Yearly archive
2026 in points.
78 devaluations, 2 improvements, 104 offer changes, 12 rule changes — the month's biggest: Chase cuts Hyatt transfers to 4:3
December 2026
1 eventOct 25CitiModerate
Grandfathered Aviator benefits end on converted Citi AAdvantage cards
Source: frequentmiler.com
Oct 2American ExpressMinor
FedEx removed from Business Gold $20 monthly Flexible Business Credit
Source: americanexpress.com
Oct 1American ExpressMinor
Lufthansa lounge access removed from Platinum and Centurion cards
Source: onemileatatime.com
Oct 1ChaseImprovement
Monthly DoorDash promo rises from $5 to $15 and becomes usable on any eligible order
Source: milestalk.com
Sep 28PenFedModerate
Annual fee waiver eliminated; $95 fee becomes unavoidable for all cardholders
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Sep 20CitiMinor
JetBlue TrueBlue removed as transfer partner for ThankYou Mastercard
Source: frequentmiler.com
Sep 15WyndhamModerate
Four-tier award chart replaces three-tier system; new top tier at 45,000 points
Source: wyndhamhotels.com
Sep 8Air France-KLMModerate
Lowest awards become restricted “Light” fares; Standard awards rise 25–30%
Source: flyingblue.com
Sep 1Frontier AirlinesModerate
Miles and status earning cut up to 90% on basic fares for non-cardholders
Source: thepointsguy.com
Aug 27CitiAll-Time High
Citi AAdvantage Executive: 125,000 points after $15,000 spend in 5 months (from 100,000)
Source: awardwallet.com
Aug 27American ExpressStrong
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex: 80,000 points after $3,000 spend in 6 months (from 80,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Aug 27American ExpressStrong
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: 90,000 points after $4,000 spend in 6 months (from 90,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Aug 27American ExpressWait
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: 50,000 points after $10,000 spend in 6 months (from 100,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Aug 25American AirlinesMinor
Elite complimentary upgrades limited to one cabin on premium routes
Source: aa.com
Aug 25Turkish AirlinesModerate
Stealth increase for transatlantic business class award upgrades
Source: flyertalk.com
Aug 23American AirlinesMajor
Standard Admirals Club membership price rises sharply; new single-member tier introduced
Source: thepointsguy.com
Aug 16British AirwaysModerate
Source: loyaltylobby.com
Aug 15ChaseModerate
Priority Pass and LoungeKey access removed; connecting-flight window extended to 5 hours
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Aug 10ChaseMinor
The Edit credits restricted on back-to-back stays at the same property
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Aug 7American AirlinesModerate
Unannounced award repricing raises business class rates and adds connection surcharges
Source: thriftytraveler.com
Aug 6Alaska AirlinesMinor
Connection pricing quirk on transatlantic partner awards closed
Source: thriftytraveler.com
Aug 6AmtrakMinor
Gift card redemptions capped at two per 24 hours and $300 per week
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Aug 6Choice HotelsModerate
Third unannounced award increase at Japan properties in three months
Source: loyaltylobby.com
Aug 5Delta Air LinesModerate
Starbucks earning simplified but gated behind a flight requirement
Source: about.starbucks.com
Aug 1PayPalModerate
"Redeem for Cashback" option removed from PayPal Rewards
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Aug 1Navy FederalActive
3-card limit / 1 per 90 days (Navy Federal): Rule documented in issuer-published FAQ
Source: navyfederal.org
Aug 1Capital OneAverage
Capital One Savor: $200 cash back after $500 spend in 3 months (from 250)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Aug 1American ExpressAverage
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Amex: 125,000 points after $5,000 spend in 6 months (from 135,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Aug 1American ExpressAverage
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: 150,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months (from 150,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Aug 1American ExpressMinor
Resy dining credit restricted to venues marked eligible
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Jul 30Alaska AirlinesMinor
Limited-time shopping portal bonus points stop counting toward status points
Source: frequentmiler.com
Jul 21Air CanadaMinor
Emirates first class awards restricted to Aeroplan 35K status or higher
Source: upgradedpoints.com
Jul 17Choice HotelsModerate
Second unannounced award increase at Japan properties in six weeks
Source: upgradedpoints.com
Jul 8American ExpressMinor
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Jul 1Bank of AmericaAverage
Alaska Airlines Visa Business: 70,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months (90 days) (from 80,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jul 1Bank of AmericaStrong
