Credit Card Rewards – Live Laugh Love Do http://livelaughlovedo.com A Super Fun Site Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:04:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 What to do after you reach 5/24 http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/what-to-do-after-you-reach-5-24/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/what-to-do-after-you-reach-5-24/#respond Mon, 29 Sep 2025 13:48:05 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/09/29/what-to-do-after-you-reach-5-24/ [ad_1]

Whether you opened your first-ever credit card in the pursuit of free travel or already had a few accounts before you found this incredible world of points and miles, your first couple of moves may be highly scripted, thanks to Chase’s 5/24 rule. The issuer uses this rule to automatically reject applicants who have opened five or more cards in the last 24 months.

Some business cards don’t count, so be sure to check out our guide to 5/24 if you’re not familiar with how 5/24 works. But in general, you should open up your Chase cards first before moving on to other issuers because of this rule.

You might go with a tested card combination like the Chase trifecta, or you might build your own strategy after deciding which Sapphire card is better to anchor your strategy. Although there are plenty of great Chase card choices, there are only so many ways to use up those first five slots.

If you exceed five cards in 24 months, you’ll find yourself in the Wild Wild West of credit cards, where anything goes. After 5/24, there’s no uniform path for you to follow. It’s time to evaluate the cards in your wallet, figure out what you want from new credit cards and chart a new course.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of your best options for building a post-5/24 strategy.

Related: How to calculate your 5/24 standing

What NOT to do

Being ineligible for a Chase card doesn’t mean it’s time to stop getting new cards altogether. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is waiting on the sidelines to fall under 5/24 again and missing out on other valuable welcome bonuses in the meantime.

woman at computer
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At any given time, there will be multiple welcome bonuses from other cards worth $1,000 or more that you’re eligible for (even if you’re over the 5/24 rule). By opening a card from a different issuer with a valuable welcome offer, you can earn and redeem tons of valuable rewards now rather than waiting for months or years to be eligible for another Chase card.

If you have your eye on a specific Chase card that you’re aiming to be eligible for quickly, you’ll want to be strategic. A great option is to apply for a business card in the meantime. These typically won’t count against your 5/24 status, so you can earn some bonus rewards while still making progress toward eligibility for the Chase card you want.

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Related: Business credit cards that aren’t under the 5/24 rule

What to do if you’re over 5/24

If you are over the 5/24 limit, there are a few different strategies you should consider when deciding which cards to add to your wallet next.

Diversify your points

I’d argue that the 5/24 restriction is the main reason most people get Chase cards first rather than collecting other rewards currencies, such as American Express Membership Rewards points, Citi ThankYou points, Capital One miles or Bilt Rewards Points.

However, there is a benefit to having rewards from multiple programs, since each of them has a unique set of redemption options. Plus, they’re all valuable — TPG’s September 2025 valuations peg the value of these points at a minimum of 1.85 cents per point.

The true value of diversifying your points is access to each issuer’s transfer partners and the tremendous flexibility they offer. Citi has the most transfer partners, but the other issuers aren’t far behind.

All five issuers also have some transfer partners in common (British Airways and Air France-KLM Flying Blue make many appearances, for example), but their differences are incredibly complementary.

Star Alliance is a great example. Chase and Amex let you transfer to all the major loyalty programs in the largest airline alliance. This lets you pit United Airlines, Avianca, Air Canada and Singapore Airlines against each other and pick the absolute lowest cost for any award you want to book.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Furthermore, these issuers frequently offer transfer bonuses to transfer partners, meaning that the best transfer option might vary from month to month. By having access to multiple types of points, you can ensure you’re always ready to jump when the right redemption option presents itself.

Top cards to consider:

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: Find out your offer and see if you’re eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
  • American Express® Gold Card: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
  • Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees): Earn Bilt Points on rent without paying any transaction fees (up to 100,000 points per year; you must make at least five transactions each billing cycle to earn points).
  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
  • Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Look for gaps in earnings rates

While Chase cards are known for having solid bonus categories like travel and dining, you might find that your current portfolio has some bonus-earning gaps. If you’re over 5/24, look for cards from other issuers to fill those gaps.

For example, if you pay rent, the Bilt Mastercard allows you to earn points on rent without paying any transaction fees (see rates and fees) and earns flexible points, which can be redeemed for outsize value (up to 100,000 points on rent per year; you must make at least five transactions each billing cycle to earn points).

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Additionally, you may not have a card that covers bonus earnings on groceries or gas. Now is a great time to consider adding a card like the Amex Gold or the Citi Strata Premier to your wallet to earn bonus rewards in those categories (bonus rewards on U.S. supermarkets on the Amex Gold can be earned on up to $25,000 in spending each calendar year, then you’ll earn 1 point per dollar spent).

Lastly, if you have all your bonus spending categories covered, you can opt for a fixed-rate card that earns at least 2 points or miles per dollar spent on all purchases, like the Capital One Venture Rewards card, to ensure you earn bonus earnings on essentially every purchase you make.

Related: The best cards for each bonus category

Consider cobranded cards

While it may seem easy to write off cobranded cards because Chase issues the majority of cobranded airline and hotel cards, there are some excellent offerings from other issuers.

Twin King Privilege Room. HOTEL DE BOURGTHEROULDE, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION/MARRIOTT.COM

If you’re loyal to Marriott, for instance, you can pick up one of the Amex Bonvoy cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.

Hilton loyalists also have a number of Amex cards to choose from, and American Airlines and Delta flyers can pick up cobranded credit cards without worrying about 5/24. This can be a great way to get a free hotel night each year, save on checked bag fees or simply earn a welcome bonus that can help jump-start your next trip.

Top cards to consider:

Bottom Line

The 5/24 rule is the beginning, not the end, of your credit card rewards journey. Hitting that mark is a rite of passage to serious award travelers. Once you do, it’s time to look forward, not backward.

Figure out which of your Chase cards are keepers, and decide what benefits matter most in your next credit cards.

Whether you’re looking to diversify into a new rewards currency, fill in missing gaps or possibly both, you have plenty of options to consider. The important thing is that you continue to go out and take action so you can keep earning valuable rewards.

Related: The best ways to use your 5/24 slots

For rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.

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Earn bonus points on Amazon purchases with this new Amex Offer http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/earn-bonus-points-on-amazon-purchases-with-this-new-amex-offer/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/earn-bonus-points-on-amazon-purchases-with-this-new-amex-offer/#respond Tue, 02 Sep 2025 18:48:20 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/09/02/earn-bonus-points-on-amazon-purchases-with-this-new-amex-offer/ [ad_1]

I check my Amex Offers frequently to see if I’ve been targeted for cash back or bonus points when I use my eligible American Express card at my favorite retailers. So, I was excited to see that with this latest round of Amex Offers, you may be able to earn up to 1,200 bonus Membership Rewards points when you spend $150 or more on Amazon purchases.

