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🤙🏿 Welcome back to the Better Than Points Newsletter - the premier place for all things Credit Card Points News and Travel

My name’s Luis and I’m the one writing this (hit me up here!)

This week I have some good news.

And if you like Japan you’re going to really like it.

So let me tell you all about it.

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To be transparent: I may receive compensation through my partnership with advertisers when you click on links to offers in this email. Terms apply & these are my own opinions, not those of any bank or credit card issuer. That said, I only promote products I truly believe in—and this is a top travel card I personally recommend.

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Capital One just added three new transfer partners

But the headliner here is JAL.

Before this, your only of getting JAL miles was Bilt 1:1 and Marriott 3:1.

Having Capital One in the mix is a big deal.

Even if you’re not planning a JAL redemption right now, open a JAL Mileage Bank account ASAP.

JAL has a 60 day seasoning period before you can book awards, and that roadblock will burn you if you wait until the last minute.

One sweet spot worth flagging with JAL is round the world award.

ANA killed theirs, so seeing this still alive on JAL is huge especially as more programs can now feed JAL miles.

On the other two.

Qatar isn’t game changing since you already could earn Qatar Avios via BA Avios from Capital One.

Preferred Hotels at 1:2 isn’t great either with Citi ThankYou having a 1:4 so I’d only touch it during a strong bonus.

But the main winner here is being able to transfer to JAL.

If you can use the promo window to move Capital One miles at ~1:1, do it for a plan you’ll actually book.

And get that JAL account opened now so the 60 day clock starts ticking.

Last week I mentioned Park Hyatt Tokyo was reopening later this year and would be bookable with points.

It’s not open yet, but it is bookable with points now.

If Tokyo’s on your list and you want the Park Hyatt, I’d lock it in before award space dries up.

Also the first JW in Tokyo is opening and the pics look surprisingly nice giving me Andaz Tokyo vibes.

Award rates are coming in around 84,000–102,000 Marriott points per night.

Cash is ~$520/night, so not a bad use of points.

You can transfer to Marriott 1:1 from a couple of card issuers, but I wouldn’t do that if you can transfer to Hyatt instead.

If you’ve got Marriott points to burn and you’re eyeing Tokyo, this JW is a solid option.

It opens October 2.

Southwest just dropped their biggest intro bonus on the Southwest Performance Business card.

120,000 Rapid Rewards after $10,000 spend in 3 months.

But don’t apply yet.

If you’ve been reading the newsletter, you know the move is timing.

Apply mid October to early November, then do not finish the spend until January 2026 so the bonus posts in 2026.

Why?

Because if you make sure you don’t hit your intro bonus until 2026 then you get this.

You’re 5,000 short of the 135,000 you need.

Close the gap with the spend you’d put on the card or a cheap flight, and you’ve got Companion Pass for all of 2026 and 2027 off one card.

If you rush and finish the spend now, the bonus hits in 2025, and your pass would only cover 2025–2026.

One caveat is that Southwest is changing a lot right now, so details can shift.

But as a one and done play to lock Companion Pass for two years, this is still one of the cleanest routes.

Set yourself a reminder for mid-October → early November to apply, then push the spend into January.

Each week, I’ll share something cool I’ve discovered or tackle a question from the community. It’s my little corner to explore ideas, offer fresh perspectives, and hopefully spark your own curiosity.

Something I was reminded of and it’s an easy way to:

If you’re flying to Europe, Asia, or anywhere that isn’t nonstop, some airlines let you add a stopover on the same ticket.

A stopover = an extended stay at your connection before continuing to your final destination.

Airlines/programs that allow this: TAP Portugal, Turkish, Emirates, Icelandair, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada.

Some make it super simple right on their site just add a stopover at booking.

Lengths vary: sometimes 24 hours, sometimes a week or more.

a caveat is that you won’t be able to set this up in Google Flights.

You’ll need to book on the airline’s site (or a partner that supports stopovers).

You can even do this on award bookings.

It’s a sneaky way to turn one ticket into two trips hit a bonus city on the way out or on the way back.

So next time you’re planning travel, check if a stopover fits.

It’s a slept on trick to knock out two places in one go.

Check out these crazy award deals!

This section includes some of the best award flights of the week bookable with points and miles.

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This section includes some of the best links videos and articles of the week around the points and travel community