If you've been considering a Hilton credit card, these current offers may be worth a closer look.

Hilton's cobranded American Express cards are currently offering limited-time bonuses of up to 175,000 Hilton Honors points, plus statement credits and $0 introudcutory annual fees on select cards. These offers end July 29.

Depending on how you redeem them, these bonuses could cover anything from several nights at budget-friendly Hilton properties to a luxury award stay at aspirational resorts.

Let's take a look at the current Hilton card offers and which one may make the most sense for you.

Comparison of Hilton credit card welcome offers

Here's what to know about the current offers at first glance:

*The bonus value is based on TPG's May 2026 valuations and is not provided or reviewed by the issuer.

Hilton Aspire

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is the brand's top-tier card and offers the most benefits when staying at Hilton properties.

Current welcome offer

Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 29.

TPG's valuations place Hilton points at 0.4 cents each, making this bonus worth $700. While the card has previously featured offers as high as 180,000 points, the current bonus matches the best offer we've seen since April 2024.

This card has an annual fee of $550.

Additional benefits

You'll earn:

• 14 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
• 7 points per dollar spent on select travel, including flights booked directly with the airline, through American Express Travel or the Amex Travel App™ and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies
• 7 points per dollar spent on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
• 3 points per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

With this card, you'll receive a host of useful benefits:

• Automatic Hilton Honors™ Diamond status
• Complimentary breakfast (or a daily food-and-beverage credit in the U.S.)
• Free night reward in the first year and every year following the card's renewal
• Space-available room upgrades on each stay
• Up to $400 in statement credits (up to $200 biannually) for eligible purchases made at participating Hilton resorts
• Up to $209 in annual statement credits for a Clear+ membership (subject to auto-renewal)
• Up to $200 in statement credits (up to $50 quarterly) on eligible flight purchases
• National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status*
• Enrollment is required in advance for some benefits

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Aspire.

*Enrollment in the National Car Rental Emerald Club is required.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Hilton Business

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is the brand's card offering for small-business owners loyal to Hilton.

Current welcome offer

Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Additionally, enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $195). Offer ends July 29.

Based on TPG's valuations, the bonus points are worth $520.

Compared to the standard offer we've seen on this card, the current bonus adds a valuable $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $195). However, we typically recommend applying when the offer reaches at least 175,000 points, making this offer less compelling than some of the card's previous offers.

Additional benefits

With this card, you'll earn:

• 12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
• 5 points per dollar spent on the first $100,000 in eligible purchases each calendar year (then 3 points)
• 3 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

The card has some solid benefits as well:

• Complimentary Hilton Gold elite status
• National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status*
• Path to Hilton Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year after spending $40,000 on eligible purchases per calendar year
• Up to $240 in statement credits (up to $60 quarterly) on eligible Hilton purchases

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Business card.

*Enrollment in the National Car Rental Emerald Club is required.

Apply here: The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Hilton Surpass

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is the mid-tier option for Hilton loyalists who want to receive more perks.

Current welcome offer

Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Additionally, enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $150). Offer ends July 29.

According to TPG's valuations, these bonus points are worth $520, which is a solid value for a card with a reasonable annual fee.

The current offer matches the standard 130,000-point bonus we've seen several times over the past few years, but the $0 introdctory annual fee in the first year (then $150) adds extra value. Having said that, it may be worth waiting for a bonus that includes a free night reward.

Additional benefits

With this card, you'll earn:

• 12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
• 6 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations
• 4 points per dollar spent on U.S. online retail purchases
• 3 points per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

It also comes with some nice perks:

• Complimentary Hilton Gold status
• Free night reward after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases each calendar year
• National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status*
• Path to Hilton Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year after spending $40,000 on eligible purchases per calendar year
• Up to $200 in statement credits (up to $50 quarterly) on eligible Hilton purchases

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Surpass.

*Enrollment in the National Car Rental Emerald Club is required.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Hilton Amex

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is the simple, no-annual-fee card that offers entry-level benefits.

Current welcome offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 29.

According to TPG's valuations, the points portion of this bonus is worth $400. When you add in the $100 statement credit, this bonus is worth $500. This the best offers we've seen on this card since August 2025, making now a great time to apply.

With this card, you'll earn:

• 7 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
• 5 points per dollar spent on dining at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations
• 3 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

This entry-level card also offers:

• Automatic Hilton Silver status
• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees) — a rarity for a card with no annual fee
• Path to upgrade to Gold status through the end of the next calendar year when you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Amex.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Card

Bottom line

The current Hilton Amex welcome offers are a great chance to earn a large stash of Hilton Honors points, with offers of up to 175,000 points plus valuable perks like statement credits and a $0 introductory annual fee on select cards.

