United is making some major updates to their portfolio of Chase cards.Whether the changes are positive or negative depend on what features you’re optimizing for, and which of the new credits you can use.
At a short glance:
For these increases, the cards are getting credits. We’ll focus on the ones that are relatively direct, rather than tied to aggressive spends (i.e., get $100 for $10,000 spend isn’t really relevant for many) or to more niche features (i.e., United FareLock).
Here’s the snapchat, but check the terms and conditions below since they’re critical to how the credits work:
Despite the annual fee increases, if you liked and benefited from the prior iteration from the card, they’ll probably still make sense.
Scenario:
You previously had and got value from the United Quest℠ Card
The annual fee went from $250 to $350 and the baseline features stayed the same. Is it worth the extra $100?
With that, let’s do a deep dive on the cards and changes for each.
This card effectively stayed the same, but with 2 changes.
You can earn 2 checked bags on United®- or United Express®-operated flights after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year.
You do NOT unlock the perk, like you get with other cards! Instead, you earn certificates which are once-use.
Given this, I don’t think this perk is worth chasing. If you need checked bags, just grab one of the other cards. Even better, it’s a long-term benefit rather than certificates.
Previously, you received member pricing on award redemptions just by holding the card.
Now, you’ll need to spend $10,000 in a calendar year for member pricing.
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This is visible when doing a search for flights and are usually in the 10% range.
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The cardmember discount also applies for partner award availability through United.
For example, this is ANA Business Class from SFO to HND where you have a 9% discount.
Given how powerful this benefit can be, it’s a good argument for The New United℠ Explorer Card.
The annual fee increased from: $0 for 1st year, then $95 to $0 for 1st year, then $150. Long-term, it went from $95 to $150 (increase of $55 or 57.9%). Despite this change, you’re getting a ton of credits.
Every calendar year, when you spend $20,000 on your United℠ Explorer Card, you’ll unlock a 10,000-mile discount on an award flight. Think of it as a little bonus for putting regular spend on the card.
I value United miles at 1.2 cents per mile, so 10,000 * 1.2 CPM = $120 in value.
$120 for $20,000 spend is a nice boost (0.6% extra value), but relatively immaterial.
I don’t think it’s worth chasing, unless you’re naturally putting the spend on the card.
Each calendar year, after you spend $10,000 on your United℠ Explorer Card, you'll get a $100 United® TravelBank credit. It’s basically $100 you can use toward future United® or United Express® flights.
$100 value for $10,000 spend is an extra 1% for that spend. It’s fine but immaterial.
Each anniversary year, you can get up to $100 back in statement credits for hotel bookings through United® Hotels. Just use your United℠ Explorer Card to prepay—United gives you $50 back on your first and second prepaid stays, for a total of up to $100 in credits.
You can get up to $60 back each year on rideshares with the United℠ Explorer Card. Just enroll, and you'll earn up to $5 back per month as a statement credit when you use your card on eligible rideshare purchases. Keep in mind, you’ll need to opt in every calendar year to unlock this perk.
Each anniversary year, you can earn up to $50 in United® TravelBank credits when you book car rentals through United. You’ll get $25 back in TravelBank cash on both your first and second Avis or Budget rental, as long as you book through cars.united.com and pay with your United℠ Explorer Card.
Every anniversary year, you can get up to $100 back as a statement credit when you book flights directly with JSX using your United℠ Explorer Card. JSX is a semi-private jet service that blends private jet vibes with commercial pricing. Just book direct and pay with your card to start earning back.
Get a 3-month Instacart+ membership with unlimited deliveries and $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. After the trial, you’ll be auto-enrolled in a discounted annual plan—25% off the regular price. Just a heads up: service fees still apply, and the perk ends on 12/31/27.
You can get up to $120 back each year on Instacart with your United℠ Explorer Card. Just use your card to make purchases directly through Instacart, and you’ll get a $10 statement credit each month. This perk runs through 12/31/27—terms apply.
In the past, this could be shared with others. Now, the cardmember or authorized user needs to be present for redemptions. This makes sense since it was being sold on marketplaces, and should help mitigate crowding in lounges.
This perk is going away starting Aug 1, 2025.
The annual fee increased from $250 to $350 (increase of $100 or 40%).
Along with the new credits, the prior features are now easier to use.
Get $200 in United® TravelBank cash each year—automatically. You'll receive it once after opening your account and again every year on your account anniversary. You can use it toward future flights operated by United® or United Express®.
Starting on your first anniversary, you'll also unlock an annual 10,000-mile discount on an eligible award flight. It’s a nice bonus for keeping the card long-term and booking flights with your miles.
Earn a 10,000-mile discount on an award flight each calendar year when you spend $20,000 on your United Quest℠ Card.
