The Points Tool You've Always Wanted

United MileagePlus is making significant changes to how members qualify for Premier elite status starting January 1, 2027. Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) will now be the only path to status, placing the emphasis entirely on spending rather than how frequently you fly. The option to combine Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) with PQPs will be eliminated. Silver, Gold, and Platinum will continue requiring 6,000, 12,000, and 18,000 PQPs, respectively, but those seeking Premier 1K will be hit the hardest, with the requirement increasing from 28,000 to 32,000 PQPs. Members who previously qualified through a combination of flights and spending will lose that option, making status harder to earn for frequent flyers who book cheaper fares. United will still require at least four flights on United or United Express each year to qualify for any Premier tier. Eligible United credit cardholders who qualify for Premier status will receive starter PQPs based on their status level, ranging from 300 to 1,200 PQPs. United is also introducing dynamic PlusPoints upgrade pricing for travel starting February 1, 2027. You can review the changes on United's website.

American Express is targeting certain cardholders with an offer to receive $150 back after spending at least $750 with Norwegian Cruise Line. You must add the offer to your eligible Amex card and make qualifying payments through Norwegian's U.S. website or by phone by December 31, 2026. The cruise just needs to be booked and paid for before that date, while your cruise can take place later. The offer excludes onboard purchases, gift cards, shore excursions, and transportation to and from the ship. If you have the offer on multiple Amex cards, you may be able to split a larger cruise payment across those cards to earn multiple credits. Check your Amex Offers to see if you're targeted.

Multiple reports suggest that in-store Lululemon gift card purchases are no longer reliably triggering the American Express Platinum Card's $75 quarterly statement credit. The change appears to have started around October 5, 2026, although some cardholders are still reporting receiving the credit on gift card purchases after that date. Purchasing physical gift cards in Lululemon stores was a popular way to use the credit without having to buy merchandise every quarter. The official terms have always excluded gift cards, but purchasing physical cards in store had usually worked until now. They had already closed the loophole allowing people to purchase gift cards online while still receiving the credit. We've even seen data points of purchasing a gift card along with merchandise only triggers a credit for the merchandise portion and not the gift card. Until there's more clarity, we wouldn't recommend relying on gift card purchases to use this benefit.

American Express is targeting certain cardholders with an Amex Offer to earn 20,000 Hilton Honors points after spending at least $200 on eligible Hilton stays in the United States. This an excellent offer if you're targeted and were planning a cash stay at a Hilton that falles within the required time period. Other cardholders are reporting an offer for 15,000 points after spending $400. Both offers are limited to participating Hilton properties in the U.S. and U.S. territories, with qualifying purchases required by December 31, 2026. Book directly through Hilton.com and pay with your enrolled Amex card. These offers can potentially stack with Hilton co-branded card benefits, including the Aspire's semiannual resort credit and the Surpass's quarterly Hilton credit, as well as with Hilton's targeted 10,000-point bonus for three-night stays and its global promotion offering 1,000 or 3,000 bonus points per stay, depending on the property. Check your Amex Offers to see if you're eligible.