Just remember that Amex generally limits cardmembers to earning a welcome offer on each card once per lifetime.

Several provide solid added value compared to the standard offers — especially for travelers looking to boost their Hilton Honors balance or unlock elite status perks, so it may be worth applying before these offers end July 29.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Apply here: The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Card

For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Honors Aspire, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Honors Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Honors Surpass, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Honors card, click here.

Flights during peak travel periods — like summer, the holidays and spring break — are often a lot more expensive.

The soaring cost of jet fuel has made things even worse. Right now, new data from TPG's partner Points Path shows that cash fares are up a whopping 24% year-over-year for searches performed around peak summer dates. International fares for summer (between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day) are up 22%.

That's why it's more important than ever to know when to book.

Finding valuable airline deals during peak travel times can depend on a few factors. And no, we're not talking about booking a flight on a certain day to yield cheaper results, or setting a reminder on your phone to shop for flights at 1 p.m. on a Thursday.

While there are strategies to get better flight deals, some of the common "tips" people tout are flat-out false.

Booking rumors aside, here's what airfare experts say about how timing influences airfare prices, so you can maximize airfare savings on your next booking.

Now is the time to book summer travel

Historical data suggests that the best window to score low summer airfare prices is already upon us. I'd strongly advise readers to start looking at flights now, set Google Flights alerts and grab deals as soon as they pop up.

Generally, my advice for finding the lowest prices ahead of time is to monitor the search starting three months before your travel dates. (Though, obviously, you should jump on any deals you find before that.)

TPG generally recommends booking one to two months in advance for domestic trips and three to five months for international trips. That means we are already in the sweet spot for booking summer trips.

If previous trends hold, we expect to see some fare drops over the next several weeks. So our recommendation is to monitor flights now and start booking.

Per Google flights:

• The average cheapest day to book domestic flights is 43 days before departure.
• Three to five months is best for international coach deals.

Interestingly, Expedia actually recommends a closer-in booking window:

• The most affordable booking window for domestic economy flights is 15 to 30 days before departure, with prices averaging $130 lower than for bookings made more than six months out.
• International travelers can save $190 on average by booking 31 to 45 days ahead, instead of six months out. For bold travelers, booking eight to 15 days in advance can offer the best value and save you an average of $225.

Tip: Track your flights after you book

Even if you missed the ideal window, there's good news: You can get a trip credit for your flight if the price drops after you book, as long as you didn't book a basic economy fare.

There are a bunch of new AI tools that can help you, too. I use two new artificial intelligence tools that automatically track my flights and then get me trip credits when the price drops. I like both pAiback and Junova.

This little-known hack — which I've written about for TPG — has saved me literally hundreds of dollars.

Related: These new tools will track your flights and get you refunds if the price drops

Use this TPG link to sign up for pAiback or this TPG link to sign up for Junova.

Tip: Set Google Flights alerts

I'm a huge fan of Google Flights because you can set alerts for particular destinations.

For example, say I want to go to Miami for spring break. Using Google Flights, I'd search for flights from New York City to Miami in late March.

One of the cheapest options for my specific travel dates was a round-trip economy flight on Frontier for $123. When searching for flights, Google shows price history and told me the cheapest time to book.

Note at the bottom of the screenshot, it says: "The cheapest time to book is usually later, Jan. 29-March 11."

Additionally, to search for fare deals, I can click on the "Date grid" button to see when prices are lowest. As you can see, if I leave earlier, I can book flights for as low as $80.

International trips generally have an earlier booking window, so plan trips abroad three to five months in advance.

Again, Google Flights is a tool that can be your best friend. For example, here's a Google Flights search for a one-week trip to Mexico. The cheapest option available (at the time of writing) was an American Airlines flight. Google Flights also tells me that the "prices are currently typical," so it might make sense for me to toggle the button that says "track prices."

The "track prices" feature will ensure I get an email when airfare drops. The search was also saved on my Google Flights tracking page, so I could monitor flights over time.

