🤝 Fly with seven travel buddies (for free)

👀 We’re Hiring 👀

You know that person everyone asks about credit cards, points, and how to book amazing trips for less? We’re looking for that person — a Writer & Content Creator to help turn the world of travel rewards into content that’s clear, practical, and actually fun to read.

If that sounds like you (or someone you know), take a look here. ✈️

☀️ Good morning!

The Mike-relay continues as we let our fearless leader take a few days off. I’m tagging in from April, whom you met on Friday. Before I quickly introduce myself…

Here’s what’s on deck today:

• ✈️ Last chance for Companion Pass
• 🫂 Myth-busting these BOGO flights
• ➡️ How to actually transfer points
• 🏆 Reader win of the week

👋 Nice to meet y’all

Sam here, Daily Drop’s new Content and Compliance Editor.

If you don’t know what compliance is, count your lucky stars.

Basically, it’s why we have to say things like “this card” and be vague when discussing card details. 🙃

I’ve been a points-and-miles nerd since before the launch of a Chase Sapphire Reserve® over 10 years ago. Back then, newbie me did a thing that’s not exactly best practice — upgraded to that card from its little sister, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

(When you upgrade instead of applying fresh, you don’t usually get the welcome offer.)

The good news? That left today-me eligible for the current (tasty) welcome offer — and I’m working on it now. 🥳

Like April, I’m putting some house purchases on the card to hit the spend, starting with a dishwasher.

Last time I did this, I turned a new furnace into five free nights at a Parisian hotel (thanks to the welcome offer at the time on the The World of Hyatt Credit Card). 🇫🇷

Aaaand, my next purchases were bike nerd stuff — because nothing helps me decompress after house projects like a long bike ride.

And of course… taking a trip with some freebies.

✈️ Last chance for Companion Pass

Just a quick note for anyone who’s been side-eyeing the current Southwest card offers and thinking, “Hmm… maybe.”

The limited-time offer that includes a Companion Pass through 2/28/27 plus a whole chunk o’ bonus points is wrapping up this week.

If you’ve been considering Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, you might wanna take another look.

Why people like this offer:

• ✈️ Companion Pass, allowing you to bring a friend on Southwest flights for just the taxes and fees
• 🎁 20,000 to 40,000 bonus points, depending on the card
• 💳 Solid earnings on Southwest purchases and everyday categories

Again, there are three different cards with this offer right now.

Check them out and choose your fighter (before it’s too late!).

🫂 Myth-busting these BOGO flights

When people hear about the Companion Pass, they often say things like:

“I don’t have someone who’d travel with me that much.”

Or they assume companion = spouse only.

Let us clarify right quick: Your companion can be literally anyone, and you can change it up to three times per calendar year (in addition to your initial choice).

Since the current offer extends into early 2027, you could technically take seven different people on seven different trips while holding the pass.

Most people probably won’t…

… but if you’re the kind of person who hears that and says, "Challenge accepted," the option is there. 🙋‍♀️

Even if you only change your companion three times in 2026, that could mean:

• A Rocky Mountains hiking trip with your best friend
• A romantic getaway to Hawaii with your partner
• Or a spa weekend in Palm Springs with your cousin

So yeah… that’s like three extra trips (that are essentially free!).

And remember, you don’t have to change companions every time. You can take the same person on unlimited flights.

Southwest also flies to more destinations than many people realize, including international spots (full list here).

The best part?

The price of the second ticket doesn’t matter. There are no blackout dates or other restrictions — and that’s rare in the travel world 🙌

There’s a reason the Companion Pass is so coveted by U.S.-based travelers. It’s an incredible deal that unlocks a world of possibilities.

And we don’t want you to miss out!

➡️ How to actually transfer points

We talk a lot about transfer partners because transferring points to airlines and hotels is usually the best way to get value from your hard-earned points.

But one thing that often trips people up (pun intended 😏) is exactly how to transfer those points.

It’s actually super easy… once you know where to look.

Enter our handy-dandy guide for credit card transfer partners.

Upon recent review, I noticed that most credit card companies don’t list transfer partners under “Travel.” 🤯

You know what’s there instead?

Their travel portal.

They want you to book there. It’s better for them… and they’re going to dangle it like a big shiny carrot.

Luckily, you’ve got some points nerds in your corner.

Take the following example. You’d think under the “Benefits & travel” menu, that you’d hit “Travel” right? Wrong. 🥲

This page is under “Benefits” — with the transfer partner button all the way at the bottom.

Here’s another example. This one’s under “Rewards & Benefits” at the bottom… again.

It’s like an Easter egg hunt, trying to find one of the most important parts of using your rewards card.

The good news: Once you find where to initiate transfers, the process is super simple.

I’ve walked friends and family through it many times, and they all say the same thing:

“That was stupid easy.”

So, here’s your assignment: Find where to initiate transfers on your card’s bank site, then use our guide — we’ll walk you right through it!

I truly can’t wait for you to unlock the power of transfer partners. It’s gonna totally level up your game.

🏆 Reader win of the week

Speaking of leveling up… we love hearing how readers turn this stuff into real trips.

And this is a good one. 😄

During one of our recent live classes, reader Kelly shared this:

“I have been getting the free Daily Drop newsletter for a little while. A few months ago, you told us about a great limited-time offer. So I signed up and got the welcome bonus. Then, I signed up for Pro. You recently sent a 60K-point deal to get to Lisbon in Business Class. I only had 100,000 points and needed two tickets. But then, you told us about a 20% bonus when transferring to Aeroplan, so I did that, all by myself!! Then I bought those 2 business class tickets to Lisbon for $114 in taxes because (with the 20% bonus) I had enough points!!”

Two business-class tickets to Lisbon for $114 in taxes. 🤯

Kelly connected the dots, used a transfer bonus, and booked the trip solo.

Absolute legend. 🙌

We host live classes about once a month, covering topics such as finding award flights, transfer partners, and beginner strategies.

We usually mention upcoming classes in the newsletter, and you can also find them posted in the Facebook lounge.

So let us know what trips we’ve helped you book!

It really makes us smile over on our Teams chat (aka our virtual water cooler). Who knows… maybe the next reader win we share will be yours. ✨

Whew! If you’re here, thanks for reading my very first newsletter! 😭

I’m so excited to join the team and nerd out over points and miles with y’all.

For now, I’m preparing for a weird weather day. It’s unseasonably warm right now, but by the evening it’ll be below freezing and snowing.

That’s March in Buffalo, NY, for ya!

Til next time,

Sam AnthonyContent & Compliance Editor, Daily Drop

42°53′11″N 78°52′41″W

With contributions by McKay Moffitt, April Wilson, and Mike Dodge