The Ultimate JetBlue TrueBlue Program Guide

by Cory Santos
the-ultimate-jetblue-trueblue-program-guide

Last updated on April 3rd, 2024

JetBlue is a leading American airline that offers low-cost flights to hundreds of destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. TrueBlue is the carrier’s frequent flyer program, offering exceptional rewards and savings. JetBlue is headquartered in New York, which also is the location of one of its hubs. Other current JetBlue hubs include Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan.

What is TrueBlue?

TrueBlue is JetBlue Airlines’ loyalty program – one of the largest carriers in the United States. JetBlue offers services to an expanding list of destinations throughout North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean and even Europe. Joining TrueBlue is fairly simple. All you need to do is log on to the JetBlue website, sign up, and you’re all set.

What do these bonus points look like in real numbers? If your basic fare with a Blue-fare flight was $300, you can expect to earn 1,800 points when you book on the JetBlue website. For the same price on a Blue Plus fare, you’d earn 2,100 points. 2,400 points would be the yield on a Blue Flex fare, and so on.

Getting Credit for Previous Flights

Just because you already flew by JetBlue doesn’t mean you can’t earn rewards from a flight that occurred before you joined the TrueBlue program. JetBlue allows TrueBlue members to earn miles from any flights made in the previous 12 months that were not awarded points. Visit the TrueBlue site and enter your flight details to reclaim missing points.

Traveling with JetBlue Partners

You can still earn TrueBlue points even if JetBlue doesn’t fly to your destination of choice. The carrier has partnerships with several other airlines that can help you reach your desired location if JetBlue doesn’t already get you there. Booking with these airlines will also earn TrueBlue points, meaning you can rack up rewards even when you aren’t on a JetBlue flight.

Partner airlines include:

American Airlines Hawaiian Airlines Icelandair Silver Airways
JSX Qatar Airways Singapore Airlines South African Airways
Aer Lingus Cape Air Porter

Badges

One of the unique features of the TrueBlue program is the fun nature of the program itself. JetBlue is renowned for its customer service and the great flying experiences it provides customers. The same attention to detail is present in their frequent flyer program.

TrueBlue has a collection of over 400 badges that TrueBlue members can collect for bonus points. These badges can be earned for completing tasks, such as interacting with the JetBlue team via social media, making round-trip flights a certain number of times per year, or connecting the JetBlue app to a Facebook account. The value for badges ranges from 50 for syncing up Facebook and the app to 5,000 points for completing three round trip flights in a calendar year.

Purchases at ShopBlue

TrueBlue members can earn points when making purchases through the airline’s dedicated shopping portal. The portal features hundreds of the leading retailers you might normally make purchases with, with the twist that when you purchase through JetBlue, you earn 3 points for every dollar you spend.

The portal doesn’t just contain retail choices, however. TrueBlue members can also earn points when booking hotels and rental cars through the portal.

Credit Cards

One of the easiest ways to amass a hefty haul of TrueBlue points is by applying for – and using – a JetBlue co-branded credit card.

JetBlue credit card offers are great for earning points – especially when booking flights directly with JetBlue or making purchases through the retail portal. These transactions earn added points per dollar on top of the typical rate at which TrueBlue members earn on purchases.

Do TrueBlue Points Expire?

No – TrueBlue points from JetBlue do not expire as long as your TrueBlue account is open and active.

How to Redeem Points

edeem rewards. As with all airline rewards, be sure to check for blackout dates before redeeming.

Flights with JetBlue

The easiest way to redeem TrueBlue points is through bookings with JetBlue. To use points for flights, members need to book their flight at JetBlue.com and choose to pay with points. There is no set value for TrueBlue points in terms of dollars, but generally you can expect a ration of roughly 1:1 to 1:1.5 points to dollars.

Flights with JetBlue Partners

As JetBlue has partnerships with several airlines across the globe, TrueBlue members can also use their points to book flights with those partners. The easiest is with Hawaiian Airlines, whose flights can be booked through a simple call to the call center reservations number: 1-800-538-2583.

Vacations with JetBlue

If you are looking for something a little more grandiose, why not use TrueBlue points to pay for an entire vacation package? JetBlue Vacations, the airline’s vacation page, offers bundles on packages to over 100 destinations worldwide, including leading hotel chains and resorts.

What Are Airline Miles Worth?

Program Value (cents/point)
Air Canada (Aeroplan) 1.5
American Airlines (AAdvantage) 1.5
Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan) 1.4
Avianca (LifeMiles) 1.5
British Airways (Avios) 1.3
Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles) 1.2
Frontier (Frontier Miles) 1.2
Hawaiian Airlines (HawaiianMiles) 0.9
JetBlue (TrueBlue) 1.4
KLM/ Air France (Flying Blue) 1.2
Korean Air (SkyPass) 1.6
Lufthansa (Miles & More) 1.5
Southwest (Rapid Rewards) 1.5
Spirit Airlines (Free Spirit) 0.8
United Airlines (MileagePlus) 1.2
Virgin Atlantic (Flying Club) 1.5

TrueBlue Mosaic

TrueBlue Mosaic is JetBlue’s frequent flyer elite tier. It is also JetBlue’s only tier for frequent flyer perks.

Blue Blue Extra Mint
Carry-on & personal item ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
No fees for: Changes or cancellations Changes, cancellations, and same-day switches Changes or cancellations
Advanced seat selection Yes Yes Yes, including fully-flat seat
Priority boarding – ✔️ ✔️
Free bags? – – 2

Redeeming TrueBlue Points

In the same way that members have multiple ways of earning TrueBlue points, the airline offers various choices for r

TrueBlue Mosaic

TrueBlue Mosaic is JetBlue’s frequent flyer elite tier. It is also JetBlue’s only tier for frequent flyer perks.

How to Reach Mosaic Tier with TrueBlue

There are two routes for reaching Mosaic status with JetBlue. The first is by amassing 15,000 points through flights with JetBlue or JetBlue partners in a calendar year. The second route is by amassing 12,000 TrueBlue points through JetBlue or partners in a calendar year and flying 30 segments in a year. Segments refer to a portion of a flight, such as from Point A to Point B. A round-trip flight with no stopovers qualifies as two segments.

Mosaic Perks

Mosaic, like elite frequent flyer tiers from other airlines, offers perks that regular travelers don’t have access to. As JetBlue is a low-cost carrier, however, you won’t receive the same level of luxurious perks you may expect from a global carrier, such as Emirates.

Mosaic TrueBlue members get some nice perks that are worth taking advantage of – especially for frequent travelers. These perks include:

  • Fee-Free Itineraries: Mosaic members have fees waived for cancellations and changes
  • Bag Allowances: Mosaic members get their first and second bags checked free of charge
  • Security: Mosaic members have access to expedited security checkpoints
  • Priority Boarding
  • Complimentary alcoholic beverages in-flight
  • Dedicated customer service support

Current JetBlue Credit Card Offers:

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Travel Rewards Credit Cards

How to Choose a Subprime Credit Card

by Cory Santos
how-to-choose-a-subprime-credit-card

Last updated on August 24th, 2023

Subprime generally credit refers to any FICO credit score below 680. In other words, subprime means fair and/or bad credit. Having a subprime credit can disqualify you from getting approval for mortgages, some auto loans, low interest rates, and other credit products. Fortunately, subprime credit cards are ideal for repairing bad credit and opening up new financial doors in the future. Thinking about getting a subprime credit card? Here’s how to decide which is a better choice for you: secured or unsecured.

Who Should Consider Applying for a Secured Credit Card?

