Recap: Amex Hilton Cards, New Avianca LifeMiles Expiration Policy, PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Credit Card and More

Please follow us on Facebook for most important  breaking news in the miles and points world!

1) PenFed has launched a new credit card called PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express. It’s a very interesting product, especially if you like to redeem points on travel purchases. Application link (pays no commission) See full review on Doctorofcredit 

It looks like the best option is redeeming points towards hotels, so keep that in mind. Overall, it’s a solid product for a no-fee card. The fact that you get $100 credit towards  TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (every five years), AND $100 yearly airline fee credit is just the icing on the cake.

There are a couple of barriers to entry. First, you have to join PenFed credit union, but it can be done at a relatively low cost. Second, according to reports, PenFed is somewhat sensitive to new inquiries, so most of our brethren probably won’t be able to get their hands on this card.

If you are in the military and spend a good bit of cash each year on airfare, car rentals and hotels, you should definitely look into this card because you can earn 4 points per dollar on travel purchases. The sign-up bonus is 25,000 points, which is OK, not great.

2) I got an email from LifeMiles that contained info on their new expiration policy. Spoiler alert! It’s bad news.

So, the way I’m understanding it is that buying miles will reset the clock. Also, the miles I already have in my account will have their current expiration date even after the switchover. It’s not the end of the world, but annoying change nonetheless. You may want to consider donating  a few miles before April 15th in order to lock in expiration date under the current rules. You can donate just one mile under “Use” section (or more, depending on your generosity).

The lesson is: airline programs can change rules on a whim. Think twice before you ever buy miles speculatively. At least this one isn’t too bad. Many years ago Czech Airlines has changed its program where there was no way for me to extend the validity of miles without flying on one of their planes. I ended up losing my husband’s 20,000 miles that we’ve been accumulating for YEARS via flights. I was able to transfer my stash to Hilton points on 1:1 basis, which was better than nothing, I suppose.

3) Top hotel promotions for January 2018 by LoyaltyLobby.

4) Amex has finally released its new Hilton co-branded credit cards. You can read my Ascend vs. Aspire comparison in yesterday’s post. You may also go to dedicated Amex website page that has an overview of all four new Hilton co-branded cards. 

5) Not miles and points related, but there is a new SYWR promo that can potentially give you $50 in FREE-ish winter clothes. Details on DDG I took advantage of it, now I just need to find some everyday items where  I can spend down my 50,000 points. There are hoops to jump through with this promo and points have a short expiration window, but it’s still a good deal.

Click here to view various credit cards and available sign-up bonuses