Breaking Points: Credit Card News

Some American Express cardholders are being targeted for an offer to earn an $80 statement credit after spending $400 or more on Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights by September 30, 2026. If you have upcoming paid travel, this is an easy discount worth activating. Even if you don't have immediate plans, you could purchase an eligible Main fare and later cancel it for Alaska wallet funds, which are valid for one year (you only need to book by the expiration date, not travel) and can be used toward Alaska-operated and partner flights booked on Alaska's website.

Air France KLM is offering 70,000 points after spending $3,000 in 3 months, plus up to 30,000 more bonus points by spending a total of $7,500 in the first 6 months. You'll also receive 100 XP as part of the welcome offer. That’s up from their standard offer of 50,000 points, which requires $2000 in 3 months. The annual fee $89. This is the highest ever offer we've seen on this card.

Marriott Bonvoy is targeting some members with an offer to earn 5,000 bonus points after completing one paid stay by September 30, 2026. To qualify, you'll need to link your Marriott Bonvoy and Emirates Skywards accounts, register for the promotion if you're targeted, and complete an eligible paid stay by the deadline. If you already have a Marriott stay planned, this is an easy way to pick up an extra 5,000 points.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer now requires members to have at least 1,000 miles in their account before they can search for award flights. Members with fewer than 1,000 miles will receive an error message instead of award results. The change was likely made to discourage award-scraping services from using burner accounts. Fortunately, KrisFlyer partners with Chase, American Express, Citi, and Capital One, making it relatively easy to transfer 1,000 miles if you need access. While this isn't nearly as restrictive as some recent program changes, it's another step toward limiting award search access.

Delta is offering 2x SkyMiles on select Main Classic and Main Extra fares booked by July 23 through its Beyond the Summer promotion. Eligible flights must be booked through the Beyond the Summer page, and availability is limited to select routes. If you're planning a Delta trip anyway, it's worth checking to see if your itinerary qualifies. Delta has also launched several other limited-time promotions, including bonus miles on Delta gift cards, Airbnb Experiences and Services, Hertz rentals, and hotel bookings through Delta Cars & Stays. None are reasons to spend money you otherwise wouldn't, but they're easy ways to earn a few extra SkyMiles if you already have those purchases planned.