Update: Some of the credit card offers in this post are no longer available. Check our credit card page for the latest offers.
Here’s a summary of this week’s miles and points offers, deals, and specials:
Credit Cards
Airlines
- Alaska increase cost to redeem awards. You’ll pay more to redeem miles on Alaska for award bookings made on or after January 14, 2014.
- American Airlines and US Airways are closer to merging. The Department of Justice lawsuit has been settled so American Airlines and US Airways can start merging, possibly as early as December. USA Today reports that reciprocal elite recognition on both airlines will begin in early January.
- Increases in award redemption on Delta. Delta will increase award costs to redeem award seats starting February 1, 2014.
- Star Alliance award availability removed. ExpertFlyer no longer has access to Star Alliance award availability.
Hotels
- Hyatt makes changes to its award chart. Hyatt will increase the cost of award redemptions effective January 7, 2014. Some hotels will also change categories, including the Park Hyatts which will become Category 7 hotels. You have until January 6, 2014 to make award bookings under the current award chart.
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best card to get started in the world of miles and points. It is the first card you should get to start traveling for free because the welcome offer is 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
My favorite perks about this card are earning 5X points on travel when booked through the Chase portal (2X if direct purchase), 3X points on dining, $50 yearly credit on hotels booked through the Chase portal, no foreign transaction fees, and transferring points to 13 airline and hotel partners like Hyatt, United, and Southwest.
Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and how to apply
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of my favorite cards for earning cash back card and travel rewards. It offers a welcome offer of an additional 1.5% cash back on all your purchases up to $20,000 your first year.
My favorite perks about this card are earning 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal, 3% cash back at drugstores and restaurants (including delivery and takeout), 1.5% cash back on all other purchases and no annual fee. When paired with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card or Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, you can use your points to travel for free.