Breaking Points: Credit Card News

U.S. Bank has confirmed it stopped accepting new applications for the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards card on June 23, 2026. While we didn't generally recommend the card to points enthusiasts because U.S. Bank Rewards doesn't offer airline or hotel transfer partners, it did have a niche following thanks to its 6% cash back on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases at two retailers of your choice. Existing cardholders can continue to keep and use the card with its current benefits.

IHG is once again offering a targeted bonus of up to 100% on purchased points, allowing eligible members to buy points for as low as 0.5¢ each through July 16, 2026. This is a targeted offer, so not everyone will receive the full bonus. Buying IHG points at this price can make sense if you have a specific redemption in mind, especially when stacking benefits like the 4th-night-free perk offered when holding an IHG credit card. Like Hilton, IHG runs points sales frequently, so we wouldn't recommend buying speculatively as you they will most likely hold the same sale again multiple times this year.

Amex Membership Rewards is offering a 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. The standard transfer ratio is 1:1, so with the bonus, you’ll receive 1,300 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points for every 1,000 Amex Membership Rewards points transferred. Offer expires July 31, 2026.

Amex Membership Rewards is offering a 20% transfer bonus to Hilton Honors. The standard transfer ratio is 1:2, so with the bonus, you’ll receive 2,400 Hilton Honors points for every 1,000 Amex Membership Rewards points transferred. Offer expires July 14, 2026.

World of Hyatt is offering 2,000 bonus points on eligible stays of two or more nights, beginning with your second qualifying stay. The promotion is capped at 8,000 bonus points total. You must register by September 1, 2026, and eligible stays must be completed by March 7, 2027. Both paid and award stays qualify. This isn't one of Hyatt's more lucrative promotions, especially since the bonus doesn't start until your second stay, but it's worth registering if you expect to stay at Hyatt during the promotion period.