The Points Daily — August 4, 2026
Your daily briefing on points, miles, and credit card deals. This page archives today's episode. For the timely morning rundown, subscribe below.
Marriott Bonvoy points sale hits 50% bonus
Marriott is running a limited-time promotion to buy points with a bonus of up to 50%, valid through September 9. The best rate—0.83¢ per point—kicks in at the 40,000-point tier, making it worth considering if you're close to a specific redemption you've already priced out. New cardholders must wait 30 days before purchasing, and the offer is targeted to select accounts, so verify you're eligible in your Bonvoy dashboard first.
Source: AwardWallet
Wyndham selling 30,000 points for under $20 — but hurry
Wyndham is dropping a limited Route 66 candy box promotion on August 20 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern: $19.26 for 30,000 points and actual candy. That's 0.064¢ per point—the lowest rate Wyndham has ever offered for a direct purchase. Only 100 boxes available, first-come first-served. If you value Wyndham points and can be online at launch, this is one of the rare buys that makes sense even without an immediate booking.
Source: AwardWallet
Preferred Hotels Last-Minute Escapes: 35% off through mid-August booking
Preferred Hotels is offering up to 35% off at 73 properties for stays through September 17, 2026—but you must book by August 17. You'll need a free I Prefer membership to qualify, and individual properties may enforce blackout dates or minimum night stays. The chain operates 650 independent hotels across 85 countries, so if you have travel plans in that window, it's worth checking the list. Otherwise, the narrow booking window limits upside.
Source: Upgraded Points
American Airlines raising Admirals Club membership 65%
American Airlines is hiking base Admirals Club membership from $850 to $1,400 starting August 23—a sharp 65% increase, though elite frequent flyers will get tiered discounts. If you've been on the fence about renewal, lock in the lower rate now. You retain 2 free guest passes and Oneworld/Qantas lounge access, but the price jump is steep for lounge-only value. Renew before the 23rd or pass.
Source: AwardWallet
Bilt card error sends cardholders to collections
Some Bilt cardholders are finding collection notices and credit report damage for debts they never owed. The errors appear connected to Bilt's transition from Wells Fargo to Cardless, triggering collections on old, fully paid Evolve Bank accounts. One cardholder reported $9,000+ in phantom collections despite closing their account 18 months prior with no balance. Bilt says a small number of customers were affected and incorrect reporting will be removed within 2–5 business days. If you've ever held a Bilt card, pull your credit report now.
Source: Doctor of Credit
Steal of the Day: OMNI Credit Union $400 checking referral bonus
OMNI Community Credit Union (Michigan and Indiana members only) is offering $400 for referring a friend who opens a checking account, plus $400 if you open one yourself. Valid through September 30. Real money for a regional account, not a promotional rounding error—if you're in-footprint and have eligible family or friends, move before the deadline.
Source: Doctor of Credit
Card of the Day: Marriott Bonvoy American Express elevated referral offer
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is showing an elevated 110,000-point referral offer through September 22. That's 80,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months, plus 30,000 more when you make a purchase in month 15. Enough for two nights at high-end properties or five nights at mid-tier hotels (with the fifth night free). The second bonus requires keeping the card open for over a year, so factor annual fees into your math before chasing it.
Source: Prince of Travel
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