Today's lineup includes United's massive 100% miles bonus with a surprising new restriction, Capital One's ambitious plans for their biggest lounge yet, and the American AAdvantage changes that signal a dramatic strategy shift. Plus Chase drops multiple increased welcome offers, and there's a status match opportunity so easy you can finish it during your coffee break.

United just launched a targeted buy miles promotion offering up to 100% bonus miles through January 26th—but there's a twist. For the first time, United is implementing purchase limits based on your bonus tier. Some members can buy up to 220,000 miles total, while others might be capped significantly lower.

At 1.88 cents per mile after the bonus, this is one of the better United pricing opportunities we've seen. The sweet spot? Business class to Europe via United's partners like Lufthansa runs 77,000 miles one-way, meaning you could buy your way into a premium transatlantic seat for around $1,450 in cash equivalent—often cheaper than the cash fare. Check your email for your specific offer details before committing.

Capital One has signed a lease for a 14,000 square foot lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport—making it the largest Capital One Lounge to date. The space will occupy the mezzanine level of Concourse A's expansion with tarmac views, a full-service coffee bar, locally inspired food, and dedicated work areas.

Charlotte desperately needs this. American's hub has been notoriously underserved for premium lounge space, and with only a concessions agreement in place so far, we're likely looking at a 2027 or later opening. For Capital One Venture X cardholders, this will add a major hub to the network—though you'll need patience before you can actually visit. For more on the Capital One lounge network expansion, we've covered all the latest developments.

American's 2026 AAdvantage program changes went live yesterday, and while most attention focused on elite qualification, the real story is the quiet devaluation of partner earning bonuses—now reduced and capped across the board. Combined with basic economy earning zero miles, it points to a fundamental strategy shift.

Here's what this really means: American is no longer treating AAdvantage as the primary reason to choose them. Instead, they're pouring investment into premium seats, upgraded catering, and onboard experience—betting that the product itself will drive loyalty, not miles incentives. For those of us optimizing for points earning, this makes partner airlines increasingly attractive relative to flying American metal for mileage accrual.

Chase quietly increased the Ink Business Preferred welcome offer to 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points after $15,000 in spend within three months—now live on both public and referral links. This matches the best offer we've seen on this card, making it prime time for business owners who can comfortably hit that spend threshold.

Meanwhile, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is offering 30,000 points ($300) after just $500 in spend—but this ends January 15th at 9 AM EST. That's an absurd return for minimal spend, though remember it comes with the typical Chase 5/24 restriction. If you're under 5/24 and need a quick points injection, this is the definition of low-hanging fruit. For all our Chase credit card coverage, including strategies for maximizing welcome offers, check our dedicated page.

Best Western Rewards brought back their generous status match program, and it remains the easiest status match from any major hotel group. Match your existing hotel status and you'll get equivalent Best Western elite status—no stay requirements, no hoops to jump through.

The catch? Best Western's status benefits are fairly basic compared to Marriott or Hyatt. You're looking at bonus points and some modest perks, but don't expect suite upgrades or late checkout at most properties. Still, if you occasionally find yourself at a Best Western—particularly in secondary markets or roadside locations—there's zero downside to having the status in your back pocket. The application takes under five minutes.

Wyndham Rewards also relaunched their status match, and the matching opportunities from certain programs are genuinely generous. They're matching status from major hotel programs with relatively achievable challenge requirements to maintain the matched tier.

Wyndham's portfolio includes some surprisingly decent properties—particularly their higher-tier brands like Trademark Collection and Registry Collection. If you have status with Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt, this is worth exploring—especially since matching costs you nothing but a few minutes of paperwork.

The no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Choice Privileges Mastercard just increased its welcome offer to 60,000 points—matching what the premium version typically offers. This is a limited-time boost from the usual 40,000 points, making it the rare moment when the no-fee card actually competes with its paid sibling.

Choice properties aren't luxury destinations, but 60,000 points gets you multiple free nights at mid-tier properties like Comfort Inns or Quality Inns—perfect for road trips or positioning stays. With no annual fee, this is pure upside if you can meet the minimum spend. The offer won't last long based on historical patterns.

Do you typically buy miles when these bonuses hit, or do you prefer earning through credit cards and transfers? I'm curious about your strategy—hit reply and let me know. I read every response!

Before we wrap up, I wanted to share some timely opportunities I've been tracking (courtesy of our friends at AwardTravelFinder). These deals won't last long, so let's dive in.

Airline programs:

Hotel programs: