This view of a gorgeous sunset on an awesome cruise was paid for with Chase Ultimate Rewards points!
For better or worse, I’m a loyal Delta flyer. Delta’s co-branded American Express cards sort of come with that territory. But Chase’s credit cards, however, are starting to pique my interest (especially now that I’m finally dipping under 5/24!) when it comes to actual point accrual and redemption. And their low to no annual fees sure are interesting, too. Continue reading
Discovering a great mileage run deal from your home airport or city is always fantastic.
But what if you live somewhere like Omaha, Bismarck, or Casper — and most of the good runs begin in Chicago, New York, Vegas, or somewhere in California?
Take a positioning trip to wherever your mileage run starts!
While not ideal, it may be your only choice. (Don’t forget Adam at Juicy Miles can personalize an MQM or MQD run for you!)
“But that’s more time and money!” you may fear.
Time, yes.
Money? Maybe not. Or at least, not as much as you think. Using some points and credit card benefits, it can be done. Continue reading
The Flagship Delta Sky Club in SEA
The past year has been brutal. It started with the wildly popular and successful American Express Centurion lounges gutting the value of the clubs by limiting the access to only 3 hours before flight for holders of the Amex Platinum personal (learn more and compare) or business cards (learn more and compare). They also dumped access upon arrival and limited spa access to 1x per visit from unlimited based on availability. The latter two really are the biggest impact and reduction in value for the sizable annual fees the cards charge. Amex really could have made better choices and I feel many have chosen not to renew their cards due to these harsh changes. A mistake IMO because the cards still offer huge value to those who know how to utilize them.
Last week we learned that “The Club” Lounges, that are part of the Priority Pass network, have chosen to copy the horrid Amex Centurion lounge access rules starting 1 September 2019. Continue reading
(©iStock.com/fizkes)
If you’re based in Minneapolis-St. Paul — or travel there — prepare for TSA security line headaches at MSP. Continue reading
Just a quick, friendly reminder to Amex Platinum and Amex Gold cardholders that their monthly credits are now available!
(Photo: ©iStock.com/ceazars)
Need some luggage, a laptop case, or backpack for the upcoming school year? Check your Amex cards for an eBags Amex Offer — and stack with cashback portals! Continue reading
Monday’s post about airline gift cards no longer (reliably) crediting back as part of Amex Platinum and Amex Gold airline incidentals wasn’t happy news for most people. Continue reading
$50 Delta.com Gift card credit seems really DEAD now sad to say!
Well, this stinks. At the first of the year (as I have year, after year, after year – after year) I tested buying with a computer Delta e-gift cards for my Amex Platinum Cards (learn more here) travel credit rebate. I did this for a number of reasons. First, I tend to fly Delta a lot and it is nice to lock in the credits because Delta gift cards never expire (you just have to track them yourself – no way to save them on Delta.com). I could choose another airline for credit (that still works with gift cards) but why when this works.
My new cards over the past few months!
I started getting reader reports that at some point during 2019 this long, long, long term way of locking in value died. So I tested early in June with a new Amex Platinum card (learn more here) and… Yep… It worked just fine. This is in spite of the T&C from Amex about what qualifies:
“Statement Credits: Incidental air travel fees must be charged to the Card Member on the eligible Card Account for the benefit to apply. Incidental air travel fees charged by both the Basic and Additional Card Members on the eligible Card Account are eligible for statement credits. However, each Card Account is eligible for up to a total of $200 per calendar year in statement credits across all Cards on the Account. Incidental air travel fees must be separate charges from airline ticket charges. Fees not charged by the Card Member’s airline of choice (e.g. wireless internet and fees incurred with airline alliance partners) do not qualify for statement credits. Incidental air travel fees charged prior to selection of a qualifying airline are not eligible for statement credits. Airline tickets, upgrades, mileage points purchases, mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, duty free purchases, and award tickets are not deemed to be incidental fees. The airline must submit the charge under the appropriate merchant code, industry code, or required service or product identifier for the charge to be recognized as an incidental air travel fee. Please allow 2-4 weeks after the qualifying incidental air travel fee is charged to your Card Account for statement credit(s) to be posted to the Account. We rely on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions, so please call the number on the back of the Card if statement credits have not posted after 4 weeks from the date of purchase. Card Members remain responsible for timely payment of all charges. To be eligible for this benefit, Card Account(s) must be not canceled and not past due at the time of statement credit fulfillment.” – From Amex (bold mine)
And when I posted my reconfirmed post a number of readers reported in the comments section of the post they also had success with getting the credit just as I have. But reports, over the past month, have kept coming in that it is now REALLY dead for good. So I re-re-tested.
