Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty program has made a small but potentially valuable change to its redemption pricing: carrier-imposed surcharges on Delta-operated flights commencing in Europe to the United States are no longer payable.
This means that while the miles required may still be high, the cash payment required on these flights is now lower. Dan’s Deals first reported the news.
SkyMiles has in the past used an uneven pricing structure for transatlantic awards flights operated on its own “metal”:
One-way and round-trip flights from the United States to Europe were not subject to surcharges, and
One-way and round-trip flights from Europe to the United States were hit with a carrier-imposed surcharge.
For example, a one-way basic economy redemption from Brussels Airport (BRU) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) when I searched in November 2024 showed a rate of 70,000 miles and a cash payment of 214.87 Euros (about $234), including 77.37 Euros (about $84) of fees and taxes and 137.50 Euros ($150) of carrier-imposed surcharges.
DELTA (November 2024 search)
However, Delta has now removed the carrier-imposed surcharges on one-way and round-trip itineraries commencing in Europe, so the same flight from Brussels to New York now costs 66,000 miles plus 55.67 Euros (about $61) in fees and taxes one-way with no surcharges payable.
DELTA (March 2025 search)
The mileage cost is slightly lower, which is not unusual, noting Delta prices redemptions dynamically, meaning the mileage required fluctuates regularly.
While this change will not impact those booking round-trip award flights to Europe, anyone booking one-way flights, perhaps because of a lack of round-trip availability or because they wanted to mix and match carriers or programs, will benefit from the reduced cash payment on those SkyMiles redemptions commencing in Europe.
SkyMiles is still imposing surcharges on partner-operated flights from Europe to the United States, such as this economy class booking on SkyTeam partner Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to New York, which carries a surcharge of 148 British pounds ($191).
DELTA
What are surcharges, and how can you avoid them?
Surcharges were previously known as fuel surcharges and were a mechanism for airlines to increase the cash payment required when redeeming points and miles when the global fuel price increased. Airlines argued that the price of transporting passengers who booked with points and miles increased as fuel prices did, so the cash payment should be adjusted similarly.
The issue was that when fuel prices fell (such as during the start of the pandemic when global travel and the subsequent demand for fuel reduced significantly), some airlines did not reduce their fuel surcharge prices. This led to some programs changing the fee’s name from “fuel surcharge” to “carrier-imposed surcharge,” as it may not relate to the fuel price.
Surcharges (whether fuel or carrier-imposed) are an unpleasant reality of some airline loyalty programs. British carriers Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are both notorious for imposing significant surcharges on cash and award tickets.
For example, on a British Airways economy class round-trip itinerary from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) this summer, almost a third of the total fare is classified as a carrier-imposed charge.
BRITISH AIRWAYS
The easiest way to avoid surcharges is to redeem points and miles through a program that does not impose them. If you have transferable credit card points, you can choose to send them to a program that does not impose surcharges or at least limits these surcharges to select partner-operated flights.
Some programs, like Delta SkyMiles, charge higher redemption rates through dynamic pricing than others, like British Airways Executive Club, which levies surcharges but generally has lower award-chart rates. So, you’ll need to balance the surcharge savings with potentially parting with more points and miles.
This small but significant improvement to the SkyMiles program means you can redeem miles for flights operated by Delta originating in Europe without needing a carrier-imposed surcharge.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
American Express cardholders now have access to a slew of special offers during American Express Member Week — a five-day even that runs until March 21.
The last time American Express offered a Member Week event was October 2023. We saw a cornucopia of cool experiences and statement credits with travel brands, including Delta Air Lines and Hilton, with savings of almost $400 in some instances.
While the travel deals aren’t quite as compelling this time around, there are some great deals nonetheless.
There are some limited-time shopping deals and benefits for Amex small-business cardmembers as well.
What is American Express Member Week?
Member Week is a showcase for American Express to demonstrate the perks and benefits that members enjoy on its cards. The event debuted in 2021 and continues to evolve in terms of the offers and unique experiences provided to members.
Access to Member Week is reserved for those who hold personal, business and corporate American Express cards.
American Express Member Week sign-up page. AMERICAN EXPRESS
According to the American Express website, this year, in honor of 175 years of American Express, offers will be available from “iconic brands with more than a century of service.”
American Express Member Week details. AMERICAN EXPRESS
Some very compelling Amex Offers
Hilton Conrad Seoul. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
For Member Week 2025, eligible cardmembers can enroll in offers to access more than $290 in statement credits when they make qualifying purchases at select brands like Kiehl’s, Levi’s, Barnes & Noble (online), Brooks Brothers and Shiseido.
There are several good deals on travel, including on Hilton stays and Hertz car rentals.
Here are just a few examples of the plethora of offers now available for Member Week.
You can earn $75 off, for example, for Hilton stays through May 19, 2025, on purchases over $250.
A few of the offers for American Express Member Week. AMERICAN EXPRESS
Or how about an offer for $70 back when you spend $350 at Hertz? You can fill up with gas from Exxon Mobil for a $5 statement credit on $25 spent on fuel.
Amex Offers for Exxon and Hertz. AMERICAN EXPRESS
Business cardmembers can enroll to access more than $500 in statement credits on qualifying purchases at select brands like HP and Lowe’s. We’ve also spotted Brooks Brothers and Macy’s among the more than a dozen options on the Member Week site.
Business cardholders can enroll in their American Express accounts and get a $50 statement credit when they spend $200 or more at Lowe’s stores. Note that you’ll need to enroll by March 21, 2025.
Lowe’s Amex Offer. AMERICAN EXPRESS
Here’s the fine print from Amex: “Earn a one-time $50 statement credit after using your enrolled eligible Business Card to spend a minimum of $200 in one or more qualifying purchases in-store at participating Lowe’s or online at lowes.com by 3/31/2025. Excludes outlets. Offer and availability may vary by cardholder. Just login to your American Express account(s) to see if you are eligible to add this offer to your card(s).”
It is not available for e-gift cards.
Other perks from Amex
Travel offers from Amex. AMERICAN EXPRESS
There are other fun offers right now, too. For Member Week only, eligible cardholders can transfer Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy with a 25% bonus.
Additionally, Amex is toasting to its cardholders during Member Week with a martini promotion from Resy and Amex. From March 17 to 21, cardmembers can get a complimentary off-menu martini at participating restaurants when they add their Amex card to their Resy profile or present their card when checking in. There are some caveats with this one: You have to order food, there’s a limit of one drink per cardmember and only dinner meals are eligible. Plus, it’s only currently valid at the following restaurants (but perhaps this list will be extended):
New York City: Bangkok Supper Club and Portrait Club
Washington, D.C.: Cana
Miami Beach, Florida: Macchialina
Atlanta: Kimball House
Chicago: Meadowlark
The same participating restaurants will also host a one-night, martini-themed Member Week event with special menus, live music and branded swag.