You can use this offer up to three times, but it is only valid for purchases made through Oct. 25, so you need to act fast to maximize the savings.

A handful of TPG staff members found this Amex Offers deal for The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card.

AMERICAN EXPRESS

Other staff members with the same cards saw an offer for 500 Membership Rewards points when spending at least $50. Others did not have this offer at all, so it’s worth checking to see whether or not you are eligible.

If you use the 1,200-point offer three times, you could earn 3,600 Membership Rewards points when you spend up to $450. That equates to $72 in additional points value according to TPG’s September 2025 valuations. This is in addition to the points you earn for making an Amazon purchase. For example, the Amex Gold earns 1 point per dollar spent on most general purchases. So, if you maxed out this offer and spent $450, you’d earn 450 Membership Rewards points in addition to the 1,200 bonus points.

According to the offer’s full terms and conditions, you are generally only able to earn bonus points for purchases made at amazon.com and via the Amazon mobile app. Additionally, the following purchases are ineligible to earn bonus points:

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  • Purchases shipped outside the U.S.
  • Corporate gift cards and custom-designed gift card purchases
  • Prime memberships and auto-renew subscription services
  • Purchases made via third parties, such as resellers, delivery services or other intermediaries

When you do check your eligibility, be sure to look at all your Amex accounts. The offers often vary from card to card. Even if you aren’t targeted for this offer, Amazon frequently offers up to 50% off Amazon purchases when you redeem at least 1 Membership Rewards point.

Considering Amazon sells just about everything under the sun (and it probably would sell the sun, too, if it were possible), it’s easy to make use of this offer if you are eligible.

Related reading:

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Which purchases code as ‘dining’ with Chase Sapphire cards? http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/which-purchases-code-as-dining-with-chase-sapphire-cards/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/which-purchases-code-as-dining-with-chase-sapphire-cards/#respond Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:33:53 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/08/04/which-purchases-code-as-dining-with-chase-sapphire-cards/ [ad_1]

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and its more budget-friendly sibling, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), are among the best travel credit cards due to their amazing earning rates.

They both earn 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining purchases worldwide, plus 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct on the Sapphire Reserve* and 2 points per dollar spent on all travel for the Sapphire Preferred. Additionally, (through Sept. 30, 2027), the cards earn 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides.

*New cardholders who applied for the Sapphire Reserve on June 23 and beyond have access to the 4 points per dollar spent earning rate. Existing Sapphire Reserve cardholders will get access to this elevated earning rate starting Oct. 26.

MARK KATZMAN/REGENT SEVEN SEAS

Chase’s definition of what counts as a travel purchase is quite broad, including virtually every trip-related charge, from Airbnb bookings to parking fees. But how does its definition of dining stack up? Luckily, it’s quite generous as well.

‘Restaurants,’ according to Chase

Here’s how “restaurants” are defined, according to Chase’s website:

‘This category’s merchants’ primary business is sit-down or eat-in dining, including fast food restaurants and fine dining establishments. Merchants that sell food and drinks located within facilities such as sports stadiums, hotels and casinos, theme parks, grocery and department stores will not be included in this category unless the merchant has set up such purchases to be classified in a restaurant category. Bakeries, caterers, meal kit delivery services, and gift card merchants are not included in the category. Delivery and takeout services will be included if they classify as a restaurant merchant.’

While the term “restaurants” is pretty straightforward, in practice, this category is broader than it appears on the surface. Essentially, any establishment that serves (as opposed to sells) food or drinks counts.

The purchase will qualify if a merchant classifies itself in a restaurant category when applying to accept credit cards.

THOMAS BARWICK/GETTY IMAGES

For instance, bars (including ones that don’t serve food) and coffee shops such as Starbucks typically code as dining purchases. In most cases, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent with restaurant delivery services, including DoorDash and Uber Eats.

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Related: Best dining credit cards

What does Chase typically count as dining purchases?

  • Bars
  • Breweries
  • Cafes
  • Coffee shops
  • Fast food restaurants
  • Juiceries
  • Restaurant delivery services (Caviar, DoorDash, Eat24, Grubhub and Seamless, but not Postmates)
  • Restaurants
  • University dining halls
  • Vending machines

What does Chase typically not count as dining purchases?

  • Bakeries
  • Catering services
  • Food and drink establishments located within larger merchants
  • Grocery stores
  • In-flight food and drinks
  • Meal kit subscriptions

As an added restaurant delivery perk, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cardholders also currently get at least one year of complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership, which gives you free delivery and reduced service fees on eligible purchases (must activate by Dec. 31, 2027).

Scene at a table with a couple enjoying lunch at a vegan cafe
YAGI STUDIO/GETTY IMAGES

While it’s uncommon, sometimes restaurants aren’t categorized correctly, so if you feel like an eligible dining purchase didn’t code properly, you can always try disputing it with a Chase representative to get the bonus points you think you deserve.

Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve: Should you go mid-tier or premium?

Bottom line

Chase’s definition of a dining purchase is quite extensive, so Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cardholders have plenty of opportunities to earn 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent. Based on TPG’s July 2025 valuations, that’s a return of up to 6.15% on these purchases.

Plus, you could earn even more rewards by linking your card with dining rewards programs such as inKind, Rakuten or Seated.


Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve with 100,000 bonus points and a $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card with 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.


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Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card review: Full details http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/bank-of-america-travel-rewards-credit-card-review-full-details/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/bank-of-america-travel-rewards-credit-card-review-full-details/#respond Mon, 07 Jul 2025 08:56:03 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/07/07/bank-of-america-travel-rewards-credit-card-review-full-details/ [ad_1]

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card overview

The no-annual-fee Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has the potential to be a solid flat-rate card if you are a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program. However, without the Preferred Rewards earning bonus, the card falls short compared to other flat-rate cards on the market. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

For beginners, points and miles can seem daunting. For some people new to earning credit card rewards, the idea of transferring points and trying to find the absolute best redemptions can be exciting but also nerve-wracking — if this is you, you’re not alone.

Many beginners give up on using credit card rewards to pay for travel because it seems too complicated.

That’s where an option like the Bank of America Travel Rewards card comes into play. It has no annual fee, and we recommend applicants have a credit score of 670 or higher to increase their chances of approval.

Points and miles pros will likely not be moved by the perks and redemption options featured on this card, but the simplicity of its earning rate and redemption process provides a nice starting point for beginners.

