Lazy Points of the Week
Well, we haven’t done the weekly roundup recently because the past few weeks have been light on small/medium news of note and big on BIG NEWS. Let’s catch up.
Story of the week: 100k on the Sapphire Preferred
I already did a whole post about this, but it’s worth reiterating: Chase’s once-every-several years offer of 100k points is outstanding, one of the best offers you’re likely to see, and if you are in the market for a card to maximize welcome bonus points, this is probably the best opportunity you’ll see. Even as someone who doesn’t like the Preferred, I think the card is more than good enough to justify an application if it makes sense for you. For a $95 fee, you’ll easily get enough points ($1,250+ worth!) for two round-trip economy tickets to Europe from most of the US.
If you do go apply, please consider using our referral link HERE to support us and still get the same 100k points.
Other cards and points news
Points for linking Marriott to Uber. If you haven’t linked your Marriott and Uber accounts, do so between now and April 16th to earn 1,500 bonus points. No ride required.
ETIAS pushed back again. Planning a trip to Europe (perhaps using points from that Chase Sapphire Preferred offer)? Europe’s long-planned travel authorization—and accompanying 7€ fee—have been delayed yet again, this time until the 4th quarter of 2026.
Bilt changes rent payment system. If you don’t live in a Bilt-network property but use Bilt to pay your rent, there’s a new system in place going forward: BillPay. Bilt has an FAQ here. The new system will require pre-authorization each month, so be sure to set a calendar reminder so you don’t miss any payments (or points!).
Get here with JetBlue points
Book flights on IcelandAir with JetBlue points. JetBlue recently added redemptions on TAP Air Portugal to its TrueBlue rewards program, and it’s not stopping there. You can now redeem JetBlue points for flights on Icelandair. Redemption rates don’t look amazing, but it may be a good option in certain circumstances, and more options are always better than less.
Citi (maybe) tightening product-change rules. Citi has historically been fairly liberal in allowing cardholders to switch between product lines on a single account (e.g. changing from a Strata Premier to a Double Cash), but that may be changing. AwardWallet explains.
One-way awards on ANA. I have found ANA redemptions completely unviable recently due to fuel surcharges and other fees, and finding award space can be tricky. The second part of that might be easier now with ANA opening one-way awards… along with some other, less positive changes. TPG has a deeper dive here.
Sign up bonus of the week
See above ⬆️
Previously highlighted bonuses with offers still available:
•70k miles on the AA Aviator Red
•75k points + $250 travel credit on the Venture Rewards
Tons of the big offers from the past few months have dropped off the table since our last roundup, but the three remaining—100k points on the CSP, 70k miles on the Aviator, and 75k + $250 in travel from the Venture Rewards—are the three best welcome offers of the year so far in my book. So if you’re looking to boost your travel in this economy with a credit card bonus, now is a great time.