Also: RIP Custom Cash

Tips to go further with your travel companions

Plus: choosing the right Rakuten rewards

Bilt points are great, but only if you have Bilt status

And how Bilt is changing how I think about both

Why it’s worth engaging with great loyalty programs

How the issuers stack up in 2026

There’s something for every laziness style

Plus, a great offer on the IHG Premier

A decent bonus, but probably more hassle than it’s worth

Mixing and matching cards is becoming a thing of the past

A decent hedge for occasional United flyers—with little upside

Fees are up, values are down—but the lazy redemptions are holding strong

Hotel points have their uses, but transferring credit card points can be a mistake

“Free” checked bags can be great–but they come at a cost

Great value; don’t overthink it

100k points plus a companion discount

High upside—but only sometimes worth the effort

Plus, Bilt’s new booking interface could be a revelation

A solid option for big spenders