Let’s dig into the card details so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Bank of America Travel Rewards pros and cons

Pros Cons
  • Unlimited flat earning rate
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Bank of America does not offer airline or hotel transfer partners like other cards do
  • No travel and purchase protections

Bank of America Travel Rewards welcome offer

New Bank of America Travel Rewards cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.

These points are redeemable at a flat rate of 1 cent per point toward travel or dining purchases, so this bonus is worth $250 — a solid offer but significantly less valuable than what you’ll find on other top travel cards.

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THE POINTS GUY

It’s not a flashy bonus, but it is easy to earn since the minimum spending requirement is easily attainable. And since the card has no annual fee, you’re essentially earning rewards on purchases you’d normally make without any up-front cost. This is the standard welcome bonus on the Bank of America Travel Rewards card.

When it comes to eligibility, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card does have a 24-month restriction, though the details vary from card to card. The wording for the Travel Rewards card states:

“This card may not be available to you if you currently have or have had the card in the preceding 24 month period.”

This means that you can get a second Travel Rewards card if you previously held one; you just have to be certain that at least 24 months have passed since you closed your previous Travel Rewards card account.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Bank of America Travel Rewards benefits

The real benefit of the Bank of America Travel Rewards is its simplicity. There are no bonus categories, earning caps or transfer partners. For beginners, that can be a great way to start a points and miles journey.

As a cardholder, you’ll enjoy no foreign transaction fees when you swipe the card outside the U.S. Many no-annual-fee cards have foreign transaction fees, so this is a great benefit.

KATIE GENTER/ THE POINTS GUY

As expected with a no-annual-fee card, you won’t get any luxury perks. However, since it is a Visa Signature card, you will still have access to certain travel protections and benefits, including zero fraud liability and roadside assistance.

Again, this isn’t an extensive list of benefits, but the ones you do get are decent for a no-annual-fee card. Check your Travel Rewards Guide to Benefits for a comprehensive list of every perk you’ll receive through this card’s Visa Signature branding.

Related: Earn rewards for free with these no-annual-fee credit card strategies

Earning points on the Bank of America Travel Rewards

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card has a simple earning structure, but there’s more than meets the eye.

For starters, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center. You’ll also earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on every purchase. There’s no yearly cap on rewards earned, and your points won’t expire for as long as your account is open.

FILADENDRON/GETTY IMAGES

This is a fairly standard earning rate for a no-annual-fee card, though you can find cards with more competitive reward structures. However, the rewards structure becomes much more valuable if you qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program.

To enroll in Preferred Rewards, you’ll need an eligible Bank of America personal checking account and a three-month average daily balance of at least $20,000 across your Bank of America and Merrill accounts.

There are four levels of Preferred Rewards, and each comes with an earning bonus on the Travel Rewards card.

Preferred Rewards tier Required combined balances across accounts Earning bonus Minimum earning rate
Standard N/A N/A 1.5 points per dollar spent
Gold $20,000 25% 1.875 points per dollar spent
Platinum $50,000 50% 2.25 points per dollar spent
Platinum Honors $100,000 75% 2.625 points per dollar spent
Diamond $1,000,000 to <$10,000,000 75% 2.625 points per dollar spent

As you can see, those with Platinum Honors and Diamond can earn at least 2.625 points per dollar spent on every purchase, which is an impressive return for everyday purchases.

Plus, you’ll receive a savings account interest bonus, discounted banking and investing fees and discounted rates on auto loans and mortgages.

That said, the earning rate of 1.5 points per dollar is lackluster if you aren’t a Preferred Rewards member. Even Gold tier members can likely do better with another rewards card.

Related: Everything you should know about Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program

Redeeming points on the Bank of America Travel Rewards

Bank of America points act more like cash-back rewards since each point is worth 1 cent. You can redeem points as a statement credit for travel or dining purchases (starting at a minimum of 2,500 points).

When you make a purchase, simply log in to your account and select any qualifying transaction from the previous 12 months.

MILAN2099/GETTY IMAGES

Although travel enthusiasts may see this as a disadvantage, beginners might rejoice at this no-stress process.

You don’t have to think about maximizing reward redemptions or figuring out the best transfer partner for booking your travel, which can be a headache for someone looking for a simple, no-frills way to earn and use their points.

You can also use your points for a cash reward — a check or a deposit into a qualifying Bank of America account. However, you’ll get a value of just 0.6 cents per point this way (2,500 points = $15), so you’re much better off using them for travel or dining purchases.

Finally, you can redeem your points for gift cards, though the exact value varies by merchant.

Related: The best Bank of America credit cards

Which cards compete with the Bank of America Travel Rewards?

One of these may be a better fit if you want more perks or a different earning structure than what the Bank of America Travel Rewards card offers.

For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash-back credit cards.

Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards worth it?

If you’re looking for simplicity in earning and redeeming points, the no-annual-fee Bank of America Travel Rewards card could be a good option, especially if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer. However, more seasoned points and miles travelers will likely want a card with higher earning rates and more redemption options.

Bottom line

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card offers a simple earning rate and redemption options many beginners will appreciate. However, frequent travelers who want better earning rates and the flexibility of transfer partners should consider other options.


Apply here: Bank of America Travel Rewards card


Related: 5 reasons I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited as a credit card beginner

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8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/8-ways-to-get-free-or-discounted-tsa-precheck-global-entry-and-clear/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/8-ways-to-get-free-or-discounted-tsa-precheck-global-entry-and-clear/#respond Fri, 04 Jul 2025 05:31:34 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/07/04/8-ways-to-get-free-or-discounted-tsa-precheck-global-entry-and-clear/ [ad_1]

Certain tools are nonnegotiable when it comes to seamless travel. For me, the ones I regularly turn to are Clear and TSA PreCheck.

Both programs help travelers pass through Transportation Security Administration lines quicker. I’m also a fan of Global Entry, which expedites the customs process upon returning to the U.S. from abroad.

Here’s what to know about each program — and how to get them for free or at a discounted rate.

What are TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear?

DAVID TRAN/GETTY IMAGES

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck users can pass through airport security using a dedicated line — without taking off their shoes, belts or light jackets or removing their laptops or liquids from their bags, like passengers in the regular TSA line do. According to the TSA, 99% of TSA PreCheck users wait less than 10 minutes to get through airport security.

Clear

Thanks to biometric identification (via fingerprint or iris scans), Clear users typically do not have to show their IDs anytime during security screening. However, Clear users should still bring their ID when traveling, as the TSA reserves the right to subject all passengers to random ID checks. Clear members are escorted to the front of the line for the security screening machines, either to the front of the TSA PreCheck screening line for those with Clear and TSA PreCheck or to the front of the normal TSA screening line.

