Tag: Quick Hits
Quick Hits: Chase & Amex Pause Emirates Transfers, The Zil Money Payroll Saga Continues and More!

Quick Hits: Chase & Amex Pause Emirates Transfers, The Zil Money Payroll Saga Continues and More!

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Is travel finally getting cheaper again? In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke breaks down the latest shifts in travel trends, including a noticeable drop in flight prices and increased award seat availability, especially in business and first class. He explains why now might be the ideal time to snag flight deals using points or cash and shares valuable tools for smarter travel booking, including the newly launched hotel search tool Gondola.

DeAndre also provides an update on the ongoing saga of using payroll for your credit cards with Zil Money, which has been down for over a month now. He also covers a fast-closing loophole that lets travelers transfer Amex points to Alaska Airlines miles. He warns listeners about the upcoming temporary suspension of point transfers from Chase and Amex to Emirates. The episode closes with a heads-up on an active 30% transfer bonus from Citi ThankYou Rewards to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, along with key considerations for making the most of those points.

From smart booking strategies to maximizing redemptions, this update helps you make the most of the current travel climate.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Flight Prices Dropping: Demand is cooling, bringing cheaper cash fares and improved award availability.
  • Alaska Airlines Loophole: The Amex → Hawaiian → Alaska transfer hack may end soon—act fast.
  • Gondola Tool: A new site showing cash vs. points hotel prices, elite benefits, and price tracking, though it requires email read access.
  • Emirates Transfers Paused: Chase (May 28–June 30) and Amex (starting May 29) are temporarily pausing point transfers to Emirates, hinting at a likely devaluation.
  • Virgin Atlantic Transfer Bonus: 30% bonus on Citi ThankYou Rewards transfers to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club through May 17.
  • Thrifty Traveler & Daily Drop: Helpful tools for spotting mistake fares and daily point deals.
  • Cash vs Points Strategy: When flight prices drop, cash may offer better value than points. 

 

Resources:

 

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Quick Hits: AA’s Free Wi-Fi, Bilt Rent Reward Strategy & Google Flights Update

Quick Hits: AA’s Free Wi-Fi, Bilt Rent Reward Strategy & Google Flights Update

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How can a trip to Napa and a few updates completely shift how you think about points, perks, and booking tools? In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke checks in from the stunning Estate Yountville in Napa Valley, sharing major news from the world of travel, credit cards, and points and miles.

He covers Bilt’s new rent payment option—even if you don’t use a Bilt card, you can now earn points while paying rent, with a small fee. American Airlines is rolling out free high-speed Wi-Fi across most of its fleet by early next year, boosting in-flight productivity. Google Flights is also testing a long-awaited feature: the ability to filter out basic economy fares. And finally, shoutout to Karen, winner of the recent Hyatt Free Night Certificate giveaway, with more perks to come for newsletter subscribers.

This episode is packed with fast, practical updates for anyone looking to get more value from their travel routines and rewards, no matter where you’re headed next.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Bilt Rent Payments: You can now earn Bilt points while paying rent with any credit card (3% fee applies).
  • Amex Wi-Fi Credit Tip: DeAndre uses Amex Platinum’s $50/month airline credits to cover American Airlines Wi-Fi—soon to be obsolete as free Wi-Fi rolls out in 2025.
  • American Airlines Wi-Fi Update: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is coming to 90% of American Airlines’ fleet starting in January 2025.
  • Google Flights Filter: Google Flights is testing a filter to remove basic economy fares from search results.
  • Newsletter Giveaways: Recent winner Karen scored a Hyatt Free Night Certificate—newsletter subscribers get access to future giveaways.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

 

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Quick Hits: ANA’s Devaluation, How to re-qualify for Chase’s Biggest Bonus & More!

Quick Hits: ANA’s Devaluation, How to re-qualify for Chase’s Biggest Bonus & More!

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Is ANA’s legendary around-the-world ticket going away for good?

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke checks in from the Dominican Republic—on a site visit for his upcoming wedding—to bring you the latest news in the world of travel, points, and miles. He breaks down ANA’s significant devaluation, explains the ticking clock on booking their coveted around-the-world ticket, and clarifies who’s eligible for Chase Sapphire Preferred’s elevated 100,000-point offer.

DeAndre also shares the latest updates on Zil Money’s delayed card processing system for payroll and offers a transparent follow-up to a recent discrepancy between a podcast and Instagram about his use of points versus travel insurance for a flight delay. If you’re looking to stay sharp on offers, program updates, and real-life travel hacks, this episode is packed with practical insights—recorded right from paradise.