Secured credit cards are one of the best options for those seeking to repair their bad credit. Secured cards offer several benefits versus an unsecured credit card for rebuilding your credit:

  • Because secured cards have a security deposit requirement, your credit line matches your deposit. This deposit protects you from going into further debt by limiting your costs should you default.
  • It provides subprime borrowers with a reasonable credit limit so you can make small purchases responsibly.
  • It features a lower credit limit than most unsecured subprime credit cards for subprime credit scores.
  • Secured cards feature lower fees than many unsecured cards for the same credit profile.

Secured cards are ideal for those who are serious about fixing their credit and want a quality credit product to raise their score. Cards, like the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard®, Discover It Secured credit card,  and the Applied Bank Secured Visa® Gold Preferred®, provide an excellent balance of an unbeatable, low APR on purchases, and a reasonable annual fee. These options might not offer rewards points – but they are the ideal platform to repair credit.

Cards that require a security deposit are best served for making small purchases. This process keeps your credit use below the recommended 30%, which industry experts agree is key to raising your credit score. That’s not to say, however, that there are no secured cards built to handle larger purchases.

The Assent Platinum 0% Intro Rate Mastercard® offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first six months – something uncommon for other comparable cards. This half-year of no interest makes the card ideal for anyone planning a purchase they need to pay off in installments over the first six months. Even better, the standard APR, once the six months end, is extremely competitive.

Related Article: What are the best secured cards of 2020?

Who Should Consider an Unsecured Credit Card?

As noted, credit cards for bad credit that don’t require a security deposit are also known as subprime credit cards. These unsecured cards are designed to help those with bad credit – or even fair credit scores – improve their score and graduate to better credit offers like mortgages, auto loans, and even other subprime credit cards.

Unsecured cards offer some added benefits versus secured cards:

  • The lack of a security deposit requirement makes unsecured cards an attractive option for those who can’t afford an expensive deposit.
  • Unsecured cards remove the safety net a secured card provides, allowing cardholders to demonstrate their financial responsibility by paying their bills on time.
  • With responsible credit use, cardholders may receive a credit limit increase from some issuers in as little as six months.
  • A variable APR means you may receive a lower interest rate once your credit score improves.

There are plenty of quality unsecured credit cards for people with bad credit. Cards, like the Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® or the Milestone® Gold Mastercard®, provide the perfect jumping-off point for credit repair. Both cards offer a competitive APR, regular reporting to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), and the full selection of Mastercard security protections, including:

  • Identity theft resolution services
  • Extended warranty coverage
  • Price protection
  • Mastercard Global Services
  • Mastercard Airport Concierge

Both cards also come with an annual fee that is comparable to secured cards – but without the deposit requirement.

Another excellent issuer of subprime credit cards is Credit One Bank. Credit One offers a variety of financial products tailored to a number of credit profiles, including unsecured cards for bad credit, cards for fair credit scores, and rewards cards for those with good or excellent credit.

What Do Secured Cards and Unsecured Cards Have in Common?

Secured credit cards and unsecured subprime credit cards for bad credit may seem quite different, but they do have some things in common:

Both unsecured cards for bad credit scores and secured cards help you establish a strong credit history with responsible use. Credit cards for poor credit won’t provide the best cash back bonuses, airline miles, or luxury perks – but that’s not their role. Instead, they give those with imperfect credit the chance to boost their credit score with on-time payments and low credit use.

Many secured cards and unsecured cards offer the chance to “graduate” to better credit offers. In the case of unsecured subprime credit cards like the Reflex Platinum Mastercard and Surge Platinum Mastercard, these improved offers are a higher credit limit. With secured cards – especially those from credit unions and the popular Discover It Secured, these improved offers are a returned security deposit and the issuance of an unsecured version of the same card.

Other similarities between secured and unsecured credit cards for credit repair include:

  • Both typically charge an annual fee.
  • They offer regular reporting to the major credit bureaus.

What Is the Best Credit Card for Repairing Credit?

The best credit card to fix your credit score depends entirely upon what you want. Both unsecured and secured cards grant a platform upon which to launch your credit repair journey. This journey requires responsible use, regular payments, and determination.

If you are looking for guaranteed approval credit cards with $1,000 to $10,000 limits for bad credit and no deposit, you’ll be disappointed. Subprime credit cards work best for those who are willing to work hard on fixing their credit. They provide reasonable credit limits, which may increase with time. Focus on the goal, and you’ll be surprised just how quickly your credit score can jump.

Related Article: How Long Does It Take to Repair Your Credit Score?

Can You Extend Kroger Fuel Rewards for An Extra Month?

by Cory Santos
how-to-extend-kroger-fuel-rewards-for-an-extra-month

Last updated on January 2nd, 2024

Kroger formerly allowed users to extend he life of their Kroger Fuel Rewards Points – but only for a limited time during the coronavirus pandemic. While that offer currently isn’t active, here is everything you need to know about Kroger Fuel Rewards Points.

About Kroger Fuel Rewards

kroger fuel rewards points

What Are Kroger Fuel Points?

Kroger Fuel Rewards are the reward points Kroger (and Kroger Family of Brands) customers earn when purchasing fuel through associated gas stations and fuel centers. Fuel Points are very useful, as they can help customers save between 10 cents and one dollar off per gallon of fuel when filling up at Kroger.

How to Earn Fuel Rewards Points

To earn Kroger Fuel Rewards Points, customers must have an active Kroger Shopper’s Card. Fortunately, these cards are free to sign up for and provide in-store savings through the Kroger loyalty program. Points are earnable by scanning the Shopper’s Card at the pump or in the service station.

Shoppers can also earn additional Fuel Rewards Points via co-branded credit cards. The Kroger Family of Brands offers several credit cards through U.S. Bank. Many of these cards provide extra fuel savings at Kroger brand stations and fuel centers, plus additional points with every other purchase. These include cards from famous brands like:

  • Kroger
  • Fred Meyer
  • QFC
  • Ralphs
  • Dillons
  • Harris Teeter
  • King Sooper
  • Food 4 Less

To see the full list of Kroger Family of Brands credit cards, please Click Here

How to Redeem Fuel Rewards Points

Fuel Rewards are redeemable at Kroger Family of Store fuel centers or at participating Shell stations. To find an eligible Shell station or local Kroger Fuel Center, please visit the company’s deducted locations page, here. Points are redeemable by scanning an active Kroger Shopper’s Card at the pump or within the fuel center store at the counter. 

When Do Fuel Rewards Points Expire?

Kroger Fuel Points offer excellent value – but expire at the end of the month after the one in which users earn them. Because of their short shelf-life, time is of the essence for those who regularly shop at the Kroger Family of Brands and enjoy earning Fuel Rewards points.

Can You Extend the Shelf-Life of Kroger Fuel Rewards?

Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Kroger began offering the chance to extend Fuel Rewards for an additional month. This bonus ran through the Summer of 2020 and allowed existing members to call Kroger at (800) 576-4377.  After reaching the appropriate Kroger helpline, customers could then ask for their points to roll over to the next month.

Unfortunately, at the moment, there is no way to extend Kroger Fuel Rewards Points at present. Points earned will expire on the last day of the month after they are earned.

FAQs About Kroger Fuel Points

Still have questions about Kroger Rewards Fuel Points? Here are some commonly asked questions about filling up at Kroger service stations, and the answers. 

The total number of Fuel Points earnable each month is unlimited. 

There are three ways to track your Fuel Points:  via the Kroger website, through the Kroger mobile app, or on your Kroger Family of Companies receipt.

Yes. Points are redeemable by scanning your Shopper’s Card at the pump.

According to Kroger, this is possible, but only at Kroger Family of stores Fuel Centers. To use a portion of your Fuel Points, simply select option 2 (CHANGE AMT) and enter in an amount equal to or less than your total discount available. 

Fuel Points work with any of the brands that make up the Kroger Family of Companies, meaning you can sue your Fuel Rewards anywhere in the country where Kroger has a presence. 

The Kroger Family of Companies includes the following stores:

  • Baker’s
  • City Market
  • Dillons
  • Food 4 Less
  • Foods Co
  • Fred Meyer
  • Fry’s
  • Gerbes
  • Harris Teeter
  • King Soopers
  • Jay C Food Store
  • Kroger
  • Pay-Less Super Markets
  • QFC
  • Ralphs
  • Smith’s Food and Drug

About Kroger

Kroger is one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, with over a dozen brands operating 2,750 grocery stores across the U.S. Popular names that make up the Kroger Family of Companies include Kroger, Fry’s, Fred Meyer, Dillons, QFC, Copps, and Ralphs.

Kroger offers a variety of prepaid debit cards and co-branded credit cards. The credit cards, issued through U.S. Bank, allow customers to earn additional rewards when buying groceries at Kroger brands, or when filling up their vehicles at eligible Kroger gas stations.

All Kroger Family Credit and Debit Cards:

 

dillons rewards mastercard

Dillons REWARDS World Mastercard®

fred meyers rewards mastercad

Fred Meyer Rewards® World Mastercard®

frys rewards mastercard

Fry's REWARDS World Mastercard®

harris teeter rewards world mastercard

Harris Teeter REWARDS World Mastercard®

king soopers mastercard

King Soopers REWARDS World Mastercard®

kroger mastercard

Kroger REWARDS World Mastercard®

qfc credit card

QFC REWARDS World Mastercard®

ralphs rewards world mastercard

Ralphs Rewards World Mastercard®

smiths-rewards-mastercard

Smith's REWARDS World Mastercard®

There are also two prepaid debit cards from Kroger:

kroger prepaid mastercard

Kroger Rewards Prepaid Mastercard®

kroger prepaid card review

Kroger Rewards Prepaid Visa®

.

FinTech Company HMBradley Launches 3% Cash Back Credit Card

by Cory Santos
fintech-launches-3-cash-back-hmbradley-credit-card

Last updated on September 19th, 2023

Digital banking company, HMBradley, has announced a new proprietary cash back credit card. The card, issued through the Mastercard network, requires an associated HMBradley savings account, but it offers up to 3% cash back on the categories in which you spend most in return.

The card is issued through Hatch Bank, a California industrial bank that specializes in banking for financial institutions – and especially FinTech companies, like HMBradley.

How to Earn Cash Back

There are plenty of cash back credit cards that tailor rewards based on the categories in which you spend the most each quarter. HMBradley takes this approach to a new level, however, with no set categories and monthly rotation – instead of quarterly.

HMBradley credit cardholders earn 3% cash back on purchases in the categories they spend the most in; 2% back on their next category; and 1% back on all other purchases. There are no spending caps listed on the bank’s website, which is an excellent feature for those who plan to use the card often.

The HMBradley website shows just how diverse potential categories can be. The sample image on the card’s landing page shows two possible top categories for a theoretical user: “alcohol & bars” and “health & fitness.” While having bars as your top spending category isn’t advisable, it goes to show how lenient HMBradley is when it comes to spending categories.

The full list of current HMBradley spending and merchant categories are:

  • Education
  • Motor Vehicle
  • Pets
  • Groceries
  • Utilities
  • Financial
  • Gas
  • Shopping
  • Entertainment
  • Alcohol & Bars
  • Dining
  • Healthcare & Childcare
  • Professional Services
  • Health & Fitness
  • Home
  • Furniture
  • Personal Care
  • Business Services
  • Electronics & Software
  • Air Travel
  • Ground Transportation
  • Lodging
  • Sporting Goods

Limitations to Cash Back

While the value of 3% and 2% back on your top spending categories is great, there are limitations. The bank excludes the following transactions from cash back rewards:

  • Foreign currency purchases
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Traveler’s check purchases
  • Money orders
  • Wire transfers
  • Tax payments
  • Insurance charges
  • Gambling expenses
  • PayPal or third-party purchases

HMBradley Savings Account Required

The HMBradley Credit Card may sound appealing, but applying isn’t as straightforward as clicking a link and entering your Social Security nubmer. You must have an HMBradley savings account to apply. While the HMBradley savings account offers 3% APY on savings, it requires a monthly direct deposit – and 20% savings of those deposited funds. For many, that final requirement might be too high to consider.

For those willing to get both a savings account and credit card with HMBradley, however, the FinTech company is raising the stakes even further. Spend $100 or more every month on the HMBradley Credit Card and your 3% APY will rise to 3.5% APY.

HMBradley Card Fees

HMBradley is somewhat vague concerning the fees associated with its new card – but clarification will likely arise in the near future.

What we know for sure, however, is that the card will have an annual subscription fee of $60 – waived for the first year. The card details also list foreign transaction fees, late payment fees, and returned payment fees as potential charges. As of right now, however, the card appears to have no foreign transaction fees.

Should You Consider Applying for the HMBradley Mastercard?

The HMBradley Card might sound appealing for those who either already have a savings account with the company, or who want a versatile cash back card with an impressive list of merchant categories. For those willing to meet the direct deposit requirements on the savings account – and pay the $60 annual fee – the card could be a reliable option to consider.

Those unwilling to open an account with HMBradley, however, do have other options. The HMBradley credit card is similar to the Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card.

The Cash Rewards card from Bank of America offers 3% cash back in a category of your choosing. This includes gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, and home improvement. It also earns 2% back on groceries and wholesale clubs (like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s), and 1% back on everything else.

There are also two other versions of the card for those who want to give back while they earn:

Related Article: Walmart to Launch Walmart+ Credit Card

The Ultimate Drury Rewards Guide

by Cory Santos
ultimate-guide-to-the-drury-hotels-rewards-program

Last updated on April 9th, 2024

Founded in 1973 in Kelso, Missouri, by the Drury brothers, the Drury Hotel chain has grown from its humble mid-Western roots to operating over 150 properties in 25 states nationwide. Still entirely family owned and operated, Drury is well-known for its excellence in quality and service and has been ranked “Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upper Midscale Hotel Chains” by J.D. Power for 14 years running.

Drury Hotel Brands

The company was born after the creation of the first Drury Inn in 1973. Since then, it has expanded its hotel offerings to three unique brands that can accommodate travelers (and budgets) of all types. Additionally, the Drury Hotel chain has expanded its scope and can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States. However, it also has properties as far-reaching as Texas, Florida, and Colorado.

  • Drury Inn & Suites: The cornerstone of the Drury Hotel chain. It is the signature hotel brand and offers a perfect blend of value, comfort, and quality. All Drury Inn & Suites offer affordable lodging with award-winning and friendly service – in cities both large and small.
  • Drury Plaza Hotel: For those looking for an upscale hotel experience, travelers can rest and recharge in luxurious furnishings, modern décor, and chic accents while still partaking in the mid-Western hospitality for which the chain is known. All Drury Plaza Hotels offer deluxe guest rooms, enhanced meeting spaces, as well as two-room suites, making it perfect for the traveling businessman or woman.
  • Pear Tree Inn: Designed with budget travelers in mind, the Pear Tree Inn is warm, welcoming, and provides its patrons with nearly all of Drury Hotels’ usual amenities – even at ultra affordable prices.