Global Entry

Global Entry gives preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the U.S. from abroad. Users can enter the country through automated kiosks at more than 75 airports.

How much do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear cost?

CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY

The cost of a five-year membership to TSA PreCheck varies depending on how you apply. Applying through Telos costs $85, with a $70 renewal fee. Meanwhile, applying through Idemia costs $76.75 for a new applicant. Renewal fees through Idemia vary depending on whether you apply in person ($66.75) or online ($58.75).

A five-year Global Entry membership costs $120 but also includes access to TSA PreCheck, making it an enticing two-in-one package for some travelers.

An annual membership to Clear costs $209.

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TSA PreCheck and Global Entry via credit cards

Several cobranded airline, hotel and other credit cards will offer up to $120 in statement credit reimbursement for application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is typically available every four or five years, though you should check the terms for your specific card for the exact frequency.

Some cards that convey reimbursed TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry memberships are:

Here is a full list of credit cards offering this discount.

Your points can pay for TSA PreCheck

SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

Some loyalty programs allow members to use points or miles in exchange for membership fee coverage. However, the return per point is less than TPG’s valuation of these currencies, so this wouldn’t be our top recommendation.

Still, if you wish to go this route, here are a few options for members:

  • Orbitz Rewards: Platinum members get a free TSA PreCheck membership every five years.
  • Marriott Bonvoy: Redeem 25,000 points for an $85 TSA PreCheck application credit.
  • IHG One Rewards: Redeem 30,000 points for an $85 TSA PreCheck application credit.
  • United MileagePlus: Redeem 11,000 miles for a TSA PreCheck membership.

Bundled TSA PreCheck and Clear

Clear users can enroll in TSA PreCheck for a bundled rate of $209 by applying for both TSA PreCheck and Clear Plus through Clear. After being approved for both programs, users can expect a $77.95 rebate via Clear.

Clear memberships via credit cards

Unfortunately, not nearly as many credit cards provide a free Clear Plus membership. Some cards that currently offer a statement credit to cover a Clear membership fee are:

Occasionally, American Express will also target cardmembers with Amex Offers covering the cost of Clear, so be sure to look out for those limited-time offers.

The information for the Centurion, Amex Green and Hilton Aspire 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.

Credit cards that save you money on Clear

If you don’t have a credit card offering a statement credit covering Clear, some additional credit cards reduce the annual cost:

Save on Clear with a frequent flyer membership

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines offer their frequent flyers free or discounted memberships to Clear.

Delta SkyMiles discounts

Top-tier Delta Diamond Medallion members can get Clear for free. Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members can pay a reduced price of $169, as can those with a Delta credit card.

All Delta SkyMiles members without elite status can get a discounted membership for $199 — a $10 discount.

United MileagePlus discounts

United no longer extends free Clear memberships to its Premier 1K members but offers a discounted annual rate of $129.

United Premier Platinum, Gold and Silver members can get Clear for a discounted annual rate of $169. United credit card holders also get this discount.

General United MileagePlus members can access Clear for $199 per year.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan discounts

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can enroll in Clear for a slightly discounted annual rate of $199.

Mileage Plan members who sign up for Clear receive 1,500 bonus miles, plus an additional 1,250 miles each year they renew as an MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K or MVP Gold 100K member.

Clear discounts for families and students

Travelers younger than 18 can pass through Clear with an adult for free, but Clear no longer offers a college student discount. However, Clear does offer family plans that include up to three additional adults on a primary membership for $125 per additional person, per year.

Try Clear for free with a referral code

TPG readers can try a two-month free trial using this link.

Bottom line

SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

Not only do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear help travelers save time, but it’s also possible to get these memberships without paying full price. Before you sign up for one or more of the programs, see if you can get a membership for free or at a reduced cost by using one of these methods.

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How to book a stay at Marriott’s Postcard Cabins using points http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/how-to-book-a-stay-at-marriotts-postcard-cabins-using-points/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/how-to-book-a-stay-at-marriotts-postcard-cabins-using-points/#respond Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:43:57 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/27/how-to-book-a-stay-at-marriotts-postcard-cabins-using-points/ [ad_1]

After being acquired by Marriott in 2024, Postcard Cabins began its integration into the Marriott Bonvoy program in May. At the time, only a handful of Postcard Cabins’ 29 locations across the country were bookable through Marriott Bonvoy, and points redemptions were not yet available.

Now, the full portfolio of Postcard Cabins is bookable via Marriott Bonvoy for stays using cash or points, with nightly rates starting at under $150 or 27,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night (plus taxes and fees). Stays at Postcard Cabins will also earn points and elite night credits at Marriott’s standard rate.

If you haven’t yet been introduced to the brand, Postcard Cabins are luxury tiny cabins that let travelers connect with nature without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Each private cabin sleeps between two and four guests, with amenities like fully stocked kitchens, spa-inspired bath products and outdoor seating areas where you can dine alfresco or build a cozy fire at night.

Related: Maximize your rewards by getting a fourth or fifth night free on award stays

Postcard Cabins locations are located within a two-hour drive of major cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, New York and Boston, so you are surrounded by nature but never too far off the beaten path (or from an airport).

Now that Postcard Cabins is fully integrated with Marriott Bonvoy, there are several ways to book your next glamping adventure using points.

POSTCARD CABINS

Book Postcard Cabins with credit card points

In addition to Marriott Bonvoy points that you earn directly from holding a cobranded Marriott credit card, you can transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy from several popular credit card points programs, including Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards and Bilt Rewards.

Related: 5 ways to maximize Marriott Bonvoy award night redemptions

You can transfer points from any of these programs to your Marriott Bonvoy account and use those points to book your stay. Unless there is a transfer bonus, all transfer ratios are 1:1 between these programs.

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There are a few exciting welcome offers right now that can help you earn enough points to spend several nights in the great outdoors with Postcard Cabins:

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 100,000 points, plus a $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible to earn as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of cardmembership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
  • American Express® Gold Card: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible to earn as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Book Postcard Cabins through a credit card portal

Rather than booking directly through Marriott, you can also book Postcard Cabins through your favorite credit card travel portal. Postcard Cabins are currently only bookable through the Chase Travel portal, not the American Express Travel portal.

CHASE

Though the Chase Travel portal underwent changes this month, if you were a Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve cardholder prior to June 23, you can currently still redeem Ultimate Rewards points through the portal for 1.25 or 1.5 cents per point, respectively. However, the fixed rate through the travel portal will end Oct. 27, 2027.

