Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Aug 2026: Transfer Bonuses and Best Offers

Below you'll find information on the best current sign up offers and current transfer bonuses. Don't know what a transfer bonus is? Check out this page, which not only explains what a transfer bonus is, but also always includes the current transfer bonuses, as well as a calculator to tell you exactly how many points you need to move.

I'll keep this page updated as the month goes on, so be sure to check back!


Aug 2026 Best Card Offers

Often the best and quickest way to earn a large sum of points (or miles) is to open a new card and earn it's sign up bonus by hitting the minimum spend in the given amount of time.  Here are the current best card offers and links to a full write up regarding the card details and benefits.


Chase Sapphire Preferred

  • Elevated Sign Up Bonus (started 6/15/26, was scheduled to end 7/31 and is still going as of 8/4!): Spend $5,000 in 3 months; earn 100,000 points
  • Low annual fee ($95)
  • Details and Benefits
  • Referral Link

Chase Ink Business Unlimited


Chase Ink Business Cash


Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

  • Elevated Sign Up Bonus: Spend $30,000 in 6 months; earn 200,000 points
  • High annual fee - but a high amount of points and benefits to offset; 6 months to hit the minimum spend instead of the stand 3 months


Chase United MileagePlus Business
  • Elevated Sign Up Bonus: Spend $5,000 in 3 months; earn 100,000 miles
  • High annual fee - but a high amount of points and benefits to offset; 6 months to hit the minimum spend instead of the stand 3 months

As a reminder, I always share my referral links. If you decide to open one of these card, I appreciate you using my referral link to apply. It is absolutely free to you, but provides me a small kick back from the bank. Think of it as a free thank-you gift for the time and effort to share and educate how to earn and use points ;)


Aug 2026 Transfer Bonuses

Check out this page, which not only explains what a transfer bonus is, but also always has active transfer bonuses as well as a calculator to tell you exactly how many points you need to move.

No idea what it even means to transfer? Start here with a beginner post and here to learn why and how to transfer.

American Express

  • British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia Plus: 30% bonus through 11:59PM ET Sept 27, 2026 (this is almost 2 months long! wow!)
These airlines are all part of Oneworld Alliance and all use Avios as their points system. What's cool about Avios, is that you can move them from one Avios airline to another! I have an entire post and tutorial here.

Why would you want or need to do this? You can save 30% on other flights, not just these airlines! For example, Qatar Airways is known to be one of the best business class flights in the world but they're not part of this transfer bonus (nor a transfer partner of Amex)... but you could move Amex points to British Airways, and then from British Airways to Qatar to ultimate book your flight and utilize this transfer bonus.       

Capital One

  • Avianca LifeMiles: 15% bonus through 11:59PM ET August 31, 2026 (Avianca is part of Star Alliance; which you could use to your benefit to book a flight, even if you don't want to fly Avianca. Learn more about Airline Alliances)

Chase

  • IHG Hotels & Resorts: 70% bonus through 11:59PM ET August 31, 2026
Don't forget - all IHG credit cardholders get 4th night free, when you book 4 consecutive nights or longer!


Summary
If you're looking for a new card and don't have one of the cards listed above with an elevated offer; I would consider going for it. Especially when it's a flexible/transferable point card.

Keep in mind - Chase has recently changed their eligibility rules on several cards. For the following cards, you are now only to receive ONE sign up bonus (EVER!). This is a change for those of us who were familiar with the Sapphire 48mo rule and/or being able to open multiple repeat Ink Business cards. 

A rule change for the better is that you can hold the Sapphire Preferred AND the Sapphire Reserve at the same time now - which is great before they have different benefits.

Personal Cards

Business Cards

With this information in mind; if you have not previously opened and received a sign up bonus for these cards; I would highly suggest considering opening any of these cards when there is an elevated offer; which conveniently all of these cards have (at least as this very moment).

Have you taken advantage of transfer bonuses before? While I don't wait for a transfer bonus (when I have something I want to book, I book it!), but it sure is nice when a transfer bonus aligns with something that I need to book.

