you care? Well, free money is always a win! Alliant Credit Union is known for having pretty solid online banking, and the account itself has no monthly fees as long as you're okay with e-statements. It's a soft pull (meaning it won't affect your credit score), but be aware they do use ChexSystems, so some people might have issues getting approved. There's also a similar offer via Swagbucks, which gives you $75 without the direct deposit requirement – an easier option if you don't want to change where your paycheck goes. However, the Rakuten deal is a better payout if you can swing the direct deposit. Keep an eye on the expiration date (currently showing November 2nd), but these deals have been known to get extended. Just remember to read the fine print! You need to be a new Alliant member, and the direct deposit has to come from your employer or a government agency (no Venmo transfers allowed!). Also, be sure to keep the account open for at least 90 days to avoid a small early closure fee. Happy earning!

Okay, awardtrail blazers, here's a quirky one for you! Atom Tickets is offering a promo for two FREE tickets to "I Can Only Imagine 2." Sounds awesome, right? The catch? This is ONLY for Early Access showings on February 14, 2026. Yes, you read that right, 2026! While "free is free," as the saying goes, this deal is so limited that it's almost comical. You need to use the code IMAGINE2 on Atom Tickets and be willing to wait almost two years to see the movie. Why does this matter to you? Well, probably not much right now! It's more of a fun, head-scratching deal than a seriously useful one. But, hey, mark your calendars for Valentine's Day 2026 – you might just score a free movie date! Keep an eye on AwardTrail for deals you can actually use *this* year!

Hey Award Trailblazers! Wyndham Rewards just got a major boost, especially if you're planning a trip to Oklahoma! They've partnered with the Choctaw Nation to add four *huge* casino resorts to their portfolio. We're talking almost 2,000 rooms across Durant, Hochatown, Pocola, and Grant! One of them, in Durant, will even be a Wyndham Grand, which is their fancy, top-tier brand. Why should you care? Well, if you're a Wyndham Rewards member, this gives you a ton more options for earning and burning points. Think free nights in some pretty swanky casino resorts. Plus, if you’re a points and miles enthusiast who frequents the area, this partnership is definitely worth looking into, since this is a large addition of hotels into the Wyndham ecosystem. Keep an eye out for these properties popping up on Wyndham's booking channels in the coming weeks!