If you are a Chase Sapphire cardholder after June 23, your points can be redeemed at a rate of 1 cent per point, unless a Postcard Cabins location becomes available for Points Boost, which will allow eligible cardholders to redeem points for up to 2 cents per point.

The example above shows a Sapphire Preferred redemption when booking through the Chase Travel portal. You can book a two-night stay at Postcard Cabins Western Catskills for an all-in price of $668.82 or 53,505 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which will give you a value of 1.25 cents per point.

The cash price is slightly higher than if you were a Marriott Bonvoy member booking directly, but this also gives you the option of redeeming an annual travel credit if you have an eligible Chase card.

Should you transfer points to Marriott or book via a travel portal?

If you booked a two-night stay at Postcard Cabins Western Catskills in August on Marriott’s website, it would cost $640 ($668 for nonmembers) or 155,000 Marriott points. This would give you a value of 0.4 cents per point.

MARRIOTT BONVOY

TPG values Amex Membership Rewards points at 2 cents per point, Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents per point and Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents per point, per our June 2025 valuations. Therefore, if you transfer your credit card points to Marriott Bonvoy, you’d be losing more than half the value of your hard-earned rewards.

Although you’ll lose some value of your points if you book through the Chase Travel portal, it still provides a much better value than using your Marriott points or transferring your credit card points.

Bottom line

At Postcard Cabins, you can drink your morning coffee by the campfire, go on long hikes in the woods and spend quiet nights gazing up at a star-filled sky without having to fuss with setting up a tent or forgoing a hot shower each day.

Plus, escaping the big city doesn’t have to cost you a ton of money. Now, you can use Marriott points or transfer credit card points to book your next nature-filled getaway.

Related reading:

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]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/how-to-book-a-stay-at-marriotts-postcard-cabins-using-points/feed/ 0 Maximizing credit cards to be points-rich with minimal spend http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/maximizing-credit-cards-to-be-points-rich-with-minimal-spend/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/maximizing-credit-cards-to-be-points-rich-with-minimal-spend/#respond Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:30:32 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/24/maximizing-credit-cards-to-be-points-rich-with-minimal-spend/ [ad_1]

If you have big recurring expenses, it’s easy to amass a wealth of points, miles or cash back by using credit cards for all your spending. But what if the opposite is true and your monthly spending is minimal, or you adhere to a strict budget? Is it still possible to earn enough points to cover the cost of travel?

This common question has crossed every credit card beginner’s mind, and the answer is yes: With some planning, you can earn sufficient credit card rewards to put toward travel.

Credit card welcome bonuses

The easiest way to accumulate thousands of points and miles is by signing up for new credit cards and meeting the minimum spend requirements to earn various welcome bonuses.

With increasing competition among card issuers, welcome bonuses are becoming more lucrative than ever. For instance, many cards regularly offer welcome bonuses upward of 60,000 points or miles, and some even cross the 100,000-point threshold.

ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

That’s only the beginning: Plenty more amazing bonuses are out there. We regularly update our roundup of the best current welcome offers on our best rewards cards page, so that’s a good starting point if you need help finding a good card to pick. There are plenty of ways to easily meet minimum spending requirements, even if you have low monthly expenses, such as pre-paying regular expenses like utilities.

Retention and targeted offers

You may even earn bonus points or miles by telling a bank that you’re thinking about canceling your credit card. Issuers pay a lot to acquire customers, so they’re typically willing to offer generous retention bonuses to dissuade you from closing your account.

Retention offers vary by issuer and card type, but they’re an excellent way to top off your point balances while keeping your account open for an additional year.

MASKOT/GETTY IMAGES

Another form of bonuses that issuers provide is targeted offers. In some situations, issuers, such as Citi, send out targeted offers via mail and email to earn bonus points on select purchases.

Related: How to use retention offers for extra points and miles

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Strategic spending

If you want to maximize your return on spending, it’s crucial that you put as much of your daily spending as possible on your rewards-earning credit cards.

ANDRESWD/GETTY IMAGES

The key is to use cards that earn the most rewards for each spending category. There are many ways for you to get creative with your spending.

For instance, you could pay rent with a credit card and offer to pick up the tab when dining out with friends (and have them pay you back with cash or via a free online service like PayPal or Venmo). Plus, you can sometimes earn even more points by using programs like Amex Offers and online shopping portals like Rakuten.

Shopping portals

One of the best ways to earn bonus points is by leveraging shopping portals. These portals let you earn points on your everyday spending at hundreds of online retailers. Shopping portals are available through airline loyalty programs like AAdvantage and issuers like Chase.

D3SIGN/GETTY IMAGES

You log into your portal of choice and find the store you want to shop from; upon clicking the link, you will be redirected to the store’s website to shop as you normally would. Not only do you earn bonus points through the portal, but you also earn points on the actual rewards credit card used, making this the easiest way to double dip.

Related: Earn points, miles or cash back: How to maximize online shopping portals for your purchases

Reimbursed travel

While it’s great to get everyone on board with opening a travel credit card, many of your family and friends may still have yet to do it. If you know someone like this looking to book a trip, offer to put their airfare and prepaid hotel expenses on your travel credit card so you can rack up the points for free. TPG credit card writer Danyal Ahmed often accumulates a good amount of points by paying for his extended family’s airfare or prepaid hotel with his credit card.

FRAZO STUDIO LATINO/GETTY IMAGES

Additionally, if you ever travel for work, opt to put the travel expense on your credit card and get reimbursed rather than having your company pay for everything directly. Even though the reimbursement may take some time to get back to you, the points you gain will be worth it.

Bottom line

You don’t need to have high monthly expenses to become points-rich. All it takes is some homework and a few new credit cards. There are plenty of resources and methods to boost your point balances; it just requires research and being proactive to ensure opportunities aren’t missed.

Related: How to have a credit card strategy without annual fees

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]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/maximizing-credit-cards-to-be-points-rich-with-minimal-spend/feed/ 0 How I booked an Emirates Airbus A380 first-class award http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/how-i-booked-an-emirates-airbus-a380-first-class-award-without-elite-status-and-how-you-can-too/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/how-i-booked-an-emirates-airbus-a380-first-class-award-without-elite-status-and-how-you-can-too/#respond Thu, 12 Jun 2025 21:07:23 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/13/how-i-booked-an-emirates-airbus-a380-first-class-award-without-elite-status-and-how-you-can-too/ [ad_1]

When I saw the recent news that Emirates had decided to restrict first-class awards to elite Platinum, Gold and Silver members of its Emirates Skywards loyalty program, I thought my dream of flying this aspirational product with onboard bars, showers and unlimited caviar was over.