I'll keep this page updated as the month goes on, so be sure to check back!
____________________________________________

Looking for more information on points/miles? You can find all of my points talk posts linked here.

Trying to figure out your next card? Here is my FREE personalized Next Card Recommendation form. Simply fill this out and I'll let you know suggestions.

Curious what cards I (and/or my husband) have, and why? Read here!

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Extra Southwest Points

I've shared about shopping portals before (read here) and typically Rakuten gets a lot of recognition; but did you know most airlines and some banks have their own shopping portals? There are so many different shopping portals, that there are actually websites that will compare portals for you, to know which has the highest offer. This points talks about my favorite shopping portal comparison tool.

No idea what I'm talking about? Here's some information for a refresher...


Shopping Portal 101

What's a Shopping Portal?
Per Google AI, a shopping portal is a website or platform that acts as a gateway to online retailers, offering bonus rewards like cash back, airline miles or points, for purchases made through the shopping portal. Instead of going directly to a retailer's website, you visit the shopping portal first, search and click on a link to your retailer of choice, and then make your purchase from the retailers website. 

The portal tracks your purchase (but not your personal information like shipping address and/or credit card number), then credits your account with the bonus rewards offered.

Why use a Shopping Portal?
To earn extra points, miles, or cash back for free

How do shopping portals make money?
Through affiliate links and commission paid by the retailers.

Do I need to use a certain credit card to use a Shopping Portal?
Nope! Unlike "offers" which are coupons tied to a specific credit card; it does NOT matter what form of payment you use to pay when you shop via shopping portal!


Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal
Sign up here and have your SW Rapid Rewards number and log in handy

Why am I taking time to highlight Southwest Shopping Portal? Not only can you earn extra SW points Because to redeem for SW points flights; but also because points earned via SW shopping portal count towards SW Companion Pass! SW CP allows you to book a flight (on points or cash) and add a second flyer for just taxes and fees ($5.60 for domestic US travel!)

I have an entire post here with strategies to earn Companion Pass, which is to hit 135,000 companion pass qualifying points in a calendar year.

If I have a SW credit card (which I do), I generally earn 1 point per dollar spent on my SW card (granted, some categories earn more points). I'm definitely not putting over $100,000 of spend in a calendar year on my Southwest card to earn companion pass.

However, I do consciously SW Shopping portal to earn extra points to minimize the spend I need to put on my SW card. Right now SW Shopping Portal has an offer if you enroll in the offer and spend X-amount by 8/10/2026, you can earn up to 2,500 extra points (on top of your shopping portal spend points. If that makes sense?)


With this promotion and purchases I've made in the past month; I've spent $560 using SW Shopping Portal; and with the promotion above, plus the shopping portal points, I will earn a total of 3,866 rapid rewards (1,366 based on my portal spend below + 2,000 bonus points).

That is SO much better than having spend $3,866 on my Southwest credit card! Granted, I still have a long ways to go to earn companion pass ;) but hey, I've booked Southwest points flights for less than 3,866 points!

SW Shopping Portal - Recent Transactions


And that doesn't take into consideration which credit card and/or benefit I'm using and the points/benefits earned via that method and working on a sign up bonus for.

Summary
Shopping portals add another step to online shopping and another way to make your head spin in points and miles. But if you have the capacity (hint: download the free web browser extensions so you automatically get a pop up reminder when shopping online!); shopping portals, offer a convenient way to earn more points (or cashback) without spending more!
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Looking for more information on points/miles? You can find all of my points talk posts linked here.

Trying to figure out your next card? Here is my FREE personalized Next Card Recommendation form. Simply fill this out and I'll let you know suggestions.

Curious what cards I (and/or my husband) have, and why? Read here!



Thursday, July 2, 2026

July 2026: Elevated Offers and Transfer Bonuses

It's a new month. Below you'll find information on the best sign up offers and current transfer bonuses. Don't know what a transfer bonus is? Check out this page, which not only explains what a transfer bonus is, but also includes always includes the current transfer bonuses as well as a calculator to tell you exactly how many points you need to move.

I'll keep this page updated as the month goes on, so be sure to check back!