Traditionally, cardholders can also snag tickets for some prime entertainment and sporting events in 2025 through Amex presales during Member Week. In the past, we’ve seen offers that included tickets to events ranging from Coachella to the U.S. Open golf championship.
This year, it’s an evening with Gracie Abrams, “a one-night, one-city, Card Members-only live performance.”
You’ll need to follow @americanexpress on Instagram this week for highlights.
Now could be a good time to consider applying for an American Express card if you don’t already have one.
There’s much to look forward to during American Express Member Week this year. Be sure to keep an eye on the Amex Member Week site to make sure you don’t miss an offer.
Aside from the new fees — which will debut in the coming months — the Dallas-based carrier is reimagining its entire menu of fare categories and perks. That includes ditching its long-standing “Wanna Get Away” tickets in favor of a new “Basic” category. Additionally, travelers on many fares will see reduced flexibility for itinerary changes and same-day standby rights, not to mention a new cap on their ability to use outstanding flight credits.
Here’s what to know about Southwest’s revamped fare types, starting May 28, including what you’ll get, what’s excluded and what’s different from the choices the airline has long offered travelers.
Southwest Airlines ticket types and benefits
The most noticeable change to Southwest’s fare ladder as of May 28 is the end to its standard Wanna Get Away option — a fare so synonymous with the airline that it doubled as the catchphrase of long-running commercials for the carrier.
In its place, Southwest will debut a Basic fare reminiscent of other airlines’ no-frills basic economy offerings.
And the changes don’t stop there.
Fare product benefits (as of May 28)
Business Select
Anytime
Wanna Get Away Plus
Basic (replaces Wanna Get Away)
Notes
Checked bag
Two free
Costs extra
Costs extra
Costs extra
All travelers previously got two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List and credit card holders will get one free bag beginning May 28.
A-List Preferred members will get two free bags.
Rapid Rewards earnings
14 points per dollar
10 points per dollar
6 points per dollar
2 points per dollar
Significant changes, including slashed earnings for the two lowest-level fares and higher earnings rates for Business Select passengers, have already been rolled out in recent weeks.
Flight credit expiration
12 months
12 months
12 months
Six months
Flight credits previously did not expire.
Transferable flight credit
√
√
√
–
No change.
Fully refundable
√
√
–
–
No change.
Free changes, fare difference notwithstanding
√
√
√
–
Wanna Get Away passengers could make itinerary changes without a fee; Basic customers will be barred from changes.
Fee-free cancellations
√
√
√
√
There will be no change here, but there will be new limits on how long Wanna Get Away Plus and Basic passengers have to use flight credits (see “flight credit expiration” above).
Same-day change/standby
√
√
√
–
Wanna Get Away passengers were eligible; Basic customers will not be.
Priority Boarding
A1-15 boarding position
EarlyBird Check-In
Pay extra for Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird
Pay extra for Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird
No change.
Free inflight entertainment
√
√
√
√
No change.
Priority/Express Lane access
√
√
–
–
No change.
Complimentary premium drink inflight
√
–
–
–
No change.
Complimentary inflight Wi-Fi
√
–
–
–
No change.
Sweeping changes
Together, these changes mark a clear effort by Southwest to incentivize customers to buy up to higher-priced tickets — or to carry one of its cobranded credit cards since its cardholders will earn a free checked bag, among other perks.
We should also point out that these fare benefits are likely to continue evolving over the coming months as the carrier prepares to roll out its assigned seating model.
Last week, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said the carrier expects to start selling its assigned (and extra-legroom) seats by the final three months of 2025.
Southwest has already detailed a handful of policy changes that will take effect once assigned seating begins.
A-List Preferred elite status members will be able to select any seat on the aircraft — including extra-legroom seats — for free at booking. A-List members will be allowed to select extra-legroom seats within 48 hours of booking.
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
On the flip side, the carrier last year said travelers flying on its most basic fares wouldn’t be able to select a seat for free under its new model.
Boarding benefits to see changes, too
Additionally, the carrier’s boarding benefits are likely to continue evolving as part of the changes.
In January, executives told TPG that the airline’s future boarding process will resemble its existing one but with tweaks to account for assigned seating; expect the airline to grant early boarding privileges to elite status members and travelers flying on a higher-category fare, for instance.
That would presumably include some sort of replacement for Southwest’s current priority boarding products — EarlyBird and Upgraded Boarding — which are tailored to the current open-seating model.
Plus, Southwest still owes customers a full rundown of its future credit card benefits after the company said it recently reached a revamped deal with Chase for its suite of cards.
Bottom line
With all that said, expect Southwest’s changes to its fares, perks and loyalty program to continue at a rapid pace in the coming months.
And, at this point, we’d be remiss not to caution: Don’t be surprised if the breadcrumbs the carrier has left about its future plans continue to evolve.
After all, just months ago, Southwest said it wouldn’t dare devalue its Rapid Rewards program or add checked bag fees. Both will be a reality by summer.
Fresh off a major revamp to its brand and inflight experience, Korean Air is planning to bring premium economy to its fleet for the first time — and sunset its first-class cabin on about a dozen long-haul jets in the process.
South Korea’s flag carrier is also plotting a major upgrade for its two U.S. lounges.
Monday’s announcement marks the latest in a series of changes at the Seoul-based airline, which recently got the green light for its acquisition of fellow South Korean carrier Asiana Airlines and last week unveiled a new logo, livery and comprehensive update to its onboard service.
Revamped economy cabin on a Korean Air Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. SEONGJOON CHO/BLOOMBERG VIA GETTY IMAGES
Adding premium economy
Later this year, Korean will begin updating nearly a dozen of is Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with its first premium economy accommodations.
As part of the cabin overhauls, Korean’s 777s will lose their first-class cabin in favor of the mid-tier seats.
Once complete, 11 of Korean’s 777s will sport a new three-cabin configuration featuring its Prestige business class, the inaugural premium economy cabin, and coach.
Following an industry trend
A move “in response to growing market demand,” Korean is largely following in the footsteps of other global airlines.
While some airlines, like Lufthansa and Japan Airlines have added new and swanky first-class accommodations, a wider range of carriers have ditched their most spacious seats in favor of slightly less luxurious — but still impressive – business class suites and pods, complemented by premium economy recliners in the middle of the plane.
More broadly, premium economy has become a critical part of many airlines’ long-haul service over the past decade as a way to cater to travelers who don’t want to pay top dollar (or a sizable chunk of miles) for upscale, lie-flat seats, but want added comfort and improved dining.
The Asian market alone recently saw EVA Air, based in Taiwan, announce a total reboot for its premium economy — a cabin it once pioneered in late last century.
Retrofits for 11 Boeing 777s
Back to Korean: Its first retrofitted 777 sporting premium economy is expected to enter service during the second half of 2025, the airline said Monday. Retrofits on 10 additional 777s — the carrier has about three-dozen total — are expected to unfold over the next year and a half, or so, with cabin refits running through 2026.
It’s worth noting, the 777 is just of several widebody aircraft Korean flies, including on routes to and from the U.S. Its long-haul fleet includes the Boeing 747 and 787 Dreamliner, along with the Airbus A330, A350 and A380.