I have never held, and will likely never hold, any Skywards elite status. Couple this with multiple credit card programs “temporarily” suspending points transfers to Skywards, and I was chalking this up to a “should have booked it when I could” lesson of earning and redeeming points and miles.

However, there’s still an easy way to book Emirates first class, and it ultimately helped me achieve my dream after all. Here’s what you should know about it.

Related: Emirates first class still wows: Fully enclosed suites and unlimited caviar

We are in the golden age of Qantas points

BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

Learning that Skywards was adding restrictions to its own members’ ability to book first-class awards, I naturally assumed they would add similar restrictions to partner airline programs. After all, if an entry-level Skywards member cannot book an Emirates award, why let an entry-level member of another loyalty program do so?

But so far, that hasn’t happened.

The best partner programs to book Emirates awards have traditionally been Air Canada’s Aeroplan program and Qantas Frequent Flyer. Aeroplan recently began pricing Emirates awards dynamically, and while Aeroplan still has access to first-class awards, these are priced up to 750,000 Aeroplan points per flight, which is not a good deal.

However, Emirates first-class awards are still readily available to all Qantas members using Qantas points, with similar rates and fees, taxes and surcharges as Skywards charges its elite members.

Using my secret weapon, Seats.aero, I easily found multiple nonstop flights from North America to Dubai International Airport (DXB).

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Here’s an example of some flights available in late September and early October of this year, when the summer temperatures in the Middle East become milder.

SEATS.AERO

Qantas currently charges the following rates for Emirates first-class awards, one-way, per person:

  • Flights 0 to 600 miles in length: 29,000 points
  • Flights 601 to 1,200 miles in length: 43,500 points
  • Flights 1,201 to 2,400 miles in length: 64,500 points (this includes Emirates’ new service from Florida to Colombia)
  • Flights 2,401 to 3,600 miles in length: 89,800 points (this includes most routes from Europe to Dubai)
  • Flights 3,601 to 4,800 miles in length: 107,700 points (this includes Emirates’ fifth-freedom routes between North America and Europe)
  • Flights 4,801 to 5,800 miles in length: 149,800 points (this includes departures from the Northeast to Dubai)
  • Flights 5,801 to 7,000 miles in length: 170,800 points (this includes all other U.S. departures, including from the West Coast)

Related: A review of Emirates business class on the Airbus A380 from New York to Milan

BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

I jumped on this great availability and pricing, booking an Emirates first-class flight from London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) to DXB on the Airbus A380 around two weeks before departure for 89,800 Qantas points plus 572 British pounds, which is about $775 and includes the compulsory Air Passenger Duty tax for all departures from the United Kingdom.

Stay tuned for a full report of my bucket-list flight, but let’s just say it exceeded my already high expectations.

Another reason right now is such a great time to consider Qantas points is that for bookings made from Aug. 5 onward, Emirates flights will be priced according to the Qantas award chart (rather than the partner award chart), meaning rates (and surcharges) will mostly increase as follows:

  • Flights 0 to 600 miles in length: 29,000 points (no change)
  • Flights 601 to 1,200 miles in length: 43,600 points (up by 100 points)
  • Flights 1,201 to 2,400 miles in length: 65,300 (up by 1,200 points)
  • Flights 2,401 to 3,600 miles in length: 102,600 points (up by 12,800 points)
  • Flights 3,601 to 4,800 miles in length: 123,100 (up by 15,400 points)
  • Flights 4,801 to 5,800 miles in length: 149,800 points (down by 2,100 points)
  • Flights 5,801 to 7,000 miles in length: 170,800 points (no change)

Even though some Emirates first-class award flights from the U.S. booked with Qantas points will decrease slightly for bookings made from Aug. 5 onward, we don’t know how long Qantas Frequent Flyer members will have access to such generous Emirates first-class availability.

After all, as this access is better than what’s offered to entry-level Skywards members, I wouldn’t be surprised if Emirates decides to reduce the number of first-class seats available to partner airline programs like Qantas.

How to earn Qantas points

BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

Qantas points are easy to earn, as Qantas Frequent Flyer is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One and Citi ThankYou Rewards.

Here are some of the best credit card welcome offers available right now that you could leverage to transfer to Qantas at a 1:1 rate:

Bottom line

If you want to book Emirates’ fabulous first-class product with points and miles and don’t have elite status in Emirates’ own Skywards loyalty program, this is a great time to look at the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.

Given that entry-level Skywards members no longer have access to these seats, I’d argue availability through Qantas Frequent Flyer has never been better.

The generous award availability may not last, and with most Emirates first-class awards increasing in price for bookings made from Aug. 5 onward, now is the golden age of Qantas points, transferable from Amex, Capital One and Citi.

Related reading:

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Bilt Rewards: Earn points on rent, transfer bonuses and more http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/bilt-rewards-earn-points-on-rent-transfer-bonuses-and-more/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/travel/bilt-rewards-earn-points-on-rent-transfer-bonuses-and-more/#respond Wed, 28 May 2025 21:44:33 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/05/29/bilt-rewards-earn-points-on-rent-transfer-bonuses-and-more/ [ad_1]

Every year, the TPG Awards honor excellence in credit cards, loyalty programs and travel. Please click here to read more about our winner selection process and methodology for the 2024 TPG Awards.

If you’re looking for a loyalty program ideal for renters, Bilt Rewards is a solid option. As a member, you’ll earn Bilt Points when you pay rent and make your regular everyday purchases. The points you earn can be redeemed for travel through loyalty partners, rent or future down payments, fitness classes, and more.

Plus, there are no transaction fees (see rates and fees) on rent payments when you use the Bilt Mastercard®. You can earn up to 100,000 points on rent per calendar year.

We’re celebrating the Bilt Mastercard (see rates and fees) for winning the Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Rewards Credit Card award at the 2024 TPG Awards. This card is a powerhouse for renters, who can earn valuable Bilt points on their rent payments with no transaction fee. You must make at least five transactions on the card every statement period to earn points (see rewards and benefits).

While we love this card, you don’t need to have it to earn and redeem points in the Bilt Rewards program.

TPG’s May 2025 valuations place Bilt points at 2.05 cents apiece, though there are plenty of ways to get more value from them. Let’s delve into all the details of the Bilt Rewards loyalty program and explore how to earn and redeem points for maximum value.

What is Bilt Rewards?

Bilt Rewards is a loyalty program that lets you earn points to redeem toward travel, Amazon purchases, home decor, fitness classes and more. You can earn Bilt points by simply becoming a member, linking a qualifying card to your Bilt Rewards account and transacting with Bilt partners.

THE POINTS GUY

Perhaps most notably, you can earn Bilt points by paying your rent. With the Bilt Mastercard, you can earn points on rent with no transaction fee (see rates and fees).