July 2026 Best Card Offers

Often the best and quickest way to earn a large sum of points (or miles) is to open a new card and earn it's sign up bonus by hitting the minimum spend in the given amount of time.  Here are the current best card offers and links to a full write up regarding the card details and benefits.


Chase Sapphire Preferred

  • Elevated Sign Up Bonus (started 6/15/26, anticipated to end by 7/31): Spend $5,000 in 3 months; earn 150,000 points
  • Low annual fee ($95)
  • Details and Benefits
  • Referral Link

Chase Ink Business Unlimited


Chase Ink Business Cash


Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

  • Elevated Sign Up Bonus: Spend $30,000 in 6 months; earn 200,000 points
  • High annual fee - but a high amount of points and benefits to offset; 6 months to hit the minimum spend instead of the stand 3 months


Chase United MileagePlus Business
  • Elevated Sign Up Bonus: Spend $5,000 in months; earn 100,000 miles
  • High annual fee - but a high amount of points and benefits to offset; 6 months to hit the minimum spend instead of the stand 3 months

As a reminder, I always share my referral links. If you decide to open one of these card, I appreciate you using my referral link to apply. It is absolutely free to you, but provides me a small kick back from the bank. Think of it as a free thank-you gift for the time and effort to share and educate how to earn and use points ;)


July 2026 Transfer Bonuses

Check out this page, which not only explains what a transfer bonus is, but also includes always includes the current transfer bonuses as well as a calculator to tell you exactly how many points you need to move.

No idea what it even means to transfer? Start here with a beginner post and here to learn why and how to transfer.

American Express

  • Hilton 20% bonus through 11:59PM ET July 14th, 2026 (keep in mind, American Express points always transfer to Hilton at a 1:2 ratio; which doubles your points when moved to Hilton!)
  • Virgin Atlantic: 30% bonus through 11:59PM ET July 31, 2026


Capital One

  • Eva Air: 30% bonus through 11:59PM ET July 31, 2026 (Eva Air is part of Star Alliance; which you could use to your benefit to book a flight, even if you don't want to fly Eva Air. Learn more about Airline Alliances)

Chase

  • Virgin Atlantic: 35% bonus through 11:59PM ET July 14th, 2026


Summary
If you're looking for a new card and don't have one of the cards listed above with an elevated offer; I would consider going for it. Especially when it's a flexible/transferable point card.

Keep in mind - Chase has recently changed their eligibility rules on several cards. For the following cards, you are now only to receive ONE sign up bonus (EVER!). This is a change for those of us who were familiar with the Sapphire 48mo rule and/or being able to open multiple repeat Ink Business cards. 
A rule change for the better is that you can hold the Sapphire Preferred AND the Sapphire Reserve at the same time now - which is great before they have different benefits.

Personal Cards

Business Cards

With this information in mind; if you have not previously opened and received a sign up bonus for these cards; I would highly suggest considering opening any of these cards when there is an elevated offer; which conveniently all of these cards have (at least as this very moment).

Have you taken advantage of transfer bonuses before? While I don't wait for a transfer bonus (when I have something I want to book, I book it!), but it sure is nice when a transfer bonus aligns with something that I need to book.

I'll keep this page updated as the month goes on, so be sure to check back!
____________________________________________

Looking for more information on points/miles? You can find all of my points talk posts linked here.

Trying to figure out your next card? Here is my FREE personalized Next Card Recommendation form. Simply fill this out and I'll let you know suggestions.

Curious what cards I (and/or my husband) have, and why? Read here!



Friday, June 26, 2026

How I'm Earning Extra Chase Points

I've shared about shopping portals before (what they are and how to compare them to find the best deal); but recently Chase announced a new partnership that gives you the ability to earn even more points with a few extra clicks.



What's Paze?
Paze is a digital wallet, similar to ApplePay or even Paypal. It's a third party vendor that you can link your credit cards to, to pay securely to vendors who accept Paze.

Why Use Paze?
When you link select Chase credit cards, including Freedom, Sapphire Preferred, or Sapphire Reserve; you can earn 10X points on select purchases when you use Paze as your form of payment!

