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In this guide, we'll give you a crash course on how to quickly earn credit card rewards and book free travel. If everyone in the world expertly utilized credit card rewards to travel for free, there wouldn't be such amazing travel opportunities out there. Identify your travel goalsBefore you begin collecting credit card rewards, you should first identify your travel goals. Recommended credit card strategies for beginnersThe best practice for anyone new to credit card rewards is to invest in flexible points. You'll need: An annual fee-incurring Hilton credit card One of the greatest deals in credit card rewards is the free night certificate that comes with select American Express Hilton credit cards.

Review: Is the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card best for you? How to earn rewards with the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa SignatureThe PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card earns unlimited points in all categories with no spending caps. How to use rewards from the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa SignatureIt's important to note that PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card doesn't have airline and hotel transfer partners. Other Visa Signature card benefits include shopping, golf, wine, food, and entertainment discounts and access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection. The PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card is worth it for PenFed Credit Union members who want a rewards card that earns up to 4 points per dollar for a modest annual fee.

If you have Hertz elite status — even from a credit card — you can gift it to a friend for free for 12 months. George Rose/Getty ImagesPresident's Circle is the top-tier elite status offered by Hertz, and it's a perk offered by The Platinum Card® from American Express ** and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. ** and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. More Information Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. And be sure to remind them to use a credit card that offers primary rental car insurance.

☆ How the TSA's Instagram became a must-follow account, thanks to a sticky-note trick
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Natasha Piñon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

So, how'd Burl turn the TSA's Instagram into a must-follow account, with "Tonight Show" cameos and more than a million followers to date? Recently retired from government work, Burl outlined the tiny sticky-note trick that helped her master a totally new skill — and that anyone can adopt when starting a new position. But she had no professional social media experience, and as a middle-aged woman, felt out of depth in a field known for its youthfulness. "That was the beginning of my social media career. Sign up now: Get smarter about your money and career with our weekly newsletterWhat do you think of Make It content?

Thomas Pallini/Business InsiderThe U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card will add valuable new travel benefits in February 2023. According to my most recent account statement, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card will add Priority Pass Select membership as a benefit as of February 2, 2023. Both the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card ($95 annual fee) and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card ($95 annual fee) come with a Priority Pass Select membership that includes 10 complimentary visits a year. Since the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is at a similar price point, it's possible the new membership will be similar. You can read more about all the card's benefits and perks in our full US Bank Altitude Connect card review.

☆ Dog accidentally sent through Wisconsin airport's X-ray machine
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Minyvonne Burke | Minyvonne Burke Is A Senior Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

A small dog was accidentally sent through the X-ray screening at Dane County Regional Airport in Wisconsin, the Transportation Security Administration said, reminding travelers to check their carry-on bags for pets. "When traveling with any animal, notify your airline & know their rules," the agency's Great Lakes division tweeted Tuesday. A photo showed the dog inside a small black bag. As strange as the incident may be, this is not the first time TSA agents found an animal inside a travel bag. Last month, security officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City discovered a live cat trapped inside checked luggage.

☆ The premium Capital One Venture X is actually just as affordable as the Capital One Venture — here's why the Venture X is a better pick for most travelers
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Joseph Hostetler | Credit Cards Reporter | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +20 min

Two of the most popular travel rewards credit cards right now are the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Compare the Capital One Venture and Venture X Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. I'll show you how that's possible — and help you decide if the premium Capital One Venture X is a better option for you. Travel insuranceThe Capital One Venture X is a Visa Infinite card, a title donned by only the most premium Visa cards. Which benefits do the Capital One Venture and Venture X have in common?

Gen Z is more likely to donate credit card rewards to charity. Millennials are more likely to save their credit card rewards for "the next big thing," while Gen Z is using their rewards in smaller increments. Gen Z is donating card rewards to charity, particularly environmental causes and womens' shelters. In general, Gen Z is showing overall smarter credit card behavior compared to how millennials were spending at that age. Gen Zers, at least the ones old enough to own a credit card, are doing more research and being more selective in their credit card use.

Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Capital One recently added a new benefit to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Anniversary bonusesCapital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders receive a 10,000-mile bonus each year on their account anniversary. Authorized usersThe Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the clear winner in terms of authorized user access and benefits. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is comparatively inexpensive at $395 per year.

