Tag: Low Rates

World of Hyatt is one of TPG’s favorite hotel loyalty programs, and in our November 2024 valuations, we value its points at 1.7 cents apiece.

You can stay at some amazing Hyatt properties with reasonable redemption rates. So, it’s worth saving up now if you have your eye on an aspirational stay. Seriously, redeeming Hyatt points for your next hotel stay can save you thousands of dollars.

Not sure where to start when it comes to earning World of Hyatt points? Keep reading to learn our tips and tricks for racking up a bunch of Hyatt points so you can use them to book your next vacation.

Earn Hyatt points on travel

World of Hyatt rewards its members for each hotel stay across its global portfolio. You can earn points on all Hyatt hotel stays booked directly through Hyatt’s website, which includes Mr & Mrs Smith properties, the Thompson and JdV brands — added as part of the Two Roads Hospitality integration — and a portfolio of more than 100 all-inclusive resorts.

Related: Glamping on points: Under Canvas is now live on World of Hyatt

Hyatt awards 5 points per dollar spent on Hyatt hotel stays and qualifying room charges (room service, bar tabs, spa services, etc.). This number is consistent across the brand’s portfolio, so you’ll earn the same amount of points for a stay at a Hyatt Regency as you would at a Hyatt Centric, if the prices are the same.

Aside from hotels, you’ll earn 10 World of Hyatt points for every eligible dollar spent on Find experiences.

Travelers with World of Hyatt elite status will earn bonus points on all hotel stays. Here’s how many extra points each tier earns:

• Discoverist: 10% bonus
• Explorist: 20% bonus
• Globalist: 30% bonus

So, if you’re a World of Hyatt Globalist member staying at a Grand Hyatt hotel for three nights at $150 per night, you’d earn 2,925 points on your hotel stay.

For example, $150 (per night) times three (for the number of nights stayed) equals $450. Then, $450 times five (for the number of points earned per dollar spent) equals 2,250 points. To calculate your Globalist elite status bonus, you’d multiply 2,250 points by 30%, which equals 675 points. Therefore, you’d earn a total of 2,925 Hyatt points for this three-night stay.

While your points-earning potential may seem smaller compared to other hotel loyalty programs like Hilton Honors and IHG One Rewards, Hyatt has lower award redemption rates.

Award nights at World of Hyatt brands start at just 3,500 points per night on off-peak dates at Category 1 hotels.

Related: How and why to get Hyatt lifetime Globalist status

Earn Hyatt bonus points through promotions

For qualifying stays at select new hotels in the Hyatt portfolio, you can earn 500 extra points per night within the first few months of opening.

The list of eligible properties, including the Thompson Palm Springs, Hyatt House BWI Airport / Baltimore and Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica, can be found here.

For additional Hyatt offers, check out the current World of Hyatt promotions page to find out if you can boost your earning potential. TPG advises registering for the promotions even if you’re not sure you’ll stay at a Hyatt hotel. That way, you’ll be all set to earn bonus points if a last-minute trip arises.

Related: Current Hyatt promotions: Earn bonus points, double elite night credits and more

Earn Hyatt points with meetings

Holding meetings and events at Hyatt hotels can help you earn points and status. You’ll earn 1 point per dollar spent (up to 50,000 points) on eligible expenses like meeting rooms and event spaces. You can also earn World of Hyatt elite status by hosting meetings:

• Discoverist: 3 meetings
• Explorist: 10 meetings
• Globalist: 20 meetings

However, the ability to earn elite status through hosting qualified meetings is being discontinued Dec. 31, 2024. Starting in 2025, individuals may earn elite night credits based on eligible event charges. You will earn 2 tier qualifying night credits for every $5,000 of eligible event charges.

Note that a company account or individual can earn a maximum of 60 elite night credits each calendar year.

Earn Hyatt points through credit cards

The easiest way to boost your Hyatt balance is with the right credit card. Two cobranded Hyatt credit cards from Chase are currently open to new applicants: the World of Hyatt Credit Card and the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card.

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Annual fee: $95

Welcome offer: You can earn up to 60,000 bonus points — 30,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first three months from account opening, plus up to 30,000 additional bonus points by earning 2 points per dollar spent in the first six months from account opening on purchases (up to $15,000 spent).

Category bonuses: Earn 4 points per dollar spent when you use your card on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels; 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, on local transit and commuting, and on fitness club and gym memberships; and 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Perks: You’ll receive one free night every year after your cardmember anniversary, valid at any Category 1-4 property. You can earn a second free night by spending $15,000 on the card in your card membership year. The card also provides automatic Discoverist elite status for as long as your account is open. You’ll enjoy five tier qualifying night credits annually, plus two additional credits for every $5,000 you spend on the card.

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Annual fee: $199

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Category bonuses: You’ll earn 4 points per dollar spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels; 2 points per dollar spent in your top three spending categories each quarter and on fitness club and gym memberships; and 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Perks: You’ll get up to $100 in Hyatt credits each anniversary year (given as a $50 statement credit up to two times each anniversary year when you spend $50 or more at any Hyatt property with your card). You’ll also get automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as you hold your card, as well as the ability to gift Discoverist status to up to five employees. And for every $10,000 you spend in a calendar year, you’ll earn five tier qualifying night credits toward earning higher tiers of Hyatt elite status.

Earn Hyatt points with partners

If you don’t have any upcoming Hyatt stays and aren’t in the market for a new credit card, don’t worry. There are still ways to collect Hyatt points.

Transfer credit card rewards points to World of Hyatt

You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points from cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Best of all, the transfer should process instantly.

TPG values Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each and World of Hyatt points at 1.7 cents each, per our November 2024 valuations. However, transfers are irreversible, so we recommend only transferring points if you have a specific redemption in mind.

Additionally, if you are a Bilt Rewards member, you can instantly transfer Bilt Rewards Points to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.

Related: When and how to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt

Earn on American flights

If you have elite status with the World of Hyatt program, you can earn Hyatt points when you fly on American Airlines. Thanks to the partnership, Hyatt elite members earn 1 Hyatt point per dollar spent on qualifying American Airlines flights.

This earning is in addition to the American Airlines AAdvantage miles you’ll earn. All you need to do is link your Hyatt and AAdvantage accounts through this link. Unfortunately, this reciprocal loyalty-earning privilege will be ending Dec. 31.

Related: New benefits coming for AAdvantage and World of Hyatt elite members — at the expense of reciprocal earning privileges

Rent cars from Avis

Like most hotel chains, renting a car can earn World of Hyatt points. Rent with Avis and use the code “K817700” to get 500 World of Hyatt points per rental.

You can also receive discounts for each qualifying rental at participating Avis locations with the code. Learn more about this here.

Transfer points between family and friends

World of Hyatt members can transfer points between accounts free of charge. However, you can only send or receive points once every 30 days. And unfortunately, you can’t complete this transfer online. You must fill out this form (PDF link) and submit it via email. Both the member transferring the points and the recipient must sign the form before you submit it. Hyatt will complete the transfer once the form is received and reviewed.

Buy Hyatt points

The final method of earning Hyatt points is to purchase them directly. Generally speaking, you should rarely (if ever) purchase points or miles of any kind without a bonus or discount. Luckily, Hyatt runs somewhat frequent promotions for purchasing points. If you have a high-end redemption in mind and need to top off your account, buying Hyatt points is an option.