The carrier did not announce any refit plans for its other widebody jets Monday.
A Boeing Co. 787-10 at a hangar in Seoul. SEONGJOON CHO/BLOOMBERG VIA GETTY IMAGES
‘Complete redesign’ for Korean Air lounges
The airline did, however, reveal plans to a lounge refresh.
On top of expanding its outposts at its Incheon International Airport (ICN) home base in Seoul, Korean announced “complete redesigns” for its facilities at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (JFK).
Those clubs will incorporate “city-themed atmospheres,” the carrier said.
Travelers hoping to book flights with Korean Air can use cash, or book a redemption using its Skypass loyalty program — or book a partner award flight through one of its SkyTeam alliance partners like Delta Air Lines, Air France or KLM.
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa provided TPG with a complimentary two-night stay so that we could get an inside look at the hotel and its amenities shortly after its renovation. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the hotel or any external entity.
From direct gondola access to the slopes to fireside dining and apres-ski cocktails, the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa is a self-contained spot in Colorado’s popular Vail Valley that offers pretty much everything one would need for an easygoing ski vacation.
Located conveniently next to Beaver Creek Resort, which is on our list of the best ski resorts in Colorado, the property just unveiled a major renovation that has left it with extra-comfy beds and refreshed, mountain-inspired decor. While the customer service can be laidback at times, most features of the hotel live up to the steep price tag.
Here’s what I experienced during my recent stay at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, which is part of Marriott Bonvoy.
The Westin Riverfront is located in Avon, Colorado, next door to Beaver Creek Resort and a 15-minute drive to the slopes at Vail.
You can fly into Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) and drive about half an hour to the Westin, with ride-hailing services starting around $50 each way. If you fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), the drive will take at least 2 hours and 15 minutes — often significantly longer if you hit traffic (in which case, you may want to spend a night at one of our favorite hotels in Denver).
If you drive to this hotel, be aware that they charge $45 per night for either self or valet parking. This isn’t well advertised on the hotel website, and you’ll need to factor it into your ski trip budget.
Booking details
RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY
The Westin Riverfront has 230 accommodations, which it dubs “residences,” ranging from traditional rooms to three-bedroom condos.
On peak ski weekends, prices start around $900 or 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for rooms and studio suites. If you book with cash, the hotel offers a 20% discount for stays of five or more nights during ski season.
Since you can top up Marriott free night award certificates from cobranded credit cards with up to 15,000 Bonvoy points, you could use an 85,000-point certificate plus 15,000 points to book a night here. But remember that you’ll still have to pay the $45-per-night resort fee on award stays.
If you visit during off-peak dates in the spring and fall (prime time for activities like hiking, biking and rafting in the Vail Valley), rates start around $290 or 61,000 points per night.
I stayed in a one-bedroom suite with a balcony and fireplace, which cost $1,364 or 198,000 points per night on my February weekend dates. That comes out to a value of 0.69 cents per Marriott point — right on par with the averages we’ve been seeing since Marriott’s recent devaluation.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Platinum Elite status and 25 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Silver Elite status; and 5 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful 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.
Very comfortable beds and spa-quality robes in every room.
Amenities include a well-outfitted fitness center, mountain-view hot tubs, live music on-site and a hot cocoa bar in the lobby.
Wide-ranging menus and nice service at the in-house restaurant, plus fun tableside service for some menu items.
Kitchens, connecting rooms and plenty of storage make this hotel a great choice for large groups and extended families. (You can even bring your dog.)
Convenient location for skiing the nearby Beaver Creek and Vail resorts, plus ski-friendly services like an in-house gear rental service and ski valet.
Drawbacks
Prices are high during peak ski season, both in points and cash. Between costs like resort fees and parking (even the in-room safes require an extra fee) and add-ons like dining and spa treatments, costs can add up fast.
If you have dietary restrictions or picky eaters in your group, dining at the hotel isn’t worth the high price.
The location is convenient for skiing but less so for exploring the Beaver Creek and Vail villages. If you want to spend most of your time wandering the towns’ dining and shopping scenes, you’re better off staying elsewhere.
The check-in and parking processes can be chaotic, and the front-desk staff weren’t always informed about things like fees and public transportation.
There are very few accessibility features for visually impaired guests.
The vibe
The Westin Riverfront’s mountain-inspired style embraces what most travelers come here for: snow sports and the great outdoors.
The hotel leans into the beauty of its natural surroundings. Everywhere you turn, floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the Rocky Mountains.
The decor reflects the outdoors through the use of neutral colors, natural materials and artwork featuring mountains and aspen trees. Fireplaces and firepits abound, providing plenty of cozy spaces to take in the views.
The hotel also highlights its sporting roots with photos of Olympic skiers who cut their teeth in the Vail area and decorative snowboards adorning the walls.
The room
Although I only stayed two nights, my one-bedroom suite had everything I would have needed for an extended sojourn: a full kitchen with breakfast bar and dining table, a washer and dryer, a workspace, plentiful storage, a pull-out sofa, a gas fireplace, a balcony with mountains views and even a humidifier in the closet.
Not all room types offer these amenities, but you can get a fireplace and kitchenette in the studio suite (which costs the same as a standard room). With the high cost of dining in ski towns, you could save a lot of money on your vacation by cooking in your accommodations. Plus, many accommodation types offer connecting rooms, excellent for friend groups or extended families.
As part of its recent renovation, the Westin Riverfront revamped each guest room with Next Generation Heavenly Beds — and mine was indeed heavenly. As someone with back problems who often struggles to get comfortable in hotel beds, I never thought I’d say this, but I loved that bed.
If you bring a furry friend (for a fee of $150 per stay), the front desk will provide them with a Heavenly Dog Bed, too.
The hotel’s renovation also included modern furniture and new Western-inspired artwork, which felt aligned with the views of the Vail Valley outside my window.
The spacious, recently remodeled bathroom included plenty of light and storage as well as Lather bath products. I availed myself of the luxurious bathrobes for nightly trips to the resort’s hot tubs.
Snow sports
As mentioned before, the Westin Riverfront is adjacent to Beaver Creek, a high-end, family-friendly ski resort near Vail.
RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY
Although the Westin Riverfront isn’t technically a ski-in, ski-out hotel, it provides a free gondola called the Riverfront Express, which takes you to a chairlift at the base of Beaver Creek’s Bachelor Gulch area in just a couple of minutes. From there, you can ski and take lifts to any other runs or dining venues in Beaver Creek.
If you’d rather start your ski day in Beaver Creek village or explore neighboring Vail, the hotel offers a free shuttle to both Beaver Creek and Vail villages. The Beaver Creek shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak ski hours; the Vail shuttle runs every three hours or so.
To make it as convenient as possible, there’s a ski valet (free for hotel guests) and ski rental shop inside the hotel. There’s also another gear rental shop and lift ticket office at the other end of the Riverfront Express gondola.
