The Points Daily — July 29, 2026
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Great Wolf Lodge Flash Sale: $84 Rooms on August 4th
What happened: Great Wolf Lodge is running a one-day flash sale on August 4th with rooms at $84 per night using promo code `84DEGREES`. You must book on that date, but travel is valid through December 17th at participating U.S. locations.
Why it matters: Solid value if you have kids and can commit to a booking window. Standard occupancy limits apply, with extra charges for more than two guests.
TPD take: Only book this if you're ready to pull the trigger on August 4th. Flash sales create urgency for a reason.
Read more at Upgraded Points →
Delta's New Basic Fare Change Fees: Up to $500
What happened: Delta quietly updated its fees page with change and cancellation fees on Basic tickets that have jumped more than 400%—now reaching up to $500. This applies to new Basic fares in premium cabins: Delta First Basic, Premium Select Basic, and Basic Business.
Why it matters: These fares already strip out upgrades, standby eligibility, and most mileage earning. Adding $500 change fees on top makes them genuinely punitive.
TPD take: If you're booking a premium cabin on Delta, the Classic fare just became a lot easier to justify. No advance warning on this move is typical Delta.
Wells Fargo and US Bank: 10% Cash Back at Best Buy (Through July 31st)
What happened: Select Wells Fargo and US Bank cardholders can earn 10% cash back at Best Buy, up to $30 back ($300 max spend). Activate the offer first, then use your eligible card in-store only by July 31st. One-time use.
Why it matters: Online orders and buy-online-pickup-in-store don't qualify, which limits flexibility—but Best Buy carries third-party gift cards in-store, opening up redemption options beyond electronics.
TPD take: If the timing works and you have an in-store trip planned, it's free money. Check your card's offer page to confirm eligibility first.
Read more at Miles to Memories →
Amex Offer: 20% Back on Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines Flights
What happened: American Express has a targeted Amex Offer: spend $400 on Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines, get $80 back by September 30th.
Why it matters: The 20% return covers direct flight bookings, upgrades, seat selection, and checked bag fees. Excludes gift cards, Alaska Lounge memberships, and purchases outside alaskaair.com or the Alaska app.
TPD take: 20% back is solid when the spend was already planned. Check your card roster and add it if you have flights coming up.
Read more at Miles to Memories →
Amex Adds Fourth Hotel Transfer Partner: Leaders Club
What happened: American Express added The Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club as its fourth hotel transfer partner. Membership Rewards transfer at 4:1, meaning 16,000 Amex points = around 4,000 Leaders Club points for the cheapest award nights.
Why it matters: The program covers more than 400 independent luxury properties including The Ritz London and The Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York. Leaders Club uses dynamic pricing tied to room rates, so award costs swing widely.
TPD take: Only transfer if you have a specific redemption in mind and have confirmed availability first. Don't move points speculatively.
Steal of the Day: SoFi Checking & Savings $735 Bonus
What happened: SoFi Checking & Savings is offering up to $735 in real cash bonuses when you stack the bank promotion with a Swagbucks offer.
Why it matters: This is actual cash, not points math, and exceeds typical checking account bonuses. The $735 figure requires both offers to be live and you to qualify for the top tier of each.
TPD take: If you were already considering SoFi or need a new checking account, verify both offers on Swagbucks and SoFi before opening anything. The paperwork is worth it for real money.
Read more at Miles to Memories →
Card of the Day: United Polaris Business Class from 27K Miles
What happened: United released transcontinental Polaris business class awards at 27,000 miles one-way for United Explorer Card holders—down from the standard 35,000 miles.
Why it matters: Availability is mostly August and September, but some routes include connections instead of nonstop flights, and some aircraft use recliners instead of flatbeds.
TPD take: Check aircraft type before booking, and search now. This inventory will move fast.
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