Bottom line

The World of Hyatt program is a favorite among award travelers. Despite a comparatively small (but growing) global footprint, the World of Hyatt program can offer a luxurious experience and a rewarding value proposition.

If you combine credit card spending with a handful of paid stays, you’ll be well on your way to a free room for your next trip.

Attention, points and miles enthusiasts: Hawaiian Airlines is currently offering up to 100% bonus miles when you purchase HawaiianMiles through Nov. 15. Though we don’t often recommend buying points and miles, it may be worth considering following Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of the carrier. Following the merger, loyalty program members can transfer HawaiianMiles to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

But is purchasing miles really a good investment? Here’s everything you need to know about the sale and how to decide if buying miles is right for you.

Related: Buy bonus points and miles with these promotions

Buy up to 100% HawaiianMiles with this promo and transfer to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

From now through Nov. 15, you can purchase HawaiianMiles with up to a 100% bonus — effectively cutting the cost per mile in half. However, the discount depends on how many miles you buy, and it may vary from one member to another.

Here are the details on the bonus miles deal I found in my personal HawaiianMiles account:

• If you purchase fewer than 3,000 miles, you’ll get the standard price of 2.54 cents per mile (this includes a 1.6% tax recovery fee).
• If you purchase at least 3,000 miles, you’ll get an 80% bonus, reducing the price to 1.41 cents each.
• If you buy 10,000 miles or more, you’ll get an impressive 100% bonus, dropping the price to 1.27 cents apiece.

You must purchase miles in 1,000-mile increments. There’s a limit of 100,000 miles per transaction (before the bonus) but no cap on the total number of miles you can buy per year. Therefore, in theory, you could purchase as many miles as you want in multiple transactions during this sale.

Note that HawaiianMiles transactions may take up to 72 hours to process.

This may not seem like a great deal, considering that HawaiianMiles are worth 1.2 cents each per TPG’s November 2024 valuations. However, thanks to the recent merger between Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, you can now transfer miles between the carriers’ loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio.

Since Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles are valued at 1.4 cents apiece, according to TPG’s November 2024 valuations, buying miles during Hawaiian’s sale and transferring them to Alaska could provide solid savings. Alaska is part of the Oneworld alliance, opening a variety of partner award opportunities, and it still uses an award chart, which can result in some high-value redemptions.

Related: Alaska Airlines overhauls Mileage Plan with milestone perks, new status-earning options and upgrade updates

Is it worth it to buy HawaiianMiles and transfer to Alaska?

This sale definitely makes buying HawaiianMiles a better value proposition than usual. However, we generally recommend buying miles only when you have a specific redemption in mind. Stocking up on miles — even when they’re on sale — isn’t a great strategy because points and miles can be devalued at any time.

This is especially true in the case of Hawaiian and Alaska miles right now. Since the merger, the airlines have announced plans to eventually operate under a single loyalty program. This could mean overhauling the current programs — and potentially doing away with Alaska’s valuable award chart and switching to dynamic pricing. This could cause any miles you have stashed to be devalued suddenly.

However, according to the airlines’ statements, we won’t know more about how the new combined loyalty program will work until mid-2025. That means you have several months to use your Alaska and/or Hawaiian miles. If you’ve been eyeing one of Alaska’s award chart sweet spots, buying HawaiianMiles at a discount and transferring them to Mileage Plan could be a great way to get you closer to that redemption.

For instance, you could book a nonstop economy ticket from New York to London on American Airlines for travel in March 2025 for only 22,500 Alaska miles plus $19 in taxes and fees.

But don’t forget that HawaiianMiles are valuable in their own right. If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway this winter, you can find nonstop award availability from Los Angeles to Honolulu in March for only 40,000 miles and $6 in taxes and fees for a lie-flat first-class seat — and it may be worth buying the miles you need to get there.

Related: Save money: How you can book flights to Hawaii using points and miles

Bottom line

The Alaska Airlines-Hawaiian Airlines merger has created a lot of uncertainty for loyalists of both programs as we head into 2025 — but it’s also created some valuable opportunities. Some TPG staffers even decided to apply for not one but two Hawaiian Airlines credit cards with the hopes of using the welcome bonuses toward Alaska redemptions. Also, keep in mind that you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to HawaiianMiles and Bilt Points to Alaska miles, both at a 1:1 ratio, giving you even more ways to earn miles with these programs.

Singapore Airlines is planning a major cabin facelift for its fleet of long-range Airbus A350 jets, including a new first-class cabin that will someday be offered on the world’s longest airline routes.

On Monday, Singapore announced a $1.1 billion cabin retrofit program for its A350-900 fleet — covering both its long-haul and ultra-long-haul aircraft.

The work includes refreshed coach and premium economy cabins, all-new business class concepts, and — on its farthest-flying jets — new first-class offerings. Together, the work will set “new industry benchmarks for travel on the world’s longest routes,” the carrier said in a statement Monday.

It’ll also up the game for an airline that’s long offered an inflight product that ranks among the world’s best.

Singapore’s A350-900 retrofit plans

As part of the changes, Singapore plans to outfit its seven ultra-long-haul A350-900s with a new first-class cabin, “designed with increasingly discerning travelers in mind.” It’s a clear move to pick up on a strong demand for premium travel experiences that has been reported across the industry.

The carrier released “sneak peak” renderings Monday that  show a sizable footprint for the new seat concept — it’s clearly Singapore’s take on the private suite concept airlines are increasingly deploying for their highest-end seats.

But we’ll have to wait until closer to the product launch to truly get a look at the bells and whistles of the airline’s new first class.

Singapore operates its A350-900ULR on its longest routes, including the current longest flights in the world from Singapore to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). That means you’ll see the new first-class concept, and upgraded cabin, on those flights in the coming years.

Adding a first-class cabin isn’t entirely novel to Singapore. Today, you can book an “F” ticket on flights aboard its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Read more: Redeem your points and miles: How to search flight award availability for the major airlines

Business class refresh

Meanwhile, as part of the retrofits, Singapore will also unveil an all-new business-class product on its long-haul and ultra long-haul A350s. The limited glimpse the carrier offered of the new seats showed sliding privacy doors as part of the suite concept.

Singapore notes these products will mirror the future design on its upcoming Boeing 777-9 jets it has on order — though Boeing’s new 777X family aircraft continues to face lengthy production delays.

“The new First Class and Business Class seat designs will incorporate thoughtful elements that push the boundaries of comfort, luxury, and modernity, allowing our customers to relax or work effortlessly on board,” Singapore CEO Goh Choon Phong said in a statement Monday.

Read more: How does Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer waitlist work for award flights?

Premium economy and coach

It’s not just the high-end cabins getting an upgrade as part of Singapore’s billion-dollar program.

The carrier plans to “refresh” its premium economy and economy cabins, too.

Throughout the aircraft, customers will have access to an updated KrisWorld inflight entertainment system with greater personalization options, the carrier said — and, it’ll offer all-new screens in the first- and business-class sections.

Retrofitted A350-900 long-haul jets will end up with 42 Business Class seats and 24 Premium Economy, on par with today’s cabin configurations.

