Big United changes: Cardholders earn more, spend fewer miles | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep346 | 2-20-26

In this episode, we'll talk about how Chase wants you to stay Calm and give a WHOOP, we'll talk about how Bank of America wants you to be a millionaire, and how United wants you to get its credit cards.

Giant Mailbag

(00:45) - Doug: Parking at a Bilt Neighborhood Parking garage on Hyatt award stay

Card News

(03:15) - It may be possible to product change US Bank Altitude Reserve

Read more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/psa-it-may-be-possible-to-product-change-altitude-reserve-and-maybe-get-some-of-the-fee-back

*NOTE* Shortly after we recorded, we learned that existing earning rates for Bank of America cards will last longer than we thought: Doctor of Credit has learned some positive news regarding changes for existing Preferred Rewards members: they will retain their current status until 3 months after their first anniversary date post-November 1, 2026. For example, if your anniversary date is 10/1, your 3-month clock won’t start until 10/1/27, and you will keep your current status level through 1/1/28 (provided you meet the current qualification requirements). That’s a bit of a band-aid on a broken leg, but it’s a much better timeframe than what we originally thought.

(07:26) - Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card offers (MUST ACTIVATE OFFERS)

Read more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-cardholders-can-get-a-free-calm-premium-annual-subscription/

(08:37) - WHOOP: Get $359 back after purchasing one year of WHOOP’s Life Membership (expires 5/12/2026.)

Read more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-cardholders-can-get-a-free-year-of-whoop-fitness-wearable/

(10:45) - Bilt appears to be honoring 5x offer for many

Read more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-cards-being-frozen-5x-not-being-honored-bilts-response-pound-sand-its-tpgs-fault/

Bonvoyed

(17:30) - Bank of America Preferred Rewards changes

Read more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/negative-bank-of-america-preferred-rewards-upcoming-changes-lower-bonus-rewards-higher-eligibility-requirements/

Awards, Points, and More

(24:56) - FYI: How to pay taxes by credit card (Video)

Watch a video about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-pay-taxes-by-credit-card-video/

(26:43) - United Travel Bank may no longer trigger airline incidental credits

Read more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/united-travel-bank-may-no-longer-trigger-airline-incidental-credits-but-dont-panic-yet/

(29:53) - 40% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic

Read more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/get-a-40-bonus-when-transferring-chase-ultimate-rewards-to-virgin-atlantic/

(31:30) - Use Virgin points for WestJet

Main Event: Big United changes: Cardholders earn more, spend fewer miles

(36:17) - Read more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/united-mileage-plus-announces-huge-changes-to-earning-and-redeeming-miles/

(36:51) - Mileage earning

(41:27) - Using United cards to book flights

(43:19) - Redeeming Miles

(48:46) - Children benefit

(50:01) - Which United card is best for unlocking these features?

Question of the Week

(1:03:24) - Do you use AI to help you optimize your points and miles game?

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Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

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