Latest News & Insights

Your source for the latest updates in travel, credit cards, and loyalty programs.

Carnival cruise ship sailing at sunset, symbolizing the new Carnival Rewards program

Airline News

Carnival Upends Loyalty: What the New 'Carnival Rewards' Means for Your Status and Strategy

The cruise giant is retiring its VIFP Club for a new points-based system in 2026. We break down who wins, who loses, and how you should prepare.

June 25, 2025By Financial Advisor, Travel Card Insider
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American Express card next to an Alaska Airlines model airplane, symbolizing a partnership ending.

Credit Card News

FINAL WARNING: The Amex-to-Alaska Loophole Vanishes June 30th. Your Last Chance is Now.

An urgent advisory for American Express cardholders: the uniquely valuable route for converting Amex points to Alaska Airlines miles via Hawaiian Airlines is closing permanently on June 30, 2025. This is your final opportunity to leverage this powerful travel loophole.

June 25, 2025By Travel Card Insider Team
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Southwest Airlines aircraft symbolizing a new era of travel

Airline News

The End of an Era: Southwest Airlines Introduces Bag Fees, But a New Points Promotion Offers a Silver Lining

Southwest Airlines ends its iconic 'Bags Fly Free' policy for some fares, introducing new fees. To soften the blow, a new promotion offers up to 20,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points, fundamentally changing the value equation for travelers.

June 22, 2025By Travelcardinsider Staff
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An American Express card held in front of a summer travel destination background.

Travel Deals

Summer Savings Heat Up: Unlock Major Discounts with Your American Express Card

Your guide to leveraging Amex Offers for significant savings on flights, hotels, and more this travel season. As vacation plans solidify, savvy U.S. travelers are seeking every advantage to make their summer getaways more affordable.

June 20, 2025By Travel Rewards Expert
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Delta and Hawaiian Airlines logos signifying the end of their partnership.

Airline News

Urgent Alert for Delta SkyMiles Members: Hawaiian Airlines Partnership Ends This Month, New Rule for Elite Benefits

The clock is ticking on using your SkyMiles for Hawaiian getaways, and Delta has changed how its most loyal members claim their top-tier rewards. The valuable partnership between Delta and Hawaiian Airlines is officially ending on June 30, 2025.

June 15, 2025By Airline News Reporter
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United Airlines aircraft with MileagePlus branding, symbolizing program changes.

Airline News

United Overhauls MileagePlus: Are Your Elite Perks Safe? A Financial Advisor's Breakdown

United Airlines is initiating a landmark overhaul of its celebrated MileagePlus program. Effective August 21, 2025, instant upgrades on high-fare tickets and the Excursionist Perk will be discontinued, while PlusPoints gain major new flexibility. Here's what it means for you.

June 14, 2025By Financial Advisor, Travelcardinsider
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American Express card held up with a travel background

Credit Card News

American Express Sweetens Summer Travel with 30% Transfer Bonuses to Avios and Hilton Honors

A new promotion offers cardholders a significant boost on points transfers, unlocking premium flights and hotel stays. Here’s the expert breakdown and how to strategically take advantage.

June 12, 2025By Dilan Madushanka
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American Airlines aircraft symbolizing the new AAdvantage Instant Upgrade system

Airline News

AAdvantage Overhaul: American Airlines Replaces Predictable Mile Upgrades with Dynamic 'Instant Upgrade' System

A seismic shift is underway for American Airlines AAdvantage® members as the airline officially rolls out its new 'Instant Upgrade' system, fundamentally altering the landscape of using miles for a better seat.

June 12, 2025By Travel News Staff
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IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card with a summer vacation backdrop

Credit Card News

This Insane 5 Free Night Hotel Offer from IHG is The Deal You Need for Summer

IHG and Chase are offering a massive welcome bonus of 5 Free Hotel Nights on the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, a deal that could provide over $1,500 in value for summer travel.

