The Points Daily — July 16, 2026
Your daily briefing on points, miles, and travel deals. This page archives today's stories. For tomorrow morning's timely analysis, [subscribe to the daily newsletter](#subscribe).
Olive Garden Never Ending Pasta Pass: 13 Weeks For $100
What's happening: Olive Garden is releasing 10,000 Never Ending Pasta Pass slots today at 2:00 p.m. ET for $100 each. The pass grants unlimited pasta bowls at any U.S. location from August 24 through November 22 (13 weeks). Dine-in only; no sharing, takeout, or transfers allowed.
Why it matters: At $100 for 13 weeks, the math works if you visit twice weekly—roughly $1 per visit. These sell out in minutes.
The TPD take: A classic loss-leader promotion that works only if you're (a) fast, (b) willing to eat a lot of pasta, and (c) live near a location. Check your speed and appetite before 2 p.m. ET.
Read the full details on DoC →
Hilton American Express Bonuses End July 29
What's happening: American Express's elevated welcome offers on Hilton Honors cards expire July 29. The top-tier Aspire is offering 175,000 bonus points after $6,000 spend in 6 months—the best public offer since April 2024, though 5,000 points short of the all-time high.
Why it matters: The Aspire carries a $550 annual fee with no waiver, so this bonus only makes sense if you stay at Hilton regularly and can leverage the card's perks (elite credits, resort credits, etc.). Lower-tier cards have waived or reduced first-year fees.
The TPD take: If you've been on the fence about a Hilton card and actually use the chain, the deadline is tight. Don't wait.
Truist $500 Checking Bonus
What's happening: Truist is offering $500 on new checking accounts through February 2, 2027. Available in 18 states plus DC (AL, AR, GA, FL, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV, DC). Requirements: at least 2 direct deposits totaling $2,000 within 120 days, plus 20 debit card purchases within 90 days. Monthly fee is $12 but avoidable.
Why it matters: Straightforward bank bonus with reasonable requirements if you have direct deposit income.
The TPD take: Not eligible if you've held or recently closed a Truist personal checking account on or after July 14, 2025. Check your history before applying.
United Miles Play Is Back—But Smaller and Different
What's happening: United's Mile Play promotion returns with a narrower member base and revised offers. Eligible MileagePlus members can register by August 28 to see their personalized offer, which now includes non-travel activities (not just flights and spend). Elite status no longer guarantees eligibility.
Why it matters: United is being more selective. Award flights don't count toward the offer, and miles earned won't help you toward status.
The TPD take: Check your MileagePlus account, but most members are shut out this round. Don't expect anything.
Get the details on Upgraded Points →
Capital One Business Card Referral Bonuses (Targeted)
What's happening: Capital One is rolling out unusually generous targeted referral bonuses on select business cards. Offers range from 50,000 to 100,000 miles or $2,000 per approved signup, with caps as high as 500,000 miles or $10,000 total on some accounts.
Why it matters: These are the kind of referral payouts that rarely surface. If you have a Capital One business card and a creditworthy friend or family member, this is worth checking.
The TPD take: Log in, navigate to Rewards & Benefits, and look for the refer-a-business option. Your offer—if you have one—will be there.
Read more on Miles to Memories →
Steal of the Day: Chicken Salad Chick Free Scoop
Today only (7/16): Chicken Salad Chick is offering a free scoop of Classic Carol. Claim the offer today; you have 30 days to redeem. Dine-in customers get it free. Online orders require an entree purchase.
Subscribe for Tomorrow's Briefing
The Points Daily is a daily points-and-miles briefing delivered to your inbox every weekday morning—before the deals move.
Subscribe now to get the timely analysis and action items that don't wait.