Aside from using Google Flights, here are some other tips for booking summer (as well as other peak travel windows and holidays) flights:

• When cash prices are high, dip into your stash of points and miles. Remember, one of the core mottos of the points and miles space is "Earn 'em and burn 'em."
• Try flying on non-peak days, arriving at your destination earlier or extending your trip.
• If you can fly on the actual holiday itself, you'll often get a better deal. Flying on Thanksgiving, New Year's Day or Christmas Eve can save you big bucks.
• Be flexible with days and times. Often, you'll get the best deal on a flight leaving at 6 a.m. instead of 10 a.m. Depending on the price difference, it can be worth getting up at 4 a.m. to save some cash. The same goes for red-eye flights, which are often the cheapest flights of the day.
• Look for alternative airports. For example, flying into Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) instead of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can save substantial money.
• Look for deal alerts. Sign up for social media accounts that send out deal alerts — and subscribe to our daily newsletter, where we often publish airfare deals.

Related: Round-trip flights for under $150? Get discounted airfare alerts using this app

Is there a day that's cheaper than others to book a flight?

We get asked this question all the time: "What's the cheapest day to book a flight?" There's a common belief that certain days are better for finding flight deals; however, research shows that this is a myth.

There is no magic day to book — but there are some sweet booking windows when airlines lower prices, according to Lindsay Schwimer, a consumer travel expert at the booking app Hopper.

As for whether there's a particular day that's cheaper than the rest for booking, "There's no one day or golden rule when to book," Schwimer said.

Hayley Berg, Hopper's lead economist, echoed a similar sentiment.

"There's a common myth that booking on a Tuesday will guarantee a traveler the best price," Berg said in an interview. "The reality is prices change so often and depend on the route, the travel dates, etc., that there isn't one day that guarantees you the best price."

Additionally, Berg explained that for international travel, "planning ahead is key to getting the cheapest airfare." She added: "Travelers often book international flights too far in advance or too last-minute, overpaying significantly for their tickets."

As mentioned earlier, those booking windows usually fall roughly one to three months out for domestic travel and three to five months in advance for international flights

Of course, this strategy changes pretty dramatically if you book with points and miles. Airlines often release award space for coveted business- and first-class seats when the booking window opens or at the last minute.

What's the best day to travel?

Although airfare prices fluctuate based on when you book, midweek travel is generally cheaper than flying on weekends. In my own research, I've also found deals on Saturday travel when there are fewer business travelers.

"The cheapest days to travel are still Monday through Wednesday (about 13% cheaper than flying over the weekend)," according to a 2025 Google report.

"Flying midweek can save you nearly $100 off your ticket," Schwimer said. "So when you're thinking about when you want to travel, try shifting your dates midweek versus flying over the weekend. If you can be flexible and book either a Tuesday or Wednesday ... you're gonna save significantly off your trip."

Berg had similar thoughts.

"Travelers who fly midweek, usually Wednesday, can save an average of $56 per ticket on domestic airfare throughout the year," she said. "Midweek savings spike over $60 per ticket during busy spring break and summer vacation months, while flying midweek over the holidays can save you $100 or more."

I've also personally found that traveling on a Saturday can also offer discounts in both cash and miles.

"We always recommend booking the first flight of the day, not only to avoid delays and cancellations but also in terms of price," Schwimer added. As we mentioned earlier, you'll often find that those early departures can save you some big bucks. It's not easy to set the alarm for 4 a.m. — but it's easier to wake up when you know you're saving money.

So, how can you use this information to your advantage when buying airline tickets?

Try using a price-monitoring tool (such as Google Flights' price-tracking feature or Hopper's "Watch This Trip" option) to get real-time updates and help you decide when to travel to find the lowest fare.

When to book 2026 travel

Best time to book flights for summer trips

Use the domestic and international guidance above to help shape your summer trip planning.

For a summer holiday in Europe, you should start monitoring flights in February and book three to five months in advance. Given how southern Europe gets particularly popular in the summer high season, a bit of extra time on top of that window might not be a bad idea either.

Berg recommends planning ever further in advance for longer-haul transpacific flights. "For trips to Asia and Oceania, we recommend booking five to seven months before takeoff," Berg said. "For Europe and other regions of the world, we recommend booking anywhere from three to six months before departure to get the best prices."

I strongly encourage folks to set Google Flights alerts and carefully monitor prices. Better yet, use refundable points or miles in case you find a better deal. You might also want to lock in a lower cash price if you are booking with an airline that will give you a flight credit if the price drops.

Even after you book, keep checking prices to see if the price decreases — you can get a credit for the price difference.

Related: Airlines that offer you a credit if the price of airfare drops

Best time to book flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas

It's never too early to start planning your 2026 trips, especially with jet fuel prices continuing to rise.

For the cheapest domestic trips, plan on booking Thanksgiving flights in early to mid-October and Christmas airfare by Halloween. The cheapest holiday deals are generally available in October.

