The Points Tool You've Always Wanted

Rakuten is offering its best referral bonus we've ever seen through December 31, 2026. When you refer someone new to Rakuten and they spend at least $50 through the portal within 90 days, both of you can earn $50, 5,000 Amex Membership Rewards points, or 5,000 Bilt points, depending on your Rakuten earning preference. New Rakuten accounts default to cash back, but you can switch to Membership Rewards or Bilt points. One important thing to be aware of regarding Bilt is that the full 5,000 Bilt-point bonus is only available if you have Bilt elite status. Base-level members transfer at a 2:1 ratio, so the same $50 bonus would become 2,500 Bilt points instead. The referral offer is available through December 31, although Rakuten can modify or end it early.

The Amex Business Gold Card has updated its $240 annual flexible business credit. As of October 1, 2026, FedEx is no longer eligible, but UPS has been added in its place. Cardholders still receive up to $20 per month in statement credits, now valid for U.S. purchases at Grubhub, office supply stores, and shipments made through UPS.com. If you were using the credit for FedEx, you'll need to switch to UPS or one of the other eligible categories going forward.

Chase and IHG have overhauled the IHG One Rewards credit card lineup, refreshing all three existing cards while also introducing a new premium card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Card. The changes include new and updated benefits, higher anniversary free night certificates on the Premier and Business cards, changes to earning rates, and higher annual fees. All four cards also have elevated welcome offers through November 18, 2026. The IHG One Rewards Card is offering 125,000 points after spending $2,000 in three months, up from its standard 80,000-point offer. The IHG One Rewards Premier Card is offering 180,000 points after spending $3,000 in three months, up from its standard 140,000 points with the same spending requirement. The new IHG One Rewards Premier Select Card is offering 200,000 points after spending $5,000 in three months, while the IHG One Rewards Business Card is offering 190,000 points after spending $5,000 in three months, compared with its standard 140,000 points after $4,000 in spending. Existing cardholders get access to most of the new benefits immediately, while some changes phase in later. We’ve updated each card page with the full details, including the new benefits, earning rates, annual fees, and welcome offers, along with adding a new page for the new IHG One Rewards Premier Select.

Flying Blue has released its October 2026 Promo Rewards, offering 25% off select Air France and KLM award flights for travel through March 31, 2027. North American options include economy awards from Boston, Houston, Montreal, Ottawa, Raleigh, Calgary, and Toronto starting at 18,750 miles each way; premium economy from Las Vegas, Miami, Austin, and Chicago starting at 30,000 miles; and business class from Seattle and Mexico City starting at 45,000 miles. There are also some interesting awards beyond Europe, including Atlanta to Beijing for 30,000 miles in economy, Houston to Beijing and New York to Nairobi for 48,750 miles in premium economy, and Chicago to Shanghai for 86,250 miles in business. Most importantly, we now have an answer to the question we raised after Flying Blue introduced its new fare tiers last month. The lowest Promo Rewards prices now apply to the more restrictive Light fares, but Standard fares are discounted as well. For example, we found Boston to Paris for 18,750 miles in Light or 22,500 miles in Standard, compared with the normal 25,000- and 30,000-mile prices. That's good news if you want the additional benefits of a Standard award without giving up the Promo Rewards discount. Book by October 31 for travel through March 31, 2027.