Great deal: Get up to $400 worth of Amex points for spending $1,000 with Air France-KLM
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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
American Express and Air France-KLM are partnering to offer targeted cardholders a great Amex Offer. There are two versions of the offer: if you’re targeted, you can get a $200 statement credit or 20,000 Membership Rewards points for spending $1,000 or more with Air France or KLM.
If you have one of these offers, you must add it to your card and spend a minimum of $1,000 in one or more eligible transactions directly with the respective carrier. According to the terms and conditions, you must make the purchase through the US version of the airline website and your flight must originate in the US.
If you have the 20,000 Membership Reward offer, it’s worth a higher $400, according to TPG valuations.
With either offer, you’ll also earn bonus points per dollar spent on the airfare — 5 points per dollar if you book directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year with The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Keep in mind that this offer expires on July 30.
If you prefer to use your points on an Air France or KLM flight, you can fly to Europe for as few as 11,250 miles one-way.
Additional reporting by Emily Thompson.
Featured image by DARREN MURPH/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
If you’re looking for a way to both support the LGBTQIA+ community and earn some frequent flyer miles, there’s a good opportunity from United Airlines you won’t want to miss.
During the month of June, United MileagePlus is offering 5 miles per dollar donated to three LGBTQIA+ charities. The offer is valid for donations of up to $1,000 per United card made to the following charities:
The Trevor Project, which is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
The Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQIA+ advocacy group and lobbying organization in the U.S.
StartOut, a nonprofit organization that focuses on the growth of the LGBTQIA+ community in the workforce.
While you would only earn $12.10 worth of miles for every $1,000 donation, according to our latest valuations, you can take pride in the fact that you helped the efforts of a noteworthy cause.
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To take advantage of this promotion, you’ll first need to make sure you are the primary cardholder of one of these United credit cards:
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United Gateway Card.
United Explorer Card.
United Quest Card.
United Club Infinite Card.
United Business Card.
United Club Business Card.
Click through to your selected charity on this page (note that donations to local chapters of these organizations may not be eligible), then select how much you wish to donate.
Keep in mind that this United MileagePlus offer is applicable for donations totaling no more than $1,000 per card. No registration is required to benefit from this promotion. To receive your miles, all you have to do is make your donation with your chosen United credit card by June 30, 2022. The bonus miles may take up to eight weeks to post to your account.
Full terms and conditions for the promotion are available here.
If you have more than one of the cards listed above, you can max out the promotion on each card. For example, you can make a $1,000 donation with your United Club Infinite Card and another $1,000 donation with your United Business Card to receive 5,000 miles per donation, or a total of 10,000 miles.
Related: Happy Pride! Here’s all we’re doing at The Points Guy to celebrate Pride Month
With over 5,000 locations worldwide, you can find an Avis branch in most major cities. Its loyalty program, Avis Preferred, is free to join and can help you skip the line at the rental counter at some locations. Preferred members have their rental preferences and details on file, making picking up your vehicle quick and convenient.
Also, at some U.S. locations, Avis Preferred members can select their car on the mobile app. The mobile app lets you make reservations, view and modify bookings, access receipts and manage your Avis Preferred profile.
Ahead of what’s likely to be a record-busy summer of travel, now is the perfect time to sign up for Avis Preferred status to save time in line and be on your way faster.
What is Avis Preferred?
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Avis Preferred members can earn and redeem points for qualifying rentals. Preferred members also receive expedited service at some locations so you can go right to your car.
Avis Preferred elite status also entitles you to various benefits.
Avis Preferred elite status
Avis Preferred has two published elite status tiers. Here’s an overview of some of the benefits you receive as an Avis Preferred elite member:
Avis Preferred
Avis Preferred Plus
Avis President’s Club
Qualifications
Free to join, open to the public.
10 rentals or spending $4,000 per calendar year.
20 rentals or spending $6,000 per calendar year.
Point accrual rate
1 point per dollar on rental cars.
2 points per dollar on accessories.
1.25 points per dollar on rental cars.
2.5 points per dollar on accessories.
1.5 points per dollar on rental cars.
3 points per dollar on accessories.
Expedited service
✓
✓
✓
Upgrades
Up to one class.
Up to two classes.
Guaranteed vehicle
Up to full size with 24-hour notice.
You can also earn Avis Preferred Plus status after earning 60,000 American Airlines Loyalty Points or by holding United Premier Silver or Gold status. Primary cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve are also eligible for Avis Preferred Plus status.
Avis President’s Club is also available to those who earn 100,000 American Airlines Loyalty Points or United Premier Platinum, 1K or Global Services members. Primary card members of the United Club℠ Infinite Card, United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Card, United Club℠ Business Card and United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Business Card also are eligible for instant President’s Club status.
If you don’t have Avis status but hold another rental car status, you can submit a status match form here.
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The information for the United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Card, United Club℠ Business Card and United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: United and Avis ink new partnership with free status matches, mileage redemptions
How to earn Avis Preferred points
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You can earn Avis Preferred points or partner points and miles on qualifying Avis rentals. As a base Avis Preferred member, you earn 1 point per dollar spent on the base rate of your rental and 2 points per dollar spent on accessories like satellite radio and car seats.
You can also opt to earn partner points and miles instead of Avis Preferred points. Avis has over 50 airline partners and nine hotel partners. You can earn points with Avis’ other partners, like Eurostar. Just note that for rentals in the United States, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Croix and Canada, you may be subject to a frequent flyer surcharge or excise tax if you earn airline miles or hotel points instead of Avis Preferred points. This generally costs $1.50 per rental day. To change your rewards preferences from Avis Preferred points to the loyalty program of your choice, log into your Avis Preferred account, go to your profile homepage, click “rewards,” and then “edit.”
AVIS.COM
You can then opt to receive partner points and miles.
AVIS.COM
After you enter your partner loyalty number and save your preferences, Avis will automatically start crediting points and miles to your partner account and charging you the frequent flyer surcharge/excise tax on qualifying rentals. As noted, you can’t earn partner miles and Avis Preferred points on all rates.
Avis has negotiated rates for the members of many of its partners. For example, the United Airlines MileagePlus AWD (Avis Worldwide Discount) number drops the base price of this airport rental by over 50%.
1 of 2
AVIS.COM
You can use your partner program’s AWD rate regardless of whether or not you’re earning miles on your rental. Be prepared to present proof of your partner loyalty program membership if asked.
How to redeem Avis Preferred points
Avis advertises that you can redeem Avis Preferred points with no blackout dates. However, you can’t redeem Avis points at all locations.
Reward day level
Standard base rate (does not include AWDs, special rates or any other offers)
Cost
Level 1
Up to $50.
700 points.
Level 2
$50.01 to $85.
1,400 points.
Level 3
$85.01 to $125.
2,100 points.
Level 4
$125.01 to $225.
3,500 points.
To redeem points, log into your Avis account, enter your search criteria, select your car and apply your points at check out. You can refer to this page for more information on redeeming Avis points.
Related: How to redeem points and miles for car rentals
Best credit cards for Avis car rentals
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Ideally, you should use a card that provides both Avis elite status and primary rental car insurance (on most rentals). The only major credit card that offers top-tier President’s Circle status and primary rental car insurance on most Avis rentals is the United Club Infinite Card.
Other cards that offer primary rental insurance include:
*Eligibility and Benefit level vary by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc
Related: 9 rental car rewards programs you need to know about
Bottom line
In my experience as a President’s Circle member, I haven’t received nearly as many Avis upgrades, free days and the same quality of service as National Executive Elite.
However, Avis Preferred status can certainly make your travel more enjoyable by allowing you to bypass lines, track your rentals through the app and earn points toward free days. If you haven’t signed up with Avis Preferred yet, we recommend joining for free.
Update 6/2/23: The link below no longer works, and reader Anthony B found a new link – Direct Link. Again, any 6-digit code put in the promo code box works.
The Offer
Direct link to offer (any 4 digit code will work)
Receive 70,000 Hawaiian Airline miles after one purchase within 90 days of account opening on the Barclaycard Hawaiian Airlines credit card
Card Benefits & Details
Annual fee of $99
Card earns at the following rate:
3x miles on all Hawaiian Airlines purchase
2x Hawaiiamiles on gas, dining and grocery store purchases
1x miles on all other purchases
No foreign transaction fees
ShareMiles, ability to share miles with friends & family HawaiianAirlines.com
Discounted Award Travel
Get $100 companion discount off one coach companion ticket for roundtrip travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines on each account anniversary upon payment of annual fee
Free first checked bag
Our Verdict
Previous best deal was 80,000 miles, but that required a total of $4,000 in spend. Some popular redemption options include:
You can get flights for 35,000 miles round trip with the card from mainland USA to Hawaii. Note, however, there isn’t a lot of space available.
Intra island flights are 7,500 miles one way.
We will add this to our best credit card bonus page as it’s so easy to meet the requirements.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
As a traveler, I am firmly team carry-on and will very rarely check a bag, while some of my colleagues prefer to always check a bag.
Even if you insist on checking a bag, certain items should always go in your carry-on.
Here are 10 items to never check, according to our TPG travel team.
Identification documents
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This one should go without saying since your identifying documents, such as a passport or valid driver’s license, are among the most important items for a traveler to keep close, especially if you’re traveling abroad.