If you take a look at the screenshot above you will see that my $50 charge from this month, July, has yet to credit (normally it only takes a few days). Grrr…. That stinks!
What I take from this is this: Buying Delta gift cards for the yearly credit may be really dead now — or it may just be a tech hiccup that goes away. Either way, it is no longer a confirmed and a reliable option year after year as it has been for the better part of a decade. So what now.
If you again look at my statement screenshot above you will notice a few credits. These are from the fees from booking an award ticket. That, also as it has for many, many years, is working. Will it keep working? Who knows – but it should. That is how I will now use my credits. But what else should work with Delta?
These should still work in Sky Clubs!
Do note I did not call Amex to see about manually having the credit issued now that it no longer posts. It could work but I really don’t want to go that route (bad things can happen when you call). So, have I missed anything? Are there other Delta related charges you have received credit for that I have missed in my list above? Let us know in the comments below! – René
Learn more about The Platinum Card from American Express.
Lots of money is spent not only on American Express cards — but within AmEx itself.
In fact, a record amount of spending.
Are cardholders going to be on the hook for AmEx’s growing expenses?
Any plans to travel late this summer or fall? Booking flights and hotels for winter travel season yet? Well, now is the time start earning enrollment bonuses — and use credit cards points to book holiday travel. Here are some of the best travel credit cards and cashback card welcome bonuses available right now!
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is great for several reasons.
Not to mention, you’ll receive access to the Luxury Resort & Hotel Collection — whose benefits include:
If you used Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts in Las Vegas, keep in mind Sin City FHR properties no longer offer resort credit. The Chase Sapphire Preferred — whose annual fee is almost 80% less than the Platinum Card from American Express Platinum (learn more) and Business Platinum Card from American Express OPEN (learn more) scores you more luxury hotel benefits for much cheaper.
Remember that Ultimate Rewards earned through the Chase Sapphire Preferred can be pooled with those from other Chase cards (such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom).
Learn more and read a review about the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Miles earned through the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (learn more and read a review of this card) can be used with any airline or hotel.
The annual fee is waived the first year. Beginning year two, it’s $95 annually. If you take advantage of the card’s $100 Global Entry credit, you’re not really out of pocket for any annual fees until year three. (If the annual fee really is deal-breaker, check out and consider the Capital One VentureOne credit card.)
You’ll earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3000 on the card within three months of being approved.
Each dollar spent — no matter what category — earns two miles. Except for that hefty 10 points per dollar on Hotels.com purchases booked through Venture’s portal.
Learn more and read a review about the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
What?! Why is a Southwest credit card being recommended on a site that focuses on Delta stuff?!
Simple: its welcome bonus is lucrative for the minimum spend required. You’ll earn 40,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending only $1000 within three months of being approved. Not to mention its annual travel credit makes the card worth more than lower annual fee cards.
The card has a $149 fee — but comes with a $75 Southwest annual travel credit. Essentially, that reduces your “out of pocket” to $74 (assuming you use the travel credit). That basically makes this card $25 cheaper than the lower annual fee Southwest Premier Card — which does not have any travel credit.
Not to mention, you’re annually gifted 7,500 anniversary points starting year two. Just because Southwest and Chase LUV having you as a cardmember.
You’ll also enjoy these additional benefits not available on the other Southwest consumer cards:
The only thing I don’t like about this card are its earnings:
(Seems someone took a page out of the Delta Amex playbook.)