However, the ultra-long-haul aircraft will boast four first-class suites, 70 business-class seats, and 58 seats in premium economy.  Today’s ULR jets feature 67 business pods, and 94 premium economy seats.

Read more: Singapore KrisFlyer: Ultimate guide to earning, redeeming and elite status

Bottom line

Don’t expect to see these new seats immediately.

Singapore expects its first long-haul A350 will enter service in mid-2026. Its first ultra-long-haul A350 with the upgraded cabin should arrive in service by early 2027, the carrier said. The airline hopes to complete the entire retrofit program by the end of 2030.

Singapore currently operates nonstop flights to the U.S. from its hub at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to four U.S. airports: JFK, Newark, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

You can also catch a Singapore fifth-freedom flight from JFK to Frankfurt; from LAX to Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT); and — until April — from Houston to Manchester, England. The latter service ends April 1, when Singapore will exit the Houston market altogether.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations

If there’s one thing I always forget to do before I cruise, it’s to stop at the ATM. Cruises largely operate on a cashless system, so traveling without cash is not a big deal. You attach a credit card to your onboard account and use your keycard to make purchases on board.

But sometimes you need dollar bills or foreign currency. Fortunately, in those situations, you can find ways to get cash on most cruise ships.

Occasionally, I need a few U.S. dollars to tip a porter, a tour guide or the person who delivers my room service, and I always leave an extra cash tip for my room steward, beyond the auto-gratuities. Plus, in certain destinations abroad, vendors only accept cash in local currency. If you’re hoping to shop when you’re in port, you’ll want to have some cash handy.

The best time to get cash is before you leave home, either from an ATM (if you need U.S. dollars) or from your local bank, which can almost always obtain foreign currency on your behalf at a better rate than you’d find at an airport currency exchange counter. Local ATMs in foreign countries are also a solid option; complete the transaction in local currency instead of U.S. dollars to avoid bad exchange rates.

But, if — like me — you happen to forget or run out of time in your rush to make it to the airport, you can still get cash after boarding your cruise ship.

At an onboard ATM

Many large cruise ships have ATMs on board, and they’re the quickest and easiest way to grab cash while you’re sailing. The biggest drawback is that they often charge exorbitant fees — upward of $10 per transaction. If you must withdraw cash, calculate how much you’ll need for the entire voyage so you only need to make one withdrawal.

At the front desk

If you’re on a ship that doesn’t have an ATM, ask the front desk if they can give you cash and charge the amount to your onboard bill. In most cases, the transaction will post as a credit card purchase rather than a cash advance, so you won’t have to worry about additional charges from your card issuer or bank. Be sure to double-check with guest services if you’re concerned.

This is only an option on certain ships, so don’t count on every cruise ship offering cash at the front desk.

At the casino

Another option for finding cash on a cruise is the onboard casino if your vessel has one. (And, no, I’m not talking about gambling with the intention of winning to obtain money.)

Head to the cashier and ask to preload the money you need onto your keycard, or have it given to you in chips, depending on how your ship handles gaming. Find the least expensive slot machine or table game, play the smallest amount of credits, and when you’re finished, go back to the desk to cash out.

Because you’re likely to lose the amount you play in the slot machine, this is a tactic you should only use in a pinch.

Bottom line

Although cruising is a largely cashless endeavor, you might need paper money in certain circumstances. It’s ideal to take cash out from your bank or a no-fee ATM before you head to your embarkation port, but that’s not always possible. If you need cash for tips or purchases ashore, these options might work for you in a pinch if you don’t mind potential fees and other charges.

Learn more about cruising with these TPG resources:

• Packing for a cruise? These items aren’t allowed on board
• Man overboard: Cruise ship overboards and how they happen
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is the Jones Act, and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What’s a cruise cabin guarantee — and will it save you money?
• What’s the difference between a cruise ship concierge and a butler?

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Depending on how many credit cards you have, the list of benefits you should be using this month might feel overwhelming. Can you remember all of these perks without help? Maybe not.

Rather than trying to keep track of all of them on your own, we’ve compiled a monthly checklist of credit card perks and benefits you might be eligible for. This should take the guesswork out of your benefits, when they expire, and their value.

Here are some important reminders for the month of November.

American Express

There are numerous monthly card perks that you should be using since Amex offers many of its statement credits as monthly amounts — rather than a one-time annual benefit. It’s important to note that these values are “up to” amounts, meaning this is the maximum you will receive in statement credits. If you spend less than this amount, you will be reimbursed only for that lower amount.

Additionally, the Uber credits will disappear from your account if unused by the end of the month.

Overall, these are not benefits you can roll over for later. They are “use it or lose it” type credits.

The Platinum Card from American Express

• Up to $12.95 Walmart+ monthly membership: Pay with The Platinum Card® from American Express, then receive reimbursement in statement credits for one membership fee. Here’s how to enroll (subject to auto-renewal). Plus Up Benefits are not eligible. If you don’t receive the credit automatically, it’s worth requesting any missing credits be applied. The easiest way is via chat (online or through the Amex app; enrollment is required).
• Up to $15 in Uber credits: This can be used for Uber rides or on Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Add your card to your Uber account as a payment method to receive this benefit. Here’s how to use this benefit (enrollment is required).
• Up to $20 digital entertainment credit: This can be used for the Disney Bundle, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment is required in advance to receive the statement credit. Here’s how to use this benefit.

While not a monthly benefit, cardholders also receive two spending credits with Saks Fifth Avenue on the Amex Platinum each year. From Jan. 1 through June 31 each year, you’ll receive up to $50 in statement credits, and you’ll also have a separate up to $50 credit from July 1 to Dec. 31 in the second half of the year. Enrollment is required in advance.

You can use up to $300 in Equinox statement credits annually. These credits apply to paying for Equinox+ or any Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal). Here’s how to use this benefit. Enrollment is required.

These benefits and statement credits can help offset the card’s $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).

Related: 10 things to do when you get the Amex Platinum

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Apply here: The Platinum Card® from American Express

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The Business Platinum Card from American Express

• Up to $10 wireless credits: Pay for an eligible mobile service and receive a statement credit of up to $10. Enrollment is required in advance.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express doesn’t award credits at Saks or with Uber, but cardholders do receive up to $400 in statement credits every year for Dell purchases (the tentative end date of benefit is Dec. 31). This is split into up to $200 in credits from January to June and another up to $200 from July to December. You can use your credits for the second half of the year now. Enrollment is required in advance.

Related: 9 things to do when you get the Amex Business Platinum Card

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Apply here: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

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American Express Gold Card

Use the following benefits to help offset the card’s $325 annual fee (see rates and fees):

• Up to in $10 Uber credits: Like the perk on the Amex Platinum, this applies to Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Add your American Express® Gold Card to your Uber account as a payment method to receive this benefit — and note that it can stack with the monthly credit on the Amex Platinum if you have both cards. Here’s how to use this benefit. Enrollment is required.
• Up to $10 dining credit: Use your card to pay at The Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, Golbelly, Grubhub and Wine.com to receive up to $10 monthly statement credits. Enrollment is required in advance. Here’s how to use this benefit.
• Up to $7 Dunkin’ credit: Cardholders receive up to $7 in monthly statement credits to be used at Dunkin’ locations within the U.S. Enrollment is required.
• Up to $100 annual Resy credits: Cardmembers receive two up to $50 biannual statement credits, one to be used from January to June and another one from July to December. Statement credits can be redeemed by dining at a restaurant (in the U.S.) that accepts Resy reservations and paying with your Amex Gold, as well as on other eligible Resy purchases. A reservation is not required to earn the statement credit. Enrollment is required.

