The Points Daily – September 18, 2026
Your daily points-and-miles briefing. This page archives today's show notes. For timely coverage every weekday morning, subscribe below.
Chase's Best-Ever Marriott Transfer Bonus Returns With 70% More Points
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are transferring to Marriott Bonvoy with a 70% bonus through October 15—the highest we've seen on this route. That means 36,000 Chase points becomes enough for a Disney Swan Reserve night (normally 60,000 Bonvoy points), or 50,000 Chase points covers an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora (normally 84,000 Marriott points).
Why it matters: Transfer bonuses at this level are rare and worth timing around specific hotel targets. The math only works if you have a confirmed booking in mind and the nightly rate justifies the transfer rate.
TPD take: Don't transfer on speculation. Find your property, check the award rate, do the math, and only then move points. This bonus is real but temporary.
Source: Award Watch
Chase Sapphire Reserve Cardholders Get Five New Exclusive Offers
Chase Sapphire Reserve members now have access to five exclusive Chase Offers worth up to $350 in total discounts, valid through late 2026. The standout: $200 off JSX semi-private flights, making them free if you hit the minimum exactly. IHG gets $125 off $500 at any property; Hyatt, SIXT, and Wander round out the set.
Why it matters: These are significantly better than standard Chase Offers and won't appear for non-Sapphire Reserve cardholders. The JSX offer is particularly sharp for anyone planning semi-private travel.
TPD take: IHG won't stack with the Chase Travel credit (Edit hack requires booking through Chase Travel), so don't double-dip. Activate in your account before you book.
Source: Doctor of Credit
Citizens Bank Checking Bonus Hits $500 In-Branch Through Tomorrow
Citizens Bank is running a $500 in-branch checking bonus through September 19—a 4-day window in 15 states (CT, D.C., DE, FL, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, VA). The standard online offer pays $400 for a $1,000 direct deposit within 60 days, plus $2 per debit purchase up to $100. In-branch adds $100 with minimal extra work.
Why it matters: The in-branch tier is a $100 premium for almost zero friction if you have a local branch.
TPD take: If you were already planning to open an account, tomorrow is your cutoff for the higher payout. After that, the online offer still stands at $400, but you'll miss the branch bonus.
Source: Doctor of Credit
Lie-Flat Business Class to Morocco From 55K Alaska Points
Royal Air Maroc is showing lie-flat business class seats from East Coast cities (Miami, New York, D.C.) to Morocco for 55,000 Alaska Mileage Plan points. Availability runs through the first half of 2027; taxes are $25.60. The 787 product is basic—no premium amenities—but seats are lie-flat and most flights show only one seat available per departure.
Why it matters: Sub-60K nonstop business class to Africa is rare. For solo travelers, this is a strong redemption rate.
TPD take: Limited inventory and single-seat availability mean this works best for one person. If you're going alone and can stomach a functional (not luxe) cabin, book fast.
Source: Upgraded Points
Alaska Airlines Rolls Out Choose How You Earn Status Feature
Alaska's Choose How You Earn feature for the Atmos Rewards program is now rolling out to members, though not all accounts have it yet. Starting January 1, 2027, members who see the feature can pick one of three ways to earn elite status: distance flown, ticket price, or award points redeemed.
Why it matters: Status qualification flexibility rewards different travel patterns. Heavy award travelers can now accumulate status without flying premium cabins.
TPD take: The feature was announced nearly a year ago and is appearing slowly in apps. If you're strategic about your Alaska travel, check your account and plan accordingly for the 2027 reset.
Source: Upgraded Points
Steal of the Day: Meijer 10% Back on Third-Party Gift Cards
Meijer is offering 5,000 points for every $50 spent on third-party gift cards through September 29—effectively 10% back. You can repeat the offer up to 5 times for a 25,000-point cap. Excluded: Amazon, Visa, Mastercard, prepaid debit, phone cards, and Meijer's own cards.
TPD take: If you shop at Meijer regularly and can load restaurant, gas, or retail gift cards into your routine without forcing purchases, stack a few rounds. Otherwise, skip it.
Source: Doctor of Credit
Card of the Day: Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card
Chase's relaunched Air Canada Aeroplan card is offering up to 115,000 bonus Aeroplan points: 75,000 after $4,000 in 3 months, then 40,000 more after $20,000 total spend in the first year. You also get automatic Aeroplan 25K status annually. The annual fee is $195.
Why it matters: The second-tier bonus (40,000 points) is substantial, but requires real spend commitment. Hitting both tiers before September 30 also locks in the current 20% Chase transfer bonus to Aeroplan—a rare stacking opportunity.
TPD take: This card only pays if you can clear both spend tiers and use Aeroplan miles effectively. If you can't, the high annual fee doesn't justify the entry-level offer.
Source: Prince of Travel
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