The Drury Hotels Company has several leading locations, including the Drury Plaza Hotel in San Antonio, Texas (on the famed San Antonio Riverwalk), a location at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and a popular hotel in Fort Myers, Florida – among others.

Hotel Amenities

When it comes to making customers feel at home, Drury Hotels does more than talk a good talk. Its trademark “The Extras Aren’t Extra®” freebies include a host of hotel perks that don’t require a credit card or a specific membership level in its rewards programs to receive.

Complimentary hot breakfast A tasty deal on the most important meal of the day, hotel guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast that includes eggs, sausage, potatoes, waffles or pancakes, pastries, oatmeal, hot coffee and more.
Free dinnertime snacks Unwind from your day and treat yourself to a rotating menu of complimentary soup, salad, drinks, and more from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm at the 5:30 dinner snack. Adults can enjoy a free beer, wine, or mixed drink, although availability and additional charges may vary based on location.
Free soda & popcorn Not just for the kids, if you’re feeling hungry in between the morning and evening complimentary meals, treat yourself to free snacks in the lobby at any time.
Free Wi-Fi Stay connected wherever your travels may take you and enjoy free Internet during your stay.
24-hour fitness & business center Whether ‘taking care of business’ means pumping iron or finalizing a presentation, all hotel patrons can enjoy all-day access to Drury facilities.

Drury Hotel Rewards

The Drury Rewards program is unique, allowing guests to earn and redeem points towards experiences – not hotel perks.

While standard perks such as automatic room upgrades or early check-in/late check-out are absent, the straightforward and concise manner of the Drury Rewards program is refreshing for those who don’t like dealing with complicated point conversions or redemption gimmicks.

Members have access to exclusive rates for direct bookings – making it a worthwhile rewards program to enroll in for the savings alone.

How to Earn Points

Drury guests will earn a flat rate of 10X points per $1 spent on the brands’ properties – there are no expedited earning rates or bonuses based on the frequency of stay. Additionally, hotel guests can earn an extra 250 points per day of opting out of housekeeping services during their visit.

Drury Rewards Visa cardholders are the one exception. Drury credit card holders have more opportunities to earn points via everyday purchases, making it an excellent travel credit card:

  • 15X points per $1 spent at Drury Hotel properties
  • 2X points per $1 spent on gas, restaurants, and utilities
  • 1X points per $1 spent on all other purchases

What Are Drury Rewards Points Worth?

Program Value (cents/point)
Best Western Rewards 0.6
Caesars Rewards 0.8
Choice Privileges 0.6
Drury Rewards 1
Hilton Honors 0.7
IHG One 0.6
Marriott Bonvoy 0.9
MGM Rewards 0.8
Radisson Rewards 0.4
Sonesta Travel Pass 0.5
VOILÀ Rewards 0.7
World of Hyatt 1.75
Wyndham Rewards 1.1

How to Redeem Points

Drury Rewards members have four options for redeeming their earnings, which start at 15,000 points:

① Free nights at Drury properties
② Charitable contributions starting at 15,000 pts.
③ Retail gift cards starting at 20,000 pts.
④ Airline miles, transfer to: AAdvantage United MileagePlus

Current Drury Hotels Credit Cards

drury rewards visa

Drury Rewards® Visa® Card

Drury Hotels also offers a co-branded hotel credit card issued by Commerce Bank. That card, the Drury Rewards® Visa® Card, provides an additional 5 points per dollar spent on any qualifying stay at Drury Hotels. Combining the credit card with a Drury Rewards membership means cardholders can earn 15X points per dollar spent on stays.

The Drury Visa Card from Commerce Bank also earns 2X points per $1 on gas purchases, restaurants, and utilities – and a single point on every other purchase.

Note: To apply for the Drury Rewards Visa®, you must receive a pre-screened pre-approval. Often, Commerce Bank will pre-screen individuals and mail out such an offer. If you receive an offer, it will only be valid for you, and you will have been selected based on information contained in a consumer credit report. A credit limit (ranging from $1,000 to $15,000) will be assigned to you based on your creditworthiness, employment and income, debt-to-credit ratio, and various other factors determined by the card issuer.

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Travel Rewards Credit Cards

NY Bill Grants Rewards Grace Period for Credit Card Points

by Cory Santos
ny-bill-gives-rewards-grace-period-for-credit-card-points

Last updated on February 9th, 2024

A new bill in New York is giving credit cardholders a more substantial grace period in which to use rewards points. Here’s what you need to know about N.Y. Senate Bill S7104A and the new 90-day credit card rewards grace period.

90-Day Grace Period for Rewards Redemption

The New York Senate passed new legislation giving cardholders 90 days to redeem rewards after closing an account. The bill, introduced by N.Y. State Senate Democrats, received unanimous approval in a Consumer Protection Committee vote on July 20, 2020.

The bill, Senate Bill S7104A, provides a grace period on rewards points when an account is, “modified, canceled, closed or terminated; ninety days shall be provided for the use of such points from the date notice of modification, cancellation, or termination of the card is provided.”

Misuse and Fraud Prohibited

Importantly, the bill stipulates that the new 90-day grace period does not apply in instances of:

  • Fraud with the credit card account, or
  • Misuse of the credit card account or rewards program.

The latter restrictions on the grace period help protect the credit card industry from unscrupulous cardholders seeking to exploit loopholes. Both Chase and American Express have had issues with self-referrals and misuse of their rewards problems recently, with Chase eliminating bonuses for those caught red-handed.

American Airlines has also been canceling members’ accounts that are guilty of violating the terms of use of their AAdvantage frequent flyer program.

Will the New Law Hurt N.Y. Consumers?

How these new provisions will impact credit cardholders in New York remains to be seen. While many banks and card issuers already provide a grace period for redeeming points or miles, not all do. It’s unlikely the new bill will cause issues for New Yorkers due to the market size of the Empire State. The language explicitly preventing misuse will also stop issuers from targeting law-abiding cardholders.

 

Air Canada Updates Aeroplan Miles Expiration Rules

by Cory Santos
air-canada-updates-aeroplan-miles-expiration-rules

Last updated on March 20th, 2025

Air Canada is its nation’s largest carrier – and a proud member of the Star Alliance. The airline recently touted a transformation and relaunch of the Aeroplan program sometime in late 2020. Now, new details are beginning to emerge, including changes to Air Canada Aeroplan miles expiration. Here’s what you need to know.

Aeroplan Extending Shelf-Life of Miles

Air Canada Aeroplan miles previously expired after 12 months of inactivity on the member’s account. Effective immediately, members will now have 18 months to use their miles before they expire.

This expiration extension places Air Canada on par with many other members of the Star Alliance, but still behind other leading carriers like Delta Air Lines – whose miles never expire.

Miles Won’t Expire (for Some)

Air Canada Aeroplan miles will no longer expire. However, this will only be the case if you have an Air Canada Aeroplan credit card. Currently, there is only one Aeroplan credit card for U.S. consumers: the TD Aeroplan Visa Signature® Credit Card.

Get Aeroplan Miles Reinstated (At a Cost)

The Canadian carrier is also making it easier for rewards members to reinstate miles that expire. Again, however, this comes with a catch. Within six months of miles expiration, Aeroplan members can get their miles restored through one of two methods:

  • Fly on an eligible Air Canada ticket
  • Receive an Aeroplan credit card

There is also a third option: have miles reinstated for a fee. This third alternative isn’t a new feature, but it is available for those who can’t fly and don’t want a new credit card, but who do want to retain their frequent flyer miles.

