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T-Mobile’s New Credit Card
While I don’t think this card will have wide appeal to MilesTalkers, it still seems worth a mention. As you all know, T-Mobile has now “officially, officially” ended any way to pay a T-Mobile bill with a credit card without losing autopay discounts. This makes it much harder to take advantage of statement credits like the $10 monthly on The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or 5X points on a Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card as well as to pay with a credit card that has Cell Phone Protection. There was a way to continue to do this even after they started requiring a linked non-credit card payment method but that is now dead along with any exemptions for business customers.
It now seems that one main goal of this is to get you to use their own credit card which launched yesterday with Capital One and will be the only allowable credit card to pay with that retains autopay discounts. It’s kind of like taking away free checked bags only to give them back if you have the credit card (hello, Southwest Airlines!).
Interestingly, us T-Mobile for business customers are not eligible for the card! I find that to be a bold move… .eliminate any discounts and also exclude from the new credit card. The exclusions are: T-Mobile for Business (including micro-TFB and sole proprietor), Government, and Prepaid customers.
Earn rate: 2% in T-Mobile Rewards everywhere and 5% on any phone, device, or accessory purchased at T-Mobile. So, it’s only 2% back on your monthly bill (plus the $5 per line autopay discount).
They allude to Visa Signature benefits but the linked page lists ALL Visa Signature benefits and this no-annual fee card likely does not come with Priority Pass, a Global Entry Credit, and Cell Phone protection, but I cannot say one way or the other by reading the T-Mobile card page.
Alaska MileagePlan Award Sale
The sale is called “Global Getaway” and is offered on flights in Economy class only.
Travel has to originate in the U.S. Each award is subject to taxes and carrier-imposed fees starting from Promo is valid on bookings November 4, 2025—November 11, 2025 for travel November 4, 2025—March 30, 2026.
American Airlines AAdvantage® Award Sale
American Airlines also has a spring award sale. Seats start at 6,000 miles one way (it says 7,500 but you will quickly see 6,000 mile pricing) in North America, 16,000 to Central America and 17,500 miles to Europe for travel from January 12, 2026 – February 28, 2026.
JetBlue Sale
20% off base airfare
Offer details:
Promo code: TAKE20
Book by 11/6/25 (11:59PM EST)
Travel 12/2-12/18/25 (Excludes Friday and Sunday travel).
Discount applies to base fare, valid on nonstop flights only
Not valid on Mint, Transatlantic flights & previous bookings
Not valid for EvenMore & cash + points bookings
Redeemable only on jetblue.com
Choice Hotels Revamps Elite Status
While Choice may not be a “fan favorite” program around here, there can absolutely be deals to be found when you transfer your Citi ThankYou points on a 1:2 basis.
Here are the details from their press release:
- Rewards every five nights: Members will gain milestone rewards like bonus points and gift cards every five qualifying nights between status tiers.
- Faster paths to status: Members can reach Gold Elite status at just five nights, Platinum Elite status at 15 nights and Diamond Elite status at 35 nights, and enjoy rewards like room upgrades, preferred parking, and Elite welcome gifts. With each tier requiring five fewer nights than before, Elite status will become more attainable than ever. Members can also qualify for status faster through Elite Qualifying Credits earned through hotel stays and through spending with the Choice Privileges Mastercard® on travel and everyday purchases, like home improvement stores, grocery stores, and gas stations.
- Titanium status: A new top-tier status, achievable at 55 nights or at 110,000 Elite Qualifying Credits. This tier introduces the program’s most exclusive benefit—the Titanium travel award. With this perk, members can book one room for up to seven nights at 400+ premium properties around the world for just half the points. This includes Choice Hotels brands, such as Cambria Hotels and Radisson Blu, as well as global partners like Bluegreen Vacations.
- Return and Earn: This feature will reward members with 1,000 bonus points after their 2nd and 3rd qualifying stays each year.
- Lasting recognition: Points will never expire for Elite status holders, and a status soft landing benefit will ensure that Elite status is never lost all at once. Starting in 2027, Elite members who don’t travel as frequently will only drop a single tier per year.
- Points sharing: Members will be able to transfer points to friends and family. Coming later in 2026.
Thoughts?
