The Points Daily archive

The Points Daily — Monday, August 17, 2026

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Last Chance: Buy IHG Points With a Best-Ever 100% Bonus

IHG is running a limited-time points-purchase promotion offering a 100% bonus when you buy at least 30,000 points. The deal brings your cost down to 0.5¢ per point. The offer expires tonight at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, and it may be targeted to specific accounts, so log in to check your eligibility.

Why it matters: AwardWallet data shows IHG redemptions average 0.69¢ per point, meaning you have meaningful margin if you have a specific booking in mind. This is the best bonus rate IHG has offered for points purchases.

TPD take: If you've been sitting on hotel plans and have the cash on hand, this is worth the math. Log in now—don't assume you're eligible just because you see the offer elsewhere. The deadline is tonight.

Source: AwardWallet

Chase Sapphire Lounges Have Officially Left Priority Pass and LoungeKey

Effective August 15, Chase Sapphire Lounges are no longer accessible through Priority Pass or LoungeKey memberships. Members of those networks previously could visit once per year free or pay $75 for additional visits. Going forward, you'll need an eligible Chase card to enter, or you'll pay $100 per guest pass subject to availability.

Why it matters: This cuts off a secondary access path for non-Chase cardholders and makes Chase Sapphire Lounges a more exclusive perk for the card portfolio. Chase frames the move as reducing crowding and improving the experience for cardholders.

TPD take: This doesn't affect Chase cardholders, but it's a meaningful narrowing of the lounge ecosystem for anyone relying on Priority Pass or LoungeKey. If you were planning a lounge visit through one of those networks, you'll need another option.

Source: One Mile at a Time

Mastercard Unlock Free Instacart+ and Peacock Savings

World, World Elite, and World Legend Mastercard holders can enroll to receive three free months of Instacart+ and $10 in monthly savings on a second grocery order through January 31, 2027. World Elite and World Legend cardholders also get $3 back monthly toward Peacock subscriptions. The Instacart discount continues after the trial ends even if you cancel the membership.

Why it matters: This stacks real value—three months of Instacart+ alone typically costs $60, and the monthly grocery savings extend through year-end. For cardholders who already shop online or stream content, the enrollment is frictionless.

TPD take: If you have any of these Mastercard tiers, enrollment takes minutes. The Instacart piece is the stronger value, but Peacock savings add up if you're already paying for the service.

Source: AwardWallet

Qatar Airways: Philadelphia to Bangkok for $973 Roundtrip

Qatar Airways is pricing Philadelphia–Bangkok roundtrip flights at $973 including taxes, well below the typical range of around $1,400. Travel windows include late November and late January through early April 2027. Bookings require a 7-day minimum stay and must be made at least 14 days in advance.

Why it matters: This is a significant undercut on a long-haul Southeast Asia route from the East Coast. The shoulder-season windows sidestep peak pricing but still hit reasonable travel months.

TPD take: If you've been priced out of Bangkok, this window is worth the booking friction. Confirm baggage and seat policies with Qatar—$973 all-in changes the math if you're expecting free checked luggage.

Source: The Flight Deal

Hyatt Expands Restrictions on Suite Upgrade Awards

Hyatt added three more properties to its exclusion list for suite upgrade awards, including Park Hyatt Mendoza and Hyatt Regency Anchorage. The list now includes at least 13 hotels where World of Hyatt status members cannot redeem upgrade awards for suites.

Why it matters: Suite upgrades are a cornerstone perk of elite Hyatt status, especially Globalist. The expansion signals a trend toward restricting one of the program's most valuable benefits, which should inform how you evaluate status pursuit or milestone reward choices.

TPD take: Watch this list closely if you're chasing Globalist or banking points for a suite upgrade. The pace of additions is accelerating, and it reduces the certainty of your redemption options.

Source: Miles to Memories

Steal of the Day

Sovereign Bank $250 Checking Bonus

Sovereign Bank is offering a $250 bonus for opening a new checking account and meeting monthly requirements for 90 days. The requirements vary—typically direct deposits, transaction minimums, or balance floors—so confirm the full terms before opening.

TPD take: Regional bank bonuses require work, but $250 for three months of account upkeep is solid if you can automate the requirements.

Source: Doctor of Credit

Card of the Day

World of Hyatt Credit Card — Up to 75,000 Points (Deadline: August 20)

The card is offering 45,000 points after $5,000 spend in three months, plus accelerated earning of up to 30,000 additional points at 2x rate in the first six months. This nets 60,000 real bonus points for $15,000 in spending. The offer expires August 20 at 7 a.m. Eastern.

TPD take: This is the strongest welcome offer threshold we've seen on this card. If you've been waiting for an improved bonus, you have until Wednesday morning to apply.