Other (simpler) options for keeping miles active include:

  • Shopping online with over 150 retail partners
  • Redeeming for gift cards and merchandise
  • Donating miles to a participating charity
  • Buying miles

Get Miles Reinstated Due to COVID-19

Air Canada is also responding to the travel difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any program member who purchased an Air Canada trip set to depart since January 2020 and had to cancel their reservation can have their miles reinstated – free of charge.

Summing It Up

Ultimately, the changes to Air Canada’s Aeroplan miles expiration are something of a letdown. The extension of the expiration to 18 months is a plus – but still below what customers can expect from American Airlines, Delta, or JetBlue.

The easiest way to ensure miles never expire is by getting TD Bank’s Aeroplan credit card. The TD Aeroplan Visa Signature® Credit Card offers 2X miles on Air Canada flights and a single mile for every other dollar spent on the card. Bear in mind that the card charges an annual fee after the first year, however.

Related Article: Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada for 2025

OpenSky Secured Visa Featured on Designing Spaces

by Cory Santos
opensky-secured-visa-featured-on-designing-spaces

Last updated on February 15th, 2024

The OpenSky Secured Visa is one of the most popular secured credit cards for those looking to improve their credit score. The card recently made an appearance on Designing Spaces, Lifetime’s award-winning home improvement show.

Linnea Kronmiller, OpenSky’s senior vice president, discussed the difficulties many Americans face when trying to rebuild their credit – or establish a credit history for the first time. Speaking with Designing Spaces host, Olga Villaverde, Kronmiller explained the secured credit card process – including the remarkable results consumers can experience in as little as one month.

Secured Cards Offer a DIY Approach to Credit Repair

Repairing credit and home improvement may seem like two completely different topics, but they share significant similarities. Like restoring an outdated home to reclaim its inner beauty, secured cards help those with a damaged credit give their personal finances a makeover and a new lease on their future.

Secured cards work by placing a security deposit, which is equal to the initial credit limit. If you deposit $200, for example, your credit limit will be $200. Once an account is open, you simply use your secured card anywhere that payment network is accepted worldwide. In the case of the OpenSky, that means the Visa Network – the largest payment network in the world.

What Makes the OpenSky Secured Visa Such a Great Option for Repairing Credit?

While many American consumers haven’t heard of secured credit cards, they play a crucial role in helping to boost bad credit. Among those cards, the OpenSky continues to receive acclaim by reducing the roadblocks people face when attempting to repair their credit.

What makes the OpenSky such a popular option? Here are a few of its most notable features:

  • No Credit Check: Capital Bank, which issues the OpenSky Visa, does not do a hard pull on your credit report when you apply. This means being approved for the OpenSky Visa won’t dent your credit score.
  • Quick, Simple Application: Applying for the OpenSky card takes a few minutes. The process is straightforward and easy, meaning you can apply for the card and get a decision almost instantly.
  • Regular Credit Reporting: Like other secured cards, OpenSky reports to the major credit bureaus every month. Make your payments on time and keep your credit use low, and your score can jump by 30 points or more in a matter of months.
  • Free Credit Repair Resources: OpenSky provides cardholders with an extensive collection of credit repair and credit knowledge information. It also offers a selection of inspirational stories to help boost morale – and confidence – for those with imperfect credit.

opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Apply Now Terms & Conditions
Poor-No Credit Required
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Poor / No Credit Required
Visa Processing Network
$35 Annual Fee

opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

  • 23.89% (variable) Regular Purchase APR
  • 23.89% (variable) Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The opensky® Secured Visa® is a secured credit card that offers requires a low minimum deposit and features no credit checks for approval. The card, issued by Capital Bank, provides an easy route to better credit by offering credit limits as low as $200, a moderate fixed-rate APR, and a reasonable $35 annual fee.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
  • No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
  • Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
  • Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
  • Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
  • Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
  • Start with just $200—secure your credit line with a refundable deposit
  • Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
  • Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
  • More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
  • Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!
  • Regular Purchase APR: 23.89% (variable)
  • Cash Advance APR: 23.89% (variable)
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $6 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
  • Annual Fee: $35
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
  • Minimum Deposit Required: $200
  • You're struggling to get accepted for other secured credit cards
  • You don’t have a credit history
  • You have bad credit and want to improve your credit score
  • You have a large deposit and want a quick pick-me-up for their credit score
  • You want access to a useful knowledge base of credit information and resources
opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

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About Designing Spaces

Designing Spaces is an award-winning home improvement show on the Lifetime Network. The show, which began in 2005, features innovative décor designs, DIY projects, and transformations that inspire families to tackle their home improvement challenges.

 

Potential JetBlue Partnership with American Airlines Develops

by Cory Santos
potential-jetblue-partnership-with-american-airlines

Last updated on February 20th, 2024

Airlines have been busy attempting to boost value for their loyalty members during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most ambitious airlines during this period has been American Airlines. Now, there is news of another move by American – a potential partnership with JetBlue. Here’s what you need to know about the proposed American Airlines and JetBlue partnership.

Potential JetBlue American Airlines Partnership Details

According to an email sent out to the airline’s TrueBlue members this week, JetBlue is in the final stages of launching a new strategic partnership with American Airlines. The email, bearing the signature of Vice President of Loyalty, Dan Uselmann, states that the only potential snag to the new collaboration is regulatory approval.

How long the regulatory process will take is currently unknown, but these approvals tend to take several months to reach full approval.

JetBlue states that the new partnership will have several benefits for current JetBlue TrueBlue members, as well as members of American Airlines’ AAdvantage Program. These benefits include:

  • Seamless connectivity for passengers traveling on JetBlue and American’s complimentary routes.
  • Full integration of JetBlue and American Airlines website booking capabilities.
  • An expansion of network capacity, which includes JetBlue expanding its presence at JFK Airport in New York. The airline will also introduce flights to LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark (EWR) airports.
  • Access to 60 new destinations for JetBlue customers.

Uselmann also notes in his email that he hopes to reach a deal with American to allow TrueBlue members to earn points when flying with American Airlines, with reciprocity for AAdvantage members flying with JetBlue.

American Airlines and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The news of the JetBlue partnership proposal is the latest update coming from American Airlines. The carrier has been busy during the COVID-19 travel shutdown, forging another partnership with Alaska Airlines, extending their SimplyMiles Program, and offering AAdvantage members new ways to reach Million Miler status.

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to the AAdvantage Program

The Ultimate American Airlines AAdvantage Guide

by Cory Santos
ultimate aadvantage guide

Last updated on April 3rd, 2024

The AAdvantage program is the frequent flyer program for United States carrier American Airlines. The AAdvantage program is the second-oldest frequent flyer program in the world – launched in 1981. The program is by far the largest frequent flyer service globally, with over 100 million members worldwide.

What is the AAdvantage® Program?

AAdvantage® is the loyalty program of American Airlines – one of the world’s largest airlines. The AAdvantage® Program was first introduced in 1981, making it the second Program of its kind, and it remains the most extensive frequent flyer program on the planet. It was also the first frequent flyer program to offer a credit card.

American Airlines is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, which comprises 15 global carriers. Among them are British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and several other global leading airlines.

Earning AAdvantage® Miles

There are multiple ways to earn American Airlines AAdvantage program miles – between booking flights directly with American, transferring rewards to the program, and earning miles along with purchases made on co-branded credit cards.

Earning Miles with Flights

The easiest way to earn AAdvantage® miles is by booking flights directly with American Airlines. The number of miles a member receives when flying with American depends on their current AAdvantage® membership tier.