Tune in to stay ahead on travel strategy and loyalty program changes.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • ANA Around-the-World Ticket: Book by June 24 before ANA eliminates this aspirational redemption.
  • ANA One-Way Redemptions: ANA will finally allow one-way point bookings, offering more flexibility.
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Bonus: A 100,000-point welcome offer is available—but only if you meet strict eligibility rules.
  • Zil Money Update: The platform is still down due to overwhelming demand; processing is expected to resume soon.
  • Travel Insurance Clarification: DeAndre confirms he used points (not cash) for a Hyatt stay during a flight delay, and breaks down how trip delay coverage varies by card.
  • Trip Delay Insurance Tip: Chase Sapphire Preferred = 12-hour delay or overnight stay; Reserve = 6-hour delay coverage.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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Quick Hits: March’s Best Credit Card Offers, Hilton’s Luxury Expansion, Chase Card Reporting Errors & More!

Quick Hits: March’s Best Credit Card Offers, Hilton’s Luxury Expansion, Chase Card Reporting Errors & More!

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Looking to take advantage of the best travel credit card offers this March? In this Quick Hits episode, host DeAndre Coke breaks down the latest elevated offers from IHG, Capital One, and American Express, explaining how to maximize welcome bonuses and transfer bonuses for the best redemptions. He also highlights why switching browsers when searching for credit card offers can lead to better deals.

Additionally, DeAndre covers unique Capital One redemptions such as MLB tickets, Marriott’s expansion into luxury safari properties in Kenya, and Hilton’s partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH)—creating even more premium travel opportunities for points and miles enthusiasts. Wrapping up, he shares insights into recent Chase credit card reporting errors, the impact of the 5/24 rule, and upcoming networking opportunities at TravelCon in Tucson, Arizona.

Tune in for the latest travel updates, expert credit card strategies, and exclusive tips to level up your travel game with points and miles.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • March Credit Card Offers: New best offers available from IHG, Capital One, and Amex.
  • Amex Business Platinum: Features a high-value welcome offer this month.
  • Browser Tricks: Using different browsers can reveal better credit card deals.
  • Hilton’s Free Night Certificate: A valuable perk for award travelers.
  • Capital One Redemptions: Includes MLB tickets and other exclusive experiences.
  • Marriott’s Luxury Expansion: New safari properties coming to Kenya.
  • Hilton & Small Luxury Hotels (SLH): Expanding high-end hotel options.
  • Chase Business Cards Issue: Some cards are incorrectly appearing on personal credit reports.
  • Payroll Points System Update: Temporary technical issues affecting users.
  • TravelCon in Tucson: Great networking opportunities for travel and finance enthusiasts.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

 

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Quick Hits: Unlock Big Travel Perks with Chase, Southwest Companion Pass, and Marriott Bonvoy

Quick Hits: Unlock Big Travel Perks with Chase, Southwest Companion Pass, and Marriott Bonvoy

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke delivers a rapid breakdown of the latest offers in the points and miles world, focusing on key cards to help you boost your travel rewards. He highlights the Chase Ink Business Unlimited card’s $900 cash-back offer and shares strategies for converting cash back into travel points. 

DeAndre also dives into the Southwest Personal Cards and how earning 135,000 points can unlock the Southwest Companion Pass, offering free travel for a companion. Rounding out the episode, he touches on the Marriott Bonvoy Business card and its offer of five free nights with a spend requirement.

Get the key details fast and learn how to act quickly on these limited-time offers to maximize your travel rewards!

 

Key takeaways: 

  • The Chase Ink Business Unlimited card offers $900 cashback which is 90,000 points
  • You can convert cash back to travel points with certain cards.
  • Earning 135,000 points on Southwest Personal Cards grants the Companion Pass.
  • Timing is critical when applying for the Southwest Companion Pass.
  • The Marriott Bonvoy Business card offers five free nights after meeting the spending requirement.

 

Resources:

 

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Points & Miles Quick Hits: Updates to Southwest Cards, Transfer Points, and Tax Strategies for Business Owners

Points & Miles Quick Hits: Updates to Southwest Cards, Transfer Points, and Tax Strategies for Business Owners

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Starting this week, DeAndre Coke introduces ‘Quick Hits’ – a series of short episodes to share time-sensitive travel and points-related information and updates!

This week’s episode:

  • A new increased bonus offer for Southwest credit cards
  • Transfer bonuses for Chase, Virgin, and Citi are expiring soon
  • Using credit cards for tax payments can earn additional points for business owners

Make sure you have publishing notifications turned on to make sure you don’t miss any of these essential updates!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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