Welcome to the Miles and Points Daily Podcast! I'm Lucas, and let me tell you, trying to keep up with all the latest miles and points news is like trying to catch airline peanuts falling from thirty thousand feet - you think you've got it figured out, then something new drops and you're scrambling again. But hey, that's why we're here, right? To make sense of all the chaos so you can maximize your points and minimize your stress. Today we've got some pretty interesting developments in the miles and points world, including some not-so-great news from Hilton that'll make you want to check out early, and some exciting credit card rumors that have everyone talking. So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's dive into today's miles and points news.

Let's start with some disappointing news from Hilton that's been flying under the radar. Hilton is quietly killing off late checkout benefits for elite members and then selling it back to them for a fee. This is a classic case of taking away a perk that used to be free and then charging for it. Previously, Hilton Honors elite members could enjoy late checkout as a complimentary benefit, but now the hotel chain has set standard fees for late checkout, and they're pushing this even on their elite guests. What's particularly sneaky is that Hilton is also removing mentions of free late checkout from their promotional materials, making it seem like this was never really a benefit in the first place. My tip here is to always ask about late checkout when you check in - don't assume it's automatic anymore, even if you're elite. And if you're planning a trip where late checkout is crucial, factor in the potential cost or consider booking an extra night if it makes financial sense.

Now, speaking of credit cards, there's some interesting buzz in the community about a potential new Chase business card. Sharp-eyed Reddit users have spotted a card agreement on Chase's website for a business card with a two hundred and ninety-nine dollar annual fee. This is intriguing because Chase doesn't currently offer any business cards at this price point. This could mean Chase is planning to launch a mid-tier business card to compete with cards like the American Express Business Gold, or they might be increasing the annual fee on an existing card. Either way, this suggests Chase is looking to fill a gap in their business card portfolio. Keep an eye on this space - if Chase does launch a new mid-tier business card, it could come with a substantial sign-up bonus and valuable benefits.

Let's talk about some current credit card offers that are available right now. The Hilton Honors American Express cards are currently offering some impressive welcome bonuses - up to one hundred and seventy-five thousand Hilton Honors points. These cards are fantastic for anyone who stays at Hilton properties regularly, offering benefits like automatic elite status, free nights, and resort credits. You can get these cards by clicking the links in our show notes. The American Express Business Gold Card is also worth mentioning - it's one of the most lucrative business cards for earning Membership Rewards points, with a three hundred and seventy-five dollar annual fee that can be easily justified through its rewards structure and benefits.

For those watching their quarterly credit card categories, there are some updates to be aware of. The Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex cards are offering five percent cash back on gas stations, electric vehicle charging, select live entertainment, and Instacart purchases for the third quarter of two thousand and twenty-five, with a cap of fifteen hundred dollars in combined purchases. The Citi Dividend card is also offering five percent back on gas stations and home improvement stores for the same period. These rotating categories are great opportunities to maximize your cash back, so make sure to activate them and plan your spending accordingly.

Before we wrap up, here's a quick reminder about a time-sensitive benefit. If you have the Platinum Card from American Express, don't forget that your fifty dollar Saks Fifth Avenue credit expires on June thirtieth. This credit resets twice a year, so you'll want to use it before you lose it. There are plenty of items you can purchase to maximize this benefit, from beauty products to accessories.

Looking for the best award flights? Use AwardTravelFinder.com to search availability across Qatar Airways, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific and more. Try it for free with our link in the show notes.

That's a wrap on today's Miles and Points Daily Podcast! Thanks for tuning in and letting me be your guide through the ever-changing world of points and miles. If you found today's episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform, and don't forget to visit us at milesandpointsdaily.com for even more tips, deals, and strategies to maximize your travel rewards. Until next time, keep earning and keep exploring!