Hey MileValue readers! It's been a little while, and the world looks more than a little different since the last time we spoke. Things are looking different for this website as well, with new ownership and a new era on the horizon.

When COVID-19 started to spread across North America in March--and the pandemic took hold--things behind the scenes for us shifted quickly and drastically, as they did for many businesses.

Six shopping portals are offering large bonuses for Apple purchases, but the deal only lasts through today, June 15. If you were already considering buying something from Apple, check out your options to earn extra rewards below.

The offers below have expired.

In response to the economic downturn, American Express is now allowing six months instead of the usual three months to meet minimum spending requirements for welcome offers on their credit cards.

The following are Amex's words:

"Due to the impact of COVID-19, for eligible Card accounts approved from December 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020 for which you are eligible for a welcome offer, the period to make eligible purchases to earn your welcome bonus will be extended for an additional 3 months. Eligible Cards are U.S.

COVID-19 is changing daily life, pretty drastically, for everyone right now. At MileValue we are trying to adapt to the current climate by discounting our already existing services as well as offering a new one: assistance changing and canceling your upcoming flight.

Award Booking Service 30% OFF

MileValue is offering our Award Booking Service 30% off for all requests made by April 15.

Right now is not the time to travel unless it is absolutely essential. We all must play our part by social distancing at the very least and staying home when possible.

UPDATED 6/23/20

I hope all of you and your loved ones are coping during this trying time. Whether you're hunkering down at home with work or study, or are still needed in public as a healthcare professional or otherwise essential employee, I wish you all good health and peace of mind.

Below I will go into detail on the current policies for the top five US airlines (defined by passengers carried).

I am currently staying about 20 minutes north of a town called San Martin de Los Andes, which is located in the lake region of Argentine Patagonia. San Martin, as locals refer to it, is a fly fishing hub nestled alongside Lácar Lake, surrounded by the Andes and not far from Argentina's border with Chile. Hiking and backpacking options are plentiful with Argentina's version of the Appalachian trail, the Huella Andina, spreading out in either direction north and south.

Andrew Chen and I recently talked ins and outs of the miles and points world on his podcast, Hack Your Wealth. The recording was published today. Listen to it on his site, linked above, or directly from MileValue via Spotify, below.

There is a targeted offer available through creditcards.com’s CardMatch Tool for 100,000 Membership Rewards for spending $6,000 on your new The Platinum Card® from American Express within 6 months of account opening. This 100k offer resurfaces periodically. It is worth checking again if you weren’t targeted the last time as they target different rounds of customers each time.

A 100,000 bonus makes this a can't-miss card for just about anyone.

Uruguay is a gem of a country that's under the radar for the typical American. My attention was drawn to it years ago when I relocated to Buenos Aires, as Uruguay and Argentina share a border and river delta.

One of the most valuable benefits of the Platinum Card from American Express is its $200 per year--calendar year--of incidental travel fee credits. You get a couple other credits as well this month, at least another $85 worth of Saks Merchandise + Uber credit, that would be a shame to forget about.