Where Can You Use Paze?
You can find a full list of merchants that currently accept Paze here on Paze website. Keep in mind, Paze is a fairly new vender and their merchant list continues to expand.

Some of the places I've used Pazed already include: Stubhub (utilizing my $150 Reserve benefit), and Newegg (to purchase giftcards; unfortunately this option was a little too popular and has already been shut down). Other merchants include Sephora, United (use to purchase Travel Bank, which is similar to United cash credit), Fanatics, etc.


How to Set up Paze:

  • Log into your Chase Mobile App and click on your Freedom or Sapphire Card
  • Click Manage Account
  • Then Select Digital Wallets
  • Select Paze
  • Select your Chase card to enroll
  • Select Activate Paze (which will take you to Paze website to complete). If you don't already have a Paze account; you'll be asked to create one. Utilize the same email as your Chase account.

Paying with Paze
When you're on a website, check the Payment Methods to see if Paze is accepted. If so, simply select Paze as your form of payment. It's that easy!


Examples of Using Paze 
Unfortunately this first example is a bad example because Newegg Giftcards no longer work for this hack): at the time, I going to place an Instacart order. Instead of checking out directly on Instacart with my saved form of payment; I first went to Newegg and purchased $150 of Instacart giftcards:

I then uploaded the giftcards into my Instacart as form of payment and proceeded with my purchase (also utilizing Rakuten for more points!).... but because I used Paze, I also earned 10X points on my $150 paze purchase in my Chase account: 



I mentioned above, but another GREAT way to use this is for the Sapphire Reserve $150 Stubhub credit. Stubhub is a Paze merchant AND this can be stacked with Rakuten also.

If you spend $150 on Stubhub, checking out via Paze; you'll earn 1,650 points. Plus, if you're lucky like me and Rakuten is at 10% for Stubhub; you'll earn another 1,500 Rakuten points.

In total, that's 3,150 extra points for a few clicks; AND with the Reserve benefit, you'll get your $150 statement credit - so that's an extra 3,150 points for $0 out of pocket!


Summary
Are you still with me?! Lol

While the best way to earn a large amount of points remains to earn a new card sign up bonus; I really think that Paze is another great option to add extra points that will add up over time.

Let me know if you give it a try and where you use it

____________________________________________

Looking for more information on points/miles? You can find all of my points talk posts linked here.

Trying to figure out your next card? Here is my FREE personalized Next Card Recommendation form. Simply fill this out and I'll let you know suggestions.

Curious what cards I (and/or my husband) have, and why? Read here!









Monday, June 15, 2026

Newly Improved Best Card - Sapphire Preferred

 That's right! In June 2025, Chase revamped the Chase Sapphire Reserve card (learn more here) and also introduced the Sapphire Reserve for Business (learn more there). But this June, Chase announced a revamp of my favorite card; the Chase Sapphire Preferred!

You will find this card in several of my posts, including Best Beginner Cards and My Everyday Cards; for good reason! It has a low annual fee and is a great point earner for every day purchases. Let's just in to review the card and it's newest benefits!

A few "Chase Rules" to keep in mind:

  • Chase now allows you to hold the Sapphire Preferred AND Sapphire Reserve at the same time (in the past, this was not allowed)
  • Chase added "lifetime language" that you are only eligible for a sign up bonus once for each card (ie one SUB for Preferred and one SUB for Reserve; this is a change from the past and the former 48-month rule)
  • You need a "premium" Chase card, aka a Chase brand card with an annual fee, in order to transfer Chase points to travel partners (like hotels and airlines). Transferring points to these partners often help you spend less points than if you used points to book in the Chase Travel Portal. Sapphire Preferred is the lowest annual fee card with benefit.

Now on the main event!

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Annual Fee: $95

Current Elevated Offer*: Spend $5,000 in 3 months and earn 100,000 points!

(*elevated, meaning it's a limited time higher offer than the standard offer. The standard offer for this card is spend $5,000 in 3 months and earn 75,000 points )

Referral Link: absolutely free to you to use to open this card; but gives me credit with Chase for you applying. This is an easy way to help support my small business and keep free content coming! 