If your vacation plans will take you beyond the ski slopes, you can borrow snowshoes, sleds and other equipment (including gear for summer activities like fly-fishing) right from the hotel.
Beaver Creek offers a good variety of terrain for all skill levels. You could stay in the McCoy Park area if you’re a newbie looking for greens, hang out on the Arrowhead side for intermediate blue terrain or head to the central area for black diamonds. There are also plenty of nice glade runs through evergreen and aspen trees for more experienced skiers.
Both Beaver Creek and Vail are on the Epic Pass. If you’re not an Epic passholder, a lift ticket will set you back $295 per day for adults, $285 for seniors age 65-plus or $204 for children between 5 and 12. Lift tickets include access to both Beaver Creek and Vail.
When you’re done shredding for the day, the Westin Riverfront has good offerings for relaxing and refueling.
Cozy touches like cookies, a hot cocoa bar and live music every afternoon (only during ski season) made the hotel lobby a fun place to relax for apres-ski. Plus, you can warm up at the balcony firepits overlooking the mountains or in the heated saltwater pool and three infinity hot tubs.
On the hotel’s lower level, you’ll find a spacious fitness center with additional rooms for classes like aerial yoga and cardio kickboxing ($20 per class for hotel guests).
The hotel’s Spa Anjali offers a full menu of massage, nail and facial treatments, plus a boutique with spa products and souvenirs.
There’s also 24-hour room service and a grocery shopping service. And the Riverfront Market, open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., peddles everything from toiletries and to-go meals to s’mores kits and board games.
Although the dining staff we interacted with were always on their game, the front desk staff were a little less helpful. The check-in process was confusing since the staff didn’t communicate how parking and luggage transport worked. When we stopped by the front desk later in our stay to inquire about shuttles and transportation, the lobby staff weren’t able to answer our questions, which may have just been due to post-renovation growing pains.
Food and drink
The Westin houses a few dining venues, including the lobby bar and lounge and a Starbucks. But the flagship is in-house restaurant Stoke & Rye, helmed by award-winning chef Richard Sandoval, who has appeared on “Top Chef Masters” and “Beat Bobby Flay.”
Stoke & Rye offers elevated American fare and — as you may have guessed from the name — a large whiskey selection. My husband’s entree, the cacio e pepe pasta with chicken ($45), came with a fun tableside service involving an enormous cheese wheel.
There are limited vegan options on the menu, but the kitchen was happy to prepare an off-menu couscous and vegetable dish for me ($30). I also sampled the butternut squash soup ($16), the broccolini with citrus sweet potato puree ($15), romanesco cauliflower ($16) and a flight of homemade fruit sorbets ($15).
For breakfast, Stoke & Rye typically offers both a buffet option ($25) and an a la carte menu. However, on the Sunday morning we visited, the restaurant was hosting a special jazz brunch ($45 adult, $28 child). The buffet had more options than normal, with all the usual suspects plus a seafood spread, omelet bar and live music with Vail Valley musician Kathy Morrow.
Next door, the hotel operates the aptly named Lookout Bar, a hip spot for cocktails and light bites with stupendous views. We tried the Goshawk and Lamplighter drinks ($24 each), which were delicious — and watching the cinnamon on my drink get smoked with a blowtorch was a fun touch. We also tried the spiced almonds ($10).
Overall, we agreed the Westin’s food was mostly very good, the service was exceptional and the atmosphere was lovely, though the menus were pricy. Foodies with the budget for it will likely indulge, but if you have dietary restrictions or picky kids in your party, you may prefer to eat elsewhere.
The surrounding town of Avon has plenty of dining and shopping options, but it’s less charming — and less walkable — than the nearby Beaver Creek ski village, which also offers other activities, like shows and concerts at the Vilar Performing Arts Center and an outdoor ice rink. Fifteen minutes down the highway, Vail village has even more to do.
Free public buses and hotel shuttles make it easy to reach the Vail and Beaver Creek villages from the Westin, though these options run less frequently after ski hours. Be sure to grab a transportation brochure from the front desk and check the schedule before planning your evening activities — otherwise, you may find yourself stuck and in need of a ride-hailing service. You could also opt to drive yourself; just be prepared to pay for parking.
When I searched hotel availability and opened the Room Details section for each room type, most stated, “This room type does not offer mobility accessible rooms,” or “This room type does not offer hearing accessible rooms.” However, when I contacted the hotel, I was told they offer the following accessibility features at the property:
Accessible on-site parking
Elevators
Self-operating lift or sloped entry in swimming pools
Service animals are welcome
Accessible vanities
Roll-in showers and adjustable-height shower wands
Bathtub seats and grab bars
Wheelchair-height toilet seats
Lowered handles, deadbolts, viewports and night guards on doors
Lowered electrical outlets
Hearing-accessible rooms and/or kits
Closed-captioned TV
It seems the hotel can accommodate guests with wheelchairs or hearing impairments, but be sure to call before you book to confirm. Also, I didn’t notice any Braille signs around the building, so the hotel may be less prepared for visually impaired guests.
Checking out
RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY
With its cozy accommodations, array of amenities and easy access to the slopes, the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa is a great option for a ski trip, especially if you’re traveling with a large group and have the budget for this property. Although there are some kinks that need to be ironed out with the front desk service, I would happily stay here again.
Of course, rates aren’t cheap during ski season, especially when you tack on parking fees and steep menu prices. However, the Westin is more affordable than you might think when compared to ski-out properties like the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch and Park Hyatt Beaver Creek — and getting to the slopes is only slightly less convenient.
Plus, you can save big by forgoing the Westin’s high-end dining scene in favor of in-room kitchens and kitchenettes, and by using public transportation and ride-hailing services to avoid hefty parking fees.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
If your travel plans include relaxing on European beaches this summer, be sure to pack appropriate cover-ups.
Despite the European Travel Commission’s report of decreased travel demand to Europe this year, some local governments are implementing stricter regulations to address public indecency and drunkenness among tourists.
In 2024, a video of eight British men dancing naked in broad daylight in a bar in Albufeira, Portugal, went viral. The city’s mayor reacted with a new plan to introduce fines of up to 1,500 euros ($1,633) for going shirtless or wearing a bikini beyond the beach,according to the BBC.
Similar rules are in place in several other European beach destinations.Time Out reported that in Malaga, a city on Spain’s Costa del Sol, the local council recently updated existing rules. Visitors who go shirtless on streets and in public spaces can now be fined up to 750 euros ($816). Meanwhile, Barcelona and Mallorca can levy fines for those wearing swimsuits when not on the beach.
Sorrento, the gateway to Italy’sAmalfi Coast, made headlines in 2022 for banning swimsuits with fines of up to 500 euros ($544). According toThe Local, the island of Lipari (in the Aeolian archipelago off the coast of Sicily) and Tropea (in Calabria) put similar bans on the books in 2013 and 2019, respectively.
