Eligibility Rules for New Marriott & SPG Cards Hit Aug 26

Despite the fact that Marriott and the Starwood Preferred Guest programs are merging into one unified loyalty program on August 18, both Marriott and SPG credit cards will continue to be issued for the time being, by Chase and Amex respectively. Both banks have published new terms for all current (and future) Marriott-family credit cards that define who is and isn't eligible for sign up bonuses, as of August 26.
Why These New Rules are Different
Sign up bonus rules are not new to the miles and points community.

Tons of Singapore Business Award Space Between EWR & SIN

October 11 is the day Singapore resumes services on the longest flight in the world between Singapore and Newark. Singapore previously flew this route until 2013 when they got rid of the one type of plane they had capable of the long haul flight. One of Singapore's new A350-900ULR, loaded only with premium economy and Business seats, no economy, will make the ~18 hour journey in each direction.

While the Singapore to Newark route was announced (and went on sale) at the end of May, premium cabin award space wasn't too hot until just recently.

Official Marriott & SPG Merger August 18: How to Prepare

We have been watching the merger of Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott, and the details of what that merger will mean for both of those loyalty programs' members, unfold for a long time now. We first thought the merger would happen August 1, and then Marriott changed the wording of all their marketing/press releases to a more ambiguous "August". But now we have a hard date.

New IHG PointBreaks List: Hotels You Can Book for 5 – 15k Points

The brand new PointBreaks list allows us to book hotel rooms beginning today, for stays through September 30th, 2018 for as little as $25 per night.

This post will tell you how to book any hotel on the list of IHG Reward Club’s PointBreaks hotels for as little as $25 to $75 per night, even the ones that ordinarily cost a lot more.

What’s my strategy to make the most of PointBreaks?
What are some top properties on the newest PointBreaks list?

IHG Rewards Club Pointbreaks
IHG Rewards Club is the loyalty program for InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday

Amazon Prime Day + Additional $100 Off by Applying 1 Point

Right now you can get 20% off your purchase of a product (or products) sold and shipped by Amazon, up to a $100 discount, when you apply at least one Membership Reward point to payment.

This is especially pertinent as Amazon Prime Day just kicked off: 36 hours of massive sales for Amazon Prime members. Prime Day started at 12 pm PT today. Don't have a Prime membership but want to take advantage of the sales? Sign up for a free trial.

Less than 20k Points Roundtrip to Europe from IAH & IAD this Fall

Flying Blue's latest Promo Awards, stacked with the current 30% Citi ThankYou Point to Flying Blue transfer bonus, can get you between Houston or Washington, D.C. and Europe this September or October for as little as 18k ThankYou points roundtrip.

The State of Marriott Travel Packages & Strategy Moving Forward

We have been watching the merger of Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott unfold for a long time now.

30% Off Choice Privileges Points: Good for Pricey European Hotels

You can buy Choice Privileges Points for 30% off through August 10, 2018. Choice hotels, in the United States at least, are mostly utilitarian motels. Europe is an exception, and one of the best place to get the most value out of your points. If you've got plans to travel (especially) to northern Europe, keep reading.

The Sale

Choice Privilege Points typically cost 1.1 cents each. The sale is tiered.

New Marriott Award Category Assignments & Strategy Moving Forward

We have been watching the merger of Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott unfold for a long time now.

Incredible Deal: 90k Iberia Avios for $350!

Update 7/3/18: There are reports all over the internet of people's bonus Iberia Avios posting from this promotion. If you bought a bunch of cheap Iberia flights to earn 90k Avios, check your account now! 

Iberia is running an insane promotional offer right now that ends today, so act fast if you want to take advantage! My apologies for getting this news up late.