Breaking Points: Credit Card News

Amex is targeting cardholders with several different Walmart offers, so be sure to check all of your cards. We've seen offers for $15 back after spending $50, $20 back after spending $60 (both usable up to two times), and 25% back on Walmart.com purchases, up to $25 back. Offer availability and terms vary by card, but the current offers expire on September 2, 2026.

Flying Blue's August 2026 Promo Rewards feature premium economy one-way flights to Europe starting at 30,000 miles, which is a 25% discount from the normal saver price. Premium economy routes originate in New York, Houston, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. There is also an economy option startion at 18,750 miles one-way from Phoenix, Seattle, Dallas, Los Angeles, Orlando, and Miami.Be sure to check multiple destinations, as availability extends beyond just Paris and Amsterdam. Keep in mind that Flying Blue recently increased taxes and fees, with economy awards carrying roughly $160 in surcharges, premium economy around $230, and business class about $340. Book by August 30, 2026 for travel through January 31, 2027. Full promotion details are available on Flying Blue's website.

Chase is targeting some cardholders with an offer for 10% back on one Lyft ride, up to a maximum of $10, through August 31, 2026. If you have the offer on multiple Chase cards, you can use it more than once by switching your Lyft payment method for each ride. The offer can also stack with Lyft earning multipliers and monthly Lyft credits available on certain Chase cards.

Amex is targeting certain cardholders with a $50 statement credit after spending $250 or more at participating Best Western and SureStay hotels in the U.S. and Canada through August 31, 2026. The spending requirement can be met across multiple transactions and includes eligible room rates, taxes, and room charges. Reservations must be booked directly through Best Western. If you have an upcoming stay, this can also stack with Best Western promotions and shopping portal rewards.

September 16, 2026 update: IHG has brought back its 100% points bonus through October 5, 2026. This time, you only need to buy 5,000 points to receive the full bonus, dropping the cost to 0.5¢ per point. IHG has also temporarily increased the maximum number of points you can purchase to 300,000, although previous 2026 purchases count toward that limit.

August 18, 2026 update: This promo has been extended until September 1, 2026.

IHG is once again offering up to a 100% bonus on purchased points through August 17, 2026. This is a tiered points sale. Buy at least 5,000 points to receive an 80% bonus, 10,000 points for a 90% bonus, or 30,000 points for the full 100% bonus. When receiving the 100% bonus, you'll pay 0.5¢ per point. The offer may be targeted, so some members could see different bonus amounts or thresholds. Buying IHG points at this price can make sense if you have a specific redemption in mind, especially when stacking cardholder benefits such as fourth-night free or a 10% award rebate. IHG runs these sales frequently, so we would not recommend buying speculatively.