Related: Amex Gold checklist: 4 things to do when you first get the card

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Apply here: American Express® Gold Card

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Delta cobranded cards

• Resy credit: You’ll receive a monthly statement credit of up to $10 for U.S. restaurant purchases on the Resy platform with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card; and up to $20 with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. Enrollment required.
• Ride-hailing credit: You’ll receive an up to $10 monthly statement credit for U.S. ride-hailing services, including Uber, Lyft, Revel, Curb or Alto, if you have the consumer or business version of the Platinum or Reserve card. Enrollment is required.

Related: How to maximize the new statement credits on the Delta Amex cards

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Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

• Up to $200 Hilton Resorts credit per six months: Use your Amex Aspire at participating Hilton Resorts to pay for eligible purchases, such as room charges and incidentals. This benefit is divided into two $200 biannual credits, one for use from January to June and another for use from July to December.
• Up to $50 in flight credits per quarter: Pay for a flight directly with an airline or through AmexTravel.com and receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter. Datapoints tell us you may be able to use this credit for seat upgrades, and award taxes and fees, and to reload your United TravelBank balance.

The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

• Up to $50 Hilton credit per quarter: Receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with a property within the Hilton portfolio, including bookings and incidental charges. Datapoints tell us you may be able to use this credit for dining and gift store purchases at a Hilton property and online Hilton gift card purchases even if you aren’t staying at a property.

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Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

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The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

• Up to $60 Hilton credit per quarter: Receive up to $60 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with a property within the Hilton portfolio, including bookings and incidental charges such as dining and spa services. See our advice for the Surpass credit above.

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Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

• Up to $25 in monthly dining credits: This card offers monthly dining statement credits at restaurants worldwide. You don’t need to enroll for this benefit in advance — swipe your card at an eligible restaurant, and you should receive the statement credit within a few days.

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Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

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Chase

Select Chase credit cards offer perks on a monthly basis, so a new month means you have a fresh batch of credits to use.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

• $5 DoorDash credits: When you add your Chase Sapphire Reserve® card as a payment method to your DoorDash account, Chase will add $5 in credits at the beginning of each month. You can roll over a maximum of three months of credits, so you could now have up to $15 to use if you didn’t use any credits over the past two months. The $5 in-app credit applies to all orders through Jan. 31, 2025; however, beginning Feb. 1, 2025, this will change to $5 off restaurant orders only. Note that these credits are in addition to the card’s free DashPass membership.
• $20 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: With an activated Sapphire Reserve DashPass membership, cardholders receive two promos of up to $10 off each calendar month at checkout on grocery, convenience or other non-restaurant orders on DoorDash.

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

• $10 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: Cardholders with an activated Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card DashPass membership receive one promo of up to $10 off each calendar month at checkout on one grocery, convenience or other non-restaurant order on DoorDash.

Cardholders can also use a $50 hotel credit each year when booking through the Chase travel portal. If you haven’t used yours yet this year, here’s how to use this benefit.

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

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Chase Freedom (not open to new applicants) and Chase Freedom Flex

• Up to 5% cash back: Current categories include McDonald’s, PayPal, pet shops, veterinarian services and select charities. You must activate your categories to enjoy higher earning rates. The quarter ends on Dec. 31 (and you must activate by Dec. 14), so you have until then to register and maximize these earnings.
• $10 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: Cardholders of any Chase Freedom or Slate family cards receive one promo of up to $10 off each quarter at checkout on one grocery, convenience or other non-restaurant order on DoorDash.

Remember: Even though the Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex® cards are technically cash-back products, you can turn these earnings into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points if you also have a premium Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve.

The information for the Chase Freedom card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex®

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Citi

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) card has several benefits, including the following monthly credits:

• $10 in monthly Lyft credit after three rides: Use your card as the payment method in your account and get a $10 Lyft credit after taking three rides in a month.
• Up to $10 back with Grubhub: When you use your card for Grubhub purchases, you’ll receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits.

Citi recently devalued the annual up to $120 Avis-Budget car rental credit on this card. If you applied for the card before July 15, 2024, you can still use this year’s and next year’s credits on both prepaid and postpaid rentals. Those who applied for the card from July 15, 2024, onward must prepay for their reservation to receive the credit.

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Apply here: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

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Citi® Dividend Card (not open to new applicants)

• 5% cash back: You can earn 5% cash back each quarter on rotating categories. Unlike other cards that limit your bonus earnings within the quarter, Citi Dividend cardholders can earn 5% bonus cash back on up to $6,000 of spending across the year (then 1% back thereafter), meaning you could maximize your 5% earnings for the whole year during a quarter where the bonus categories are more advantageous for you. Remember to activate your current categories, which include Citi Travel℠, and are active through Dec. 31.

The information for the Citi Dividend has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Discover

Discover it Cash Back

• 5% cash back: Each quarter, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending on rotating categories, then unlimited 1% cash back. Remember to activate your current categories, including Amazon.com and Target, through Dec. 31. Eligible Amazon.com purchases include those made through the Amazon.com checkout, like digital downloads, Amazon Fresh orders, Amazon Local Deals, Amazon Prime subscriptions, and items sold by third-party merchants through Amazon.com’s marketplace. This also includes purchases in-store at Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh. Purchases made online and in-store with Whole Foods Market are not included in the promotion. Target purchases include those made in-store at Target and Target.com and through the Target app.

The information for the Discover it® has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

• 5% cash back: Each quarter, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined spending on rotating categories, then an unlimited 1% back on other purchases made with your U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. You must choose your categories each quarter and activate them for the bonus to apply. The current quarter runs through Dec. 31, and categories include: cellphone providers, department stores, electronics stores, fast food, furniture stores, ground transportation, gyms/fitness centers, home utilities, movie theaters, select clothing stores, sporting goods stores and TV, internet and streaming services.

The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+® has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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World Elite Mastercards

World Elite Mastercards

Numerous banks issue a World Elite Mastercard. Common products under this umbrella include the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees), the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Chase Freedom Flex. Here’s what cardholders can use each month on these cards:

• $5 in monthly Lyft credit after three rides: Use your card as the payment method in your account and get a $5 Lyft credit after taking three rides in a month. This benefit runs through Sept. 30, 2025.
• Up to $5 off monthly Peacock subscriptions: Use your eligible card to pay for a monthly Peacock streaming subscription and enjoy a $3 statement credit every month for Peacock Premium or a $5 statement credit every month for Peacock Premium Plus (the ad-free version). This benefit runs through March 31, 2025. If you have Instacart+, perhaps through an eligible Chase card, then you get Peacock Premium (with ads) for free.
• $10 off your second Instacart order: Join with your eligible card to enjoy two free months of Instacart+ membership plus $10 off your second order placed each month. This benefit runs through March 31, 2025.

Related: The 9 most valuable World Elite Mastercard benefits

Bottom line

Using the perks and benefits on your credit cards is critical for maximizing their value and justifying the cards’ annual fees. Some credit cards make this easy, offering your benefits as a one-time perk to use each year. Other benefits must be used in monthly increments, and it can be easy to forget about them.