If you’re traveling domestically and don’t need a passport, all travelers age 18 and older still need a driver’s license or other state photo identification card from their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) to pass through security at U.S. airports. A full list of Transportation Security Administration-accepted forms of identification is available here.
Once you’ve reached your destination, you’ll likely need to show some form of ID to check into a hotel or rent a car. If traveling abroad, we recommend carrying a picture of your passport with you while keeping your passport (and other valuables) securely locked in your room (in a hotel safe, if available).
Additionally, consider printing your travel itinerary and other important documents in case something happens to your phone or you can’t access Wi-Fi, says Erica Silverstein, TPG senior cruise editor.
Phone and charger
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A phone is among the most helpful tools when traveling, especially if you have a plan that allows you to use your data internationally.
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From navigating and figuring out directions in a new place to visiting cities you’ve visited before, your phone can be a lifeline when traveling. This also means frequently having to charge your phone, which is only possible if you’ve brought the right charger and any converters to be able to use the plugs (if applicable).
Keep all of your electronics and chargers in a carry-on for easy access on the plane, where you can also use the in-seat charging portal. Charging inflight ensures your phone is fully charged before exiting the plane, minimizing the chance of a dead battery en route to your hotel or other accommodations since your room may or may not be available for check-in when you arrive.
This is also helpful if you have a lengthy layover between flights since you can’t guarantee you’ll find access to a charging station at an airport.
As a female traveler who sometimes travels solo, a working phone is crucial. All travelers, solo or not, should pack a portable charger in their carry-on and always bring that with them when they go out and about.
Headphones and electronics
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In addition to your phone, some travel with other Apple products, such as an iPad and Apple Watch, requiring separate chargers. If you’re like me, you’ll never travel without two sets of headphones (one wireless and one not) since wireless ones may run out of battery.
This is also courteous for your fellow passengers since most airlines prohibit flyers from listening to shows or music out loud while also potentially providing you with headphones, depending on the airline and route.
Keep your headphones and AirPods within easy reach at all times.
If you happen to travel with a suitcase with a battery pack for charging, such as those from Away, remember that these must be carried on per TSA rules.
A change of clothes
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Per my earlier comment, the last time I checked a bag, it was a huge mistake. I missed my connecting flight due to inclement weather and my luggage was sent without me to my final destination. That left me spending the night in an airport hotel in Miami with just my backpack and the clothing I had been wearing for almost an entire day.
I’m not alone in this experience.
“I always keep at least one change of clothes for myself and each of my kids in my carry-on, even if I am checking a bag,” said Tarah Chieffi, TPG travel news reporter. “If our checked luggage is delayed or lost, or if inflight accidents occur, we always have a fresh change of clothes.”
This scenario is exactly why it’s important to pack at least one spare outfit in your carry-on item.
She also recommends throwing in a grocery bag or large zip-close bag for dirty clothes in your suitcase. Some suitcases even come with a reusable laundry bag.
You’ll likely appreciate having a fresh change of clothes, especially on long-haul flights and those with long layovers. You might even be able to access an airport lounge or an aircraft with showers, which is even better for freshening up.
Even if your flight is short and direct, it’s still helpful to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your baggage gets delayed.
Reusable water bottle
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Another item we recommend traveling with is a reusable water bottle. Just make sure the bottle is empty before you pass through airport security since most airports limit the number of liquids you can take through security.
Once you head to your gate in the post-security area, you’ll likely find free water refill stations where you can fill up your reusable bottle, including some with filtered water.
During your flight, request water and then pour that water into your bottle so it’s full at all times. Just remember to take your water bottle (along with your other items) off the plane when you disembark. I’ve lost two Hydro Flasks this way.
Also, flying can dehydrate you, especially if you’re drinking alcohol. It’s important to pay attention to your water consumption on travel days and make sure you are getting enough.
Considering how much airport stores charge for water and other items, bringing your own water bottle saves money — and eliminates single-use plastic.
Snacks
Not unlike the water, don’t rely on the airport or inflight snacks since food options when traveling may not be available or open when you need them.
“I always bring snacks, which are especially helpful if your flight is unexpectedly delayed while you’re on the plane with no option to get off,” said Senitra Horbrook, TPG credit cards editor.
Prescriptions and other medications
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If you take medication daily, it’s wise to pack any prescriptions into your carry-on luggage along with any over-the-counter medications you take frequently or might need, such as pain relievers or allergy medicine.
For example, I always bring several days’ worth of Tylenol, Benadryl, vitamins, probiotics, etc., as well as a few extra supplements of my daily medicine in case I end up staying longer than anticipated.