How do you earn Bilt Rewards points?

You don’t necessarily need to have the Bilt Mastercard or pay rent to earn Bilt points. There are nine primary ways to earn Bilt points.

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1. Earning Bilt points by paying rent

LYNDSEY MATTHEWS/THE POINTS GUY

You can earn 1 point per dollar spent on rent at any home (up to 100,000 points per calendar year) by paying your rent with the Bilt Mastercard.

You can pay your rent with your Bilt Mastercard through the Bilt app, but if your landlord only accepts physical checks, don’t fret. You can still pay your rent with the Bilt Mastercard on the app, and then Bilt will mail your landlord a rent check each month, allowing you to earn points on rent without incurring any additional transaction fees (see rates and fees). If applicable, you can also process payments through Venmo and your landlord’s online rent portal.

As of April 2025, you can now use a credit card that isn’t a Bilt Mastercard to pay rent, though it may not be the best option. If you use a Visa, Discover or Mastercard, you’ll earn 1 Bilt point per dollar spent on rent. Using an American Express card, you’ll earn 1 Bilt point for every $2 spent. However, you’ll incur a 3% transaction fee with this route.

2. Earning Bilt points with the Bilt Mastercard

Speaking of the Bilt Mastercard, it offers a simple earning structure:

  • 5 points per dollar spent with Bilt Dining partners and Lyft, once you link your Bilt and Lyft accounts and pay with the Bilt Mastercard
  • 3 points per dollar spent on dining
  • 2 points per dollar spent on travel booked directly with the provider or through the Bilt Travel Portal and on Walgreens purchases and prescriptions
  • 1 point per dollar spent on rent payments (up to 100,000 points per calendar year) and all other purchases

You must use your card at least five times during each statement period to earn points.

This no-annual-fee card (see rates and fees) offers impressive perks, including an Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, and No Foreign Transaction Fees (see rates and fees).

You do not need to pay rent to apply for the Bilt Mastercard.

Related: Should you pay your rent with Bilt? We crunch the numbers

3. Earning Bilt points through Bilt Dining

Bilt also has its own dining rewards program called Bilt Dining.

You can link any Visa, Mastercard or American Express credit card to the Bilt Dining program to earn up to 3 points per dollar spent at Bilt Dining restaurants when you pay with any eligible card in your Bilt Wallet.

These earnings come in addition to what you earn with your credit card. For example, if you pay with your Bilt Mastercard, you’ll earn 3 additional points per dollar spent*, for a total of up to 6 Bilt points per dollar spent. Put differently, that’s a 12.3% return on your dining purchases, according to TPG’s May 2025 valuations.

TOM WERNER/GETTY IMAGES

Bilt states that you can earn up to 10 points per dollar spent on eating at a Bilt Dining restaurant and paying with any eligible card on file in your Bilt Wallet. Plus, there is no cap on how many points you can earn through Bilt Dining.

4. Earning Bilt points on the Bilt travel portal

Expedia powers Bilt’s travel portal, where you can earn points on flights, hotel stays, car rentals and things to do. As a Bilt member, you earn 1 point per dollar spent on travel booked through the portal.

As a Bilt Mastercard holder, you earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel booked through the portal and 2 additional points per dollar by charging your purchase to the card*. That is a total of 4 Bilt points per dollar spent.

5. Earning Bilt points with referrals

You’ll earn 2,500 points each time you refer a friend to the Bilt Mastercard, on up to 50 total referrals. For every five referrals, you earn 10,000 bonus points. You can refer friends to the card through the website or app.

6. Earning Bilt points with Lyft

You can earn 2 Bilt points per dollar spent on Lyft rides when you link your accounts. When you pay for your ride with the Bilt Mastercard*, you’ll also receive an additional 3 Bilt points per dollar spent.

7. Earning Bilt points with fitness studios

You can earn up to 10 points per dollar spent on fitness classes booked through the Bilt app.

SOULCYCLE/FACEBOOK

These studios include SoulCycle, Pure Barre, Barry’s and Rumble Boxing.

8. Earning Bilt points by playing the Rent Free game

Bilt offers a game show-style opportunity for members to earn extra points on Bilt Rent Day (the first of the month): Rent Free.

Rent Free is set up like “Family Feud,” with a new creator or personality playing the game each month. As a Bilt member, you can earn points with Rent Free when you pick a top-three answer, when you correctly rank that answer (double points) and when the celebrity guest picks the same answer as you (triple points).

On top of earning points, the top 10-scoring players will win free rent for a month (up to $2,500). The next 600 top-scoring members will get Bilt points. If you tie, the tie will be broken based on who played the game first.

9. Earning Bilt points on home buying

In 2024, Bilt launched a new way to earn points: home buying. The loyalty program partnered with eXp Realty, and when you work with an eXp agent, Bilt members will earn 1 point for every $2 of a home purchase price. For example, if you purchase a home for $500,000 using an eXp Realty agent, you could earn up to 250,000 Bilt points. According to TPG’s May 2025 valuations, those points would be worth $5,125.

*You must use your card at least five times during each statement period to earn points.

Related: Bilt considering new credit card products to pair with points for mortgage payments — here are our thoughts

Bilt Rewards elite status tiers

Bilt offers four status tiers. You can reach Bilt elite status in two ways: earning Bilt points and receiving fast-track status with spending on the Bilt Mastercard and within the Bilt ecosystem.

While you won’t earn fast-track status on rent spending, you can earn it through SoulCycle classes booked in the Bilt app, Bilt Dining restaurant purchases made with any card linked in your Bilt Wallet, Lyft rides when Bilt is set as your rewards partner, and bookings made via Bilt’s travel portal.

Every member of Bilt Rewards starts in the Blue tier.

Here’s a quick overview.

Blue Silver Gold Platinum
Option 1: Bilt points qualification All Bilt Rewards members 50,000 points 125,000 points 200,000 points
Option 2: Fast track with spending  All Bilt Rewards members $10,000 spent $25,000 spent $50,000 spent
Earn interest on your points (at the FDIC-published national savings rate)
Blade benefits ✓ (including a complimentary Blade flight)
Access to complimentary homeownership concierge
Rent Day transfer bonuses Higher transfer bonuses Gold-level transfer bonuses Platinum-level transfer bonuses

Your member status is based on the total points earned in a calendar year. You’ll receive the higher of the two statuses through qualifying points or via spending on the fast-track status path.

No matter when you earn status each calendar year, it’s good for the rest of the year and the following year.

