{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2Fbb5aba7a-712f-46fe-8d01-0f0970da9c27","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"<iframe style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px;\" title=\"Quick Hits: Insane Rakuten Deals, an Unfortunate End to the Amex to Alaska Airlines Loophole, and More!\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allow=\"clipboard-write\" seamless src=\"http://player.captivate.fm/episode/bb5aba7a-712f-46fe-8d01-0f0970da9c27\"></iframe>","title":"Quick Hits: Insane Rakuten Deals, an Unfortunate End to the Amex to Alaska Airlines Loophole, and More!","description":"Looking to maximize your points game and stay ahead of the travel curve?\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn this extended Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke dives into one of the busiest travel news weeks yet. From Rakuten and SoFi points play to Delta\u2019s award rate drops and United\u2019s sleek new Polaris business class suites, there\u2019s something for every traveler. He covers the Hilton Honors devaluation, a limited-time AA award sale, and the end of the valuable Amex-to-Hawaiian-to-Alaska Airlines transfer loophole. Plus, there's new info on Chase\u2019s Instacart perks, updates on the Zil Money saga, and a reminder that May is prime time for booking summer travel. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPacked with strategy, news, and savings hacks\u2014you won't want to miss it.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nKey takeaways: \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tRakuten deals: Huge Amex point earning opportunities\u2014some merchants offering up to 95x points.\r\n\r\n \tSoFi bonus: Opening a new SoFi account with a $500 direct deposit can earn 25,000 Amex points.\r\n\r\n \tDelta award rates drop: Flying Blue redemptions on Delta-operated flights are ~20% cheaper for 2026.\r\n\r\n \tUnited upgrades: New Polaris Studio Suites will offer luxury in-flight experiences starting in 2026.\r\n\r\n \tHilton devaluation: Standard award nights at top-tier hotels now cost up to 200,000 points.\r\n\r\n \tAmerican Airlines sale: Over 1 million award seats available from 5,000 miles\u2014book by May 28.\r\n\r\n \tAmex transfer loophole: The Amex-to-Hawaiian-to-Alaska points route ends June 30.\r\n\r\n \tChase Instacart perks: New $10\u2013$20 monthly credits across many cards, plus free Instacart+ trials.\r\n\r\n \tZil Money update: The payroll on credit card feature was delayed another month, which is now expected in June.\r\n\r\n \tBook now for summer: Prices for flights and hotels are lower than usual\u2014rebooking could save $$$.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nResources:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tRakuten Referral Link\r\n\r\n \tShopping Portals Explained (Ep. 49)\r\n\r\n \tBlog: How to Use Shopping Portals to Boost Your Points and Miles\r\n\r\n \tStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel\r\n\r\n \tSign up for our newsletter!\r\n\r\n \tThis month's best current card offers\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tUse coupon code \"BOLDYGO\" for a 50% discount!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tBoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group\r\n\r\n \tTruicity Wealth Management\r\n\r\n \tThrifty Traveler Premium\r\n\r\n \tDaily Drop Newsletter\r\n\r\n \tBook a Free 30 minute points & miles consultation\r\n\r\n \tThis month's best current card offers\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tBoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nInterested in Financial Planning?\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tTruicity Wealth Management\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNote: Contains affiliate/sponsored links\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)\r\n\r\n \tZil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)\r\n\r\n \tTravel Freely\r\n\r\n \tPoint.me\r\n\r\n \tFlightConnections.com\r\n\r\n \tThrifty Traveler Premium\r\n\r\n \tLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tUse coupon code \"BOLDYGO\" for a 50% discount!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nConnect with DeAndre Coke: \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tInstagram: BoldlyGo.world\r\n\r\n \tWebsite: BoldlyGo.world\r\n\r\n \tYouTube: BoldlyGoWorld\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n ","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/7007a4cb-3da5-488f-ad37-03f335d43647/6.jpg"}