Earning Based on AAdvantage® Status Tier

The following levels earn the corresponding amount miles for their fares:

  • Gold: Gold members earn 7 AAdvantage® miles for every dollar they spend on tickets, plus a 40% bonus when compared with Basic members.
  • Platinum: Platinum is the next tier of perks in the AAdvantage® Program. Members earn 8 AAdvantage® miles per dollar spent, plus a 50% status bonus when compared to the Basic level.
  • Platinum Pro: Platinum Pro is the next tier, offering even higher perks. Platinum Pro members earn 9 AAdvantage® miles per dollar spent, and a status bonus of 80% compared with Basic tier members.
  • Executive Platinum: Executive Platinum is the pinnacle of the program, offering huge earning potential. Executive Platinum earns the most miles, netting 11 miles per dollar spent with American, plus an impressive 120% status bonus.

Earning with Oneworld & Other Partners

AAdvantage® members can also earn miles when they spend money with American Airlines partners, including Oneworld partner airlines. All told the Oneworld global airline alliance reaches more than 150 countries worldwide. Other Oneworld airlines include:

British Airways Iberia Qatar Airways Royal Air Maroc Air Tahiti Nui
Cathay Pacific Japan Airlines Finnair Royal Jordanian Cape Air
Fiji Airways Malaysia Airlines British Airways Qantas China Southern Airlines
Etihad Airways GOL Hawaiian Airlines JetBlue Silver Airways

AAdvantage® miles earned with Oneworld airlines are generally earned through miles traveled, rather than a miles-per-dollar rate. However, additional miles are earned based on the class of travel (economy, business, first, etc.), as well as the AAdvantage® membership tier.

SimplyMiles

Current American Airlines loyalty members can join SimplyMiles by registering on the rewards site and adding any Mastercard or Visa credit card as their payment method. After joining, members can activate personalized offers and earn miles through everyday purchases in a number of categories.

Previously, only those with an AA credit card issued through Citi or Barclays could join the program.

Earning with Other American Airlines Partners

  • Hotels: Earn with select hotel stays. American Airlines partner hotels include Marriott Bonvoy, InterContinental, Hyatt, Fiesta Americana, Millennium, Shangri-la, Wyndham, WorldHotels, and more. Members can also earn when they book with RocketMiles, PointsHound, or American Airlines Hotels.
  • Rental Cars: American rental car partners include Alamo, Budget, Carmel, Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and more.
  • Vacation and Cruises: AAdvantage® members earn bonus miles when they book vacation packages or cruises directly through American Airlines.
  • Shopping: AAdvantage® miles can also be earned when making purchases through the shopping portal, where miles are earned for making purchases via hundreds of leading brands.

AAdvantage Dining

AAdvantage Dining is a special program within the American Airlines loyalty membership that earns members even more miles when they dine out. The program advertises a large collection of participating restaurants in numerous cities.

While it is technically part of the airline’s regular loyalty program, AAdvantage Dining operates somewhat independently. Members don’t automatically benefit from AAdvantage Dining features when they first enroll in AAdvantage. They must sign up separately after they join. Fortunately, joining AAdvantage Dining is free. Members can link any eligible credit or debit card to their account, including multiple cards – no American Airlines credit card is needed.

Like the AAdvantage program, members earn one mile for every dollar spent on qualifying dining purchases.

Related Article: Is AAdvantage Dining Really Worth It?

What Are AAdvantage Miles Worth?

Program Value (cents/point)
Air Canada (Aeroplan) 1.5
American Airlines (AAdvantage) 1.5
Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan) 1.4
Avianca (LifeMiles) 1.5
British Airways (Avios) 1.3
Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles) 1.2
Frontier (Frontier Miles) 1.2
Hawaiian Airlines (HawaiianMiles) 0.9
JetBlue (TrueBlue) 1.4
KLM/ Air France (Flying Blue) 1.2
Korean Air (SkyPass) 1.6
Lufthansa (Miles & More) 1.5
Southwest (Rapid Rewards) 1.5
Spirit Airlines (Free Spirit) 0.8
United Airlines (MileagePlus) 1.2
Virgin Atlantic (Flying Club) 1.5

Do AAdvantage® Miles Expire? 

AAdvantage miles expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Fortunately, keeping your account open and active is as easy as making a purchase using an AAdvantage credit card, shopping in the AAdvantage portal, or booking through AAdvantage Dining.

How to Redeem AAdvantage® Miles

There are several redemption options for AAdvantage® miles:

Flights with American Airlines

The easiest way to use miles is through award flight bookings with American Airlines. To use miles for flights, members need to book their flight at AA.com. Bookings with American Airlines have the added bonus of featuring no blackout dates, meaning you don’t need to worry when you can book your award travel.

AAdvantage® miles can be used for two different types of reward fare through the American Airlines AAdvantage award chart: MileSAAver awards and AAnytime awards.

  • MileSAAver: MileSAAver awards offer the best value for award flights, but are only available on specific routes. Additionally, these awards are much fewer in number, so those looking to redeem their miles for a MileSAAver flight need to be quick on their feet to ensure they don’t miss out.
  • AAnytime: AAnytime offers a much smoother redemption process, as they are available on pretty much every flight. AAnytime miles, however, are more expensive than MileSAAver awards, meaning they don’t offer the best value for money.

Related Article: American Airlines: Users Can Now Cancel Award Flights Online

Flights with Oneworld Partners

One of the great perks of the AAdvantage® Program is its close association with the Oneworld alliance. Through Oneworld, AAdvantage® provides access to over 1,000 global destinations.

Admirals Club Access

American AAdvantage® miles are redeemable for access to membership renewal for American Airlines Admirals Club lounges. The Admirals Club offers impressive amenities and comforts for travelers, including shower suites, complimentary drinks and snacks, dedicated business centers, and personal travel assistance.

Other Ways to Redeem Miles

AAdvantage® miles are also redeemable for gift cards or purchases made through the American Airlines shopping portal.

American Airlines AAdvantage® Program Status Levels

American’s AAdvantage® Program has several tiers, all of which offer unique benefits and perks.

Gold Platinum Platinum Pro Executive Platinum
Points required 40,000 75,000 125,000 200,000
Auto request upgrades ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Award ticket upgrades – – – ✔️
Status bonus 40% 60% 80% 120%
Free checked bags 1 2 3 3
Priority bag delivery – ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Standby priority ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Free same-day flight change – – ✔️ ✔️
Admirals Club® discount ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Complimentary preferred seats ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Exclusive partner offers ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Waitlist priority for purchased First or Business Class – – – ✔️
Free main cabin drinks – – – ✔️

AAdvantage® membership tiers are determined based on the following qualifications:

Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs): One MQD is earned for every dollar spent on American flights, excluding taxes and government fees.
Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs): EQMs are earned based on the distance flown and the fare class of the ticket.
Elite Qualifying Segments (EQSs): EQSs are earned based on the number of takeoff-to-landing flights a member makes.

To reach different levels of AAdvantage® status, members must earn either a combination of EQMs and EQDs or EQSs and EQDs.

Gold Status

Gold is the first step up within the AAdvantage membership tier system. To reach Gold status, an AAdvantage® member must earn a combination of the following: 30 EQSs, 25,000 EQMs, and 3,000 EQDs.

Gold Perks

  • Upgrades within 24 hours of departure
  • First checked bag free
  • Preferred seats for free
  • Free upgrades on all flights over 500 miles
  • 40% mileage bonus over basic membership status.
  • Oneworld Ruby status
  • Companion upgrade for 500 miles

Platinum

Platinum is the next level of status in the AAdvantage® Program. To reach Platinum status, an AAdvantage® member must earn at least 60 EQSs, 50,000 EQMs, and 6,000 EQDs.