According to Google, Christmas airfare prices are usually at their lowest 32 to 73 days before the holiday.

"We tell people to start monitoring in August," Schwimer said, "but our typical book-by date is mid-October, so usually around the 14th of October." She added that "no later than Halloween is usually our book-by date for both Thanksgiving and Christmas."

Personally, I'd begin setting alerts for flights home for the holidays in the summer.

In the example below, you can see I set a Google Flights alert for a 12-day trip from Dec. 21, 2026, to Jan. 2, 2027. Google sent me an alert (via email) when the price dropped.

Google also told me that prices at the time of my search were "high," so it made sense to wait.

Prices typically start to rise once you are a month out from the holiday, but you don't want to book too early, either. Prices are also usually pretty high when airlines first load schedules, so follow our timeline for the best opportunity to score a deal.

Best time to book flights for New Year's Eve

As with Christmas flights, we recommend locking in New Year's bookings by Halloween at the latest, but you may still be able to find deals as late as mid-November.

That is true for "really any of the major winter holidays," Berg said. "We recommend booking further in advance. I would book that New Year's Eve trip as well before Halloween."

Best time to book flights for spring break

If your spring break falls in March or April, the ideal time to book a domestic trip is late January to early February. Keep in mind that demand surges during the spring break period after the doldrums of winter. Many people wait too long to book those trips and end up paying more than they need to.

As we mentioned previously, "The lowest prices for trips in March or April have been 43 days before departure (28-61 days is the low price range)," according to the Google report.

What about hotels?

Hotels don't require you to book quite so early; you can usually wait until much later and still score good deals. However, do keep in mind that if it's a popular spring break destination (think Miami or Cancun), you're unlikely to find last-minute discounts. So, it really is destination-dependent. That said, it could be a great time to use hotel points to book your stay: Sometimes, hotels open up award availability at the last minute, even in popular destinations.

Cities that aren't traditional spring break hot spots will likely have good prices, even at the last minute. For example, a hotel I stayed at in Malta — Corinthia Palace Malta — had rates as low as $230 per night during spring week; rooms during high season are $320 or more.

"We often see good deals last minute for hotels in big cities. Something to keep in mind ... especially for those holiday weekends," Schwimer told TPG. "And you know that [during] the Christmas holiday period, you can often find some really great last-minute deals in big cities if you wait."

Check out Google's new hotel tracking tool here, too. The platform has officially launched hotel price tracking globally, including for individual hotels.

Bottom line

While there is no magical time or day to book airfare for the best prices. Your best bet is to fly midweek, specifically Wednesdays, for both domestic and international travel. Flying over the weekend can come at a significant price premium, though Sundays have occasional deals.

Try booking domestic flights one to two months ahead of time; for international flights, your best bet is to aim to book three to five months in advance of the trip. But remember that if you're using airline miles, it's never too soon to start checking and booking.

Related reading:

• Best airline credit cards
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
  
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations

Before adding the American Express Platinum Card® to my wallet, I analyzed my current card setup. The Amex Platinum's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees) was more than enough to prompt a review of my current strategy.

At the time, I had only one card in my wallet with an annual fee exceeding $200: the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. At $395 each year, the Venture X is among the most affordable cards in the premium market. But was the Venture X worth keeping once I added the Amex Platinum?

After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to keep both of these popular premium travel rewards cards. These are the four factors that influenced my decision.

I earn two valuable currencies

I'm all about collecting transferable points and miles from each of the major issuers. I value both American Express Membership Rewards points and Capital One miles highly. Plus, earning both currencies gives me even more flexibility when making redemptions, as I unlock two sets of transfer partners.

I like to redeem Capital One miles for Delta Air Lines tickets, which I usually book through SkyTeam alliance partner Air France-KLM's Flying Blue. I recently transferred 15,000 miles to Flying Blue to book two one-way domestic Delta flights between Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

These cards offer fantastic welcome bonuses:

• Amex Platinum: New cardmembers can find out their offer and may be eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.) Per TPG's May 2026 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $3,500.
• Venture X: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. TPG's May 2026 valuations deem this offer worth $1,388.

Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card points

I pay with the Venture X — most of the time

I love using my Venture X. It provides at least 2 miles per dollar spent on everything, which is a very solid earning rate.

Conversely, my Amex Platinum isn't the best choice for the majority of my spending, since it earns 1 point per dollar spent on most purchases.

