The New Rules of Points & Miles in 2026 with Brian M

Description

#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/⁠ Partner Deals DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web NetSuite: ⁠Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Trust & Will: ⁠Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans MasterClass: ⁠Learn from the world's best with 15% off For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals 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