Platinum Medallion Perks

  • Upgrades within 48 hours of departure
  • Two checked bags for free
  • Preferred and main cabin extra seats for free
  • Free upgrades on all flights over 500 miles
  • 60% mileage bonus over basic membership status.
  • Companion upgrade for 500 miles
  • Oneworld Sapphire status

Platinum Pro

Platinum Pro is the second-highest tier of membership in the AAdvantage® Program, offering impressive perks for members. To reach Platinum Pro status, an AAdvantage® member must have earned at least 90 EQSs, 75,000 EQMs, and 9,000 EQDs.

Platinum Pro Perks

  • Free upgrades automatically requested on all flights
  • Upgrades confirmed 72 hours before departure
  • Two checked bags for free
  • Preferred and main cabin extra seats for free
  • Oneworld Sapphire status
  • Companion upgrade for 500 miles
  • 80% mileage bonus versus basic membership.

Executive Platinum

Executive Platinum is the highest tier in the AAdvantage® Program, offering the pinnacle of perks and rewards for members. To reach Executive Platinum status, an AAdvantage® member must have earned at least 120 EQSs, 100,000 EQMs, and 15,000 EQDs.

Executive Platinum Perks

  • Free upgrades automatically requested on all flights
  • Four system-wide upgrades each year
  • Free upgrades on reward seats
  • Upgrades confirmed 100 hours before departure
  • Three checked bags for free
  • Preferred and main cabin extra seats for free
  • Oneworld Emerald status
  • Companion upgrade for 500 miles
  • 120% mileage bonus versus basic membership.

AAdvantage Concierge Key Status

The highest tier in the AAdvantage® is Concierge Key. Though Executive Platinum is technically the highest tier of membership, Concierge Key reaches one step higher. However, it’s not commonly mentioned because Concierge Key is not truly part of the AAdvantage® Program. Instead, Concierge Key is an invite-only tier for ultra-high spenders.

While there is no set rule on how much you need to spend to reach Concierge Key status, you’ll certainly need to spend far more than what is required to reach Executive Platinum tier.

To reach Executive Platinum, a traveler would likely have to spend roughly $15,000 per year on flights – no mean feat. To receive an invite to the elusive Concierge Key status, travelers would likely have to spend more than $50,000 a year on flights with American Airlines – making this tier only open to the top 1% of business and personal travelers.

Concierge Key Perks

The benefits of Concierge Key status aren’t publicly published, instead being subject to reports by those who have reached the elusive status. Fortunately, those who have achieved Concierge Key status have been much more forthcoming with information than American Airlines, so here’s what you can expect from the invitation-only tier, should you be tapped:

  • Complimentary Executive Platinum status for a friend or family member
  • Dedicated Concierge Key email address and phone line
  • American Airlines Flagship check-in area access, allowing members to bypass wait lines and sit in comfort while they check-in
  • Complimentary tarmac rides when connections are tight – often in luxurious vehicles
  • Complimentary Admirals Club membership
  • Highest priority upgrades and pre-boarding
  • Exclusive invites to events at Michelin-starred restaurants or other VIP occasions

Current American Airlines / AAdvantage Credit Card Offers

As AAdvantage® is the world’s largest frequent flyer program, there are several great co-branded credit cards that allow members to earn additional miles.

They are issued through two major providers: Barclays and Citi. These cards offer impressive initial bonus offers and earn additional miles per dollar spent on top of the AAdvantage® earning outlined in this guide.

Check out more

Travel Rewards Credit Cards

New Discover It Referral $100 Bonus Offer

by Cory Santos
new-discover-it-referral-100-bonus

Last updated on February 20th, 2024

Discover is now offering a lucrative referral bonus for current Discover It Miles cardholders who refer friends. Here’s what you need to know about the Discover It referral bonus – and how to take advantage.

Discover It Miles Referral Bonus Details

Through December 2020 (12/31/20) current Discover It Miles cardholders who refer a friend will receive a $100 statement credit referral bonus when their friend’s application is approved. Their referral will also receive a $100 statement credit.

This bonus is less than previous offers from Discover but is still a quality bonus for those who love their Discover Card and want to share the wealth.

Discover It Miles Credit Card

While not the most popular card in the Discover It lineup, the Discover It Miles still offers everyday value. The card, which earns an unlimited 1.5X miles on every dollar spent, is a solid option for anyone who wants a reliable rewards card without an annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

In many ways, the Discover It Miles is more akin to cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited in that it earns 1.5X miles on every purchase. Since Discover offers a variety of reward options, including cash back, this makes the card the perfect choice for those who use their credit card regularly – but not in the particular categories found with the Discover It Cash Back or Discover It chrome cards.

Like other Discover products, the total miles earned are doubled automatically after the first year through Discover’s Cashback Match.

How to Redeem Discover Miles

Travel awards with the Discover It Miles take the form of statement credits – and not direct bookings through a portal. Cardholders use their card to make an eligible travel purchase and can redeem their cash back balance to cover the costs.

Eligible travel purchases include:

  • Airline tickets
  • Hotel room bookings
  • Car rentals
  • Third-party travel site bookings
  • Travel operator purchases
  • Commuter transportation

The Ultimate Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Guide

by Cory Santos
the-ultimate-alaska-airlines-mileage-plan-guide

Last updated on April 3rd, 2024

Alaska Airlines is one of the most popular airlines on the American West Coast and its Mileage Plan program offers quality and value for members. Alaska Airlines is headquartered at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and is the fifth-largest carrier in the United States. Mileage Plan™ is the airline’s frequent flyer program, offering exceptional rewards for Alaska travelers – and its codeshare partners.

What is the Mileage Plan™?

Mileage Plan™ is the loyalty program of Alaska Airlines. The Mileage Plan™ program is consistently ranked among North America’s top frequent flyer programs for its excellent rewards – which are also applicable to well over a dozen other airlines across the globe.
Earning Mileage Plan™ Miles

How to Earn Points

The easiest way to earn Mileage Plan™ miles is by booking flights with Alaska Airlines. When flying with Alaska, Mileage Plan™ members earn one rewards mile for every mile flown – it’s that simple. These earnings apply regardless of the type of fare, meaning that even those flying on the cheaper Saver fares earn one mile for every mile flown. On short flights, members earn a minimum of 500 miles.

Miles earned also vary based upon flight class, meaning those with higher class fares will earn increased miles over the base one mile per mile flown. Those in first class, for instance, will earn 75% bonuses on miles flown, meaning they will receive 175 miles for every 100 miles flown.

Those in the main economy on Y or S class flight services will earn a 50% bonus (150 miles per every 100 miles flown), while those in the main economy on M or B class service flights earn a 25% bonus (125 miles per 100 miles flown).

Earning with Other Partners

Earning points with other partners is easy – especially now that Alaska Airlines is part of the Oneworld Alliance.  The Oneworld Alliance consists of over a dozen global carriers:

American Airlines Cathay Pacific Malaysia Airlines Qatar Airways
Alaska Airlines Finnair Qantas Japan Airlines
British Airways Iberia Royal Air Moroc Royal Jordanian
Sri Lankan Airlines Fiji Airways Oman Air

Mileage Plan™ members can also earn miles when they spend money with Alaska Airlines partners, including:

  • Hotels: Alaska partner hotels include Alaska Airlines Hotels, Best Western, Choice, Coast, InterContinental, Marriott Bonvoy, and Westmark, as well as bookings made with RocketMiles.
  • Rental Cars: Alaska rental car partners include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
  • Mileage Plan™ Dining: Members also earn miles every time they dine at one of over 10,000 participating restaurants across the U.S.
  • Shopping: Mileage Plan™ miles can also be earned when making purchases through Mileage Plan™ shopping, where miles are earned for making purchases with over 850 leading brands. There’s even a handy extension button to make shopping and earning easier.