However, it comes in clutch when I need to book flights directly or make hotel reservations through American Express Travel®, since it earns 5 points per dollar spent in these categories (on up to $500,000 per calendar year for airfare booked direct or through Amex Travel, then 1 point per dollar spent).

Related: Why you should get a fixed-rate rewards credit card

I can access more airport lounges

I added the Amex Platinum partly for access to the card's extensive American Express Global Lounge Collection.

I have plenty of choices at most airports I visit. I love the Escape Lounge at my local Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina. And I expect to visit the Centurion Lounges at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), as I frequently connect through these airports.

Plus, when I pass through ATL on a same-day Delta ticket, I can use up one of my 10 annual visits to the Delta Sky Club.*

*Spending $75,000 or more on the card unlocks unlimited Sky Club visits.

The Venture X was my first card with lounge access, and I've had fantastic experiences in their issuer-branded lounges.

Since I've passed through Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) twice in the past year for concerts, and I often fly through Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) when I connect on American Airlines, it makes sense for me to keep access to the fantastic Capital One lounges in these two airports.

Related: The do's and don'ts of visiting an airport lounge

I maximize statement credits

This is a major factor when deciding whether it's worth paying an annual fee.

Amex Platinum statement credits

There is a long list of statement credits offered by the Amex Platinum. This is how I use four of my favorites:

• Airline fee credit*: I receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year toward incidental fees on my one selected U.S. airline. I use this when I need to check bags on Delta, since I'll occasionally fly with them but don't have one of their cobranded cards nor SkyMiles elite status.
• Digital entertainment statement credit*: I get $25 off my YouTube TV subscription each month, using up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year toward eligible subscriptions.
• Dining statement credit*: I spent a $100 quarterly statement credit on date night dinner and cocktails at The 07, a restaurant in my area. I receive up to $400 in statement credits per calendar year at participating U.S. restaurants affiliated with Resy (no reservation required; simply pay with your card at an eligible restaurant).
• Hotel statement credit: I booked a two-night stay at The Read House, a historic hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for only $236 out of pocket thanks to a biannual $300 credit. I receive up to $600 in statement credits per calendar year toward prepaid stays booked through Amex Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties (two-night minimum at The Hotel Collection properties).

*Enrollment required

Venture X travel credit

The Venture X doesn't have nearly as long a list of credits, but its $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel lowers the effective annual fee to $95 on its own.

Last year, I used this credit to get $300 off a three-night stay at the Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World.

Related: Credit card perks and benefits you should be using this month

When it wouldn't make sense

There are a few instances where it wouldn't make sense for me to keep both the Amex Platinum and Venture X.

• If I didn't have an organized plan to maximize statement credits across both cards, or if I didn't intend to make statement credits a priority.
• If I didn't plan to visit an Amex or Capital One lounge in the foreseeable future.
• If I wanted to maintain a simple, one-card setup.

If any of these applied to my situation, I'd downgrade to the $95 annual fee Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card instead of keeping up with the Venture X.

Related: Why the Capital One Venture X could be the best option for your first premium card

Bottom line

My wallet is unquestionably stronger with both the Amex Platinum and Venture X.

From elevated earning rates to expansive lounge access and high-value statement credits, the perks on these two cards pair exceptionally well. Their strengths fill in each other's gaps, creating a well-rounded setup that suits many different types of travelers.

I'm confident these cards will meaningfully enhance my upcoming trips — and they already have.

To learn more about either card, read our full reviews of the Amex Platinum and Venture X.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.

If you're a Chase Sapphire or Freedom cardholder, you now have a new benefit through Dec. 31: Earn an additional 10 points per dollar spent (on up to $1,500 per month) when you check out with Paze at participating merchants.

This is notable news for anyone trying to rack up Ultimate Rewards points, since it could potentially change your spending strategy. We typically don't see broad points multiplier perks like this from Chase, so you'll want to take advantage of this while you can.

Here's all you need to know.

Which cards are eligible to earn 10 points per dollar spent with Paze?

If you have one of the following cards, you should now find this category under your benefits list:

• Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Freedom® (no longer open to new applicants)

The information for the Chase Freedom has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

I was able to confirm that my Freedom Flex, Freedom Unlimited and Sapphire Preferred all had the perk added. TPG credit cards writer Augusta Stone found this benefit on her Sapphire Reserve.

It's important to note that no cobranded cards are eligible for these bonus points.

TPG's Editor-in-Chief, Nick Ewen, reported that he was not able to find the Paze category on his Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees).

Other data points have supported the claim that this perk is not available on Chase's premium business card.

What merchants are eligible for bonus points with Paze?