June 9, 2025By Travel Card Insider Staff
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American Express Business Platinum Card with a travel background

Credit Card News

Final Call for Business Owners: Amex Business Platinum’s 150,000-Point + $500 Credit Offer Ends June 30th

A critical deadline is approaching for U.S. business owners. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is offering 150,000 points and a $500 statement credit, but the offer expires on June 30, 2025. This guide breaks down the offer, its value, and who should apply.

June 7, 2025By Business News Editor
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Bank of America Customized Cash and Unlimited Cash Rewards cards with travel imagery

Credit Card News

Bank of America Launches "Double Dip" Offer, Supercharging First-Year Cash Back on Two Popular Cards

New cardholders can now earn up to 6% cash back on travel and other key categories, a significant, limited-time boost for U.S. travelers planning their spending.

June 7, 2025By Financial Adviser, Travelcardinsider
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JetBlue aircraft with TrueBlue points bonus promotion overlay

Travel Deals

Final Boarding Call: JetBlue's Up To 125% TrueBlue Points Bonus Vanishes June 9th – Your Ticket to Discounted Luxury Travel?

U.S. travelers have a fast-closing window to significantly boost their JetBlue TrueBlue points. JetBlue is offering a bonus of up to 125% on purchased TrueBlue points, but this compelling deal expires on June 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. For savvy travelers, especially those eyeing premium redemptions, this could unlock substantial savings, particularly on partner airline flights.

June 3, 2025By TravelCardInsider Staff
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Chase Freedom card with travel and bonus icons

Credit Card News

Chase Freedom: Maximize Q2 & June Bonuses Now for Your Next Trip!

Chase Freedom cardholders, review your rewards strategy for Q2 2025 bonus categories, including a special June "Birthday Bonus." Activate by June 14, 2025, to maximize cash back or Ultimate Rewards® points for travel.

June 2, 2025By Dilan Madushanka
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Choice Hotels and Hilton Honors logos with summer travel imagery

Hotel Deals

Summer Travel Savings are Sizzling! Get a $50 Gift Card from Choice Hotels & Bonus Points from Hilton

Your easy guide to boosting rewards for your 2025 U.S. summer trips with Choice Hotels' $50 gift card offer and Hilton Honors' bonus points promotion, including registration links and tips.

June 2, 2025By Dilan Madushanka
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Hilton hotel exterior with Points Plus promotion branding

Hotel Deals

Hilton's "Points Plus" Promo: A Goldmine for Frequent Travelers or a Dud for Vacationers?

Our financial analysis breaks down Hilton's summer offer to reveal who really benefits—and how to maximize your earnings before the August 15 deadline.

June 1, 2025By Travelcardinsider Staff
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Conceptual image of summer travel with declining flight price trends

Travel Deals

Summer Getaways Just Got More Affordable: Flight Prices for 2025 Trending Down – Plus, the Smartest Cards for Booking!

Flight prices for summer 2025 are trending lower, offering more affordable getaways. Discover why and which travel credit cards can maximize your savings.

May 30, 2025By Dilan Madushanka
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Capital One Venture X Business card with illustrative travel background

Credit Card News

HUGE: Capital One Rolls Out Record 350,000 Mile Bonus for Venture X Business – Is It Right for You?

Capital One just dropped a massive 350,000 mile bonus for its Venture X Business card! Is it right for your U.S. business? Our guide breaks down this huge offer, what the miles are worth, the card's perks, and who should jump on it.

May 28, 2025By Dilan Madushanka
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US Capitol building with overlay of credit cards and travel icons

Regulatory News

Washington Watch: The Future of Your Credit Card Rewards – What Travelers Need to Know

Stay informed with Travelcardinsider on potential regulatory changes in Washington D.C. that could impact your credit card rewards, interchange fees, and overall travel strategy.

May 23, 2025By Travelcardinsider Staff
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Illustration of summer travel concepts with diverse destinations

Travel Trends

Summer 2025: Navigating New Travel Horizons & Maximizing Your Rewards

Anticipation for Summer 2025 reveals evolving vacation habits. This guide explores key trends and how to align travel credit card perks for dream trips without overspending.