I also pack a few extra pairs of contact lenses. I wear dailies and prefer them over wearing my glasses, though I bring my glasses as a backup. I also bring adhesive bandages, just in case.
Assistance items
For senior travelers or those who require assistance, do not keep any assistive/medical device item, such as a walking stick or handicapped placard, out of reach.
A good rule of thumb — if it’s anything you can’t live without for half a day or more, put it in your carry-on, says Erica.
Hand sanitizer, wipes, paper towels and tissues
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Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many travel with hand sanitizer and sanitary wipes to wipe off seats, tray tables, seat belts, etc., upon boarding.
These items are small and can easily fit in your carry-on item. Just ensure your hand sanitizer does not exceed 12 ounces, which is an allowance specifically for hand sanitizer that the TSA implemented during the pandemic. All other liquids must still meet the 3.4 ounces or 100-milliliter size requirement.
Other items to consider bringing in your carry-on are paper towels and a washcloth in case of spills or other situations where you need to dry your hands.
You might be able to find tissues and band-aids at airports and on planes, though they’re likely not going to be great quality. Tissues are small enough to pack a few in your carry-on in case of unforeseen circumstances, from the sniffles to a paper cut.
Valuables
Beyond your phone and important travel documents such as your passport, keep your most important items close to you while traveling, including jewelry.
These items would fall under the “hard to replace if not irreplaceable” category, depending on how sentimental they are to you.
Bottom line
Once you’ve decided on the items most essential for your carry-on, be sure to decide what carry-on item makes the most sense for them to go in.
For example, if you have two carry-on bags, one smaller one that fits underneath the seat in front of you or one suitable for the overhead bin, think about what items you might need most often throughout the flight and position those in your smaller bag.
For everything else, you can always get up and retrieve items from your larger bag from the overhead bin.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
This Pride season, TPG is offering you the chance to win 1 million Chase Ultimate Rewards points by supporting our campaign with Rainbow Railroad, an organization that helps LGBTQIA+ people facing persecution through relocation and other resources. The grand prize winner of this sweepstakes will also win a one-on-one planning session with The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly to help plan the trip of a lifetime.
The rules are simple: Donate at least $10 to Rainbow Railroad, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win. The more you donate, the more entries you get toward winning your dream trip.
All sweepstakes entries must be made by 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 30 for a chance to win the grand prize before the winner is drawn on July 31.
Donate now for your chance to win.
More about Rainbow Railroad
Rainbow Railroad has a dedicated team of human rights defenders and advocates on the front lines of the fight for global LGBTQIA+ rights. Specifically, the organization helps LGBTQIA+ people facing violence and oppression around the world get to safety. Rainbow Railroad’s work could not be more important than it is right now.
We’ve partnered with this organization many times in the past, and this year, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Chase Sapphire to give one lucky winner a trip worth 1 million Ultimate Rewards points. All you have to do to enter is donate at least $10 to Rainbow Railroad.
THE POINTS GUY
You don’t even need to be a Sapphire cardmember to win the grand prize — though here at TPG, we strongly recommend having one of these cards. We even have a handy guide that helps you decide whether the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve is best for you.
Ultimate Rewards points can be incredibly powerful, whether you’re looking to transfer them to partners like World of Hyatt and United Airlines MileagePlus or using them to book travel directly with Chase. If you win the grand prize of a trip worth up to 1 million points, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make the most of them.
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How to enter
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It’s simple to enter the sweepstakes: Donate at least $10 through this link in support of Rainbow Railroad.
Yes — that’s it.
Additional donation levels will unlock even more prizes, including a one-on-one points and miles strategy session with Brian Kelly and bonus sweepstakes entries toward the grand prize trip of a lifetime.
This is a great opportunity to not only support a phenomenal organization but also potentially win fantastic prizes.
Remember, this campaign ends July 30, so be sure you submit your donation by 11:59 p.m. EDT to secure your entry into the drawing for the grand prize.
Sign up for the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite MasterCard and receive a signup bonus of 70,000 AAdvantage miles after you make your first purchase in the first 90 days and pay the $99 annual fee
Card Details
No foreign transaction fee
Annual fee of $99 is not waived the first year
First checked bag free, for the primary cardmember and up to 4 companions on eligible bags when traveling on domestic itineraries operated by American Airlines
Group 5 boarding, for the primary cardmember on domestic itineraries operated by American Airlines
25% inflight savings on food, beverages, and headsets on American Airlines-operated flights
Earn 2x miles on all eligible American Airlines purchases
Earn 1x points on all other purchases
Our Verdict
We recently had on-and-off a 60,000 offer with annual fee waived. This 70,000 offer without the fee waiver will be a better deal for some people. This is probably the best offer on a card with no minimum spend.
