Rewards Cards: Put Those Points to Work

Alaska Airlines is matching status of disgruntled Delta Air Lines frequent fliers as the airline recently changed its loyalty program.

If you ask TPG staffers for a credit card recommendation, there's a good chance we'll recommend a card that has an annual fee. Most of our favorite cards come with many benefits that provide value well beyond their annual fee costs, so we consider them well worth paying.

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.

Editor's note: This story is continually updated with new information.

In January, Bilt Rewards added live award flight availability powered by Point.me to the Bilt app. This integration lets Bilt Rewards members easily search for award flights they could book with their Bilt Rewards points through the 12 Bilt Rewards airline transfer partners.

Small-business owners have enough to worry about without always trying to maximize their credit card rewards. It's easy enough to choose a card that promises a high sign-up bonus and lots of perks to save you money on expenses or enhance your travel. But when it comes time to redeem those hard-earned points and miles, it can be difficult to know where to start.

In recognition of their continued commitment to the travel advisor community, Scenic has announced a promotion that will reward one lucky advisor and their guest with the ultimate new year’s getaway: 13 days in Antarctica aboard the line’s newest Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II.

Traveling around the world can be challenging — and costly— let alone when you have three dogs in tow, including a massive Great Dane.

I have a confession to make: I used to be a hater of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees).

There’s something wonderfully liberating about travelling alone and the following trips fulfil all the best aspects of being solo. No compromises to be made, no itineraries discussed; get up when you want, eat what you fancy, do nothing or everything, talk to the friendly person next to you at breakfast, or pop in your headphones and ignore them completely. When I’m travelling alone, I become the best version of myself; the most decisive, the most charming, the most curious. I see more, go further, strike up conversations with people I’ll never meet again, yet always remember. And even after 25 years of travelling, I still get the same feeling of satisfaction when I’m home – a quiet sense of pleasure that I did it all on my own.

The official end of summer is near, but that does not mean you have to stop adventuring—especially if you have a stash of miles and points to pay the way. In fact, come fall, airlines, hotels and credit card companies are eager to woo new business after the summer rush, offering special offers and promotions that can refill your loyalty program account in a jiffy. Plus, seasonal perks and benefits often pack extra value into the journey. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of September's best loyalty rewards program deals.

Earning miles and points is easy for consumers who sign up for credit cards or special rewards programs. But knowing where and how to use those points to make their travel dreams come true has proven much more challenging – an estimated $30 billion in loyalty points go unredeemed each year.