There's a targeted Amex Offer which allows cardholders to receive a $50 statement credit after spending $200+ directly with Delta. Ideally, you'll have this offer on the Amex Platinum so you can earn 5x and possibly have trip delay protection.
Important Offer Terms
There's a Chase Offer for up to 15% back when you spend $50+ on Alaska Airlines by February 15, 2024. This is a targeted offer so only some accounts will have access to it.
Additionally, it seems there are three versions of this offer:
This offer is not eligible for the following purchases: Airport lounge, Alaska miles, gift cards, or inflight.
As always, make sure you review the fine print of offers like these.
View From The Wing: "One of those is changes is redemption price changes for partner awards. American eliminated their ‘saver’ and ‘anytime’ award charts last year for flights on their own aircraft. Basically that means all of their awards for travel solely on American are now dynamically priced (what used to be called web specials). They did publish an award chart showing ‘starting at’ pricing but actual prices don’t seem to be reflected by that chart at all."
Points Wire Note:
The big question is how badly American Airlines devalues its award rates on partner airlines. I have a hard time believing it won't be a rough devaluation, unfortunately. I'd love to be surprised.
Miles Earn And Burn: "Alaska awards are only getting more expensive if the miles are earned from flying/organic credit card spend. But, the inflation in Alaska credit card bonuses since 2020 means most of these routes increased less than 10%. In fact many have become cheaper if you’ve earned your miles from well-timed sign up bonuses."
Points Wire Note:
Devaluations are never fun, but your ability to earn points also plays a role. For now, it seems you can come out ahead if you get an Alaska card (personal or business) when the sign-up bonus is at its peak.
Loyalty Lobby: "The ITA Airways Volare Program appears to have quietly extended their member’s tier status through January 2025, evidenced by new status expiration dates on the online cards visible in the account."
"As I have previously reported, many SkyTeam airlines don’t recognize ITA as a status / partner airline and therefore it’s impossible to benefit from the Elite Plus status that is (un)officially conferred with the Volare Premium/Executive level."
Points Wire Note:
It's been an interesting road for ITA Airways since it was formed out of the former carrier Alitalia. Lufthansa is trying to take a minority stake in the company, but the European Union just announced that it's looking into the deal. Whether ITA Airways gets fully integrated into SkyTeam or the Lufthansa deal moves it to Star Alliance is yet to be determined.
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Bilt started the year off strong with a few mega transfer bonuses for the first Rent Day of the year. Now, they're back with one of their most exciting transfer bonuses to date.
On February 1 (Rent Day), you can transfer Bilt Rewards points to Air Canada Aeroplan and get up to a 75-150% bonus. Your Bilt status on February 1 will determine your transfer bonus.
If you have Blue status (just for being a member), the minimum transfer is 2,000 points.
To take advantage of this transfer bonus, you must transfer points between 12:00am ET on February 1 and 2:59am ET on February 2.
Double Points On Rent Day
Don't forget, you can earn double Bilt points on all purchases (not including rent) on the first of each month. This includes include the Bilt Card's bonus categories.
You can earn up to 10,000 bonus points on Rent Day. You must use your card 5 times per statement period to earn points.
Points Wire Note:
With Bilt expected to add the ability to earn points on mortgage payments in the future, I think it's going to earn a place in more and more wallets.
Staples is running a promo for no-fee $200 Mastercard gift cards. This means the $6.95 activation fee will be waived.
The promo runs January 28 through February 3, 2024. In-store only. Limit 8 per customer per day.
Points Wire Note: If you have a Chase Ink Cash, you can earn 5x at Staples. You can then use the gift cards on purchases that wouldn't otherwise earn bonus points - 5x is better than 1-2x! Keep an eye out for Chase Offers to potentially earn some cash back as well.
Disclosure: I serve on a Bilt advisory board. I may earn a commission if you use the links below.
Bloomberg: "The newly acquired $200 million capital will fuel further expansion of the Bilt Rewards Alliance across multifamily, single-family, and student housing sectors nationwide. A significant portion of the investment will also bolster Bilt's Neighborhood Rewards program, helping local merchants connect and build loyalty with new and existing residents in their community. Additionally, Bilt plans to venture into mortgage payment rewards."
Points Wire Note:
This would be great news for homeowners! I've been bugging them about adding mortgages from day one - while fully understanding why it hasn't happened yet.
Stay Vancouver has extended its promo offering a C$250 Mastercard gift card when you book a 2-night stay at participating hotels. To take advantage of the promo, you must complete your stay by April 5, 2024.
How To Book The Promo
Important Terms
God Save The Points: "When it comes to summer travel, Italy is firmly circled on every map. Thanks, White Lotus for making that a thing for the next forever time."
"Getting out of major cities and into seriously beautiful secondary cities, or picturesque towns not only helps to avoid what crowds do exist, but to gain greater appreciation for true Italian lifestyle and rustic beauty."
Points Wire Note:
With the option to book ITA Airways non-stop between the U.S. and Rome (or Milan), you can fly into Italy and take trains to other cites.
You can book award tickets on ITA Airways with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club or Air France-KLM Flying Blue. Both programs are transfer partners of Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points.
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