We’ll be adding it to our best credit card bonus list. Read through these things you should know about Barclaycard credit cards before asking any basic questions in the comments.
Airbnb is a vacation rental website that changed the travel industry in many ways by building a home-sharing community.
With Airbnb, you can book an entire place or reserve a room in someone else’s home for family getaways, workaways and group travel. Whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel, a forest cabin or a UFO-shaped home, Airbnb has got you covered with its more than 6 million listings.
Does Airbnb offer discounts?
For years, Airbnb offered cash bonuses through its referral program to both the referee and a first-time Airbnb user. Unfortunately, the referral program is no longer active, and you can’t share referral codes with your friends anymore.
Now that the Airbnb referral program is done, you might wonder, “How can I get a discount on Airbnb?” Luckily, you can take advantage of several money-saving methods.
How to get discounts on Airbnb
Reserve a longer stay
Many hosts offer discounts when you reserve their place for a week or a month, so if you’re wondering how to get discounts on Airbnb, one of the answers is to book a longer stay.
If you have a lot of time off or work remotely, we recommend booking an Airbnb for at least seven days to get a weekly discount or at least 28 days to get a monthly discount.
The discount isn’t a fixed percentage and varies. Some hosts don’t offer it at all, so the only way to find out how much a long-term discount will be is to start your search on Airbnb.com.
The discount is applied automatically, so you won’t see it reflected until you click on the listing. Under price details, you should see the nightly price multiplied by the number of nights, a weekly or monthly stay discount, a cleaning fee (if one is charged) and an Airbnb service fee.
The monthly discount is typically much higher than the weekly discount, so you can save a lot of money by booking a longer stay.
Extend your trip by a few nights
Use the trick above to your advantage and extend your stay by several days even if you don’t need that many nights. Sometimes, broadening a booking window can decrease your total price if you fall into the sweet weekly or monthly discount spot.
Let’s take a look at an example. We found a 24-night stay at an Airbnb property that costs $1,127.
However, by extending the stay to 31 nights instead, the price drops to $612, which makes a huge difference for your budget.
You can apply the same thinking to shorter stays (around a week). Extending your stay by a day can either yield savings or get you another night for the same price as before.
We found an example of a six-night stay and a seven-night stay charging roughly the same amount of money after the weekly discount was applied to the seven-night stay.
Book recently added properties
If booking an Airbnb with no reviews terrifies you, the platform offers a way to offset the fears by offering a special discount.
You can get a special offer by booking a stay for a recently added Airbnb listing. The first three bookings made on a new listing receive a discount. You can stack the weekly or monthly discounts with special offers, as well.
However, it might be risky, especially when you don’t know what to expect from the vacation rental or the host.
Scroll down to the host to see if they have other listings and read the reviews left for those properties. Seeing positive reviews for the host and their other listings can put your mind at ease.
Take advantage of an early bird discount
Some hosts attach an early bird discount to their listings. Each host sets their own timeline for how far in advance you have to book to get the early bird discount, but it can be as few as 60 days, so you don’t have to plan your next vacation a year in advance.
If you are booking far in advance — a year out or so — familiarize yourself with the property’s cancellation policy to avoid surprises in case you need to cancel.
Even if the discount is small, anything helps with getting a more afforable Airbnb.
Purchase discounted Airbnb gift cards
Another way to get a more affordable Airbnb is to buy discounted Airbnb gift cards.
Although this method won’t save you a ton of money, you can still save a few bucks, especially when you take advantage of the previously mentioned discounts too.
You can purchase discounted Airbnb gift cards on websites like Sam’s Club or Raise and save a little cash. For example, a $200 Airbnb gift card is going for $193.92 from Sam’s Club and for $188.69 from Raise.
Use a rewards card to pay for Airbnb
It won’t get you an immediate discount, but you’ll earn the rewards toward a future points redemption.
Another suggestion is to use specific credit cards to purchase Airbnb gift cards at stores and earn a rewards multiplier. For example, buying digital Airbnb gift cards from Staples will earn 5% back — on the first $25,000 spent — with the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card.
Book through an airline portal
This isn’t a direct way to save cash per se, but several airlines offer ways to earn frequent-flyer miles on Airbnb stays. Earning airline rewards is akin to getting a small discount on an Airbnb booking.
You’ll earn airline miles by making Airbnb reservations through the following airline programs.
Airline loyalty program
First-time Airbnb user bonus
Ongoing earning rate
ANA Mileage Club
A discount coupon for 3,000 Japanese yen ($22.70) and 2 miles per 200 yen ($1.50) spent with Airbnb.
1 mile per 200 yen ($1.50).