Business-owners: check out the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card — and combine those miles with the Southwest Premier Card to earn yourself a cool 100,000 Rapid Rewards points — which almost qualifies you for A-list status.
Special note to Los Angeles-area travelers on short hops (i.e. Las Vegas, Bay Area, Phoenix, Sacramento, etc): get this card and fly Southwest out of Burbank until construction at LAX is done. Whenever that will be.
Read a review and learn more about the Southwest Premier Card!
The Platinum Card from American Express (personal version).
I know, I know. I griped about the scaling back of Vegas FHR benefits in my section about the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. But if FHR isn’t a big deal to you, consider The Platinum Card from American Express.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points using your new card to make $5,000 in purchases within three months of being approved. Certainly, the highest minimum spend requirement of the bunch we’ll discuss today. Thewelcome bonus isn’t fantastic — but the card’s benefits are.
Points can be transferred to a number of airlines such as Delta, Aeromexico, Air France/KLM, Cathay Pacific, ANA and more.
The annual fee is also fairly steep: $550. But this card is loaded with perks — taking advantage of them pretty much offsets the fee. (Active duty military and spouses: Amex waives annual fees for you.)
So right there is $525 in annual savings.
The Amex Platinum offers a plethora of airport lounge access — with complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages. In other words, stop paying for airport meals and cocktails where there’s a lounge!
Charge Card
Keep in mind The Platinum Card from American Express (learn more) is a charge card — not a credit card.
Read a review of and learn more about The Platinum Card from American Express.
I swore I’d never get this card (SPOILER ALERT: I did) because, like René and many other travelers, I was upset when IHG majorly devalued the previous card’s yearly anniversary free night at any IHG property worldwide. They’ve since capped the redemption to properties that are 40,000 points and less.
So why did I get this card? The welcome bonus and second anniversary night. Receive 80,000 IHG points after you spend $2000 during the first three months of holding the card. Plus, a hotel room for $89 (the card’s annual fee) is still a good deal. (Note the anniversary night kicks in year two. But you can have some good with the 80,000 welcome bonus points until then)
The card’s complimentary Platinum elite status has scored me a hospitality suite, some minor room upgrades, and plenty of early check-ins and check-outs.
And the card comes with a $100 Global Entry credit every four years.
Again, I hold this card because I received a great welcome bonus — and I also value the anniversary night.
If you hold the old/now-defunct IHG Rewards Club, pool that card’s anniversary night with the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card‘s. You’re essentially getting hotel night each year for a total of $138.
Read a review of and learn more about the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card.
Most of us aren’t fans that Marriott torpedoed its own loyalty program. So why is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Signature Credit Card on our list? It offers a nice welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases during the first three months of being approved.
The card’s $95 annual fee can still score you a discounted room with its anniversary night (good at properties up to 35,000 points) that triggers during year two. The card also bestows you complimentary Silver status with Bonvoy.
So the earnings are fairly meh (certainly better than a few other cards). But a nice hotel room for $95 a year is certainly with considering.
Read a review of and learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Signature Credit Card
(Photo credit: ©iStock.com/Maximusnd)
I know several people who like travel cards — but prefer cashback options. Here are a few with great bonus category earings and noteworthy welcome bonuses.
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card (learn more)
You’ll earn a $250 statement credit after spending $1000 on purchases within three months of being approved.
Check out these bonus categories:
The $95 annual fee is easily offset if you spend at least $1600 a year between U.S. supermarkets and streaming services.
Read a review of and learn more about the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
In addition to an easily met — and generous — welcome bonus, the US Bank Cash Plus Visa Signature Card lets you pick two categories in which you earn 5% back!
When you spend just $500 in the first three months of being approved, you’ll earn $150 cashback!
Another plus (no pun intended) no annual fee!
The US Bank Cash Plus Visa Signature Card rewards you 5% back on your first $2000 spent each quarter on two of the below categories:
Earn 2% back on a below category of your choosing:
Everything else earns you 1% cashback.
I really like what people can do with this card: tons of earning potential and no annual fee.
Read a review of and learn more about the US Bank Cash Plus Visa Signature Card!
