Breaking Points: Credit Card News

Qatar Airways has removed its qualifying-activity requirement for creating My List and Family & Friends groups, making it easier to redeem Avios for other travelers again. Privilege Club members now only need to have had their account created and opened for at least 30 days before adding other travelers. Qatar introduced the restriction just a few months ago in June 2026, requiring Burgundy and Silver members to earn Avios from a Qatar Airways or partner flight or an eligible Qatar co-branded credit card before they could add other travelers. Transfers from credit card reward programs weren't enough to satisfy the requirement. The language has been changed on Qatar's website for My List, but the Family & Friends terms have not yet been updated to reflect the changes. But we have seen multiple data points of people being able to add family members to both My List and Family & Friends since the reversal was made, and Qatar confirmed to Miles Talk that the restriction was removed effective September 14.

The Chase Aeroplan Card is offering up to 115,000 points: 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, plus 40,000 more after spending $20,000 total in the first 12 months. The card also received a major refresh, with the annual fee increasing from $95 to $195. New benefits include automatic Aeroplan 25K Status with no spending requirement, 15% off eligible Air Canada award flights, up to $100 per year in Air Canada credits, and 5,000 Status Qualifying Credits each year. The card now earns 3X on travel and 2X on groceries, dining, and gas, but loses the 10% bonus on Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Aeroplan and the 500-point bonus for every $2,000 spent each month.

IHG is targeting certain members with an offer to earn 20,000 bonus points after completing just two qualifying paid nights. You must be invited and register for the offer, then complete both nights within 60 days of registration. You can click here and log in to see if you are targeted. The nights can be consecutive or part of separate stays, but each must cost at least $30 and be booked directly with IHG or through another qualifying channel. Reward Nights and Points & Cash stays do not qualify. We value IHG points at around 0.6¢ each, making the 20,000-point bonus worth roughly $120, which is a very good return for just two nights.

World of Hyatt members can earn 2X points on eligible paid stays at Thompson Hotels worldwide through November 10, 2026. You must register before your stay, and only base points are doubled. That means you'll earn 10 points per dollar instead of the usual 5 points, plus any additional points from Hyatt elite status or your credit card. We wouldn't go out of our way to book a Thompson property just for these bonus points, but it's an easy opportunity to earn extra Hyatt points if you already have an eligible stay planned.

Marriott Bonvoy Business is offering 100,000 points plus a free night award after spending $8,000 in 6 months. The standard offer is 75,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months. The annual fee is $125. Offer expires 11/4/26.