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: 70,000 points after $2,500 spend in 3 months (90 days) (from 50,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jul 1American ExpressStrong
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex: 80,000 points after $2,000 spend in 6 months (from 90,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jul 1American ExpressStrong
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: 90,000 points after $3,000 spend in 6 months (from 100,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jul 1American ExpressWait
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: 100,000 points after $5,000 spend in 6 months (from 125,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jul 1American ExpressAverage
Hilton Honors Aspire Amex: 150,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months (from 175,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jul 1American ExpressAverage
Hilton Honors Business Amex: 130,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months (from 130,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jul 1American ExpressStrong
Hilton Honors Surpass Amex: 130,000 points after $3,000 spend in 6 months (from 130,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jun 26AviancaModerate
Free award changes and cancellations removed for new LifeMiles+ subscribers
Source: frequentmiler.com
Jun 16Qatar AirwaysModerate
Award bookings for others restricted to a pre-registered "My List" of four members
Source: loyaltylobby.com
Jun 10American ExpressMinor
Events with Amex benefit discontinued for Platinum cardholders
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Jun 7Choice HotelsModerate
Unannounced award increases of up to 200% at Japan properties
Source: upgradedpoints.com
Jun 1Capital OneAverage
Capital One Savor: $250 cash back after $500 spend in 3 months (from 200)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jun 1ChaseAll-Time High
Chase Ink Business Cash: 100,000 points after $8,000 spend in 4 months (from 75,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jun 1ChaseAll-Time High
Chase Ink Business Unlimited: 100,000 points after $8,000 spend in 4 months (from 75,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jun 1ChaseInsufficient history
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business: 200,000 points after $30,000 spend in 6 months (from 150,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jun 1American ExpressStrong
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex: 90,000 points after $3,000 spend in 6 months (from 80,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jun 1American ExpressStrong
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: 100,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months (from 90,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jun 1American ExpressWait
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: 125,000 points after $9,000 spend in 6 months (from 100,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jun 1Air CanadaModerate
Partner award chart increases, including North America–Pacific business
Source: aircanada.com
May 30American ExpressActive
Pop-up jail: Pop-up language documented as also citing balance-transfer and intro-APR history
Source: onemileatatime.com
May 27Bank of AmericaModerate
75% credit card rewards boost moves from $100,000 to $1 million balance tier
Source: awardwallet.com
May 24American AirlinesModerate
Nonstop domestic saver awards withheld from partner programs within 144 hours of departure
Source: frequentmiler.com
May 20EmiratesModerate
Classic Reward and upgrade costs rise roughly 15% on average
Source: onemileatatime.com
May 18American AirlinesModerate
Elite seat selection and upgrades eliminated on Basic Economy tickets
Source: onemileatatime.com
May 7American ExpressMinor
Uber VIP status removed from the $200 Uber Cash benefit
Source: help.uber.com
May 1Bank of AmericaStrong
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: 50,000 points after $2,000 spend in 3 months (90 days) (from 80,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
May 1American ExpressAverage
Hilton Honors Aspire Amex: 175,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months (from 150,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
May 1American ExpressAverage
Hilton Honors Business Amex: 130,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months (from 130,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
May 1American ExpressStrong
Hilton Honors Surpass Amex: 130,000 points after $3,000 spend in 6 months (from 130,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
May 1Cathay PacificMinor
Long-haul premium cabin award rates rise; third increase since October 2023
Source: awardwallet.com
May 1American ExpressAverage
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Amex: 135,000 points after $7,000 spend in 6 months (from 175,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
May 1American ExpressAverage
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: 150,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months (from 200,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