5/24: This is a personal card and therefore WILL take up one spot in your Chase 5/24 count. (What's Chase 5/24? Read Rule 2 in This beginner post)

Cash Value Benefits
  • $100 Annual Hotel Credit (added 2026): Valid for any hotel booked in the Chase Portal and charged to this card. You will receive a $100 statement credit to offset the charge
    • This benefit was previously $50 and as of 6/15/26, increased to $100. 
    • If you use this one benefit every year, you are gaining more value for the card than what you pay for the annual fee!
  • Global Entry/TSA Precheck: $120 credit every 4 years; charge this card for your application and receive a statement credit
  • AppleTV: get one year of free AppleTV when activated by 12/31/26
    • Activate through Chase.com or Chase app
    • If you already have an active paid Apple TV subscription purchased directly through Apple, your complimentary Apple TV subscription through Chase will automatically suspend your existing subscription. Once your complimentary Apple TV subscription through Chase ends, your paid Apple TV subscription will automatically resume at the then-current price.
    • If you close or change your eligible card to an ineligible card at any time during this offer, you will no longer be eligible for complimentary Apple TV 
  • Doordash: Annual free DashPass (which saves you on delivery fees) AND monthly $10 credit for non-restaurant door dash purchases)



Points Earning/Use Benefits
  • Earn 5X points on Chase Travel Portal
  • Earn 3X points on dining (including food delivery services)
  • Earn 3X points for online groceries (excludes Target, Walmart, and Wholesale Clubs)
  • Earn 3X points on gas stations and EV charging (new in 2026)
  • Earn 3X points vacation homes top brands* (new in 2026)
    • * Bookings made with Airbnb, VRBO, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa qualify
  • Earn 2X points on travel
  • Earn 1X point on all other purchases
  • Ability to transfer to travel partners (remember rule 3 above?)
  • Travel insurance protection (for travel charged to this card)

Yall; so many of these earn point earn category are what makes this the card I grab for on a daily basis when we're not working on a minimum spend for a new card. You can learn more about My Every Day Cards here.

Why this Card?
I truly recommend starting with this card and starting with the Chase ecosystem because I find it the most straightforward and easiest to use. I know, some of you are rolling your eyes because I've thrown a lot of information at you that feels overwhelming and it IS a lot of info; but I promise - Chase Points Travel is user friendly!
 
Without a doubt, this is definitely the best place to start. Chase credit cards allow you to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards (CURs), which are their universal flexible points. While you can use CURs to book travel in the Chase Travel Portal, this is much like booking a trip through a third party service like Expedia. You don't earn any loyalty or benefits. The best way to maximize your value of your points (aka spend less points for travel) is to transfer to Chase Travel Partners. You can view all of Chase's Transfer Partners and how/why to transfer in this post.

As mentioned in the intro, there are only a few Chase credit cards that allow you to transfer your Chase points directly to travel partner. Basically any Chase card with an annual fee. The Sapphire cards are the only non-business cards that allow this. Chase points are considered highly flexible because they transfer to 3 hotel chains (Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG), and 11 airlines (but keep in mind, airlines work in alliances or partnerships. So while there are 11 airlines with a direct transfer, alliances give you the opportunity to book flights with over a dozen airlines).

I know a lot of people are hesitant to open credit cards with annual fees. The Sapphire Preferred DOES have an annual fee of $95/year, but there are benefits to offset that cost. (and honestly, the $95/year to have the ability to transfer to travel partners like Hyatt, Southwest, and United to take free trips we've taken is worth it alone to me).

The Bad 2026 Changes? 