While Paze's list of merchants isn't as extensive as some other checkout services, there are some notable brands to keep in mind:

• Domino's
• Dunkin' Donuts
• Fanatics
• newegg
• Sephora
• United Airlines
• Whataburger

United Airlines is a welcome merchant for me, since I have plans to book a United flight with cash in the near future.

I typically use my United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) since it earns more miles per dollar spent on United flights than any of my other cards, but this new Paze benefit changes that.

You can find a full list of all merchants that offer Paze at checkout here. Using Paze at checkout should trigger the bonus points, but contact a Chase representative if you don't see them post after a few weeks.

Do I need to activate this benefit?

No, you do not need to activate anything to earn bonus points through Paze. Just make sure to select Paze at checkout and complete your order through this service, since otherwise your extra points won't post.

These 10 points per dollar spent (on up to $1,500 per month) are earned in addition to any other rewards you earn on your purchase, rather than replacing whatever bonus category your purchase would fall under.

Remember that this Paze benefit is only available through Dec. 31, so be sure to plan eligible purchases before then.

Bottom line

If you're trying to grow your stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, it's worth paying attention to this new benefit. While the list of eligible merchants isn't extensive, there are enough recognizable brands to make this limited-time bonus category useful for most.

I definitely plan on booking my United flight through Paze with one of my Ultimate Rewards cards. Since the Paze category stacks with other bonus categories, I can earn 12 points per dollar spent on this booking by using my Sapphire Preferred (10 points per dollar spent on Paze on up to $1,500 per month through Dec. 31, 2 points per dollar spent on travel booked outside Chase Travel℠).

Related: Chase Points Boost just hit highest-ever 2.5 cents per point value on these 11 luxury hotels

JetBlue is making a big push in Fort Lauderdale, where it's hoping to cement its place as the city's top airline in the wake of Spirit Airlines.

But there are only so many planes to go around.

So, as JetBlue adds a host of new routes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), the carriers is cutting a handful of flights at several other East Coast airports.

Most notably, the airline this week said it would pull out of Machester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) this summer.

Elsewhere, JetBlue is making a handful of "targeted seasonal adjustments" to what it said were underperforming routes — all in an effort to support its growth at FLL.

In most cases, these cutbacks affect Caribbean and Central America destinations JetBlue serves from other East Coast airports.

"While we know it's disappointing when JetBlue ends service on a route," the carrier said in a statement, "this decision will allow us to better align flying with customer demand and strengthen our focus city strategy in South Florida."

JetBlue ends Manchester service

Headlining this week's network shakeup at JetBlue was the decision to end service from Manchester, which the airport said will be effective July 8.

This move came less than 18 months after JetBlue launched service from MHT, which was at the time a new airport for the carrier.

As of May, the carrier flew from New Hampshire to Orlando, Fort Myers and FLL.

The airport certainly was unhappy with the news.

In a statement posted to social media, Manchester officials said they was "very disappointed" about JetBlue's decision to pull out.

"MHT has worked diligently to promote JetBlue service at MHT," the airport said. "Unfortunately, those efforts were not enough to overcome their ongoing business challenges, which have only been exacerbated by the recent spike in fuel prices."

MHT is situated some 50 miles outside Boston. The airport continues to offer service on American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and Breeze Airways.

JetBlue's other cutbacks

As noted, MHT isn't the only place JetBlue is trimming service to make way for its new flights out of Fort Lauderdale.

The carrier's other network trims will affect nine additional routes, including five from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Here's the rundown of routes touched by these cuts:

• Hartford's Bradley International Airport (BDL) to Tampa International Airport (TPA)
• Newark to Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA0
• Newark to Cancun International Airport (CUN)
• Newark to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
• Newark to Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, D.R.
• Newark to Tampa
• Orlando International Airport (MCO) to San Jose, Costa Rica's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
• Orlando to San Juan, P.R.'s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
• Providence's TF Green International Airport (PVD) to San Juan (seasonal suspension)

News of those cuts was first reported by our friend and former TPG reporter Zach Griff.

In all of these cases, JetBlue serves these Caribbean and Central America airports from other airports — often several of its busiest East Coast bases.

Doubling down on FLL

This network shakeup comes as the carrier has doubled down on Fort Lauderdale in a big way. JetBlue has been adding flights out of FLL for months, and announced a big expansion from the airport in the immediate aftermath of Spirit ceasing operations on May 2.

