The New Rules of Points & Miles in 2026 with Brian M
Key Takeaways
- Chris Hutchins and Brian M break down the biggest trends and changes reshaping the points and miles landscape in 2026.
- Travelers can now explore new methods for earning transferable points without relying solely on traditional credit cards.
- Top-tier award search tools like Seats.aero, Points Path, and PointsYeah are essential for finding the best redemption options right now.
- Bank restrictions, hotel award inflation, and shifting airline policies mean travelers must adapt their strategies to protect the value of their points.
- Brian M shares a six-month check-in on Bilt along with his biggest predictions for the year ahead in loyalty programs and premium cards.
#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
- Points Path (15% off with ALLTHEHACKS15)
Earning Points Beyond Credit Cards
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
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
Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Brian M on All the Hacks?
Brian M is a frequent guest expert on All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins who helps break down advanced strategies, trends, and updates in the points and miles space.
What are the best award search tools for points and miles?
Top tools for searching award flights and maximizing points include Seats.aero, Points Path, and PointsYeah.
Can you earn transferable points without a credit card?
Yes, new avenues and platforms are emerging that allow travelers to earn transferable rewards points outside of traditional credit card spending.