Not worth chasing unless you’re organically putting spend on the card.
After you hit $40,000 in annual spend on the United Quest℠ Card, you’ll earn 2 global Economy Plus® seat upgrades. That means more legroom on your next United® or United Express® flight—without paying extra.
Again, not worth chasing given the tremendous spend requirements, especially since upgrades aren’t even for business class.
Each anniversary year, you can get up to $150 back as a statement credit when you prepay your stay through Renowned Hotels and Resorts with your United Quest℠ Card. It’s a nice way to save on luxury stays booked through United’s hotel platform.
You can also get up to $100 back annually on rideshare purchases. Just enroll and use your United Quest℠ Card to earn $8 back per month from January to November, and up to $12 in December. Opt-in is required every year to keep this benefit active.
Each anniversary year, you can get up to $80 in United® TravelBank cash when you rent from Avis or Budget. You’ll earn $40 back on both your first and second rental—just make sure to book through cars.united.com and pay with your United Quest℠ Card.
You can also earn up to $150 back as a statement credit each year when you book flights directly with JSX using your United Quest℠ Card. JSX offers a semi-private flying experience at commercial prices, making it a unique way to travel. Learn more at united.com/JSX.
Starting in 2026, you’ll get a 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year to help you qualify for Premier® status—up to Premier 1K®. These Premier qualifying points (PQP) will be added to your MileagePlus account 6 to 8 weeks after February 1, as long as your card is open on December 31 of the prior year and still open when the PQP are applied.
You can earn up to 18,000 Premier® qualifying points (PQP) per calendar year by using your United Quest℠ Card. You’ll get 1 PQP for every $20 spent, making your regular spending go further toward elite status.
With your United Quest℠ Card, you’ll get a 3-month complimentary Instacart+ membership. That includes unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. After the trial, you’ll be enrolled at 50% off the regular annual rate. Service fees apply, and benefits run through 12/31/27.
You can earn up to $180 in Instacart credits each year. Just use your United Quest℠ Card on purchases made directly through Instacart to get one $10 and one $5 credit each month. Terms apply, and this benefit also ends on 12/31/27.
Outside of the annual fee increase, all the features actually got better.
For example, the “10,000-mile award flight discount” you receive every cardmember anniversary is now useable in 1 booking.
In the past, it was broken down as two 5,000 mile award flight redemptions.
The annual fee went up from $525 to $695 (increase of $170 or 32.4%).
At the same time, the card is getting a ton of credits (that previously didn’t exist!) to help offset the fee. In the past, you were paying a big fee with little to no credits.
There are changes to the United Club℠ membership that might impact whether it still makes sense, but it’s still better than buying the membership directly.
As a United Club℠ Infinite Card Primary Cardmember, you’ll get a full United Club membership—valued at $750 or more. That includes access to 45+ United Club locations around the world, plus you can bring one adult guest and any dependent children traveling with you.
It's a solid perk if you fly United often and want to elevate your airport experience with lounge access, complimentary snacks, drinks, and a quieter place to relax before your flight. For the latest updates on lounge locations, closures, and guest policies, head to united.com/UnitedClub.
With the United Club℠ Infinite Card, you can unlock All Access membership after either reaching Premier® Gold status or spending $50,000 on purchases in a calendar year. This upgraded tier gives you expanded lounge privileges on top of your regular membership benefits.
You’ll be able to bring either two adult guests or one adult guest plus your dependent children under 18 into United Club locations. You’ll also get access to participating Star Alliance™ member lounges for you and your eligible travel companions.
On top of that, your authorized users will receive four one-time United Club passes each year—perfect for occasional lounge access when they travel.
If you have United Club℠ All Access Membership and an authorized user on your account, you’ll receive 4 United Club one-time passes every year on your account anniversary—worth over $200 annually.
You can unlock All Access Membership by either spending $50,000 in a calendar year or earning Premier® Gold status or higher. Each one-time pass allows one person access to a United Club lounge, as long as either you or your authorized user is also entering.
Just note: it can take up to 3 weeks after adding an authorized user before they can use a pass on their own without you present. For the latest lounge info and any temporary closures, check united.com.
You can earn up to 20,000 miles in award flight discounts each year. Spend $20,000 on your United Club℠ Card and get a 10,000-mile discount on an award flight—up to twice a year.
Get up to $200 back in statement credits each anniversary year when you prepay your stay through Renowned Hotels and Resorts using your United Club℠ Card. It’s a nice way to offset the cost of premium hotel bookings.
Earn up to $150 in rideshare credits each year. Just enroll and use your United Club℠ Card to get $12 back monthly from January to November and up to $18 in December. Opt-in is required each calendar year.