Bilt Platinum members can apply for an Air France-KLM Flying Blue status match

Bilt Platinum members can receive 12 months of Flying Blue Gold status. To activate this status match, members must go to the Bilt app and select “Elite Status Match.” Then, members must transfer 10,000 Bilt points to Flying Blue to officially activate their Gold status. Luckily, these 10,000 points can be used toward a future Air France-KLM award flight.

ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

After requesting status, it may take up to three business days for your Flying Blue Gold status to become officially active.

Flying Blue Gold status will give Bilt members additional airline perks and qualify them for SkyTeam Elite Plus status, which includes benefits on other SkyTeam airlines like Delta Air Lines.

Learn more about specific Flying Blue Gold status perks on Flying Blue’s tier benefits page and the added benefits of having SkyTeam Elite Plus status on SkyTeam’s FAQ page.

Related: How to earn ‘interest’ on your points balance with Bilt Rewards

How to use Bilt points: Best-value option

The Bilt Rewards loyalty program gives you many ways to use your points, though not all carry equal value.

Let’s start with the best way for you to redeem your Bilt points. Nothing beats the outsize value of transferring your points to Bilt’s 20 airline and hotel partners.

Transfer your Bilt points to travel partners

Joining these loyalty programs is free, even if you’ve never flown the airline or stayed with the hotel brand.

By transferring your Bilt points to the right programs, you can easily get 2.05 cents per point in value — and perhaps much more — and score a lie-flat airplane seat or a luxurious hotel stay.

Program Transfer ratio Transfer time
ALL — Accor Live Limitless 3:2 **
Aer Lingus AerClub 1:1 Within minutes
Air Canada Aeroplan 1:1 Within 24 hours
Air France-KLM Flying Blue 1:1 Within minutes
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan 1:1 Within minutes
Avianca LifeMiles 1:1 Up to 72 hours
British Airways Club 1:1 Within minutes
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles 1:1 Within minutes
Emirates Skywards 1:1 Within minutes
Hilton Honors 1:1 Within minutes
Club Iberia Plus 1:1 Within minutes
IHG One Rewards 1:1 Within minutes
Japan Airlines Mileage Bank 1:1 **
Marriott Bonvoy 1:1, with 5,000 bonus points for every 20,000 points you transfer in a single transfer Within 48 hours
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards 1:1 **
TAP Miles&Go 1:1 **
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles 1:1 Within minutes
United Airlines MileagePlus 1:1 Within minutes
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club 1:1 Within minutes
World of Hyatt 1:1 Within minutes

**TPG has not yet tested transferring Bilt points to these programs.

Best-value transfer partners

JAMES MACDONALD/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES

Bilt Rewards partners with some of our favorite airline and hotel loyalty programs, including Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and World of Hyatt. These programs have largely kept standard award charts for award flights and hotel nights, meaning you’ll pay a predictable rate and can often get outsize value from your points.

Transfer bonuses

Bilt Rewards has historically offered some of the best transfer bonuses we’ve seen during Rent Day (the first of every month).

These have included 150% transfer bonuses to some carriers, such as Emirates Skywards, and up to a 100% transfer bonus to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan for July 2024 Rent Day. Additionally, Bilt has previously offered a 100% transfer bonus to Flying Blue.

Related: The best airline award chart sweet spots

How to use Bilt points: Medium-value options

The following redemption options will get you decent value with a redemption rate of at least 1 cent per point.

Use your points to save up for a down payment on a home

Bilt offers the unique ability for users to save up their points toward a down payment on a home.

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If you opt for this route, your Bilt points are valued at 1.5 cents each toward a down payment. This means 10,000 Bilt points are worth $150 toward your down payment.

Redeem for travel on the Bilt travel portal

You can use the Bilt travel portal to offset the cost of flights, stays, rental cars and activities at a rate of 1.25 cents per point.

How to use Bilt points: Poor-value options

If you want to extract maximum value from your Bilt Rewards points, you’ll likely want to avoid some of these less valuable redemption options.

Use points for Amazon purchases

You can select your Bilt Mastercard on Amazon as a payment method and redeem your points to cover all or a portion of your purchase at checkout. However, Bilt points are worth 0.7 cents each when used this way.

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For example, you’ll need approximately 14,300 Bilt points to cover a $100 Amazon purchase. Compare that to TPG’s May 2025 valuation of 2.05 cents per Bilt point, and it’s not necessarily the best deal.

Shop the Bilt Collection

The Bilt Collection is a curated list of items, including art, home decor and apparel. The value per point will vary, but since it rarely exceeds more than 1 cent per point, you should likely pass on this option.

Redeem your points for fitness classes

Fitness enthusiasts can redeem their Bilt points to attend name-brand classes like SoulCycle, Solidcore, and Y7 Studio. The value will depend on the class you select, but it hovers around 1 cent per point.

Redeem your points for rent

A potentially enticing option with your points is to save them to help cover your next rent payment. However, the redemption value is just 0.55 cents per point.

Related: Ways college students can meet credit card minimum spending requirements

Frequently asked questions

Does the Bilt Mastercard charge a fee to pay rent?

No, the Bilt Mastercard does not charge a transaction fee (see rates and fees) when you use it to pay rent through Bilt Rewards. However, you can only earn 100,000 points on rent each calendar year, and you must make at least five transactions with the card in each statement period to earn points.

Can you use Bilt without the Bilt Mastercard?

Yes. You do not have to hold the Bilt Mastercard to enroll in Bilt Rewards and earn Bilt points in the program.

Does my landlord/management company have to have a partnership with Bilt?

No, you can use Bilt to pay rent even if your landlord does not partner with the program.

What are Bilt points worth?

TPG’s May 2025 valuations deem Bilt points as worth 2.05 cents per point. Depending on how you redeem your points, however, you could get a much higher or lower value for them.

Is the Bilt Mastercard worth it?

The Bilt Mastercard could be worth it if you want to earn points on rent without incurring a transaction fee (see rates and fees). The card also features popular bonus categories and could be a great option if you find value in the program’s transfer partners.

However, the card doesn’t feature a traditional welcome bonus, and some features aren’t as useful if you live in a less populated area. So, as with any decision, you should consider what you want in a card before you apply.

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

Bottom line

Bilt Rewards presents an exceptional value proposition for both renters and nonrenters. Bilt has established partnerships with some of the more lucrative airline and hotel loyalty programs, enabling you to extract extraordinary value from your points. Your points transfer seamlessly at a straightforward 1:1 ratio (except when transferring to Accor), and most programs process the transfers instantly.

Even if you aren’t renting or don’t want to apply for the Bilt Mastercard, you can earn lots of points by linking your Lyft account, enrolling in Bilt Dining and booking travel through the Bilt portal.

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

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