The Points Daily archive

The Points Daily — September 4, 2026

Daily briefing archive and show notes. The Points Daily newsletter is your weekday morning briefing on points, miles, and premium travel. For the timely version, subscribe below.

Avios Cards Hit 90K Welcome Offers

British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus credit cards are all offering 90,000 Avios after $5,000 spend in the first 3 months—a 15,000-point bump from their typical 75,000 bonus. All three charge $95 annually and earn the same currency, so the choice hinges on card perks. The British Airways card stands out with up to $600 per year in award fee rebate statement credits, making it the logical pick if you regularly book European awards.

Source: DoC

Amex Ikon Pass Offer Saves $200

A targeted Amex Offer is crediting $200 back on Ikon Pass purchases of $1,000 or more through October 31, available on both personal and business cards for any nonrefundable Ikon Pass product. The cap: one $200 credit per account, so if you hold multiple cards with the offer, enroll your best earner first and buy on that card.

Source: DoC

Giftcards.com Virtual Visa Discount

Giftcards.com is discounting virtual Visa gift cards 10% with code LDV10, capped at 3 cards of $100 each. After discount and the $5.95 per-card fee, you'll spend $287.85 for $300 in cards—a $12.15 net gain before liquidation costs. The promo stacks with Rakuten at 3X, making it one of the cleaner gift card arbitrage opportunities available if you have a liquidation path in place.

Source: FM

Bank of America No-Fee Card with 35K Bilt Points

Rakuten is paying up to $350 cash back or 35,000 Bilt points for applications to select no-fee Bank of America cards through their portal—stacking on top of Bank of America's own $200–$250 welcome bonuses. The $350 payout applies to the Travel Rewards card and marks the highest this offer has reached. You'll need your Rakuten account set to cash back or Bilt mode; Membership Rewards earners typically won't see it.

Source: M2M

SAS San Francisco to Vilnius from $714

Scandinavian Airlines is pricing San Francisco–Vilnius roundtrips at $714 (basic economy) or $814 (regular economy), all-in. The basic fare skips a checked bag; buy one 22 hours before departure for $75 each way, or $105 at the airport. Basic fares also lock in zero changes or refunds post-booking window. Travel is October only, requires a Sunday stay, and 7 days advance purchase. If you're checking luggage, the $814 fare is only $64 more and includes it.

Source: TFD

Steal of the Day: Iberostar 40% Off Flash Sale

IHG Iberostar Beachfront Resorts is offering up to 40% off select all-inclusive properties for stays through October 2027. This is real discounting, not a promo-code vanish act. The booking window closes September 8, 2026—4 days to lock it in. If you've been pricing Iberostar for next year, book now.

Source: AW

Card of the Day: Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Capital One Spark Cash Plus is offering $2,000 cash plus a $500 Capital One Business Travel credit after $30,000 spend in 3 months, with stacking potential of an additional $2,000 for every $500,000 spent in year one and no cap. This card is built for one audience: businesses already moving serious volume through plastic. If you qualify and can hit $30,000 by December, apply by September 7.