The thing is, if you're going to open a credit card, a store card is rarely, if ever, your best option. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application. Their interest rates are astronomicalIf you thought travel credit card interest rates were high, check out the rates on store credit cards. And that limit isn't exclusive to those who have taken out five of Chase's credit cards in the last 24 months, either — it applies to any credit card (except certain business cards), including store credit cards. Luckily, there are multiple ways to make sure you're getting a much better return on your retail spending, even without a store credit card.

Best credit cards for seniors and retireesSubscribe to the Select Newsletter! How to redeem rewards: Points can be redeemed for cash back or gift cards at a rate of 1 cent per point. How to redeem rewards: Points can be redeemed at a rate of 1 cent per point toward travel, statement credits, gift cards or merchandise through the Rewards Center. Other great perks: Perks include special benefits through Silvercar Car Rental and the Luxury Hotel Collection, 24-hour service via the Visa Signature® Concierge, lost luggage reimbursement and exclusive access to fine dining and entertainment experiences. Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.

☆ These 16 US airports are reportedly testing facial recognition technology on passengers that could roll out nationwide next year
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Aaron Mok | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The TSA could expand facial recognition identification tech across the nation next year, WaPo reported. Facial recognition tech was first tested at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in August 2020 before expanding to airports in Arizona, Indiana, and Miami, the spokesperson said. "While we are informed the preliminary results are encouraging, TSA continues to monitor these pilots to ensure there is no inherent bias in the technology," the TSA spokesperson said. If all goes to plan, the TSA expects to produce facial recognition tech later this year and will begin to deploy it at additional airports sometime right before 2024, another TSA spokesperson told Insider. Here are the 16 US airports reportedly piloting facial recognition technology, per the Washington Post:

U.S. air travelers now have until May 7, 2025, to obtain a driver's license or other government ID that complies with the federal REAL ID Act. How do you know if you have a REAL ID? Your passport will remain a suitable alternative if you do not have a REAL ID-compliant card by the new deadline, DHS says. And minors will not be required to carry a REAL ID card. According to The Washington Post, just under half of Americans currently have REAL ID-compliant cards.

Thomas Pallini/InsiderThe Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership. But late last week, Capital One quietly updated the Priority Pass lounge access rules for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Now, instead of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card as the undisputed king of Priority Pass credit cards, your Priority Pass-conferring airport credit card will take a bit more deliberation. The Ritz Carlton Credit Card, while not publicly available, is still the best credit card for Priority Pass lounges because: It comes with a Priority Pass Select membership that gives you access to Priority Pass restaurants and non-lounge experiences. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the first Visa credit card to drop access to discounts at participating Priority Pass restaurants and other non-lounge experiences.

It's impossible to name one single best credit card, given the wide range of benefits, rewards, and annual fees available. Show more Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 19.74% - 26.74% Variable Editor's Rating 4.8 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.8 out of 5 Stars Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available. Show more Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 20.74% - 27.74% Variable Editor's Rating 4.65 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.65 out of 5 Stars Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightBest secured rewards card for building credit Discover it® Secured Credit Card 5 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 5 out of 5 Stars Intro offer Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Show more Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 26.74% Variable Editor's Rating 5 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 5 out of 5 Stars Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.

☆ The TSA's facial recognition technology, which is currently being used at 16 major domestic airports, may go nationwide next year
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The TSA may expand its facial recognition identification system nationwide next year, WaPo reported. Facial recognition is currently used in 16 domestic airports for identifying passengers. The TSA has used various biometric technologies since the 9/11 terror attacks. In addition to the TSA, facial recognition technology is currently utilized by other agencies under the Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which uses the tech to track migrants. Its use by law enforcement is even illegal in some cities, including San Francisco as, in some cases, racially-biased facial recognition scans have led to false arrests and even jail time for a Black man who was misidentified.

Here's everything you need to know about paying your taxes with a credit card and the best cards to use. How to pay taxes with a credit cardYou'll have to pay your taxes through a third-party payment processor if you want to use a credit card, and they all charge credit card processing fees. If you want to pay state taxes or local taxes (like property taxes) with a credit card, you can try seeing if your tax agency accepts credit cards and charges reasonable fees. You should only pay your taxes with a credit card if you can afford to pay off your credit card bill immediately. Pay taxes with a credit card frequently asked questions (FAQ)Is there a cash advance fee if I pay taxes with a credit card?

Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe best credit cards for good credit reviewsMany of the best credit cards for good credit offer generous rewards and 0% introductory APR offers with no annual fee. The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card are offering record-high new welcome bonuses. Review: Citi Custom Cash card reviewCredit cards for good credit frequently asked questions (FAQ)What is a good credit score? If you're rebuilding your credit, it's best not to focus on rewards credit cards until you've solved the issues leading to a score that hovers around 600. Even if you simply don't have enough credit history to warrant a score approaching 700, consider a secured credit card or a student credit card.

Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application. Review: Capital One SavorOne reviewCredit cards for college graduates frequently asked questions (FAQ)What happens to my college credit card when I graduate? If you're new to credit, you can check out Insider's guide to building credit with credit cards to help you improve your credit history faster.

☆ Some U.S. air marshals plan to refuse deployment to U.S.-Mexico border
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Ted Hesson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 30 (Reuters) - More than a dozen U.S. air marshals plan to refuse deployment to the U.S.-Mexico border, according to a group representing them, a sign of challenges facing U.S. President Joe Biden's administration as it grapples with record migrant crossings. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sought volunteers from the Federal Air Marshal Service to travel to the southwest border, but when fewer than 150 signed up in October, some were assigned, said Sonya LaBosco, executive director of the Air Marshal National Council. The air marshals are part of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a DHS subagency, and ride on U.S. airlines to guard against security threats. A lawyer for the air marshal group wrote in a Nov. 4 letter to the agency that the deployments are illegal because they involve duties outside the scope of the job. A DHS spokesperson defended the deployments, saying that marshals have had previous assignments to assist hurricane relief and that some were temporarily deployed to the border in 2019.

Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderEarning credit card sign-up bonuses is the fastest way to earn rewards for (nearly) free travel. If you don't think you can meet the spending requirement to earn a card bonus, there are tricks to help you get there (without overspending). Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application. Let's take a look at a few powerful ways to meet credit card minimum spending requirements. Pay your rent or mortgageThere are a few services that let you pay your rent or mortgage by credit card.

☆ A Delta passenger says he was told TSA staff would arrive with guns to remove him from a plane after he asked to wait for his wheelchair
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Beatrice Nolan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A passenger said Delta staff threatened him while he waited for his wheelchair to be brought to him. Cory Lee said he was told TSA staff with guns would arrive to remove him, per his Instagram post. Per the post, Lee said Delta staff "immediately got livid" after he refused to leave the plane until his wheelchair was delivered. Lee's request fell under the Air Carrier Access Act, which he cited in the Instagram post. A spokesperson for Delta told Insider: "The exchange in this video does not reflect the high standard of care Delta people aspire to every day.

Amex Platinum; InsiderThe Platinum Card® from American Express offers a ton of value from its welcome bonus and benefits. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Choose an airline for the Amex Platinum incidental fee creditOne of the biggest perks of the Platinum Card is a yearly airline incidental fee credit. Add your Amex Platinum card to your Uber accountThe Platinum Card offers cardholders up to $200 in Uber Cash credits** each calendar year. Bottom lineThe Platinum Card® from American Express comes with potentially thousands of dollars in statement credits and benefits each year.

☆ 10 Amex Business Platinum card benefits you'll want to activate right away, so you can enjoy hotel elite status, statement credits, and more
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Joseph Hostetler | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +16 min

Thomas Pallini/InsiderThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers luxury benefits and rewards. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is packed full of benefits that are perfect for small business owners — including freelancers and remote workers. Here are 10 things you should do when you first get The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. More travel benefits than you'll find on any other business credit card Check mark icon A check mark. But by paying with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you'll get a statement credit of up to $189 back**.

☆ Thanksgiving travel was still below pre-pandemic levels and it proves air travel isn't back to normal yet
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Travel analyst Henry Harteveldt applauded airlines for their on-time performance over the Thanksgiving holiday. Before the pandemic reshaped the aviation industry as we know it, Thanksgiving was the US' busiest holiday for air travel. United Airlines told Insider that it flew more than 476,000 customers on Sunday, and the Thanksgiving holiday period was the carrier's third-busiest behind 2018 and 2019. Although the historically unreliable holiday flight operations may have scared people away from flying over Thanksgiving, Harteveldt told Insider the successful week is a win for US carriers. "They have to continue to operate reliably during the next few weeks, during the Christmas and New Year's period, and throughout 2023 and beyond," Harteveldt told Insider.

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