This monthly checklist of credit card perks will help you remember to use them now that it’s the start of a new month.

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.

Hilton may not have as many all-inclusive resorts as its competitors, but the company has consistently been adding new properties to its portfolio for the last few years. Now, Hilton Honors’ 200 million-plus members have a new all-inclusive property to look forward to.

As part of a partnership with Oasis Hotels & Resorts, The Sens Cancun resort will rebrand as The Sens Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry by Hilton, and undergo an extensive remodel across guest rooms and public spaces.

Set to reopen in 2026, the updated resort will also have new food and beverage options across nine bars and restaurants, and a new rooftop bar with views across the sea and Nichupte Lagoon.

“With breathtaking ocean views, a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of culinary experiences, The Sens Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort is sure to deliver elevated stays and will be a welcomed addition to our portfolio,” said Jenna Hackett, senior vice president and global leader of Hilton lifestyle brand management, in a press release.

The Sens Cancun brings Hilton’s total count of all-inclusive properties to 15, a number significantly lower than those of its competitors. Hilton has taken an organic approach to building out its all-inclusive portfolio compared to competitors like Hyatt, which acquired about 100 of the know-what-you-pay-upfront resorts in a deal with Apple Leisure Group. Just this week, Hyatt grew its all-inclusive collection by 30% through a new partnership with Spanish company Bahia Principe.

“Hilton’s All-Inclusive growth strategy is focused on being in the right place at the right time to meet the needs of today’s global travelers,” Nicole Tilzer, vice president of Hilton’s all-inclusive and resort strategy, told TPG. “Since 2019, we’ve grown our global footprint by over 60%, adding resorts in prime destinations worldwide.”

Next year, Hilton will welcome another new all-inclusive resort to the family: Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton in the Dominican Republic. This property will be the first-ever Curio Collection all-inclusive resort, reflecting the trend of major hotel companies merging lifestyle or luxury brands (like Curio Collection) with fresh all-inclusive concepts.

In a similar fashion, Marriott recently opened the first-ever Luxury Collection all-inclusive resort, Sanctuary Cap Cana, also in the Dominican Republic, and has already expanded with the October opening of Almare, another Luxury Collection all-inclusive resort, in Mexico.

Related reading: 

• 17 best all-inclusive resorts in the US
• 21 relaxing adults-only, all-inclusive resorts for a kid-free vacation
• 14 best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.

Good news for Bilt Rewards members: Nov. 1 is another Bilt Rent Day.

As on previous Rent Days, you can snag double points on non-rent purchases, book a Bilt Neighborhood Dining Series experience and play the Rent Free game. Bilt is also offering a British Airways transfer bonus and a targeted offer of a waived transaction fee on rent payments for Alaska cardholders this Rent Day.

Here’s what you need to know about the November Bilt Rent Day promotions.

British Airways transfer bonus

This Rent Day, you can enjoy a targeted transfer bonus between 50% and 100% when you transfer Bilt Points to British Airways Executive Club by Nov. 2 at 2:59 p.m. EDT.

You’ll learn your targeted transfer bonus when you log into your account within the Bilt app or website. You can convert Bilt points to Avios in increments of 1,000 points, although Blue members must transfer at least 2,000 points.

As a reminder, you can use British Airways Avios to book domestic flights operated by American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. So, you don’t need to travel abroad to get good value from British Airways Avios.

 Related: Best ways to redeem British Airways Avios: From flights to Hawaii to island hopping in the Caribbean

Waived transaction fee on rent payments for select Alaska cardholders

Some Bilt members are targeted this Rent Day for an offer to use their Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card to pay their rent and receive a 3% waived transaction fee (for the first $2,500 of rent spend for a maximum of a $75 fee waiver).

If you’re targeted for this offer, you can enjoy a waived transaction fee when using your Alaska card to pay rent by Nov. 2 at 2:59 p.m. EDT. However, any additional rent spend exceeding $2,500 will be subject to a 3% fee.

Related: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card review: Earn hard-to-get miles with a valuable welcome offer

Extra Bilt points on non-rent purchases

As on previous Bilt Rent Days, you’ll earn double points until Nov. 2 at 2:59 a.m. EDT when you use your Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees) to make non-rent purchases. You’ll earn as follows for purchases each Rent Day:

• Dining: 6 points per dollar
• Travel: 4 points per dollar
• Other purchases (excluding rent): 2 points per dollar
• Rent: 1 point per dollar (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year)

You must use the card five times per statement period to earn points (see rewards and benefits). However, you can only earn up to 1,000 bonus points on purchases with your Bilt Mastercard each Rent Day.

Related: 6 reasons I love my Bilt Mastercard as a renter in the most expensive city in the US

Rent Free game

In August 2023, Bilt launched a new way to win free rent for a month (up to $2,500): the Rent Free game show. Bilt has since offered the Rent Free game show each Rent Day, with a new creator or personality playing each month. This month, American icon and businesswoman Martha Stewart is the guest.

You’ll earn points when you pick a top-three answer, when you correctly rank that answer and when the celebrity guest picks the same answer as you. You must visit the Bilt app to play the game by Nov. 1 at 3 p.m. EDT. Then, return to the app after Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. EDT to see your score.

The 10 top-scoring players will win free rent for a month (up to $2,500) and a signed copy of Stewart’s newest book. Meanwhile, the next 600 top-scoring members will earn Bilt points. If you tie with another Bilt member, the tie will be broken based on who played the game first.

Related: Bilt Mastercard review: No-transaction-fee rent payments

Bilt Neighborhood Dining Series

Bilt is continuing its Neighborhood Dining Series on November Rent Day. Each month, Bilt is offering reservations at a selection of Bilt Neighborhood Dining restaurants starting at $50 or 3,500 Bilt points per person. Most reservations are for a tasting menu and a selection of premium cocktails. However, Bilt is also offering reservations for a cocktail pairing experience and a happy hour experience this month.

Reservations for November Rent Day opened within the Bilt app and website Oct. 29. As such, many of the reservations are sold out. But it’s worth checking whether a reservation still remains in your city.

Related: Guide to Bilt Dining: How to earn bonus points and snag exclusive reservations

Rent Day SoulCycle rides

Bilt is continuing its Rent Day SoulCycle rides Nov. 1. These rides are 45 minutes long and offer a full-body indoor cycling workout. Bilt also offers up to $2,500 to one rider participating in a November Rent Day Ride class to cover a month of rent.

Bilt members can reserve their rides through the Bilt app and enjoy complimentary bikes in special Rent Day-themed classes at more than 50 locations on a first-come, first-served basis. Bookings opened Oct. 30, but some bikes may still remain in a Rent Day ride near you. If you book and then need to cancel, you may face a $30 late-cancellation or no-show penalty.

Related: The best credit cards to maximize fitness spending

History of Rent Day promotions

Bilt offers at least one special promotion each Rent Day in addition to its standard Rent Day offerings. For November Rent Day, you can enjoy a 50-100% British Airways transfer bonus and waived transaction fees when you pay rent with your Alaska card. Thanksgiving-inspired cooking classes and 2 points per dollar on groceries (up to 500 bonus points) were also on offer this Rent Day, but these have already concluded or sold out.