May 1BiltMinor
Rent Day transfer bonuses capped at 100,000 points transferred
Source: frequentmiler.com
May 1ChaseStrong
United Club Card: 90,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months (from 110,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
May 1ChaseStrong
United Explorer Card: 60,000 points after $3,000 spend in 3 months (from 80,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
May 1ChaseStrong
United Quest Card: 70,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months (from 100,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 24AviancaModerate
US–Europe Star Alliance partner awards rise 15–21% without notice
Source: thriftytraveler.com
Apr 11Virgin AtlanticModerate
Award surcharges rise again; second increase in under a year
Source: thriftytraveler.com
Apr 10American ExpressRelaxed
Credit-card count limit: Reports of the five-card cap being relaxed for some customers
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Apr 2United AirlinesMinor
Flight earning restructured around credit cards; non-cardholders earn less, zero on Basic Economy
Source: prnewswire.com
Apr 1Bank of AmericaAverage
Alaska Airlines Visa Business: 80,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months (90 days) (from 70,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1Bank of AmericaStrong
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1American ExpressAll-Time High
Amex Gold Card: 100,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months (from 100,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1Capital OneStrong
Capital One Venture: 75,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months (from 75,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1ChaseAverage
Chase Freedom Unlimited: 20,000 points after $500 spend in 3 months (from 25,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1American ExpressStrong
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex: 80,000 points after $2,000 spend in 6 months
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1American ExpressStrong
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: 90,000 points after $3,000 spend in 6 months (from 100,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1American ExpressWait
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: 100,000 points after $5,000 spend in 6 months (from 125,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1American ExpressAverage
Hilton Honors Aspire Amex: 150,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months (from 175,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1American ExpressAverage
Hilton Honors Business Amex: 130,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months (from 175,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1American ExpressStrong
Hilton Honors Surpass Amex: 130,000 points after $3,000 spend in 6 months (from 130,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1ChaseStrong
United Club Card: 110,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months (from 90,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1ChaseStrong
United Explorer Card: 80,000 points after $3,000 spend in 3 months (from 70,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Apr 1ChaseStrong
United Quest Card: 100,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months (from 80,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Mar 31QantasModerate
Emirates award chart raised 10–30%, premium cabins hit hardest
Source: awardwallet.com
Mar 26Singapore AirlinesMinor
Access award rates quietly raised 3–11% five months after launch
Source: milelion.com
Mar 18American ExpressActive
1-in-5 / 2-in-90 limits: Enforcement reported inconsistent
Source: thepointsguy.com
Mar 14Alaska AirlinesModerate
Multi-city partner awards price far above chart
Source: onemileatatime.com
Mar 10HiltonModerate
Unannounced award increases spread to mid- and lower-tier properties
Source: upgradedpoints.com
Mar 1American ExpressAll-Time High
Amex Business Gold Card: 200,000 points after $15,000 spend in 3 months (from 100,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Mar 1American ExpressAll-Time High
Amex Business Platinum Card: 300,000 points after $20,000 spend in 3 months (from 200,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Mar 1ChaseAverage
Chase Freedom Unlimited: 25,000 points after $500 spend in 3 months (from 20,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Mar 1American AirlinesMinor
Loyalty Point Reward choices trimmed; 30% earning bonus at 100K level eliminated
Source: viewfromthewing.com
Mar 1American ExpressAverage
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Amex: 175,000 points after $5,000 spend in 6 months (from 85,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Mar 1American ExpressAverage
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: 200,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months (from 100,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Feb 24American ExpressActive
1-in-5 / 2-in-90 limits: Same-product 90-day approval limit documented alongside the velocity limits