Credit Cards

One of the best ways to earn miles with Alaska Airlines is through its co-branded credit cards. Offered through Bank of America, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card, and Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card both offer a bonus mile introductory offer after an initial spend in the first 90 days. Both cards also offer Alaska’s Companion Fare once a year, allowing a customer’s companion to fly round-trip for as little as $121.

Do Mileage Plan Miles Expire?

No – your Alaska Mileage Plan points will never expire as long as your account is open and active. Keeping an account active is as easy as booking a flight, dining through the dining program, buying points, or another qualifying transaction. 

Redeeming Mileage Plan™ Miles

There are several redemption options for Mileage Plan™ miles:

Flights with Alaska Airlines

The easiest way to use miles is by booking award tickets with Alaska Airlines. To use miles for flights, members need to book their flight on the Alaska Airlines website and pay with miles. Miles can also be used for first-class upgrades within 24 hours of departure.

Alaska rewards flights start at as few as 10,000 miles for main cabin flights between 700 and 1,400 miles, with first class flights on the same routes starting at 30,000 miles one-way. For longer trips (greater than 2,000 miles), expect reward flights to begin at roughly 17,000 for the main cabin, and 30,000 for first class.

Alaska allows for free stopovers on reward flights – even on one-way fares – meaning booking a sightseeing getaway with rewards has never been easier!

Flights with Alaska Airlines Partners

Alaska also allows miles to be used with their codeshare partners, but this is trickier than simply booking with Alaska. One of the great things about Alaska’s Mileage Plan™ is that it is a true mileage plan – meaning you get a mile for every mile you fly. This perk means that it’s possible to amass an impressive number of miles that can be transferred to other airlines, such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, or Emirates.

Bookings for partner airlines must be completed through Alaska Airlines, so it is key to check with the airline to see which award flights are available with partner carriers. Some awards fares may not be visible; if this is the case, contact Alaska Airlines customer support at 800-252-7522.

Hotels

Mileage Plan™ miles are also redeemable towards hotel stays with some of the biggest names in the industry, including bookings made through Alaska Airlines Hotels, Best Western, Choice, Coast, InterContinental, Marriott Bonvoy, Westmark, as well as bookings made with RocketMiles.

Other Ways to Redeem Miles

Alaska miles are also redeemable for gift cards or magazine subscriptions.

What are Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Miles Worth?

Miles in the Mileage Plan program are among the most valuable in the airline miles game, thanks to the Alaska network’s tremendous codeshare and destination coverage. Here is the current data for average credit card point and mile valuations:

Program Value (cents/point)
Air Canada (Aeroplan) 1.5
American Airlines (AAdvantage) 1.5
Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan) 1.4
Avianca (LifeMiles) 1.5
British Airways (Avios) 1.3
Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles) 1.2
Frontier (Frontier Miles) 1.2
Hawaiian Airlines (HawaiianMiles) 0.9
JetBlue (TrueBlue) 1.4
KLM/ Air France (Flying Blue) 1.2
Korean Air (SkyPass) 1.6
Lufthansa (Miles & More) 1.5
Southwest (Rapid Rewards) 1.5
Spirit Airlines (Free Spirit) 0.8
United Airlines (MileagePlus) 1.2
Virgin Atlantic (Flying Club) 1.5
 

Mileage Plan™ Status Levels

Alaska’s Mileage Plan™ has three membership tiers, which are reached by obtaining a required amount of one of the three following criteria: miles flown with Alaska, miles flown with Alaska and combination of qualifying partner airlines, or a number of segments flown with Alaska or partner airlines. One of these three minimum requirements must be reached in the calendar year to achieve the next tier.

MVP MVP Gold MVP Gold 75K MVP Gold 100K
Bonus miles 50% 100% 125% 150%
1st class upgrades when booking Y, B fares Y, B, H, K fares Y, B, H, K, M fares Y,B,H,K,M fares
Premium class updates when booking Y,B,H fares Y,B,H,K,M,L,V,S,N fares All fares (ex. Saver) All fares (ex. Saver)
Companion upgrade – ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Complimentary premium beverage – ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Complimentary snack or meal – – – ✔️
Priority check-in & boarding ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Free bags 2 2 3 3
Preferred seats ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Express security lane ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Priority stand by – ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
4 lounge passes – – ✔️ ✔️
Same day changes – ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Oneworld status Ruby Sapphire Emerald Emeralnd

MVP

MVP is the first elite member tier in the Mileage Plan™ program.

Attaining MVP Status

To reach MVP status, a traveler must earn at least 20,000 miles with Alaska, a combination of 25,000 miles with Alaska and partner airlines, or have flown 30 segments.

 MVP Perks

  • Free preferred seats
  • Instant premium upgrades on B, S, Y, or Z class services
  • Instant first class upgrades on Y, S, or Z class services
  • First two bags checked for free
  • Priority check-in
  • Priority boarding
  • Free upgrades 49 hours before departure
  • 50% bonus miles on Alaska and qualifying partner airlines
  • Discounted Alaska lounge access

MVP Gold

MVP Gold is the second tier in the Alaska Mileage Plan™ program, offering improved perks over MVP. Complimentary MVP Gold lifetime status is awarded when a passenger amasses over one million miles with Alaska.

Attaining MVP Gold Status

To reach MVP Gold status, a traveler must earn at least 40,000 miles with Alaska, a combination of 50,000 miles with Alaska and partner airlines, or have flown 60 segments.

MVP Gold Perks

In addition to those outlined in MVP tier, MVP Gold members also receive the following perks:

  • Instant free upgrades on B, M, S, Y, or Z class services
  • Free in-flight drink if not provided with an upgrade
  • Free upgrades 72 hours before departure
  • 4 one-way companion upgrades per year
  • Same-day flight changes for free
  • Priority security
  • Priority standby and waitlist
  • Increased bonus miles (100%) on Alaska and qualifying partner airlines
  • Increased Alaska lounge discounts ($50 off membership, no initiation fees)
  • Access to British Airways’ Galleries Lounge at Heathrow Airport
  • Entry to Hainan Airways’ lounges in China
  • Access to Icelandair’s lounge in Reykjavik
  • Select access to Qantas International lounges

MVP Gold 75K

MVP Gold 75K is the elite tier of the Mileage Plan™ program, offering the pinnacle of perks available through Alaska.

Attaining MVP Gold 75K

To reach MVP Gold 75K status, a traveler must earn at least 75,000 miles with Alaska, a combination of 90,000 miles with Alaska and partner airlines, or have flown 90 segments.

MVP Gold 75K Perks

Beyond the perks of MVP Gold tier members, MVP Gold 75K flyers receive the following:

  • A one-time gift of 50,000 miles
  • Gift of MVP status for a friend or family member
  • 4 Alaska lounge day passes each year
  • Instant upgrades to premium class on all Alaska flights
  • Free upgrades 120 hours before departure
  • Free in-flight entertainment
  • 125% bonus miles when flying with Alaska or qualifying partner airlines
  • Access to British Airways’ Galleries Lounge at Heathrow Airport
  • Entry to Hainan Airways’ lounges in China
  • Access to Icelandair’s lounge in Reykjavik
  • Select access to Qantas International lounges

Current Alaska Airlines Credit Cards

Once again, here are the current Alaska Airlines credit card offers:

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Travel Rewards Credit Cards

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