Here’s a summary of the promotions we’ve seen on previous Rent Days:

• October 2024: Bilt offered a Hilton Gold status match through Dec. 31, 2024 (with the opportunity to secure Gold or upgrade to Diamond through March 31, 2026), more Virgin Voyages experiences with a second guest free and new targeted Bilt benefits for select cardholders.
• September 2024: Bilt offered a 50% transfer bonus to Avianca LifeMiles; a 20%-100% status-based transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club or Virgin Red; more Virgin Voyages experiences with a second guest free; and a buy one, get one ResortPass offer.
• August 2024: Bilt offered extra onboard benefits and a second guest free on select Virgin Voyages sailings, and access to a special party at Blade Lounge East in New York City.
• July 2024: Bilt launched its new Neighborhood Dining Series and offered a status-based transfer bonus and status match with the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program.
• June 2024: Bilt offered Rent Day Brunch experiences in four cities and let members earn 5 or 10 bonus points per dollar spent at Neighborhood Dining restaurants.
• May 2024: Bilt members could book a family-style dining experience to enjoy with other Bilt members at neighborhood restaurants in eight cities. Plus, Bilt members got 100% of their points back (minimum of 1,000 points and maximum of 50,000 points) toward the Bilt Home Collection when redeeming points for rent between April 25 and May 1.
• April 2024: Bilt members could enjoy fitness experiences at studios across the country; a buy one, get one fitness class deal; and the chance to buy new fitness gear.
• March 2024: Bilt members could book men’s college basketball tournament tickets as Bilt Experiences. Plus, Bilt members voted via a single-elimination bracket for March Rent Day benefits. The ability to earn 1,000 points when linking a new credit card (up to two cards) to the Bilt Cards tab won, while the chance to earn 5 points per dollar spent at grocery stores (valid for up to 2,000 points) when paying with the Bilt Mastercard finished second.
• February 2024: Bilt offered several Valentine’s Day dinner reservations and a status-based transfer bonus to Air Canada Aeroplan.
• January 2024: Bilt brought back some of the program’s top Rent Day promotions, including a $5 Lyft credit for Bilt cardholders, a 50% redemption bonus on Amazon, and status-based transfer bonuses to IHG One Rewards, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
• December 2023: Bilt offered a special tasting experience in New York City for cardholders Dec. 1, more points at Bilt Dining restaurants from Nov. 24 through Dec. 1, and double points on purchases that would normally earn 1 point per dollar from Nov. 23 through Nov. 27.
• November 2023: Bilt offered special Bilt Experiences at select restaurants and a status-based transfer bonus to Emirates Skywards.
• October 2023: Bilt launched Bilt Experiences at three professional football games and offered 5 points per dollar spent on eligible sports tickets (up to 10,000 bonus points).
• September 2023: Bilt expanded its Rent Day Rides to every SoulCycle studio across the U.S., with 10 complimentary bikes per class. For the Sept. 1 Rent Day, Bilt also paid a month of rent (up to $2,500) for one rider in each Rent Day Ride class.
• August 2023: There was a 75% to 150% transfer bonus to Virgin Red based on your Bilt status tier as of Aug. 1.
• July 2023: You could activate a $10 Lyft ride credit if you were a Bilt member without a Bilt Mastercard or a $20 Lyft ride credit if you had a Bilt Mastercard by the end of July 1. Plus, you could get an additional $5 credit if you activated the offer, had Bilt set as your active Lyft loyalty partner and took a Lyft ride July 1.
• June 2023: Everyone won a gift of Bilt points, points to use toward the Bilt Collection, Lyft ride credit, free rent or round-trip award flights when they solved the June 1 Rent Day Challenge puzzle.
• May 2023: There was a 100% transfer bonus to Air France-KLM Flying Blue on May 1.
• April 2023: Bilt members could enroll between March 28 and April 1, 2023, to obtain World of Hyatt Explorist status for 90 days and then keep Explorist status through February 2025 by staying 10 qualifying nights between April 17 and July 16, 2023. Alternatively, members could unlock Globalist status through February 2025 by staying 20 qualifying nights between April 17 and July 16, 2023. Bilt also hosted members-only social events at three Hyatt properties April 1, 2023.
• March 2023: You could get a 50% bonus when you redeemed points toward Amazon purchases March 1, plus 50% off all items in the Bilt Collection on March 1.
• February 2023: You could get a 100% transfer bonus to HawaiianMiles on Feb. 1. Bilt also launched its exclusive five-piece capsule collection with SoulCycle.
• January 2023: Bilt introduced trivia to Rent Day: Bilt offered its members 10 trivia questions worth 50 points each and an additional question worth 100 points if they got all 10 questions correct Jan. 1.
• December 2022: You could get a 100% transfer bonus to IHG One Rewards on Dec. 1 and double points on nonrent spending from 12:01 a.m. PST on Nov. 25 to 11:59 p.m. PST on Dec. 1.
• November 2022: Bilt members could enroll in a complimentary United Airlines Premier status challenge between Oct. 27 and Nov. 1. Bilt Blue tier members could get Premier Silver, while Bilt Silver, Gold and Platinum tier members could get Premier Gold. Premier status was valid for 120 days, but you could extend your status through Jan. 31, 2024, by getting 1,000 Premier qualifying points and 4 Premier qualifying flights for Premier Silver and 2,000 PQPs and 6 PQFs for Premier Gold.
• October 2022: Bilt launched Rent Day with double points on nonrent spending and themed SoulCycle Rent Day rides Oct. 1.

Related: The best time to apply for these popular travel credit cards based on offer history

See Bilt Mastercard rates and fees here.
See Bilt Mastercard rewards and benefits here.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

By this point, you’ve likely at least heard about, if not tried, the expedited airport security program TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck can be one of the most valuable investments you can make as a frequent traveler, thanks to the amount of time it saves and the peace of mind it provides.

Here’s your ultimate guide to TSA PreCheck, including how the program works, how much it costs and whether it’s worth the money.

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a “trusted traveler” program administered by the U.S. government. It allows prescreened, low-risk travelers at the airport to use a PreCheck-designated security line rather than pass through the normal Transportation Security Administration line.

PreCheck users typically pass through security faster than they would otherwise because they do not have to remove their shoes, belts, light jackets, quart-size plastic bag of liquids or electronics from their carry-on luggage.

These travelers are generally screened via walk-through security machines versus full-body scanners.

Currently, travelers can use TSA PreCheck lanes at more than 200 U.S. airports when flying on more than 100 participating domestic and foreign airlines.

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

The program fees vary by provider. Applying through Idemia costs $78, and applying through Telos costs $85. Online renewal costs $70 through either provider.

To pay for application fees, be sure to use one of the roughly 40 cobranded airline, hotel and other credit cards that offer up to $120 in statement credit reimbursement for the fees associated with trusted traveler programs, including TSA PreCheck. Some popular travel rewards cards that cover PreCheck application fees include:

• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard®
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
• United℠ Club Infinite Card
• United℠ Explorer Card
• United Quest℠ Card

A full list of credit cards with this feature is available here.

Additionally, some loyalty programs allow you to use points or miles to cover the membership fees. However, the return per point is usually less than current TPG points valuations, so we would suggest using a credit card to get a statement credit instead.

Does TSA PreCheck save you time at the airport?