You’ll also get up to $100 in United® TravelBank cash per year when you rent cars from Avis or Budget. Just book through cars.united.com and pay with your United Club℠ Card to get $50 back on your first and second rentals.
Book JSX flights directly with your United Club℠ Card and earn up to $200 back each anniversary year. JSX gives you a semi-private flight experience at commercial prices—learn more at united.com/JSX.
Starting in 2026, you’ll receive 1,500 Card Bonus PQP every year, just for holding the card. PQP counts toward Premier® status, up to Premier 1K®, and will be deposited into your account 6–8 weeks after February 1—if your card is open at year-end and still active when the points are applied.
You can also earn up to 28,000 Premier® qualifying points annually by putting spend on your United Club℠ Card. You’ll earn 1 PQP for every $15 you spend, making it easier to climb the elite status ladder.
You’ll get complimentary Instacart+ membership with unlimited $0 delivery fee on eligible orders. Service fees still apply, and the benefit runs through 12/31/27.
And finally, you’ll earn up to $240 in Instacart credits each year—two $10 credits each month—just for using your United Club℠ Card on Instacart purchases. Terms apply and this benefit also ends 12/31/27.
Most of the downsides is related to the United Club℠ membership itself, rather than the card.
United charged $650 for the standard membership. You were allowed either two adult guests OR one adult guest and unlimited dependent children under 21. This also includes access to Star Alliance lounge and Star Alliance partner lounges.
There’s now two tiers. Individual Membership is $750 annually. There are NO discounts for this level, even if you have elite status (yes, even if you have Global Services!).
Individual membership includes access for you only. Guests can buy one-time passes for $59.
This now does NOT include access to Star Alliance lounge and Star Alliance partner lounges.
This level is pretty much what the old membership was and will run you $1,400 annually (with discounts depending on elite status).
All Access includes access for you and 2 adult guests OR 1 adult and unlimited dependent children under 18.
This also includes access to Star Alliance lounge and Star Alliance partner lounges.
Even though it’s worse then before, it’s still better than the current alternative of buying the United Club℠ membership separately:
If you’re spending towards status, then this is a great way to unlock All Access.
The annual fee jumped from $95 to $150 (a $55 or 57.9% increase). The card is getting a ton of new features and credits.
Get $125 in United® TravelBank cash each calendar year after you make five United® flight purchases of $100 or more. It’s a simple way to get value back if you're booking with United regularly.
When you spend $25,000 on the card in a calendar year, you’ll unlock two Economy Plus® seat upgrades for travel within the continental U.S. That means more legroom on your next United® or United Express® flight—without paying extra.
Not worth chasing to me unless your business is naturally spending this much on the card.
You can also get up to $25 back each year when you use your card to purchase FareLock on a United- or United Express®-operated flight. FareLock lets you hold your fare for 3, 7, or 14 days so your price doesn’t go up while you finalize your plans. For more details, check out united.com/FareLock.
Each anniversary year, you can get up to $100 back in United® Hotels credits. Just prepay your first two hotel stays directly through United® Hotels and pay with your United℠ Business Card—you’ll earn $50 back on each one.
You can also get up to $100 in rideshare credits every year. After enrolling, you’ll receive $8 back each month from January through November, plus up to $12 in December when you use your card on eligible rideshare purchases. Opt-in is required annually.
When you rent a car from Avis or Budget through cars.united.com and pay with your United℠ Business Card, you’ll get up to $50 in United® TravelBank cash each year—$25 back on your first and second rentals.
Flying JSX? You can get up to $100 back in statement credits every anniversary year when you book JSX flights directly with your United℠ Business Card. JSX offers semi-private flights at commercial prices—more details at united.com/JSX.
For Premier® status seekers, you’ll earn 1 PQP for every $20 spent on your United℠ Business Card, up to 4,000 PQP per year. That’s a solid boost toward elite status just for putting regular spend on the card.
Plus, enjoy a 3-month complimentary Instacart+ membership with free delivery on eligible orders. After that, you’ll be automatically enrolled at 25% off the annual rate.
You can also earn up to $120 in Instacart credits annually—$10 back per month when you use your card directly through Instacart. These benefits end 12/31/27.
In the past, these passes could be freely shared or gifted to others. Now, either the primary cardmember or an authorized user has to be present to use them.
It makes sense—people were flipping these on resale sites, and this change should help cut down on overcrowding in lounges.
This has the biggest dollar jump from $450 to $695 (an increase of $245 or 54.4%).
In the past, this was a cheaper way for business owners to get access to a United Club℠ membership. With the new credits, it’s arguably even more affordable and a better deal.
