14 explainers · No fluff
Loyalty program explainers
Plain-English guides to how each program actually works. No affiliate-speak, no inflated point valuations.
Choose a category to explore how each loyalty program actually works, how award charts and elite status play out, and where the real value sits. Plain English, no inflated valuations.
Airline programs1
Brand comparisons1
Brand portfolios1
Award charts & categories2
Bank currency comparisons1
Destination strategy1
Feature deep-dives2
Marriott Bonvoy
Bonvoy 5th-night-free
The most under-used Bonvoy redemption tactic. Cuts effective points price by 20% on any 5+ night award stay.
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IHG One Rewards
IHG 4th-night-free
The single feature that makes IHG points competitive. Cuts effective points price by 25% on any 4+ night award stay.
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Program basics4
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy
The world's largest hotel loyalty program, but the points-per-dollar value runs lower than World of Hyatt.
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World of Hyatt
World of Hyatt
The highest-value chain hotel program. Fixed award chart, transparent categories, and the best elite tier benefits.
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Hilton Honors
Hilton Honors
The largest hotel loyalty program by member count. Dynamic pricing, weak point value, but strong elite breakfasts.
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IHG One Rewards
IHG One Rewards
Sleeper program with the IHG Premier card's 4th-night-free benefit on award stays.
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Elite status1