TSA PreCheck can save you the time you would otherwise spend waiting in line for security.

Not only can I personally attest to this, but 99% of PreCheck passengers reported waiting less than 10 minutes at airport security checkpoints nationwide as of October 2024, per TSA data.

There may be rare occasions when there is a wait at the PreCheck line, particularly during high travel seasons or at certain airports. However, on average, this should not be the case for most PreCheck users.

Personally, I pass through PreCheck security in three minutes or less at the airports I frequently fly from, including Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington D.C., St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and New York City’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

Is TSA PreCheck worth it?

I could sing the praises of TSA PreCheck all day long but don’t just take my word for it. I’m not alone in my enthusiasm for TSA PreCheck; TPG managing editor Clint Henderson said it saved him “hours of waiting time over the years,” including on a recent trip to Hawaii.

“I absolutely love TSA PreCheck. I traveled to Hawaii with my family members who didn’t have PreCheck. I took my nieces and nephews in the PreCheck lanes while my brother had to wait in the regular line,” he said. “We beat him through security by about 20 minutes, and it was a similar story on the way back.”

That’s because travelers aged 12 and younger may use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with a parent or guardian who has it.

As our staffers have experienced, the benefits of TSA PreCheck are particularly clear when traveling with people who aren’t enrolled in the program.

“A friend and I flew from Houston to Miami and didn’t really think through how busy the airport would be during spring break. I had PreCheck; my friend didn’t,” said TPG senior credit cards editor Matt Moffit. “I got to the gate with about five minutes to spare before boarding ended. My friend was 20 minutes behind me. Luckily, our flight was delayed by 40 minutes, so we both made it, but it was a good lesson in how valuable the perk is.”

If you know you’re going to pass through a particularly busy airport or are just traveling at a busy time of year, such as during the holidays, TSA PreCheck can be a lifesaver.

“Every time I go through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), especially during the holidays, I’m very happy I have TSA PreCheck. I take one look at the normal line — which is often looping back on itself many times — and am happy I don’t have to wait in it,” said TPG senior writer Katie Genter. “It’s not just Atlanta — I have similar experiences in many U.S. airports and am always annoyed when I’m flying an airline that doesn’t participate in PreCheck.”

TPG senior editor Christine Gallipeau is also grateful for TSA PreCheck since she usually waits less than five minutes in line.

“Every time I fly home to Orlando for the holidays, I’m always grateful to have TSA PreCheck. Typically, I wait no more than five minutes, whereas the regular TSA line is often substantially longer,” she said. “In the days before PreCheck, I was a  solo traveler stuck waiting behind all the families so I’m very relieved to be able to get to the gate faster so I can try to grab a hard-to-find seat as I wait to board.”

Beyond the time saved, passing through a PreCheck lane is just easier logistically since you don’t have to remove any of your belongings from your suitcase or your body.

“Is it wrong that I only have PreCheck because I hate taking my shoes off?” joked TPG senior vice president of content Jamie Page. “It’s like my socks know when I have to go through standard screening and start disintegrating as I walk over there. But seriously, PreCheck has saved me from waiting in long lines with cranky kids.”

Bottom line

TSA PreCheck is just one tool that truly makes navigating air travel and airports much easier, quicker and overall more efficient than it would be without it.

If you are considering purchasing TSA PreCheck, remember that membership also includes a five-year membership to Global Entry, so you can reap the benefits of both programs for an extra $42 (as of October 2024). Global Entry provides preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the U.S. from abroad at more than 75 airports.

Related reading:

• 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
• Which airports and airlines use TSA PreCheck?
• TSA PreCheck hits record 20 million members — up 33% since last year
• Amex increases Clear Plus credit to $199 on 6 cards: Still covers full membership for one person
  
• TSA PreCheck adds 2 carriers to program, bringing total to 104 participating airlines
  
• Travelers can now enroll in TSA PreCheck via Clear at 13 US airports
• TSA PreCheck travelers will no longer have to show ID or boarding pass at certain airports

If sailing a luxury yacht from Venice is on your travel wish list, take note.

For the first time ever, Sea Cloud Cruises’ newest and largest vessel, Sea Cloud Spirit, will launch sailings from Venice beginning in the summer of 2025.

While many cruise lines claim itineraries departing from Venice, few cruise ships can actually sail from the city’s historic center. Venice began restricting large ships in 2021 to protect the fragile local environment and temper overtourism. Larger vessels have since been diverted to cruise ports outside of Venice, such as Ravenna, Trieste and Marghera (the latter is a different borough of the larger city of Venice). Only ships under 590 feet long and measuring less than 25,000 tons are permitted to dock within the historic center.

Luckily for luxury lovers, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit falls within those parameters. The ship will berth at San Basilio Terminal, in the city’s historic area, providing cruisers easy access to the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and other Venice landmarks. (Other cruise lines still permitted to sail from San Basilio Terminal include Windstar Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises and SeaDream Yacht Club.)

A full-rigged, three-masted sailing yacht, Sea Cloud Spirit is driven by 28 huge sails unfurled by hand by a team of deckhands. Two diesel-electric engines power the vessel when it’s not sailing. While Sea Cloud Spirit is modeled on classic sailing ships of old, it features all the modern conveniences you would expect on a new cruise vessel — elegant cabins, upscale dining and modern amenities such as a spa and a fitness center with a sea view.

Sea Cloud Spirit will sail four round-trip, nine-night voyages, including an overnight in the City of Canals. These “Enchanting Croatian Coast” itineraries feature ports of call in Sibenik, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar, Vis and Rovinj in Croatia, as well as two days under full sail in the Adriatic Sea.

Related: 8 best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation

The 2025 nine-night sailings depart July 24, Aug. 2, Aug. 11 and Aug. 20. Passengers on the Aug. 2 sailing will enjoy a special cabaret-inspired theme while on board. Called the “Cabaret Cultivated Journey,” the cruise will feature exclusive performances from notable cabaret, concert and recording artist Travis Moser.

Rates for Enchanting Croatian Coast sailings start from $8,545 per person (based on double occupancy). Beyond accommodations, gratuities and all meals, fares include a complimentary stocked in-room minibar (sodas, wines and other alcoholic beverages), free access to the ship’s thermal spa and 1 gigabyte of Starlink Internet (per passenger). Some shore excursions are also included in the fare.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you should definitely avoid
  
• Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
  
• Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
  
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
  
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.

Hotel elite status can greatly enhance your vacation experience. From snagging room upgrades to bonus points and even indulging in a complimentary breakfast, having the right status can save you money and add more perks to your trips.

If you haven’t accumulated enough points to earn (or retain) your elite status this year, here are some last-minute tips to help you secure your benefits for another year.

Related: So, what exactly is elite status in travel — and how can I get it?

How to earn hotel elite status

To earn hotel elite status, you can follow these common methods:

• Elite night credits: You generally receive one credit for each eligible paid night at a participating property in a major hotel loyalty program. Award nights, “points and cash” stays and certain credit cards may also earn you elite night credits.
• Stays: Some programs allow you to qualify based on stays — which can be any number of nights.
• Points earned: You earn points based on your spending at participating hotels. Usually, only “base points” count toward elite status, excluding bonus points from status, promotions and other offers. Some programs also count spending with partner companies.
• Credit card elite status: Many hotel and travel credit cards provide automatic elite status as a benefit.
• Spending on credit card: Certain hotel credit cards allow you to earn elite status or progress toward it based on your annual spending.

