March Newsletter
Welcome back to another edition of the DeepValueTravel monthly newsletter! We apologize for missing February's issue, but we're back with exciting updates on credit cards and award travel.
Poll
We'd love your input! This quarter, we've completed ski trips to Tahoe and Salt Lake City. Let us know if you are more interested in mini trip reports of our skiing adventures or hotel reviews near the ski resorts? Vote below!
Recent articles
Since our last newsletter, we've published a detailed review of one of our favorite hotels from last year—the Andaz Vienna. Check it out here:
News
Hyatt category changes!
Hyatt has announced its annual category adjustments, affecting 151 properties: 118 hotels are moving up in category, while 33 are moving down. Notably, several popular Hyatt hotels in Japan and Europe, such as the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile (Category 4 to 5) and Andaz Amsterdam (Category 6 to 7), will require more points for award bookings. These changes take effect on March 25, 2025. For a comprehensive list of adjustments, refer to Hyatt's official announcement.
More Southwest Airline changes
Southwest Airlines is implementing significant policy changes starting May 28, 2025:
Checked Baggage Fees: The longstanding policy of two free checked bags is ending. Only select customers, such as Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and those with the airline's co-branded credit card, will continue to receive free checked bags. Other passengers will incur checked baggage fees.
Basic Fare Introduction: A new Basic fare with the lowest pricing but most restrictions will be introduced.
Flight Credits Expiration: Flight credits will now expire within a year, a change from the previous policy of non-expiring credits.
We recommend booking flights and redeeming points before these changes take effect.
Alaska airline promo flights
Alaska Airlines is offering up to 50% off award travel on select routes. Book by April 11 for travel between March 11 and July 31, 2025. This is a great opportunity to explore destinations like Dublin, Ireland, or Sydney, Australia. Visit their official announcement for more details and booking options.
Chase Freedom Flex Q2 2025 5x categories
Chase has just announced the 5x earning categories for Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex cards. The categories are:
Amazon
Selected Streaming Services
Remember to activate these categories through your credit card portal to earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases during the quarter.
Credit Card Promotions
Amex Hilton Express/Surpass - FNC + 70k/130k points
The American Express Hilton cards remain some of the best hotel credit cards out there. Right now, both the Hilton Express and Hilton Surpass are offering a welcome bonus of 1 Free Night Certificate + 70k/130k Hilton points. This is a strong offer, as the Free Night Certificate can be redeemed at almost any Hilton property, often worth 100k+ points in value. Additionally, the Hilton Surpass offers a second Free Night Certificate when you spend $15k in a calendar year—making it an ideal card for tax payments. Check the official Amex page for details.
Chase Sapphire Preferred - 100k Sign-on Bonus
If you’re considering applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP), you may want to wait a little longer. There's a rumored 100k Chase points sign-up bonus coming soon—significantly higher than the current offer. The offer is expected to go live online on April 3, 2025.
Chase Freedom Unlimited - $250 Sign-on Bonus
Chase Freedom Unlimited is offering a lucrative sign-on bonus of $250 after spending $500 in the first 3 months from account opening. This is one of the best no-annual-fee cards for beginners, as it earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can later be transferred to travel partners if paired with a premium Chase card (CSP/CSR). You can apply on the official website or use our referral link.
Capital One Venture Rewards: 75k Miles + $250 Travel Credits
We don’t typically highlight Capital One cards, as they’re harder to get approved for, but this one is worth mentioning. The Venture Rewards card is currently offering 75k miles + $250 travel credit after spending $4k in 3 months. Since Capital One has many solid transfer partners, this card can be a great deal—especially for a mid-tier card with just a $95 annual fee.
Ongoing transfer bonus
Amex
Qatar Privilege Club Avios 20% (ending 3/31)
Chase
British Airway 20% (ending 3/31)
Marriott Bonvoy 50% (ending 3/31)
Aer Lingus 20% (ending 3/31)
Iberia 20% (ending 3/31)
Capital One
Etihad 40% (ending 3/31)
Citi
Lifemiles Avianca 25% (ending 3/31)
Tip of the Month
Since we missed last month's newsletter, here are two tax-related tips:
Credit Card Discounts for Tax Services: Before paying for tax services like TaxUSA or TurboTax, check the coupon sections in your credit card portals for potential discounts. Ensure you activate any available deals before making a payment.
Paying Taxes with Credit Cards: Using a credit card to pay taxes can help you meet sign-up bonus spending requirements, despite the transaction fees. Cards like the Ink Business Unlimited and Hilton Honors Surpass are good options. Be sure to calculate whether the rewards earned outweigh the fees incurred.