Source: frequentmiler.com
Feb 16Wells FargoActive
48-month rule (Wells Fargo): Per-card 48-month bonus language documented on Active Cash
Source: bankrate.com
Feb 7BiltModerate
Rent earning restructured; full points on housing now require matching card spend
Source: thepointsguy.com
Feb 5American ExpressMinor
United TravelBank purchases stop triggering the $200 airline incidental credit
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Feb 1Delta Air LinesMinor
American Express statement credit Choice Benefit reduced for Diamond and Platinum Medallions
Source: viewfromthewing.com
Feb 1American ExpressStrong
Amex Blue Cash Everyday: $200 cash back after $2,000 spend in 6 months (from 200)
Source: upgradedpoints.com
Feb 1American ExpressStrong
Amex Blue Cash Preferred: $300 cash back after $3,000 spend in 6 months (from 250)
Source: upgradedpoints.com
Feb 1American ExpressAll-Time High
Amex Platinum Card: 175,000 points after $12,000 spend in 6 months (from 175,000)
Source: upgradedpoints.com
Feb 1Capital OneMajor
Free guest and authorized-user lounge access ends for Venture X
Source: onemileatatime.com
Feb 1American ExpressAverage
Hilton Honors Aspire Amex: 175,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months (from 150,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Feb 1American ExpressAverage
Hilton Honors Business Amex: 175,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months (from 130,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Feb 1American ExpressStrong
Hilton Honors Surpass Amex: 130,000 points after $3,000 spend in 6 months (from 130,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Feb 1BarclaysAverage
JetBlue Plus Card: 70,000 points after $1,000 spend in 3 months (from 50,000)
Source: upgradedpoints.com
Feb 1JetBlue AirwaysMinor
Mosaic 1 checked bags cut to one; companion upgrades and free drinks reduced for Mosaic elites
Source: frequentmiler.com
Jan 15Capital OneActive
Two personal card limit: Rule documented in reference guide
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Jan 15ChaseMinor
Unlimited free lounge guests ends for Ritz-Carlton cardholders
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Jan 8CitiAll-Time High
Citi AAdvantage Executive: 100,000 points after $10,000 spend in 3 months (from 70,000)
Source: awardwallet.com
Jan 8HiltonMinor
Points earning cut in half at Homewood Suites and Spark brands
Source: loyaltylobby.com
Jan 1Bank of AmericaAverage
Alaska Airlines Visa Business: 70,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months (90 days) (from 60,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1Bank of AmericaStrong
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: 70,000 points after $3,000 spend in 3 months (90 days) (from 60,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1Capital OneStrong
Capital One Venture X: 75,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months (from 100,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1Capital OneStrong
Capital One Venture: 75,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months (from 75,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1ChaseAverage
Chase Freedom Unlimited: 20,000 points after $500 spend in 3 months (from 30,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1ChaseInsufficient history
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business: 150,000 points after $20,000 spend in 3 months (from 200,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1American ExpressStrong
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex: 90,000 points after $5,000 spend in 6 months (from 50,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1American ExpressStrong
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: 100,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months (from 60,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1American ExpressWait
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: 125,000 points after $9,000 spend in 6 months (from 70,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1American ExpressAverage
Hilton Honors Aspire Amex: 150,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months (from 175,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1American ExpressAverage
Hilton Honors Business Amex: 130,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months (from 175,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1American ExpressStrong
Hilton Honors Surpass Amex: 130,000 points after $3,000 spend in 6 months (from 155,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1ChaseStrong
United Explorer Card: 70,000 points after $3,000 spend in 3 months (from 60,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Jan 1ChaseStrong
United Quest Card: 80,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months (from 70,000)
Source: thepointsguy.com
Questions
What changed in points in 2026?
On our documented record: 78 devaluations, 2 improvements, 104 offer changes, 12 rule changes — the month's biggest: Chase cuts Hyatt transfers to 4:3