British Airways Executive Club
3 Avios per £1/€1/$1.
Delta SkyMiles
1 SkyMile per $1.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
500 bonus points on the first Airbnb booking.
1 Qantas point per 1 Australian dollar (67 cents).
Keep in mind that to earn airline miles, you must go through the airline’s respective portal they have in partnership with Airbnb. Make sure to enter your frequent-flyer number at the time of booking or no miles will be awarded.
Message the host
This is by no means a guaranteed method of receiving a discount on your Airbnb stay, but in the words of the great Wayne Gretzky, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” It’s possible to contact an Airbnb host before you make a booking through their listing.
So, if you’re on Airbnb wondering how to get a discount, message a host and ask whether they’d come down on the price before you reserve a stay. If they agree, they’ll send you an offer via a special link, and you can see the new rate before you lock down the reservation.
This approach might not work with every host, but it’s worth a shot, especially on short-notice bookings.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Be polite and respectful to the host when requesting an Airbnb discount, even if they decline your request.
The bottom line
The cost of travel has increased significantly over the past year, according to NerdWallet’s Travel Price Index, so we don’t blame you if you’re looking to save money. If you’re looking for an Airbnb discount, you can get one by:
Booking an extended stay.
Adding some days to your booking.
Booking new-host listings.
Taking advantage of early bird pricing.
Purchasing discounted Airbnb gift cards.
Using a rewards card to pay for your Airbnb.
Booking an Airbnb through an airline portal.
Messaging the host.
At least one of these options, or multiple, will let you score an Airbnb property for less.
(Top photo courtesy of Airbnb)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
The American Express® Gold Card and the American Express® Green Card are two of the most iconic credit cards offered — the Amex Green alone has been around for more than 50 years.
But classic doesn’t mean outdated, as these cards have both received dramatic makeovers in recent years, resulting in two competitive products aimed at different market segments. The Amex Green is more focused on travel, while the Amex Gold is better suited for everyday spending on groceries and eating out.
Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the features and benefits of these two products and see which one might be the better fit for you.
Comparison of benefits
Benefit detail
American Express Green Card
American Express Gold Card
Annual fee
$150 (see rates & fees).
$250 (see rates & fees).
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points and 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first six months of cardmembership (up to $200 back) after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first six months of cardmembership.
Earning categories
3 points per dollar on travel (including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours and ridesharing services).
3 points per dollar at restaurants.
1 point on all other purchases.
Terms apply.
4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 spent per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar).
4 points per dollar at restaurants.
3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Terms apply.
Travel benefits
Up to $189 annual credit for Clear Plus.
Up to $100 annual LoungeBuddy credit.
Car rental loss and damage.*
Baggage insurance.**
Trip delay insurance.***
Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually ($10 monthly credits) for U.S. services. Must add card to Uber app to receive benefit.
$100 experience credit for your stay of at least two nights at The Hotel Collection.
Car rental loss and damage.*
Baggage insurance.**
Trip delay insurance.***
Additional benefits
ShopRunner free 2-day shipping on eligible items. Enrollment is required.
Purchase protection.**
Extended warranty protection.**
Entertainment access.
No foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees).
Up to $120 annual dining credit at select restaurants (up to $10 per month) per calendar year. Enrollment is required.
ShopRunner free 2-day shipping on eligible items. Enrollment is required.
Purchase protection.**
Extended warranty protection.**
Entertainment access.
No foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees).
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
***Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Welcome offer
Both cards have an attractive welcome offer.
The Amex Green currently offers 60,000 Membership Rewards points and 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first six months of cardmembership (up to $200 back) after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of cardmembership. This is the best offer we’ve seen available to the public.
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The Amex Gold, on the other hand, offers 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first six months.
MASKOT/GETTY IMAGES
Because TPG currently values Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, both points bonuses are worth $1,200. But you can get up to an additional $200 back with the Amex Green bonus.
Sometimes, the cards have offered higher targeted welcome offers through the CardMatch Tool (offer subject to change at any time), so be sure to check this tool before applying for a card.
Note that if you’ve held either of these cards before, you’re almost certainly ineligible for a welcome offer. Despite the revamps both cards have received in the past few years, they’re still considered the same products. In addition, American Express also considers other factors to determine welcome-bonus eligibility, though it should notify you of your status before you submit your application and face a hard inquiry.
Winner: Given the additional 20% back on travel and transit purchases as part of its welcome offer, the Amex Green comes out ahead in this category.
Related: Ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions
Earning categories and bonuses
The Amex Green offers 3 points per dollar on travel — including transit purchases such as taxis and ride-hailing services. You also earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants around the world and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
The Amex Gold Card offers 4 points per dollar at restaurants and on purchases of up to $25,000 spent each calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar). You’ll also earn 3 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with the airline or through Amex Travel. For all other purchases, you’ll earn 1 point per dollar.
WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY
When you compare these rates, the Amex Gold offers you 33% more points at restaurants than the Amex Green, and it also offers 4 points per dollar when you buy groceries (or anything else) from a supermarket in the U.S (up to $25k in purchases each calendar year; then 1 point per dollar.)
And although they both offer 3 points per dollar on select travel purchases, the Amex Green Card opens up the bonus points to all travel-related purchases. This means anything coded as “travel” on your monthly statement will receive the bonus points.
For the Amex Gold Card, you’ll only earn 3 points per dollar on a limited number of airline-specific purchases, which includes purchasing airfare from the airline directly (not an online travel agency) or through Amex Travel. This means you’ll only earn 1 point per dollar for hotels, cruises, transit and many other travel-related purchases.
Winner: If you’re a commuter or a frequent traveler (and don’t spend much at U.S. supermarkets) and don’t have another card that offers you bonuses for travel spending, then the Amex Green has a strong advantage. Otherwise, the Amex Gold Card will likely offer more points for most people’s spending.
Related: What counts as travel on the Amex Green card?
Travel benefits
A standout benefit of the Amex Green is its up to $189 annual credit toward a Clear Plus membership, which is enough to fully cover the cost of one adult membership.
Clear machines SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
The Amex Green Card also offers an annual up to $100 LoungeBuddy credit, which can be applied to the admission fee for hundreds of lounges worldwide. This could be somewhat valuable to those who don’t already have a Priority Pass Select benefit from a different credit card. Enrollment is required.
The Amex Gold Card offers up to $120 in Uber Cash. With this benefit, you’ll receive up to $10 monthly in Uber Cash credit, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. The fact that you can use these credits on takeout means card members should have no problem using the cash — which puts a full $120 value on the perk.
Both cards offer car rental loss and damage coverage (secondary coverage)*, baggage insurance** and trip delay protection.*** However, the Amex Gold also provides access to benefits and discounts when booking accommodations through The Hotel Collection (minimum two-night stay required).
The trip delay protection is typically the most valuable to many cardholders since you’ll be reimbursed up to $300 per eligible trip if your trip is delayed more than 12 hours. This will cover unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, such as meals, lodging and personal use items.
Winner: Given that both cards offer the same travel protections, the Amex Green comes out ahead with its valuable Clear and LoungeBuddy credits.
Related: What your card’s trip protection covers
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
***Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Shopping benefits
The Amex Gold Card has an up to $120 annual restaurant credit at select establishments, including The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. If none of those appeal to you, you can apply that credit to delivery or takeout orders from Grubhub. Because it’s so easy to use, most cardholders can get the full $120 value from this benefit. Enrollment is required.
You’ll also notice that both cards offers purchase protection* and extended warranty benefits* — an important card feature to have for many purchases (especially those that can break easily). The Amex Gold Card comes out slightly ahead in this department since the purchase protection perk covers your purchase up to 90 days from the day of purchase, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year.
While the Amex Green Card also includes the same 90-day benefit, you’re capped at $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per year. For an expensive purchase, the Amex Gold Card is preferable, but most cardmembers will find the maximum to be more than sufficient with the Amex Green Card.
THE POINTS GUY
Additionally, both cards come with free ShopRunner two-day delivery from select online merchants and the American Express Entertainment Access program that gives you preferred access to shows and sporting events.
Winner: With its dining credit and more valuable purchase protection coverage, the Amex Gold easily comes out ahead in this category.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Related: Complete guide to the Amex Gold dining credit
Bottom line
Although the American Express Green Card has much to offer, its more upscale sibling — the American Express Gold Card — is still a better fit for most.
Using the Amex Gold Card to earn more at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets is likely more attractive to most people than the Amex Green’s bonus earning on a wider range of travel purchases. In addition, the higher annual fee of the Amex Gold is offset by up to $240 in annual credits.
Still, with a lower annual fee, useful travel credits and broad bonus categories, the Amex Green is a solid option.
No matter which you choose, you can rest assured you’re adding a great card to your wallet.
For more details, check out our full reviews of the Amex Green and Amex Gold.
Official application link: Amex Gold Card with a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 within your first six months of cardmembership.
Official application link: Amex Green Card with a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points and 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first six months of cardmembership (up to $200 back) after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of cardmembership.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, please click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Green, please click here.
Additional reporting by Emily Thompson, Benét J. Wilson and Jason Steele
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
“Elite status” sounds like what Aziz Ansari’s character Tom Haverford is always after on Parks and Recreation: the finest fabrics, fragrances, and gourmet foods.