  • Transfers to Hyatt Drop to 4:3
    • Chase is changing the transfer ratio for Hyatt with the Sapphire Preferred Card (CSP). When you transfer Chase points to Hyatt, it will be at a 4:3; meaning you "lose" 25% of your points moving them to Hyatt. 
    • Meaning, if you have 100,000 Chase Points, they become 75,000 Hyatt points. Bummer!
    • However, if you're willing to get the "big brother" card, the Sapphire Reserve (Personal or Business), is maintaining the 1:1 ratio.
    • If you opened your Sapphire Preferred before 6/15/26, you will maintain the 1:1 Hyatt Ratio until 10/1/26, at which point it will drop to the 4:3 mentioned above.
  • 10% Anniversary Points Go Away
    • CSP used to award 10% of your spend from your anniversary year as points. This is going away 10/1/2026

Summary
I will forever hold a Chase Sapphire card to maintain my ability to transfer my Chase points to travel partners! And to earn extra points on our common daily spend items (groceries, gas, dining).

The CSP, with it's low annual fee, is a great card to have at least one household member hold at all times. Keep in mind that when transferring points from Chase to a Transfer Partner (Hotel or Airline), the name on the CSP card MUST match the name on the loyalty account you're transferring too.

Since I generally like to have our flights and hotels booked under my name/accounts when I can, I will always hold a Sapphire card to have this ability.

If you open this card, I would truly appreciate if you use my referral link! This doesn't cost you a cent, but provides me with some extra points and keeps all of my content free! Thank you in advance!

____________________________________________

Looking for more information on points/miles? You can find all of my points talk posts linked here.

Trying to figure out your next card? Here is my FREE personalized Next Card Recommendation form. Simply fill this out and I'll let you know suggestions.

Curious what cards I (and/or my husband) have, and why? Read here!

Friday, June 12, 2026

June Elevated Offers

Chase is FULL of elevated offers right now! Let's see if any of them are a good fit for you. 

Keep in mind - Chase has recently changed their eligibility rules on several cards. For the following cards, you are now only to receive ONE sign up bonus (EVER!): 

Personal Cards

Business Cards

With this information in mind; if you have not previously opened and received a sign up bonus for these cards; I would highly suggest considering opening any of these cards when there is an elevated offer; which conveniently all of these cards have (at least as this very moment).

Before I dive into the offers themselves, I want to acknowledge that a lot of people see "business card" and automatically write them off as not applicable. This isn't always the case! You can get approved for Business Cards without an LLC/EIN; etc. If you sell used items on Facebook, Poshmark or perhaps you shop for Instacart or drive Lyft - all of these incomes can qualify you as a "sole proprietor" business. This post outlines why you should reconsider applying for business cards and even gives you a step-by-step tutorial how to apply!

Chase Elevated Offers

Below is an overview of each card and it's elevated offer. If you want more details on the card and it's benefits, click the informational link.

As a reminder, I also share my referral links. If you decide to open one of these card, I appreciate you using my referral link to apply. It is absolutely free to you, but provides me a small kick back from the bank. Think of it as a free thank-you gift for the time and effort to share and educate how to earn and use points ;)

Chase Sapphire Reserve


Chase Ink Business Unlimited

  • Elevated Sign Up Bonus: Spend $8,000 in 4 months; earn 100,000 points*
  • (*Note: this elevated offer has not quite hit referral links yet; but is anticipated to start 6/15. I would so appreciate if you'd be willing to wait and use my link!)
  • No annual fee card with one month longer than usual to hit the minimum spend
  • Information on Annual and Benefits
  • Referral Link

Chase Ink Business Cash

  • Elevated Sign Up Bonus:  Spend $8,000 in 4 months; earn 100,000 points*
  • (*Note: this elevated offer has not quite hit referral links yet; but is anticipated to start 6/15. I would so appreciate if you'd be willing to wait and use my link!)
  • No annual fee card with one month longer than usual to hit the minimum spend
  • Information on Annual and Benefits
  • Referral Link

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

  • Elevated Sign Up Bonus: Spend $30,000 in 6 months; earn 200,000 points*
  • (*Note: this elevated offer has not quite hit referral links yet; but is anticipated to start 6/15. I would so appreciate if you'd be willing to wait and use my link!)
  • High annual fee - but a high amount of points and benefits to offset; 6 months to hit the minimum spend instead of the stand 3 months
  • Information on Annual and Benefits
  • Referral Link

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