Read more: Fort Lauderdale could be next in line for a JetBlue lounge

JetBlue executives have described Fort Lauderdale as the "third tentpole" of the airline's network, along with longtime anchors at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

"We continue to see significant opportunity to expand service in Fort Lauderdale, ensuring the continued availability of flight options in a market where customers know and love the JetBlue experience," the carrier told TPG Tuesday.

What to know

Customers affected by these route cuts will be entitled to a refund or given the chance to select alternative JetBlue flight options where available, the airline said.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• Which US airline is best? TPG's latest rankings
• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
• How your points and miles are shaping where airlines fly

Allegiant Air is betting it can help fill a Spirit Airlines-sized void in South Florida.

The budget airline on Tuesday announced four new routes launching this fall from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which was Spirit's home base until it folded earlier this month.

Allegiant's FLL expansion includes new service to New England and the Midwest — with Boston, Kansas City and other major cities joining the mix.

It's a clear signal that Allegiant is not willing to completely cede Fort Lauderdale to JetBlue, which has moved quickly to add service from the airport and seize the upper hand at FLL as part of a push to make it one of its three largest hubs.

Meanwhile, FLL isn't the only place Allegiant is growing.

Read more: JetBlue makes 'big bet' on Fort Lauderdale

The airline's route announcement on Tuesday included new service for three additional Florida cities, including the greater Orlando and Tampa regions, alon with its longtime Punta Gorda stronghold.

Allegiant's 8 new Florida routes

Here's the full rundown of the new routes announced, with most of the service launching during the early part of fall:

By the numbers: 3 things to know about Allegiant's new routes

• 3: routes that Spirit flew prior to shuttering operations earlier this month, including FLL service to BOS, PIT and MCI

• 2: routes that Allegiant will go head-to-head with JetBlue on out of FLL, including service to BOS and PIT

• 1: route that's a "blast from the past" for Allegiant. The carrier previously flew between Orlando Sanford to Trenton, New Jersey, in 2017, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Allegiant's Florida expansion comes just days after the company closed on its acquisition of Minnesota-based Sun Country Airlines, another budget carrier.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• Which US airline is best? TPG's latest rankings
• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
• How your points and miles are shaping where airlines fly

If you've never paid much attention to airline credit cards, this corner of the market may be worth a closer look.

In recent years, we've seen several cobranded airline cards launch or refresh with benefits substantial enough to appeal to travelers who aren't especially loyal to a single airline.

Two standout examples are the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® (see rates and fees). The former is tied to Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, while the latter is an American Airlines product.

Both are impressive in their own right — let's talk about why.

Atmos Rewards Summit vs. Citi / AAdvantage Globe comparison

Atmos Rewards Summit vs. Citi / AAdvantage Globe welcome offers

The welcome bonuses featured on the Atmos Rewards Summit and the Citi / AAdvantage Globe cards are generous offers.

Per TPG's May 2026 valuations, the Atmos Rewards Summit welcome bonus is worth $1,750 (including the 25,000-point Global Companion Award) while the Citi / AAdvantage Globe's bonus is worth $1,440.

Winner: Atmos Rewards Summit. It offers a more valuable welcome bonus.

Related: The best credit card welcome bonuses this month

Atmos Rewards Summit vs. Citi / AAdvantage Globe benefits

Lounge access

Both cards are alike in that they offer airline-specific lounge access, preferred boarding, up to $120 in Global Entry/TSA PreCheck statement credits (every four years) and free checked bags for you and several guests traveling on the same reservation with you.

Specifically, Atmos Rewards Summit cardholders get eight Alaska Lounge passes annually (up to two passes per quarter). If you don't anticipate using these passes frequently, you have the option to share them with friends and family.

Back in September, Nick Ewen, TPG's senior editorial director, generously gifted me two passes for my return flight home from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). My partner and I enjoyed a stunning (and nearly empty) lounge complete with Alaska Airlines' famous pancake printer.

On the other hand, the Citi / AAdvantage Globe comes with four annual Admirals Club lounge passes. Each pass covers one adult's entry into an Admirals Club lounge, plus up to three children (under 18).

Best of all, each lounge pass can be used across multiple lounges within a 24-hour period when you fly American Airlines (or any Oneworld partner), allowing you to maximize its value on connecting itineraries.

Related: Is the Atmos Rewards Summit worth the annual fee?

Companion certificates

Each account anniversary, Summit cardholders receive a 25,000-point Global Companion Award. Those who spend at least $60,000 each year on the card are eligible for a second 100,000-point Global Companion Award as well. These awards can be used on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights, as well as on partner airlines.

