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Points and Miles Wish List
Geez – Christmas is less than two weeks away. We had an early Thanksgiving on 23 Nov this year, so I thought the Christmas season would stretch longer. It’s not feeling that way right now. The good news is we’ve gotten most all Christmas shopping done, but I realized I haven’t yet created my all-important points and miles wish list yet. The last time I made one, the wishes all came true, pretty much. Let’s go again!
Wells Fargo Transfer Partners Don’t Suck
Maybe it’s just me, but Wells Fargo seems to really be slow-rolling their promised list of travel program transfer partners. Sure, we heard more about new credit card specifics, but nothing yet about the new partners. First, we were told November, then December, now early 2024!
Hopefully, we’ll be rewarded for our patience with a solid portfolio of transfer partners. But I’ll choose to be a bit more measured with my expectations, preferring a list of partners who just don’t suck. I’d even be fine with an oddball list like Capital One’s, one that doesn’t wow but still offers solid niche options for those willing to put in the time and effort.
Amex Stops the Bleeding
Okay, maybe that’s a bit harsh. Plenty of Amex success is still possible, particularly for aggressive hobbyists doing the same relatively simple thing many times. But Amex has been mostly bad news on many fronts lately, including: more pop-ups, fewer no lifetime language offers, family rules, higher MSR’s, and annual fee increases.
Maybe some elevated signup bonuses, particularly on the Delta and/or Marriott cards, is enough for me. I’m not asking for much, but give me a reason to pay attention, Amex.
Citi Ultra Premium Card Arrives
I feel like we’ve been waiting forever for this one. Therefore, even the hint of a development, like potential card names, makes news. And that was last December. Many years back, the Prestige grabbed a ton of attention, but its original form couldn’t last. Citi’s taken their sweet old time to hopefully create a more durable product. Could it arrive in 2024? I’m hoping so, but my thoughts aren’t revolving around it.
A Niche Win with the Breeze Airways Credit Card
Last June, Barclays and Breeze announced an early 2024 rollout of their co-branded credit cards. There’s even a website to register for the latest news on a card (singular). As someone who periodically flies Breeze, enjoys their wacky city pairs, and an accessible first class product, I’m excited to see how the Breeze credit card turns out. I’m all in if I can earn and redeem without much fuss. Based on my experience so far with Breeze, I’m confident they’ll deliver the goods.
No Choice Devaluations
One big potential change from Choice Hotels could be picking up Wyndham, which would be huge. I’d love that result, but I’m not getting my hopes up just yet.
The change I don’t want (of course) is a devaluation of the Choice Privileges loyalty program. Now that Choice’s acquisition of the Radisson Rewards Americas properties is in the rear view, I hope that future program changes don’t involve anything drastically negative. I don’t have any high expectations for program improvements – just don’t gut this serviceable, unique loyalty program. And please keep the 100-day booking window for award redemptions! What many consider a huge weakness of their setup, I’m willing to keep if that helps other areas of the program.
Points and Miles Wish List – Conclusion
I find my points and miles wish list this year quite reasonable; I don’t think I’m asking much. And maybe I’ll get a surprise gift not on my wish list, perhaps even something better than anything I’ve mentioned. Regardless, I’ll take any surprises in stride, even if they’re bad, knowing that attentive hobbyists usually make out better in the end. Meanwhile, I’ll put some gluhwein on the stove and see what happens.
What’s on your points and miles wish list this year?
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1. WF 10x travel portal
2. Bilt > Hilton and Singapore
3. First class award inventory on the usual suspects