Breaking Points: Credit Card News

Citi is targeting some cardholders with an offer for 10% back on one Lyft ride through September 30, 2026, up to a maximum credit of $10. The terms say the offer cannot be combined with other Citi promotions, but you can still stack it with rewards earned through linked Lyft partners such as Alaska Airlines, Hilton, Bilt, or United. Chase is currently offering a similar targeted Lyft promotion, and you can stack those with other Chase related spending multipliers and credits, so check both banks if you have eligible cards.

Book one round-trip or two one-way Southwest flights by August 6, 2026 for travel through November 18, 2026 and earn a promotional Companion Pass valid from January 5 through March 3, 2027. Basic fares and flights booked with cash, points, or Cash + Points all qualify. This could be an excellent promotion if you expect to travel with a companion in early 2027, even if it means booking an additional Southwest trip before November to earn the pass.

IHG has refreshed its monthly list of new and recently updated hotels available for 15% off award stays, adding another batch of eligible properties through January 31, 2027. Booking deadlines now range from August 31, 2026 through January 31, 2027, depending on the hotel. Highlights this month include several new Ruby Hotels across Europe, Kimpton Nine Tres Shanghai, The Venice Times Hotel, Kimpton Quinta da Marinha in Portugal, and a handful of new options in Orlando, including EVEN and voco properties. If you hold an IHG free night certificate, the discount could also bring some properties below the 40,000-point cap, making them eligible for redemption. You can view the full list of participating hotels here.

Amex is targeting cardholders with several different Walmart offers, so be sure to check all of your cards. We've seen offers for $15 back after spending $50, $20 back after spending $60 (both usable up to two times), and 25% back on Walmart.com purchases, up to $25 back. Offer availability and terms vary by card, but the current offers expire on September 2, 2026.

Flying Blue's August 2026 Promo Rewards feature premium economy one-way flights to Europe starting at 30,000 miles, which is a 25% discount from the normal saver price. Premium economy routes originate in New York, Houston, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. There is also an economy option startion at 18,750 miles one-way from Phoenix, Seattle, Dallas, Los Angeles, Orlando, and Miami.Be sure to check multiple destinations, as availability extends beyond just Paris and Amsterdam. Keep in mind that Flying Blue recently increased taxes and fees, with economy awards carrying roughly $160 in surcharges, premium economy around $230, and business class about $340. Book by August 30, 2026 for travel through January 31, 2027. Full promotion details are available on Flying Blue's website.