Tag: Amex Membership Rewards
Quick Hits: Insane Rakuten Deals, an Unfortunate End to the Amex to Alaska Airlines Loophole, and More!

Quick Hits: Insane Rakuten Deals, an Unfortunate End to the Amex to Alaska Airlines Loophole, and More!

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Looking to maximize your points game and stay ahead of the travel curve?

In this extended Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke dives into one of the busiest travel news weeks yet. From Rakuten and SoFi points play to Delta’s award rate drops and United’s sleek new Polaris business class suites, there’s something for every traveler. He covers the Hilton Honors devaluation, a limited-time AA award sale, and the end of the valuable Amex-to-Hawaiian-to-Alaska Airlines transfer loophole. Plus, there’s new info on Chase’s Instacart perks, updates on the Zil Money saga, and a reminder that May is prime time for booking summer travel. 

Packed with strategy, news, and savings hacks—you won’t want to miss it.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Rakuten deals: Huge Amex point earning opportunities—some merchants offering up to 95x points.
  • SoFi bonus: Opening a new SoFi account with a $500 direct deposit can earn 25,000 Amex points.
  • Delta award rates drop: Flying Blue redemptions on Delta-operated flights are ~20% cheaper for 2026.
  • United upgrades: New Polaris Studio Suites will offer luxury in-flight experiences starting in 2026.
  • Hilton devaluation: Standard award nights at top-tier hotels now cost up to 200,000 points.
  • American Airlines sale: Over 1 million award seats available from 5,000 miles—book by May 28.
  • Amex transfer loophole: The Amex-to-Hawaiian-to-Alaska points route ends June 30.
  • Chase Instacart perks: New $10–$20 monthly credits across many cards, plus free Instacart+ trials.
  • Zil Money update: The payroll on credit card feature was delayed another month, which is now expected in June.
  • Book now for summer: Prices for flights and hotels are lower than usual—rebooking could save $$$.

 

Resources:

 

Interested in Financial Planning?

 

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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Quick Hits: Hyatt Adds The Standard Hotels, Emirates First Class Lockdown, Rakuten Promo Alert & More!

Quick Hits: Hyatt Adds The Standard Hotels, Emirates First Class Lockdown, Rakuten Promo Alert & More!

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Planning your summer 2025 travel? Now might be the perfect time to book. 

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares key updates from his recent trip to Roatan and fresh news in the points and miles world. He covers limited-time transfer bonuses, how to spot travel savings on previously booked trips, and why Rakuten’s 7,500 Amex point promo is worth jumping on. You’ll also hear why Newark Airport might be best avoided for now, how Hyatt integrates The Standard hotels, and what Hyatt’s new gifting rules mean for loyal travelers. 

Finally, DeAndre breaks down Emirates’ move to restrict first-class redemptions and how to still unlock the experience through strategic credit card plays.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Roatan reflections: A surprisingly incredible stay at the Grand Kimpton Roatan, made better with points and Amex FHR perks.
  • Summer 2025 alert: Now is the sweet spot for booking cheap domestic flights before prices spike.
  • Travel disruptions: Newark Airport is seeing significant delays and cancellations—consider alternative routes.
  • Booking tip: Already booked a summer trip? Check current pricing—DeAndre saved $300 and 70k Hyatt points on a rebook.
  • Rakuten promo: New users can get 7,500 Amex points with just $25 in spending through Rakuten.
  • Hyatt & The Standard: The Standard hotels officially join World of Hyatt with elite perks intact.
  • Award gifting limits: Hyatt will limit members to 10 award gifts received per year starting June 7.
  • Emirates first-class restrictions: As of May 12, only Skywards elite members can redeem for first class.
  • Credit card workaround: Get Emirates Silver or Gold elite status through co-branded Skywards cards to retain access.

 

Resources:

 

Interested in Financial Planning?

 

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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Honeymoon Hacks: How to Maximize Points and Miles for a Luxury Getaway (Ep. 43)

Honeymoon Hacks: How to Maximize Points and Miles for a Luxury Getaway (Ep. 43)

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Ever wonder how to plan a luxurious honeymoon without spending a fortune?

In this episode, DeAndre Coke is joined by Elliot Rosenberg, founder of Hack My Honeymoon, to share insider tips on using points and miles to plan luxury honeymoons without breaking the bank. Elliot talks about how his journey into the points and miles world led to the creation of Hack My Honeymoon, a service that helps couples pick dream destinations, develop points-earning strategies, and book flights and accommodations. He highlights the key benefits of using points for honeymoons, offering expert advice on flexibility in choosing travel dates, maximizing referral bonuses, and leveraging hotel loyalty programs. Whether planning to DIY your honeymoon or work with a service, Elliot’s insights on earning and redeeming points can turn your honeymoon into a five-star experience without the five-star price.

Tune in to learn the strategies behind using points and miles to craft the honeymoon of your dreams, from destination selection to wedding expense hacks!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Luxury for Less: Using points and miles can make even the most extravagant honeymoons affordable.
  • Hack My Honeymoon Services: Elliot’s company guides couples in planning their honeymoons with customized points-earning strategies.
  • Set Your Goal: Know your travel preferences and set clear objectives to maximize points-earning opportunities.
  • Transferable Points Are Key: Points from Chase, Amex, and Capital One offer the most flexibility for earning and redeeming.
  • Leverage Small Business Cards: Opening business credit cards can unlock higher earning potential and additional benefits.
  • Referral Bonuses: Referring your partner as ‘player two’ to maximize rewards.
  • Wedding Expenses as a Points Strategy: Use credit cards for wedding costs to earn points, but make sure the fees are worth it.
  • Hotel Loyalty Programs Matter: Participating in hotel loyalty programs and negotiating with event coordinators can earn additional points.
  • Start Early: Get a head start on earning and consult with experts to navigate the complexities of points and miles.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Elliot Rosenberg:

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