Of course, whether it’s worth going out of your way to earn status is a question only you can answer.

Here’s a quick overview of how to close the gap and lock in status with the major hotel programs before the end of the year.

Hilton Honors elite status

Qualification method	Silver	Gold	Diamond
Nights	10	40	60
Stays	4	20	30
Base points	25,000	75,000	120,000

End of the elite year: Dec. 31.

Hilton Honors is one hotel loyalty program that counts award stays toward elite status qualifications. If you have Hilton Honors points or free night certificates, redeeming them for free nights gets you closer to your next elite tier. Hilton also allows you to roll over any extra elite night credits at the end of the year and put them toward your status goals for the following year.

For travelers who want Hilton elite status benefits immediately, getting one of Hilton’s many cobranded credit cards is the quickest path. Even the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates and fees) includes complimentary Silver status, with the ability to earn Gold status through the end of the next calendar year when you spend $20,000 in a calendar year.

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card includes complimentary Gold status, and you’ll be upgraded to Diamond through the end of the next calendar year when you spend $40,000 on the card in a calendar year. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card gives small-business owners the same elite status benefits, complimentary Gold status and the chance to upgrade their status to Diamond through the end of the next calendar year after spending 40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year. For members who don’t want to deal with the high spending hurdle, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card includes automatic Diamond elite status.

The information for the Amex Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Alternatively, you could consider The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express to enjoy automatic Hilton Gold status as long as your card remains open (enrollment required).

Read more: Guide to hotel elite status with the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum

IHG One Rewards elite status

Qualification method	Silver Elite	Gold Elite	Platinum Elite	Diamond Elite
Qualified nights	10	20	40	70
Qualified points	N/A	40,000	60,000	120,000

End of the elite year: Dec. 31.

IHG One Rewards provides several ways to earn elite status, including booking award stays using points or free night certificates and spending with partners like Hertz and Viator. However, points you earn from spending on IHG cobranded cards do not count toward elite status points qualification.

IHG offers three credit cards featuring complimentary elite status, including one with no annual fee. The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card automatically comes with Silver Elite status and an upgrade to Gold Elite when you spend $20,000 in a calendar year. The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card include automatic Platinum Elite status, and you can earn Diamond Elite status by spending $40,000 on either of these cards in a calendar year.

Another option for earning IHG One Rewards elite status is to buy an InterContinental Ambassador membership. For $200 or 40,000 points, you’ll enjoy Ambassador benefits — which include Platinum Elite status — for 12 months from purchase.

Related: I stayed at the InterContinental New York Times Square as a Platinum Ambassador: Here’s what it was like

Marriott Bonvoy elite status

Qualification method	Silver Elite	Gold Elite	Platinum Elite	Titanium Elite	Ambassador Elite
Nights	10	25	50	75	100 plus $23,000 in qualifying spend

End of the elite year: Dec. 31.

Marriott Bonvoy makes earning elite status simple. You must earn elite night credits, either through hotel stays or credit cards, or hold a card that provides elite status. Nights booked with Marriott Bonvoy points and free night certificates also count toward elite status qualification.

Chase and American Express offer various Marriott personal and business credit cards with complimentary elite status. For example, you can enjoy automatic Gold Elite status with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. Meanwhile, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card includes automatic Platinum status. No Marriott card includes complimentary Titanium Elite or Ambassador Elite status.

In addition, some Marriott cobranded cards include 15 elite night credits toward your desired status level each year, and the Bonvoy Brilliant Amex includes 25 elite night credits annually. Moreover, members can stack elite night credits from any business and personal card for a total of 30 or 40 credits, putting higher elite tiers easily within reach. You can also earn one elite night credit for every $5,000 you spend on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card each year.

And finally, as with Hilton status, the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum both include complimentary Marriott Gold Elite status (enrollment required).

Related: Is Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status worth it?

World of Hyatt elite status

Qualification method	Discoverist	Explorist	Globalist
Nights	10	30	60
Base Points	25,000	50,000	100,000

End of the elite year: Dec. 31.

With World of Hyatt, you can achieve elite status based on nights stayed or base points earned at Hyatt properties. Elite night credits also include nights booked with points or free night certificates.

Two Hyatt credit cards are available — one for consumers and one for business owners. Both cards have unique features that can help you earn Hyatt elite status quickly.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card includes entry-level Discoverist elite status. While this status may not offer many standout benefits, you can spend your way to a higher tier. The card provides five qualifying night credits every year, and you’ll earn an additional two credits for every $5,000 you spend on the card.

Business owners also receive Discoverist status with the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card. However, this business card is unique on this list because it allows the cardholder to give the gift of Discoverist status to up to five employees. Additionally, you’ll receive five tier-qualifying night credits for every $10,000 you spend in a calendar year. This rate is 25% higher than what’s offered by the personal version of the Hyatt card.

World of Hyatt used to allow members to earn status by hosting a certain number of meetings or events — three for Discoverist, 10 for Explorist or 20 for Globalist — but this is being discontinued on Dec. 31, 2024. In 2025, event planners will earn night credits toward status at a rate of 2 credits per $5,000 spent on meetings and events (up to $150,000 or 60 credits, enough for Globalist status).

Related: Here’s how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation

Other ways to earn hotel elite status

You can earn hotel elite status — or at least receive similar benefits — in other ways than having a hotel cobranded credit card. Use these strategies if you don’t want to be tied to one hotel’s card:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: As noted previously, this luxury travel card includes complimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. To receive these benefits, you must enroll in this perk to activate your status. You’ll also receive these statuses with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
• American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts: This is an exclusive hotel booking program for Amex cardmembers with a Platinum or Centurion-branded card. It offers elite-level benefits and promotions at premium properties worldwide, including an on-property spending credit, room upgrade and late checkout. Personal Platinum cardmembers can even receive up to $200 in statement credits each year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts stays charged to the card. Enrollment is required.
• The Hotel Collection: This program offers benefits at participating properties on stays of at least two nights, and it’s available to those with an Amex Platinum or American Express® Gold Card.
• Capital One’s Premier Collection and Lifestyle Collection: These two boutique hotel programs are available to select Capital One cardholders and offer benefits like free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and bonus miles.
• The Edit by Chase Travel: Formerly known as Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, The Edit offers elite benefits to select Chase cardholders at over 1,000 highly rated properties (including Four Seasons) worldwide, including daily breakfast for two, a unique benefit worth up to $100, complimentary Wi-Fi, room upgrades and early check-in/late checkout at select properties.
• Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection: When you have a Visa Signature card and book through the Visa Signature website, you’ll receive exclusive perks at participating properties.

Related: Complete guide to current hotel elite status match and challenge offers

Bottom line

Options are available if you haven’t locked in your hotel status this year.

Many popular hotel loyalty programs offer alternative ways to achieve elite status without going on an expensive mattress run. Holding the right credit card can often grant you elite status or allow you to earn additional nights through card spending to reach an even higher tier.

If these options don’t work for you, consider looking into hotel booking programs affiliated with your credit card issuer. These programs offer on-property benefits without requiring loyalty to any specific hotel program.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Card, click here.