The Points Daily — July 27, 2026
Today's briefing: Marriott adds resort fees to points bookings, Chase offers 5% back on gift cards, Cathay Pacific fares to Cambodia drop to $813, Amex targets car rental savings, and Hilton points sales hit 90% bonuses.
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Marriott Adds Resort Fees—But Only on Points Bookings
One Mile at a Time: Marriott Hotel Finds Loophole To Add Resort Fee Only On Points Bookings
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, a Marriott Autograph Collection property in Hawaii, is charging a $60 nightly resort fee starting August 1—exclusively on points redemptions. Cash rates are labeled "exempt from resort fee" across the board.
Why it matters: The property is technically charging the fee on all stays, then systematically waiving it for every cash booking. It's a transparent workaround designed to penalize award guests.
TPD take: This is a junk fee aimed at points bookers. Skip this property on awards until Marriott enforces its own policies, if they bother.
Chase Offer: 5% Back at Giftcards.com (Up to $50)
Doctor of Credit: Chase Offers Offers: Get 5% Back At Giftcards.com (Up To $50 Back)
A Chase Offer is running through August 27 on Giftcards.com: 5% cash back, capped at $50. You max it out at $1,000 spend (including taxes, after discounts apply).
Why it matters: Giftcards.com runs frequent sales, so you're not forced to pay full retail to hit the threshold.
TPD take: If you need to park $1,000 on gift cards this month, this is a straightforward $50 back.
Cathay Pacific: San Francisco to Phnom Penh, $813 Roundtrip
Roundtrip fares from SFO to Phnom Penh are $813, all taxes included. Travel windows span mid-August through early October, mid-November, late January through early February 2027, and March through early May 2027, Monday–Thursday only.
Why it matters: This route rarely gets cheap. Availability is limited and bookings require a 7-day advance purchase.
TPD take: A strong price if you've been looking for a reason to get to Cambodia.
Amex Offer: $100 Back on SIXT Car Rentals (Targeted)
[Upgraded Points: New Amex Offer: Save $100 on a SIXT Car Rental [Targeted]](https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-offer-sixt/)
A targeted Amex Offer through September 15 delivers $100 back on SIXT rentals when you spend $500 or more in a single transaction. Valid only for direct bookings at sixt.com in U.S. dollars; third-party sites don't qualify.
Why it matters: The $500 minimum works for longer rentals or premium cars, not quick weekend trips.
TPD take: Check your cards if you have a multiday rental coming up, but compare SIXT's pricing against other agencies before booking just to use the offer.
Hilton Points Sale: 90% Bonus (0.56¢ per Point)
Award Wallet: Buy Hilton Honors Points With up to a 90% Bonus (0.56¢ Each)
Hilton Honors is offering targeted members a 90% bonus on purchased points, bringing the cost to 0.56 cents per point. Minimum purchase is 3,000 points; you can buy up to 240,000 points per calendar year.
Why it matters: This valuation makes sense if you have a specific luxury property stay in mind where Hilton points can yield 2+ cents per point.
TPD take: A solid rate if you know exactly how you'll use the points.
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