The Globe offers a companion certificate that costs $99 plus taxes and fees. Cardholders can access it starting in their second year of having the card (upon card renewal).

Status boost

The Summit offers cardholders a valuable bonus of 10,000 status points on each account anniversary.

The Globe takes a different approach to an elite status boost: You'll earn 5,000 Flight Streak Loyalty Points for every four eligible American Airlines flights. You can triple-dip this benefit for a maximum of 15,000 points each year — a solid offering, especially for frequent American Airlines flyers.

Additional benefits

Both cards charge no foreign transaction fees; however, the Summit takes the lead here, as it also earns 3 points per dollar spent on all foreign transactions.

Both cards offer additional perks, including car rental coverage, extended warranty protection and travel protections for things like lost luggage. The Summit additionally offers roadside dispatch services, which can help provide peace of mind.

Globe cardholders can earn up to $100 annually in statement credits for inflight charges on domestic routes. Cardholders can also earn up to another $100 annually with the card's Splurge statement credit that covers your choice of up to two of the following brands: 1stDibs, eligible AAdvantage hotel bookings, Future personal training and Live Nation (exclusions apply).

Winner: Atmos Rewards Summit. Both cards have similar perks, but the Summit offers an annual Global Companion Award from the first year, while the Globe's companion certificate isn't available until the second year.

Related: What to do if your checked bag is lost, damaged or delayed

Earning points or miles on the Atmos Rewards Summit vs. Citi / AAdvantage Globe

As outlined in the table above, both products feature solid earning rates in categories expected of airline cards. Which is more valuable depends on a couple of factors, like which airline you fly with the most and what your most common bonus categories are.

The Atmos Rewards Summit earns:

• 3 points per dollar spent on eligible dining and foreign transactions
• 3 points per dollar spent on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Citi / AAdvantage Globe earns:

• 6 miles per dollar spent on eligible AAdvantage hotel bookings
• 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
• 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible transit purchases (including taxis, ride-hailing services and public transit)
• 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery)
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

Winner: Atmos Rewards Summit. While the Globe offers more bonus categories, the Summit earns more on dining and gives you extra rewards on foreign purchases, making it a strong option for frequent international travelers.

Related: Atmos Rewards Ascent vs. Atmos Rewards Summit: Which is better for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flyers?

Redeeming points or miles on the Atmos Rewards Summit vs. Citi / AAdvantage Globe

The best way to redeem your Atmos Rewards points or American Airlines AAdvantage miles is to book flights with each card's respective airline or their Oneworld alliance partners.

Expect business-class seats from the West Coast to Asia from 75,000 Atmos Rewards points and super-reasonable domestic flights from 4,500 AAdvantage miles one-way.

Winner: Citi / AAdvantage Globe. AAdvantage miles are worth slightly more than Atmos Rewards points, according to our valuations.

Transferring points or miles with the Atmos Rewards Summit vs. Citi / AAdvantage Globe

American Airlines miles earned on the Citi / AAdvantage Globe aren't transferable in the same way that Chase Ultimate Rewards points and American Express Membership Rewards points are. You can, however, use your AAdvantage miles to book flights on partner airlines within the Oneworld alliance.

Atmos Rewards points earned via the Atmos Rewards Summit are similar, with the exception that you can transfer them to specific hotel partners, including Marriott Bonvoy and Wyndham Rewards (1:1 transfer ratio), plus I Prefer Hotel Rewards (1:2 transfer ratio). However, these transfers generally yield poor value.

Winner: Atmos Rewards Summit. Cardholders can transfer points to select hotel partners.

Should I get the Atmos Rewards Summit or the Citi / AAdvantage Globe?

It might seem like the Atmos Rewards Summit swept most categories above, but in truth, the Citi / AAdvantage Globe doesn't fall far behind.

I'm not particularly loyal to one specific airline; instead, I typically fly with different carriers each year. That said, I wanted both cards when they launched because I know I'll get incredible value from both Atmos Rewards points with the Summit and AAdvantage miles with the Globe.

If both cards make sense for you, consider adding both to your wallet. If there's one that you know you'll get maximum value from that suits your spending habits and travel needs, that's likely the product you should choose.

Related: How to choose an airline credit card

Bottom line

Though they're similar in some ways, both the Atmos Rewards Summit and the Citi / AAdvantage Globe offer specific perks tailored to frequent Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flyers, and American Airlines flyers, respectively. Ultimately, it comes down to which card best suits your travel preferences.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Atmos Rewards Summit and the Citi / AAdvantage Globe.

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard