Unheralded Credit Card Perks

Mar 27, 2026

They debate using points for flights and paying cash for safaris for flexibility and protections. Major loyalty news is covered, including a program shutting down and bank transfer changes. The main focus is on underrated credit card perks like primary rental insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties, companion certificates, travel insurance, and cell phone coverage. Practical tips stress reading fine print and staying flexible with bookings.

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ANECDOTE

Added AAdvantage After Booking To Get Better Seats

Angie prebooked an outbound flight to Maryland via Alaska and used points for the itinerary.
She added her AA number after booking to get Main Cabin Extra seats without extra miles spend.

ADVICE

Be Wary Booking Qatar Awards Right Now

Be cautious booking Qatar award space now; systems and refunds are unreliable amid cancellations.
Angie describes a friend who transferred points, attempted to book QSuites, lost points when the system demanded a voucher and wouldn't accept payment.

ADVICE

Prefer Cards With Primary Rental Car Insurance

Use cards with primary rental car insurance and a no-foreign-transaction-fee policy for international rentals.
Angie recommends CSR or Ritz/United/RITZ cards and notes Amex Platinum is secondary unless you enroll in paid premium coverage.

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Episode 165 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosted by Angie Sparks and Cameron Laufer, opens with a discussion about booking a safari using points. While some luxury lodge options like the JW Masai Mara and Marriott properties near Kruger were mentioned, the consensus advice was to use points for flights and pay cash for the safari itself. This approach provides more flexibility in choosing camps and experiences, while also allowing travelers to earn rewards or hit a new sign-up bonus through cash spending.

In the news segment, the hosts cover several major updates in the points and miles world. ITA Airways announced it will shut down its Volare loyalty program by the end of March 2026, giving members a limited window to redeem points. Citi is devaluing transfer ratios to Choice Hotels and Preferred Hotels, though it is temporarily offsetting this with transfer bonuses to Avianca LifeMiles and Virgin Atlantic. Meanwhile, Chase has increased the sign-up bonus on its Ink Preferred business card to 100,000 points, making it an attractive option for earning rewards on travel and business spending.

The main topic focuses on lesser-known credit card perks that can provide significant value if used correctly. These include primary car rental insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties, companion certificates, travel insurance, and cell phone coverage. The hosts emphasize that understanding the fine print—such as exclusions, coverage limits, and eligibility requirements—is key to maximizing these benefits. They wrap up with practical tips: set alerts for award availability and stay flexible with travel plans, as changing circumstances or better deals can arise unexpectedly.

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Where to Find Us

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