Per Monaco Life, it’s forbidden to walk around city streets in a swimsuit in several towns on the French Riviera, including Nice, Menton, Cannes, St. Tropez and St. Raphael.
Oura beach in Albufeira, Portugal. PEDRO FIUZA/NURPHOTO VIA GETTY IMAGES
Respecting local customs
A 500 euro ($543.80) fine may be extreme, but tourists should respect local customs while traveling — even in places without fines.
Though customs around dress and decorum are loosening in much of the Mediterranean, locals generally dress for the occasion. That means business casual attire at work, swimsuits at the beach and athletic clothes at the gym.
It’s rare to see locals in countries like Italy, Spain, France and Greece walking around city streets in athleisure wear or wearing swimsuits without some kind of cover-up. They certainly wouldn’t walk into a church without covering their shoulders.
Additionally, though upscale restaurants rarely enforce the elegant dress codes that were more common in the past, patrons are generally expected to dress well when dining at them.
Men may not need a jacket and tie, but they should avoid wearing shorts and flip-flops. Women don’t necessarily need to wear a dress and heels, but they should also leave the flip-flops and shorts at home. When in doubt, look around and see what the locals are wearing.
“Spain is very similar to Italy,” Lori Zaino, a Madrid-based freelance writer, said. She explained that while the culture has slightly changed over the past few years, you won’t see “gym clothes outside the gym, and the Spanish would never walk around in swimsuits or men, topless in the streets. If you see a flip-flop in Madrid, that’s an immediate sign of a tourist!”
“Fashion and image are important in places like Italy and Spain, and I think it seems disrespectful, culturally, to see people not following the unofficial (though now, in some cities, official!) dress codes,” Zaino added.
“I do think there is that sense of respect,” said Athens-based Andria Mitsakos, president and CEO of the namesake public relations agency and founder ofAnthologist, an interior product line. She explained that when she goes to the beach in Greece, she always brings something to change into for lunch.
Walk around the Italian beach town of Sorrento in a swimsuit and face up to a 500 euro fine. NEIRFY/GETTY IMAGES
What to know before you go
So, if you’re planning to visit a European beach this summer, there are some things you should know.
You can seek out the free beaches and set up your towels and umbrella on the sand. Or, you can go to one of the many beach clubs (known in Greece as organized beaches and in Italy as “lido” or “stabilimenti balneari”).
Beach clubs generally charge a flat rate for the day (sometimes offering a discount if you come in the afternoon) or seasonal rates. You can specify if you want a sun bed, lounge chair or an umbrella, and the staff will assign you a spot.
Once you reach your spot, it’s safe to lay out your towel and disrobe. Some beach clubs — especially in Italy — have showers, changing rooms and public bathrooms where you can change into your swimsuit in a pinch. Don’t expect to find any facilities at the free beaches, though.
“You wear your swimsuit to the beach with a coverup or clothes on top, then strip down upon arrival,” Zaino said, explaining that there aren’t many changing facilities on the beaches in Spain.
“It’s sort of ironic that going topless on the beach for women is completely socially acceptable, but once you step foot off the sands, everyone is fully covered once again, and even men won’t walk around shirtless,” she added.
If you’re headed to especially popular beaches, it’s wise to call and book a spot at your preferred beach club in advance.
You should also book in advance to eat at the beach club’s restaurant. Some clubs are particularly renowned for their food, but even very basic ones usually serve simple sandwiches, espresso and ice cream.
In Italy, making or buying food and drinks elsewhere and bringing them to the beach is generally acceptable (and quite common). However, asThe New York Times reported last year, many beach clubs have banned patrons from bringing their own food. In Greece, locals are more likely to bring iced coffee or a snack to the beach and then go out to lunch in the late afternoon, between 4 and 5 p.m.
“For me, the perfect Greek summer day is lunching until the moon rises. Every lunch turns into aperitivo, which turns into dinner,” Mitsakos said. “A Greek summer day should organically flow from one moment to the next.”
Just bring a beach bag with a change of clothes to prepare for whatever the day might bring.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
If you haven’t evaluated your credit card portfolio lately, now is a great time to do so. Credit card sign-up bonuses and welcome offers are the quickest and easiest way to rake in lots of points and miles, so we regularly update the roundup of our favorite current offers in our best credit cards guide.
But to help you keep up with an ever-changing list of bonuses, we’ve also compiled a list of the best card offers currently available — especially the ones that are worth an extra look right now because they are at all-time highs or may end soon.
Since many issuers have restrictions on how often you can earn a bonus on a card, it’s important to time your application for when there’s a good offer. Also, higher bonuses don’t always stick around for long, so if you’re considering one of these offers, you’ll want to hop on it sooner rather than later.
Earn $2,000 cash back after spending $30,000 in the first three months. Plus, earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500,000 spent during the first year.
$2,000 (with the ability to earn even more cash back depending on your spending)
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening, plus a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in the first year.
Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership, though you may be able to get a higher bonus through the CardMatch tool (terms apply; offer subject to change).
Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. This offer ends on May 14.
Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases on your card within the first six months of card membership. This offer ends on May 14.
Earn 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Earn 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Earn three free night awards after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Each night is valued up to 50,000 points; certain hotels may have resort fees.
Earn a welcome bonus of up to 60,000 bonus points: 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus up to an additional 30,000 bonus points by earning 2 bonus points total per $1 spent in the first six months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card within your first six months of card membership. This offer ends on April 29.
$780 (However, depending on how you utilize the free night, you can easily get a value of $1,000+ if the hotel costs more than $220 a night)
Earn a Companion Pass plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months from account opening. This offer ends March 31.
$405 (However, depending on how you utilize the companion pass, you can easily get a value of $1,000+)
$69
$99
$149
*Welcome offer value is determined using TPG’s March 2025 valuations and is not provided by nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
American Express Business Platinum Card
This business card stands out not only for its extremely valuable welcome offer but also for travel perks that can easily cover the card’s $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Cardholders also enjoy 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on American Express Travel, 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases in select business categories, and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
The Capital One Venture X Business is the business version of the popular Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Like its personal counterpart, it offers luxury travel perks at a reasonable annual fee and has a simple earning structure of at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.
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This card is an excellent choice for small-business owners who prioritize simplicity. It offers benefits like airport lounge access and a valuable travel credit for a relatively affordable annual fee.
Apply here: Capital One Venture X Business with 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
American Express Business Gold
The Amex Business Gold is a fantastic card for business owners looking to maximize earnings from a single card.
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It has 4-point-per-dollar earning categories that automatically reflect your highest spending areas each billing cycle (on the top two eligible spending categories each month; capped at $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card with 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
This business card stands out for its simplicity, earning unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases and a best-ever welcome bonus.
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Additionally, the $150 annual fee is refunded if you spend $150,000 or more per calendar year (see rates and fees).
This card is worth consideration if you’re a business owner and looking for a lucrative welcome offer and simple earnings.
Apply here: Capital One Spark Cash Plus with $2,000 cash back after spending $30,000 in the first three months. Plus, earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500,000 spent during the first year.