Another no annual fee cash back card and easy welcome bonus: $150 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within three months of being approved.
Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories you activate each quarter. The rotating categories include:
Other eligible purchases earn unlimited 1% cash back.
You can redeem your cash back for several options:
Read a review of and learn more about the Chase Freedom card!
Learn more about the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Yet another no annual fee card with a simple welcome bonus: $150 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within three months of being approved.
Bonus Categories
Read a review of and learn more about the Capital One SaverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.
There you have it! We’ll profile some of these cards in-depth in the coming weeks and also update our list in August.
Looking for something but don’t see it here? Remember to check out a full array of travel rewards and cashback cards!
–Chris
(Photo credit: ©iStock.com/IcemanJ)
A special offer through Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) makes right now a prime time for Platinum Card from American Express (read about this card) cardholders to use the card’s Saks Fifth Avenue semi-annual $50 benefit. Continue reading
Welcome to a regular feature on the Renés Points blog. This blog series covers in a “rookie” way either a Delta or travel related theme and attempts to break down to a basic level each topic. You can read up on all the previous posts HERE. Now on to this featured topic.
Wait – NOOOO – Not Q fare Delta!
One of the hands down best ways to rack up a boatload of points (and MQDs credit) with Delta is via their partners. However, one great partner AeroMexico, is notorious for sending over the WRONG fare class information to Delta often due to Y-UP fares (#ProTip – Want a custom mileage run from your home airport? We have a team ready to help you).
But take a gander at the screenshot above from the Delta.com page about requesting missing credits. I was waiting for one of this year’s AeroMexico runs to post and wanted to hurry it along. Thankfully, I looked closely and did not take it to the next step. Why? Notice the indicated fare class in the screenshot? Yep – “Q” – when I had flown and paid for “I”. The difference between the two fare classes in earnings is MASSIVE. So I just waited and the correct numbers did post. This is one simple “don’t” but let’s look at some others today.
These are my major “don’ts” when it comes to being a frequent Delta flyer. I bet I have left a few out and sharp readers can help us out. Are there other Delta don’ts that you always cringe when people do? Please let us know in the comments below! – René
Fresh off posting about the Delta Amex Offer with ten strings attached, we found what appears to be a “compliant” mileage run! Continue reading
During the long, holiday weekend, American Express released an Amex Offer for Delta flights: spend $200, get $40 back. But be wary of almost a dozen disqualifiers.
Click to see terms and conditions.
I received the offer on my Platinum Card from American Express (learn more). My American Express Gold Card (learn more) and Business Platinum Card (learn more) from American Express OPEN did not receive the offer. (Which is fine because my personal Platinum card earns 5x Membership Rewards points on flights purchased directly through Delta!)
So before you buy gift cards, treat seatmates to rounds of cocktails and Flight Fuel on a flight to anywhere, or guest your family into a Sky Club, read these little caveats.
So if you’re looking for a reason to visit one of those three cities, here’s the perfect opportunity! (And possibly a way to save money on a Delta Medallion status match!)
If your home airport is one of those three, it appears a roundtrip to anywhere someplace than the other two does not qualify. For example, if you fly from Boston, only roundtrips to Seattle or Raleigh-Durham will be eligible for the credit. (Doctor of Credit reports there’s another offer from BOS, RDU or SEA to any airport in the USA.)
What’s up with those three destinations? Delta recently crowned Boston its newest hub. Raleigh-Durham is a Delta “focus city.” And I’m pretty sure Delta just wants to crush Alaska Airlines in Seattle.
However —
We’ll see if there are any good Elite Mileage Runs to any of these three cities. (Because there are so many restrictions to this Amex Offer, consider contacting our friend Adam to customize a trip for you!)
We found a mileage run that appears to work with the Amex Offer restrictions!
Hat tip: Points, Miles, and Martinis. (Which, coincidentally, are three wonderful things!)
(Photo credit: ©iStock.com/d25higgins)
American Express appears to have eliminated a key perk of Fine Hotels & Resorts in Las Vegas: no more $100 resort credit. But a much cheaper credit card is here to save us! Continue reading
