The New Rules of Points & Miles in 2026 with Brian M
Author: Chris Hutchins
August 12, 2026
Duration: 1:08:57
#290: Chris and Brian break down the biggest trends reshaping points and miles. They discuss new ways to earn transferable points without a credit card, the award search tools worth using right now, a six-month check-in on Bilt, and what's coming next for premium cards.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/new-rules-points-miles-2026/
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Resources Mentioned
Award Search & Points Tools
Seats.aero
Points Path (15% off with ALLTHEHACKS15)
PointsYeah
Earning Points Beyond Credit Cards
Symphony
Silo Markets
Rove
X Money
ATH Podcast
#89: Booking Flights with Points and All Things Award Travel with Tiffany Funk
#262: Points & Miles in 2026: What's New, What's Dying & What's Next with Brian M
#288: Where to Keep Your Cash for the Highest Return
Hotel Upgrade Program
Best Cards Page
Gift Cards Page
Newsletter
AMA: Submit Questions
Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(00:49) Why 2026 Feels Different and Reasons to Stay Hopeful
(02:26) Credit Card Interest Rate Caps Never Materialized
(03:20) Why Debit Rewards Cards Are Becoming More Interesting
(05:58) Six Months Into Southwest’s Transformation
(13:14) Are Credit Card Retention Offers Drying Up?
(14:23) The Unbundling of Airfare Keeps Expanding
(15:25) Could Award Flights Lose Their Flexibility?
(17:14) Foreign Airline Programs Push Into the US Market
(19:58) Hotel Award Inflation (and What Cash Prices Reveal)
(27:31) Banks Crack Down on Points Gaming
(30:32) Qatar's New Restrictions on Booking for Others
(32:54) New Ways to Earn Transferable Points Without Credit Cards
(36:16) The Best Tools for Points & Miles
(40:35) Why Cardholder Pricing Is Becoming a Bigger Advantage
(42:04) United's New Cards and the Truth About "10% Off"
(44:01) Transfer Bonuses and the Risk of Speculative Transfers
(49:06) American’s Changes to Partner Award Availability
(49:56) Pooling Airline Miles With Family
(52:12) Brian's Biggest Prediction for the Year Ahead
(55:23) Six Months Later: Is Bilt Delivering?
(01:00:31) Will We See More Premium Credit Cards?
(01:03:19) Is There Still Hope for U.S. Bank Transfer Partners?
(01:04:53) What’s Next for the Amex Green Card?
(01:05:31) Just Let the Points Coupons Go
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Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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