May 22, 2025By Dilan Madushanka
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Citi Strata Card with illustrative travel and rewards icons

Credit Card News

Citi Unveils Game-Changing Strata Card! Rewards+ Gets Massive 5X Travel & 3X Everyday Upgrade!

Citi dramatically revamps the Rewards+ Card into the no-annual-fee Citi Strata Card, effective May 22, 2025. Features 5X on travel via Citi, 3X on supermarkets, transit, gas/EV, a new self-select category, and a 30,000 point bonus for newcomers.

May 22, 2025By TravelCardInsider Staff
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The new Citi Strata Card representing a strategic shift in rewards for consumers.

Credit Card News

Citi Reimagines Its No-Fee Lineup with the New Strata Card, Targeting Everyday Spenders and Travelers Alike

Citi is retiring the Rewards+® Card and launching the no-annual-fee Citi Strata Card, featuring up to 5X points on travel and robust 3X categories for everyday spending, with a clear transition plan for existing cardholders and new applicants.

May 22, 2025By Financial Advisor, Travelcardinsider
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A modern Marriott hotel lobby, symbolizing the shift in Bonvoy elite benefits.

Hotel News

The Bonvoy Shake-Up: Marriott Quietly Rewrites Elite Upgrade Rules, Putting Suite Upgrades on Shaky Ground

A subtle but significant change to the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program's terms and conditions has sent a wave of concern through the frequent traveler community. The target of this revision? One of the most cherished perks for elite members.

May 20, 2025By Travel Card Insider Staff
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Hotel room with a view

Travel Rewards

Unlock More Travel: Top Credit Card Transfer Bonuses for US Travelers (May-June 2025 & Beyond)

For savvy US travelers, credit card rewards are a cornerstone of funding adventures.

May 19, 2025By Travel Rewards Expert
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New United Airlines co-branded credit cards

Credit Card News

United's New Card Lineup: More Perks, Higher Fees – What's the Real Deal for Your Wallet?

United and Chase have refreshed their co-branded card lineup with new benefits, different ways to earn elite status points (PQPs), and increased annual fees for most cards.

May 14, 2025By News Contributor
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Interior view of an Emirates A380 First Class suite

Airline News

Emirates Shakes Up Luxury Travel: Coveted First Class Awards Now an Elite-Only Perk – What US Flyers Need to Know

Emirates has restricted its First Class 'Classic Rewards' to Skywards Platinum, Gold, or Silver elites, significantly impacting US travelers who often used transferred points for these aspirational flights.

May 13, 2025By News Contributor
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Chase Sapphire Preferred card with a backdrop of travel destinations

Credit Card News

Deep Dive: Chase Sapphire Preferred's 100,000 Point Windfall – A Limited-Time Travel Game Changer

A landmark opportunity in the travel rewards sphere is rapidly approaching its conclusion. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is currently presenting an extraordinary 100,000 Ultimate Rewards® bonus points...

May 7, 2025By Dilan Madushanka
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Illustration of Southwest Airlines new fare structure and benefits

Airline News

Southwest Airlines' Transformation: A Traveler's Guide to New Fares & Perks

Southwest Airlines is undergoing a significant overhaul, including a new fare system, assigned seating, and enhanced benefits for credit cardholders and elite status members, with changes rolling out from March 2025.

March 1, 2025By Dilan Madushanka
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American Airlines AAdvantage and World of Hyatt logos signifying their partnership

Airline News

AAdvantage Shakes Up Loyalty in 2025: Deeper Hyatt Ties & New Mile Utility Unveiled

American Airlines is significantly evolving its AAdvantage® loyalty program in 2025 with a comprehensive suite of enhancements, promising U.S. travelers increased value, flexibility, and a deeper partnership with World of Hyatt.

January 10, 2025By Loyalty Program Analyst
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