Ink Business Preferred
The Ink Business Preferred is one of our favorite business cards.
This card earns 3 points per dollar on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable, and phone services, and advertising on social media sites and search engines on up to $150,000 in combined purchases (1 point per dollar thereafter).
Other benefits include cellphone protection, primary rental car coverage (when renting for business purposes), purchase protections, and the ability to add employee cards to your account at no additional cost.
Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card with 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Capital One Venture Rewards
The Venture Rewards packs a good punch for a mid-tier credit card.
It earns a flat 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases worldwide, but you can earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. The miles you earn with this card can be transferred to Capital One’s 15-plus airline and hotel partners or redeemed through the Capital One Travel portal.
Apply here: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card with 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in the first year.
Cardholders also enjoy 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.
And while the current welcome offer provides solid value, check the CardMatch Tool to see if you can receive an even higher one (offers are targeted and subject to change at any time).
As for earning rates, the Venture X racks up 10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel, and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar on everything else.
The Citi Strata Premier is Citi’s mid-tier travel rewards card. The card offers a lucrative welcome offer worth $1,350 based on TPG’s March 2025 valuations and access to Citi’s solid lineup of transfer partners.
It offers great earnings rates in a wide variety of categories. It earns 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal, 3 points per dollar on air travel, other hotels, gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout) and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
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The card also comes with valuable perks, such as travel protections, insurance and an annual $100 hotel credit after you spend $500 on a single hotel stay in the Citi Travel portal.
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier with 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Delta SkyMiles cards
Delta’s personal and business cards — the Delta SkyMiles Gold® American Express Card and Gold Business, Platinum and Platinum Business and Reserve and Business Reserve — are sporting elevated welcome offers, with five that provide over $1,000 in value, based on TPG’s March 2025 valuations. These offers end on April 2.
Delta Air Lines aircraft at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Many travelers love Delta due to its onboard product and loyalty program. Delta has a solid family of credit cards, offering perks like free checked bags and priority boarding to premium cards that include perks like lounge access and complimentary upgrades.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Business Gold with 90,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends on April 2.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum with 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends on April 2.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Business Platinum with 100,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends on April 2.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve with 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends on April 2.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Business Reserve with 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends on April 2.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is the chain’s most lavish card offering and comes with perks like automatic Platinum Elite status and up to $300 annually (up to $25 monthly) in statement credits each month when you use your card at eligible restaurants worldwide.
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You’ll also earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 3 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines, as well as 2 points per dollar on other purchases eligible purchases.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant with 185,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. This offer ends on May 14.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best and most cost-effective travel rewards credit cards on the market.
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As for earning rates, the Sapphire Preferred racks up 5 miles per dollar on Lyft (through March 31, 2025) and travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs) and 2 points on other travel purchases.
These valuable points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel at a rate of 1.25 cents per point through Chase Travel.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred with 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the best rewards credit cards on the market and upgrades your travel lifestyle.
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You’ll earn 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel, racking up valuable Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to hotel and airline partners or redeemed directly for flights at a rate of 1.5 cents per point.
You’ll also get a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access and a host of other great perks.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve with 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
American Express Gold
The Amex Gold card was refreshed in July 2024 and is a favorite of many TPG staffers, largely thanks to its terrific earning rates on dining at restaurants worldwide and groceries at U.S. supermarkets.
THE POINTS GUY
It earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide (first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and at U.S. supermarkets (first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
Apply here: American Express Gold Card with 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard has a generous welcome offer worth about $1,155, based on TPG’s March 2025 valuations.
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Any American loyalist should consider adding this card to their wallet. It earns four miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 loyalty point for every mile earned. The card has a plethora of benefits like a free checked bag, a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit every four years and 25% savings on inflight purchases.
Additionally, the card provides an Admirals Club membership, which includes access to Alaska Airlines lounges as well.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy offers several solid mid-tier perks, like automatic Gold Elite status, and is in the middle of Marriott’s range of card offerings. Its welcome offer is worth $1,085 based on TPG’s March 2025 valuations.
THE POINTS GUY
The card also offers a free night award to those who make at least $15,000 in eligible purchases during the calendar year, worth up to 50,000 points at participating hotels (although certain hotels have mandatory resort charges).
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card with 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. This offer ends on May 14.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card sports a valuable welcome bonus worth $1,080, based on TPG’s March 2025 valuations. The Rapid Rewards Performance Business card is Southwest’s most premium card offering and includes perks like four upgraded boardings per year, inflight Wi-Fi credits, anniversary points and a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit.
THE POINTS GUY
Many travelers love Southwest Airlines, and this love only grows if you have one of the best Southwest Airlines credit cards in your wallet.
When you pair those perks with a strong route network — including international destinations and Hawaii — and the easy-to-use Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program, it’s easy to see why Southwest has created a loyal customer base.
The United Club Infinite Card is the best card for United lounge access — bar none. If you’re a loyal United flyer who spends a significant amount of money with the airline each year, this card will make a great addition to your wallet.
THE POINTS GUY
Its $525 annual fee sounds high until you factor in the United Club membership included with the card, which normally costs $650 per year for non-elite members.
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express business card with 175,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the card within your first six months of card membership. This offer ends on April 29.
Alaska Airlines cards
The Alaska Airlines family of cards is a solid option for earning valuable Alaska miles. Per TPG’s March 2025 valuations, the card’s current 70,000-mile welcome offer is worth $1,050.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Plus, you can earn the airline’s well-known companion fare ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23), which can net some serious savings on a second traveler when you fly with Alaska.
Apply here: Alaska Airlines Visa with 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Apply here: Alaska Airlines Visa Business with 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is a card with a reasonable annual fee that provides solid perks for both frequent and infrequent Marriott travelers. If you want a free night award and automatic elite status, this card can be a great addition to your wallet.
THE POINTS GUY
The $95 annual fee can easily be offset by the free night award and solid earnings on Marriott stays. This card is worth considering even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties frequently.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless with three free night awards after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Each night is valued up to 50,000 points; certain hotels may have resort fees.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is one of the best cobranded hotel cards on the market due to its automatic elite status, generous earnings rate and anniversary free night award.
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Hyatt may not have the biggest footprint, but it has some outstanding hotels worldwide. Additionally, Hyatt is one of the few hotel programs that still utilizes a fixed award chart with peak and off-peak pricing, which allows you to get outstanding value for your points.
With its generous earnings rate, elite status and a solid welcome offer, this card is strongly worth considering even if you don’t stay at Hyatt hotels often.
Apply here:World of Hyatt Credit Card with up to 60,000 bonus points: 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus up to an additional 30,000 bonus points by earning 2 bonus points total per $1 spent in the first six months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point, on up to $15,000 spent.
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Like its personal counterpart, the World of Hyatt Business credit card offers solid benefits for businesses that frequent Hyatt properties often.
THE POINTS GUY
The card comes with perks like discounted room rates through a complimentary Hyatt Leverage membership, annual statement credits, automatic elite status with the ability to spend your way to higher tiers and a 10% points rebate. Unfortunately, unlike the personal card, the business version does not have an annual free night certificate and has more than double the annual fee.
Apply here: World of Hyatt Business Credit Card with 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Ink Business Premier
The Ink Business Premier is one of Chase’s business card offerings with simple cash back earnings rates.
THE POINTS GUY
Cardholders earn 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel and Lyft rides (Lyft through March 2025), 2.5% back on all purchases over $5,000 and 2% back on all other purchases.
This card also includes other benefits like cellphone protection, primary rental car coverage (when renting for business purposes), purchase and extended warranty protections and free employee cards.
Apply here: Ink Business Premier with $1,000 cash back after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Hilton Honors Surpass
Hilton’s The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is Hilton’s mid-tier option that most Hilton loyalists should consider adding to their wallet. The welcome offer on this card is worth $780 based on TPG’s March 2025 valuations, but you can even more value depending on how you use the free night reward.
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Cardmembers receive automatic Hilton Honors Gold Elite status and an up to $200 Hilton statement credit (allotted up to $50 quarterly), making this a valuable addition to the wallet for frequent and infrequent Hilton travelers alike.
Apply here: Hilton Honors Surpasscardwith 130,000 bonus points and a free night after spending $3,000 purchases on the card within your first six months of card membership. This offer ends on April 29.
Southwest Personal Cards
For a limited time, all three Southwest personal cards offer a Companion Pass, plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months from account opening. This offer ends March 31.
KEVIN CARTER/GETTY IMAGES
The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to designate a travel companion that can travel with you for an unlimited number of times for the cost of taxes and fees (from $5.60). You can change the designated companion up to three times per year.
The companion Pass you earn from the welcome bonus is valid until Feb. 28, 2026. If you travel frequently with someone on Southwest, this can provide incredible value and is a compelling enough reason to get a Southwest card.
Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus with a Companion Pass through 2/28/26, plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months from account opening. This offer ends on March 31.
Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority with a Companion Pass through 2/28/26, plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months from account opening. This offer ends on March 31.
Bottom line
The quickest way to earn points and miles is by signing up for a new credit card. If any of these offers interest you, act sooner rather than later, as limited-time offers may disappear.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Business card, click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, click here.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
There are multiple cobranded credit cards from Hilton Honors, and we often hear people ask which one is best for their situation
After comparing the available Hilton credit cards, you may be ready to pull out one of these cards to pay for your next stay at a Hilton hotel.
Let’s take a look at some popular cards you might use to pay for your next stay at hotels in the Hilton Honors program and what these cards can offer you in terms of return on spending and perks during your stay.
Comparing credit cards for a Hilton hotel stay
Aside from using a Hilton cobranded credit card, you might also consider using a good travel rewards card that earns transferable points on travel purchases, such as a hotel stay. Let’s look at some common options and what you could get when using these cards.
3 points per dollar (or 10 points per dollar if booked via CitiTravel.com)
5.4 cents
None
$95
* Value of rewards is based on TPG’s March 2025 valuation and not the card issuer. ** Enrollment is required in advance for select benefits. Terms apply.
The information for the Hilton Aspire and American Express Green cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Which card should you use?
When choosing a credit card for your next stay at a Hilton property, consider two factors: the benefits you enjoy during your stay and the points you earn on the card when paying for your stay.
The first part is relatively simple. Your elite status perks will apply regardless of whether you use a specific card for your stay. For example, you don’t actually need to pay with the Amex Hilton Aspire card to enjoy your Diamond status benefits during your next Hilton stay.
(The one exception is booking a paid stay at a Hilton hotel using the Sapphire Reserve through Chase Travel℠ or Citi Strata Premier through the Citi travel portal. This will generally count as a third-party booking, so while you’ll earn 10 points per dollar spent on the purchase, you’ll likely forgo any perks of Hilton elite status.)
HILTON
When it comes to earning points from spending money at hotels that participate in Hilton Honors, using your Hilton credit card is actually a good option. These provide a better rate of return than using a Marriott credit card at a Marriott hotel, and with statement credits on several Hilton cobranded cards, the cost of your stays can be reduced.
However, the value to be had here is subjective in some ways: Do you prefer to earn the maximum value according to our monthly points valuations? Are you OK with that even if it means earning points that are stuck in a single program and can only be used with Hilton (or transferred to airlines in such a way that you lose a lot of value)?
Or do you prefer to earn transferable points because you know how to maximize these for first- and business-class flight awards, obtaining outsize value for your points? In this case, using a card that earns American Express Membership Rewards points may be your best bet since you could access the full range of transfer partners and still have the option to transfer to Hilton Honors if you’re a few points shy of your next redemption.
Suppose you have both the Aspire and the Sapphire Reserve. That means that you’d earn 20 Hilton points per dollar spent thanks to your Diamond status, which you’ll earn regardless of which card you use. Then, you can choose to use your Aspire to earn 14 Hilton points per dollar spent (an 8.4% return according to our March 2024 valuations) or 3 Chase points per dollar spent with your Sapphire Preferred (a 6.2% return).
What’s important in this situation is which type of points you want to earn. Are you willing to forgo a 2.2% return to earn Chase points instead of Hilton points?
Deciding which credit card to use on any given purchase can sometimes require tradeoffs. Maybe you earn more points but sacrifice some benefits. Or perhaps you’re willing to earn fewer points but access a valuable insurance benefit by using a particular card.
Luckily, the choice of which credit card to use when staying at a Hilton hotel is pretty simple. With high earning rates on Hilton credit cards, you should be able to earn a high value in rewards while also enjoying their benefits — without the tradeoffs required by making this decision at some other hotel chains.
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Aspire card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Surpass card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Business card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Green card, click here.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Amazon Store Card overview
The Amazon Store Card offers a solid return on Amazon purchases; however, you must have an Amazon Prime membership to earn any rewards. This card can only be used at Amazon or stores that accept Amazon Pay. Additionally, this card earns no rewards outside of Amazon and only has one redemption option, making it a poor choice for most shoppers. Card rating*: ⭐½
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
If you shop at Amazon frequently, you might be tempted to get an Amazon store card. However, if you are going to get an Amazon credit card, make sure you get the one best suited for your needs, as Amazon offers four credit cards.
We rarely recommend getting store credit cards, and the Amazon Store Card is no exception.
Two different Amazon store cards are available: the Amazon Store Card and the Amazon Prime Store Card. The one you get will depend on whether you have Amazon Prime. Those who don’t will be issued the Amazon Store Card, while those with a Prime membership will receive the Amazon Prime Store Card.
Both Amazon Store cards are issued by Synchrony Bank and should not be confused with the Amazon Visa and Prime Visa issued by Chase.
The Amazon Store Card and Amazon Prime Store Card have no annual fees; we recommend applicants have a credit score of at least 580 to increase their chances of approval with these cards.
Let’s look at the Amazon Store Card and Amazon Prime Store Card to see if either deserves a spot in your wallet.
The information for the Amazon Store Card, Amazon Prime Store Card and Amazon Visa has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Amazon Store Card pros and cons
Pros
Cons
No annual fee
Cash back on Amazon.com purchases if you hold a Prime membership
High approval odds
No rewards without an Amazon Prime account
Card can only be used at Amazon, Amazon-affiliated brands or places that accept Amazon Pay
Lackluster benefits
Amazon Store Card welcome offer
Both versions of this card are nearly identical and feature the same welcome offer. The Amazon Store Card offers an instant $80 gift card upon approval.
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While this is better than nothing, it’s far below the value you’ll get from the welcome offers on many other cards.
We usually don’t expect many benefits from store-specific credit cards, and both the Amazon Store Card and Amazon Prime Store Card are — again — no exception.
As a cardholder, you will receive zero fraud liability protections but you will get access to promotional financing offers.
These include a 0% annual percentage rate (APR) and special financing over a period of six, 12 or 24 months. This can be useful if you need to spend a large amount at Amazon. Note, however, that you won’t earn any rewards on the purchases you finance.
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After the promotional financing period is over, you’ll receive a standard variable APR of 29.99%. This APR is subject to change at any time.
Still, many cards offer an introductory 0% APR, and it’s disappointing that the Amazon Store Card and Amazon Prime Store Card’s list of benefits ends here.
Earning and redeeming rewards with the Amazon Store Card
It’s important to note that both versions of the Amazon Store Card are closed-loop. This means they can only be used at Amazon, Amazon-affiliated brands or merchants that accept Amazon Pay. You can use your card at Whole Foods via the Amazon app, but the physical card will not be accepted.
Both Amazon Store Cards are unlike the Prime Visa card, which can be used anywhere Visa is accepted and has substantially better earning rates.
To earn rewards, you need a Prime membership and the Amazon Prime Store Card. With this card, you’ll earn 5% back on all Amazon purchases. This is a substantial return on Amazon purchases — the only other card that offers this return is the Prime Visa.
However, keep in mind that an Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year. To recoup the Prime membership cost, you would need to spend at least $2,780 on Amazon purchases with your card in a given account year.
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If you don’t have a Prime membership and have the more basic Amazon Store Card, you won’t earn any rewards on any purchases. This lack of reward-earning potential on the basic Amazon Store Card means there’s almost no reason to hold this card if you don’t have a Prime membership.
Even if you do have a Prime membership, you won’t earn rewards on any purchases outside of Amazon. You can technically use this card at any merchant that accepts Amazon Pay, but you’re better off using a straightforward cash-back card for non-Amazon purchases.
When it’s time to redeem, cardholders with a Prime membership can use their rewards toward eligible Amazon purchases at checkout.
While the Amazon Prime Store Card can offer decent Amazon earnings for Prime members, the Prime Visa offers the same Amazon earning potential and earns rewards on all other purchases, making it the superior choice for Prime members.
If you don’t have a Prime membership or want a card you can use everywhere, you’ll want to go with one of these options.
If you want more rewards at Amazon and beyond: The Prime Visa has no annual fee but requires a Prime membership. It earns 5% back at Amazon, Whole Foods and Chase Travel℠; 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and local commuting (including ride-hailing services); and 1% on all other purchases. To learn more, check out our full review of the Prime Visa card.
If you want to earn more on other online purchases: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and earns 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 annually in purchases, then 1% cash back; cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com). To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday.
If you don’t have an Amazon Prime membership, we don’t recommend getting the basic Amazon Store Card. You won’t earn any rewards with it, and there are numerous no-annual-fee cards that will earn you bonus rewards on Amazon purchases.
If you have less-than-stellar credit, frequently shop at Amazon and have a Prime membership, you might consider this card. However, those with a Prime membership are better off with the Prime Visa, and those who don’t are better off with a cash-back or secured credit card.
However, you don’t always want to buy IHG points during a limited-time promotion if you’re looking for the best deal. Instead, you’ll typically want to wait for a 100% bonus promotion, which usually appears once or twice each year. During 100% bonus promotions, you can buy IHG points for just 0.5 cents per point — significantly lower than the redemption rate I regularly get when redeeming IHG points.
IHG is running one of these 100% bonus promotions through March 29. So, let’s take a closer look at this opportunity to buy IHG points to see whether you should consider it.
IHG buy points sale details
IHG’s current promotion for buying points offers members a 100% bonus when they purchase at least 5,000 points in one transaction through March 29.
You can only purchase 200,000 IHG One Rewards points per calendar year. However, if you purchase 200,000 points for $2,000 during this 100% bonus, you’ll get a total of 400,000 points.
IHG ONE REWARDS
There are certain point thresholds at which costs decrease with volume, so you’ll usually need to buy 26,000 IHG points or more at a time to get the best purchase rate. For example, buying 25,000 points ($287.50) is more expensive than purchasing 26,000 points ($260).
Note that point purchases are nonrefundable, and it may take up to 72 hours for purchased points to appear in your account. You can buy IHG points by going to IHG’s buy points page and logging in.
If you get more than 0.5 cents per point when redeeming IHG points, you should consider buying IHG points during this 100% bonus promotion.
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My husband and I usually buy the maximum number of IHG points each year during 100% bonus promotions. After all, IHG promotions for buying points don’t get better than 0.5 cents per point, and we can easily get more than 0.5 cents per point in value when redeeming IHG points.
Plus, most IHG award bookings are flexible until shortly before your arrival date. So, you can buy IHG points now and snag low award rates for upcoming trips without much risk.
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Remember, though, that IHG uses dynamic award pricing. So, although it’s currently easy to get more than 0.5 cents per point when redeeming IHG points, IHG could change its award pricing algorithm at any time.
For example, you could sign up for an IHG credit card. My personal favorite is the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card since it provides automatic Platinum Elite status, an anniversary night worth up to 40,000 points each year, up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash each calendar year and access to the previously mentioned fourth-night-free reward when I redeem IHG points for stays of four nights or longer.
Bilt Rewards Points also transfer to IHG One Rewards. Still, you’ll usually get better value from your Bilt points when transferring to a higher-value partner like World of Hyatt.
How much does it cost to buy IHG One Rewards points?
IHG members can buy points for as low as 0.5 cents per point through March 29. This is much lower than the standard purchase rate of 1 to 1.35 cents per point you’ll see when there isn’t a 100% bonus promotion.
When you buy IHG points, Points.com processes the transaction instead of IHG. Your purchase won’t code as travel, and you won’t earn a travel category bonus if you use one of the best travel rewards cards.
When IHG One Rewards offers a 100% bonus promotion, it’s time to consider whether you need more IHG points for upcoming trips. Since IHG uses dynamic pricing, buying points carries a small risk if you aren’t confident you’ll go on the award trip you book with the points you’ve purchased.
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