To an airline and its frequent flyers, however, elite status has a specific meaning: you’ve shown the airline that you’re one of its best customers, and the airline rewards your loyalty with special perks.
These elite programs have been around for a long time, but the qualifications and perks change regularly.
Nearly all the programs require you to fly 25,000 miles in a year to qualify for the lowest level of elite status; most people don’t travel nearly enough to qualify.
Keep in mind that those are actual butt-in-seat miles. The miles you earn with your credit card or through other bonus programs don’t count toward elite status.
Once you’re within reach of elite status, though, you face a dilemma.
Do you stay loyal to one airline (or its alliance) to achieve or maintain elite status, or shop around for the best ticket prices and itineraries?
“Loyalty is exactly that: the willingness to pay more or endure less convenient schedules,” says Scott Mackenzie, a travel expert who blogs at HackMyTrip.com.
“However, the idea is that the benefits of loyalty in the form of elite status (upgrades, fee waivers, bonus miles, etc.) provide a net gain,” he adds.
So what are those elite status perks, and when are they worth spending an extra $200 for a ticket here and there—money that adds up quickly?
Or, worse, taking a brutal eight-hour layover in East Nowheresville airport?
What’s elite?
This is of particular interest to me because I, quite accidentally, qualified for elite status last year.
I write about food and travel, and I love to visit Asia.
Although cities like Tokyo and Hong Kong appear to be just on the other side of a big lake from Seattle, they’re actually pretty far away.
Two round trips from Seattle took me over 25,000 miles and onto United’s Premier Silver list.
I’ve flown a couple of times since then, and here’s what I got:
A free checked bag (I didn’t use it)
The right to board early (and therefore not have to fight for overhead space)
The fast security line
A silver luggage tag with my name printed on it
This is all very nice, but it didn’t actually save me any money, and like Mackenzie says, the point is not saving money: it’s getting nice perks for being a loyal (that is, valuable) customer.
Higher tiers of elite status get more interesting. You can compare them for all the major airlines at Mackenzie’s site.
At the top tier, which requires traveling 75,000 to 100,000 miles (plus other requirements), you’ll fly first or business class on most domestic flights, check three bags for free, and upgrade your friends, too.
You can also make last-minute changes to your flights at no charge.
(Also, I can’t let this go by: United’s top elite program is called Premier 1K. It’s for people who fly more than 100,000 miles a year. Why isn’t it called 100K? Thank you.)
It all sounds great, doesn’t it? Like being George Clooney in Up in the Air, minus the crushing loneliness?
Well, it’s probably not worth it.
Be elite without even trying
“The lowest tier of elite status is rarely worth the costs of loyalty,” says Mackenzie. “This is not because the benefits are meaningless but because they can more often be obtained through less expensive means.”
He’s talking about getting an airline-branded credit card, which offer most of the same benefits as Silver status.
Christopher Elliott, former MintLife columnist and author of the new book How to Be the World’s Smartest Traveler, agrees.
I asked Elliott whether I should be sure to book my next trip on United (or its Star Alliance partners) in order to maintain my elite status.
“The answer to your question is easy: If you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t spend the extra money,” says Elliott. “Only big-spending frequent fliers on an expense account can really benefit in a meaningful way from a loyalty program.”
How should I shop for my ticket, then?
“Instead, choose the least expensive flight with the most convenient routing,” says Elliott. “If you collect points, make them a byproduct of the purchase, not the reason for the booking.”
In other words, use common sense.
When to go elite
If you live in a hub city, it might make sense to make an occasional compromise to stick with your hub carrier if you’re close to making elite status.
That’s because you’re going to be flying with your hub carrier often, whether you like it or not.
Let me be the first to admit: this stuff works. I’ve received nothing of any monetary value from United beyond a ten-cent plastic luggage tag.
I haven’t reclined 180 degrees in a first class bed-seat or relaxed with a martini in an airport lounge.
Still, the thought of booking a flight on another carrier makes me feel like (a) I’m being disloyal, and (b) I might be missing out on some amazing benefits if I just spend a few more hours and dollars flying the Friendly Skies™.
And this is a warning, to me and everyone. Loyalty programs are everywhere.
They’re designed to make us change our spending habits to benefit the company offering the program, and often they don’t have to do much more than make us feel special.
If the company is really clever, they’ll make us pay to join the loyalty program.
Like I said, I love to travel. Maybe someday I’ll hit the big time and earn gold or platinum status.
If I do, it’ll be the same way I did last year: by blundering into it.
Matthew Amster-Burton is a personal finance columnist at Mint.com. Find him on Twitter @Mint_Mamster.
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