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Whether you're a frequent traveler or a beginner to points and miles, there are many reasons the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is a great option for you.But with a $95 annual fee, you may ask, is the Sapphire Preferred worth it?The Sapphire Preferred was my first transferable rewards card and my first one with an annual fee. After holding the card for a couple of years, I … [Read more...]

Whether your perfect summer escape includes sunset sails, mountain breezes, campfire s'mores or all of the above, you don't need to travel far to make it happen.In fact, this summertime magic can be found within a few hours' drive of big U.S. cities like San Francisco, Chicago and Boston. From Cape Cod to the shores of the Columbia River, these hotels beckon with oysters on the deck, hikes through … [Read more...]

By the end of this year, United Airlines expects to welcome travelers to a brand-new lounge at its biggest West Coast hub — and it will come with a strong dose of California sunshine.As part of United's new United Club at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the carrier is planning a standout feature: a 4,000-square-foot outdoor terrace overlooking the airfield.It'll be the largest outdoor … [Read more...]

By the end of this year, United Airlines expects to welcome travelers to a brand-new lounge at its biggest West Coast hub — and it will come with a strong dose of California sunshine.As part of United's new United Club at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the carrier is planning a standout feature: a 4,000-square-foot outdoor terrace overlooking the airfield.It'll be the largest outdoor … [Read more...]

As credit card annual fees continue to climb, it's natural to start questioning how much value you're getting from adding a new card to your wallet. This is especially true since multiple cards out there charge no annual fee.However, there can be solid reasons to pay an annual fee. Many popular rewards cards come with an annual fee but provide outsize value in the form of statement credits, … [Read more...]

I highly recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) to a wide range of travelers. With solid earning rates, excellent travel protections and a lucrative welcome offer, there's plenty to like about this mid-tier card.Speaking of that welcome offer: New Sapphire Preferred cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months … [Read more...]

Over the weekend, some eagle-eyed Amex cardholders noticed new language indicating that, beginning Aug. 1, restaurants would need to display a badge on the Resy website showing whether they were eligible for the built-in Resy statement credits* on the American Express® Gold Card (up to $50 biannually) and American Express Platinum Card® (up to $100 quarterly).RESYUnderstandably, that raised some … [Read more...]

Transfer bonuses can offer lucrative opportunities to help you maximize your points and miles and work your way toward fantastic award redemptions. You can sometimes get significantly more value from your rewards by transferring them to an airline or hotel partner during one of these bonus periods.Remember, though, that these are limited-time offers: You'll need to act fast if you find one that … [Read more...]

If you feel like you sometimes need a Points PhD to make the most of your credit card rewards, you aren't alone.While some rewards enthusiasts love diving into airline alliances and transfer sweet spots, that's not the only way to get strong value from your points. In fact, Chase Ultimate Rewards points offer several easy redemption options that don't require learning a single transfer partner. … [Read more...]

As a traveler, I'm a proud member of team carry-on. Each time I fly, whether it be for a few days or a few weeks, I strive to fit everything into a carry-on bag.There are plenty of other people who prefer to check a bag, though.Whether you're on team carry-on or team checked baggage, there are some universal packing tips that can help, regardless of your suitcase size.General packing tipsSUMMER … [Read more...]

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) has a strong reputation behind it, and for good reason. With strong earning rates, benefits that easily outweigh its $95 annual fee and access to Chase's 14 transfer partners, it's easy to see why this card is a great fit for both beginners and die-hard points and miles enthusiasts alike.This card recently received a refresh. While one change … [Read more...]

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) has long been one of the best travel rewards cards for beginners — and for good reason.With strong earning rates on everyday spending, flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points and a modest $95 annual fee, it delivers outsize value for beginners (as well as seasoned travelers). Plus, Chase just introduced several new earning rates and perks to … [Read more...]

Showing loyalty to Celebrity Cruises can get you some great rewards.Like many frequent cruiser programs, Celebrity's Captain's Club loyalty program doesn't offer all that many truly valuable perks at its lower tiers. But as you rise through the status levels, you'll quickly reach a point where you're getting all sorts of discounts, freebies and special access perks — from complimentary laundry … [Read more...]

If you have the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) or legacy Chase Freedom®* in your wallet, take note: Chase has announced Q3's upcoming categories.From July 1 through Sept. 30, you can earn 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar spent) on electric vehicle charging, gas stations, select live entertainment, transit and United Way. Keep in mind that you must activate your categories by Sept. 14 … [Read more...]

Stay tuned — we'll update this page with application links as they become available.Great news — the best-ever offer for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is back.For a limited time, new Sapphire Preferred cardholders can earn a very impressive 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.This rare offer is a full … [Read more...]

Great news — the best-ever offer for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is back. For a limited time, new Sapphire Preferred cardholders can earn a very impressive 100,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.This rare offer is a full 25,000 points higher than the standard offer we've seen in recent … [Read more...]

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card strikes a balance between airline perks and elite-status benefits.While it doesn't include Delta Sky Club access, it offers several valuable features that can easily justify its $350 annual fee (see rates and fees), including a yearly companion certificate, free checked bags, statement credits and a path toward Delta Medallion status.The … [Read more...]

The Big Island of Hawaii was the site of a grand gala this month featuring a fabulous multi-course dinner, some of the island's top Hawaiian musicians, fireworks and dignitaries, with even former Vice President Dan Quayle making an appearance.It was a fitting way to celebrate 60 years, and a $240 million renovation, of the island's iconic property, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.The Points Guy was one of … [Read more...]

America is a big place and home to some of the most diverse scenery in the world. Our national parks, where you'll find everything from parched deserts with Seussianlike trees to marshy coastal waterways, are the perfect examples of this.While the National Park Service reported slightly fewer visits in 2025 — 323 million versus 331.9 million in 2024 — 26 national parks broke all-time visitation … [Read more...]

After 10 years of homeownership, I've had my fair share of pricey expenses.Washing machine won't complete a wash cycle? That'll be $330 for the labor and part swap. Fireplace won't stay lit? Goodbye $460 for the cleaning and inspection — plus another $900 for a new pilot light.Then there are the never-ending water heater issues that seem to cost me $1,000-plus every other year.Unexpected financial … [Read more...]