The Points Daily archive

The Points Daily — September 28, 2026

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Best-Ever $50 Rakuten Bonus: How It Works, And How To Maximize It

Rakuten is running its highest new-member bonus ever: $50 when you spend $50 within 90 days. The referrer gets $50 too. The offer expires September 30—giving you two days to sign up—and you have 90 days from enrollment to hit the spend threshold. You can take the bonus as cash, Amex Membership Rewards points, or Bilt points instead.

Why it matters: If you were already planning online purchases, this is straightforward free money. More importantly, the ability to redeem as Amex or Bilt points makes this one of the cheapest ways to buy either currency outright, which matters if you're points-rich and cash-poor.

TPD take: Act fast if you're interested. The spend requirement is trivial for most people, the deadline is real, and the point conversion option makes this work even if you prefer miles to cash.

Source: OMAAT

Save On JetBlue Flights With Amex Offers (Targeted)

A targeted Amex Offers deal credits $60 toward JetBlue when you spend $400 or more. Valid through December 14, 2026, the offer stacks across multiple transactions and covers tickets, baggage fees, and other JetBlue charges. You don't need to fly by the deadline—you just need to be charged before it expires.

Why it matters: JetBlue removed change fees on most fares, so you can book now and shift plans later without penalty, locking in the credit. The real leverage comes from pairing this with a card that earns bonus points on airfare.

TPD take: Check your Amex account to see if you're targeted. This is useful for anyone already flying JetBlue; it's not a deal that changes behavior, but it's free value if you qualify.

Source: OMAAT

Capital One Cardholders Can Redeem 5,000 Miles for MLB Tickets

Capital One cardholders can redeem 5,000 miles for premium MLB seats at any of the 30 stadiums through the Capital One Entertainment portal. Some seats are a few rows behind the dugout. Playoff tickets are live at 18,750 miles for the wild card round.

Why it matters: 5,000 miles for premium seating is a strong redemption rate. The portal also offers cardholder exclusives, but you need to avoid tickets marked "Powered by Vivid Seats"—those carry lower value and extra fees.

TPD take: If you've accumulated Capital One miles with no trip on the calendar, this is one of the better ways to deploy them. Playoff season makes this timely.

Source: M2M

Korean Air: Chicago – Cebu, Philippines. $920. Roundtrip, including all Taxes

Korean Air is pricing Chicago to Cebu at $920 roundtrip in economy, all-in. The catch: travel window is late January through mid-May 2027, Monday–Thursday only. You must book at least three days in advance, and availability is limited.

Why it matters: This is close to the floor for this route. If you've been monitoring Chicago-Cebu pricing, this is a reasonable signal to book.

TPD take: The restrictions are real—limited dates and days narrow the pool—but if your travel window aligns, lock it in. These fares don't last.

Source: TFD

Steal of the Day

PeoplesBank Checking Bonus: $350 (MA & CT only)

PeoplesBank is offering $350 for opening a new checking account in Massachusetts or Connecticut with promo code FALL26. Offer ends October 26, 2026.

The catch: Geography. This is regional only.

TPD take: If you're in MA or CT and meet the requirements, this is worth doing before late October.

Source: DoC

Card of the Day

Office Depot/Max: $15 Instant Discount on $300 Mastercard Gift Cards (9/27–10/3)

Office Depot and Office Max are running a $15 instant discount when you buy $300 in Mastercard gift cards through October 3. The American Express Business Gold Card earns 4 points per dollar at office supply stores.

The catch: One redemption per household or business. Mastercard gift cards now carry a $7.95 fee, narrowing the arbitrage window.

TPD take: If you hold the Amex Business Gold and your local store has stock, the trip is worth it before the promo ends. If you don't hold the card, the math is tighter.