As the primary cardholder, you’ll get full United Club℠ membership—a benefit valued at $750 or more. This gives you access to 45+ United Club locations around the world, and you can bring one adult guest plus your dependent children. For lounge hours, guest policies, or any temporary closures, check united.com/UnitedClub.
You can unlock All Access membership after either spending $50,000 in a calendar year or reaching Premier® Gold status. This expands your lounge access to include two adult guests (or one adult and your dependent kids under 18) at all United Clubs, plus entry into participating Star Alliance™ lounges when flying internationally. You'll also get four one-time United Club passes each year tied to your employee cards.
If you have both All Access membership and at least one employee card on your account, you’ll receive four one-time lounge passes annually on your account anniversary. That’s over $200 in added value—great for team members or occasional guests.
Just a heads-up: the rules have tightened a bit. These passes used to be shareable, but now either you or an employee cardholder needs to be present when they’re used. After adding an employee card, expect a short wait—about three weeks—before they can use a pass solo.
After you spend $40,000 in a calendar year on your United Club℠ Business Card, you’ll earn 2 global Economy Plus® seat upgrades. That means extra legroom on any United- or United Express®-operated flight—no matter where you're headed.
You can also get up to $50 back each year when you use your card to purchase FareLock on United. FareLock lets you hold a fare for 3, 7, or 14 days at a fixed price so you have time to finalize your plans without worrying about a price jump. More details at united.com/FareLock.
Each anniversary year, you’ll get up to $200 in statement credits when you prepay for hotel stays through Renowned Hotels and Resorts with your United Club℠ Business Card. A nice rebate if you’re booking premium properties through United’s portal.
You can also earn up to $150 back in rideshare credits every year. Once you opt in, you’ll get $12 back per month from January through November, and up to $18 in December—just for using your United Club℠ Business Card on eligible rides.
For rental cars, you’ll get up to $100 in United® TravelBank credits each year when you book Avis or Budget rentals through cars.united.com and pay with your card—$50 for your first and second bookings.
If you’re flying JSX, you get up to $200 back each year when you book JSX flights directly using your United Club℠ Business Card. JSX gives you a semi-private flying experience at commercial fares. Learn more at united.com/JSX.
You’ll also earn 1 Premier® Qualifying Point (PQP) for every $15 you spend, up to 28,000 PQP per year. These can be applied toward Premier status all the way up to Premier 1K®.
You’ll get complimentary Instacart+ membership with unlimited $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. Service fees still apply, and the benefit runs through 12/31/27.
You earn up to $240 in Instacart credits each year—two $10 credits every month—just for using your United Club℠ Business Card directly through Instacart. Terms apply, and this benefit ends 12/31/27.
Most of the drawbacks come down to the United Club℠ membership itself — not the card.
Like I mentioned in the negative section for the United Club℠ Card, I think it’s still the best option, given the current alternatives.
The benefit of the business card though, is that it’s typically easier to have high spend, especially for things like inventory or ad spend.
This makes the $50,000 requirement to unlock All Access a lot easier to reach.
Another added benefit for business owners is the tax treatment of annual fees from business credit cards, which makes it net cheaper.
Recently, the Wall Street Journal dropped a bombshell about the Bilt Mastercard®, a credit card that allows users to earn points on rent payments without transaction fees. Wells Fargo, Bilt's bank partner, is experiencing significant financial losses due to this partnership, and there are concerns about whether the contract will be renewed.
In 2022, Bilt launched with a simple premise: to help people earn points on rent payments without incurring transaction fees. This concept was familiar to some, reminiscent of options like RadPad, which charged a 2.99% fee.
The Bilt Card appealed to credit card users as it could help earn points on a category that was otherwise dismissed, for no additional cost. Despite initial skepticism, the card gained traction.
Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points. See the Bilt Mastercard® rates and fees here: https://www.asksebby.com/rates/bilt
Ankur Jain founded Bilt in 2019, initially partnering with Evolve Bank before moving to Wells Fargo to scale the business. This transition highlighted a common fintech strategy: partnering with traditional banks for their user acquisition and interface capabilities.
Despite Wells Fargo's initial enthusiasm, the financial losses have been substantial. The bank is losing as much as $10 million every month on the program, mainly from savvy customers who maximize the card's benefits without carrying balances.
Wells Fargo anticipated that the card would attract younger customers who could eventually be cross-sold other banking products like mortgages. However, these projections have not materialized. The goal of cross-selling fell flat as Wells Fargo pulled back from mortgage lending.
Additionally, the card's economics didn't hold up as expected: only 35% of the spend was non-rent, and the expected interest from carried balances was significantly lower than projected.
Ankur Jain, CEO of Bilt, responded to the Wall Street Journal's report, clarifying that Wells Fargo's losses are primarily acquisition costs.
He emphasized that the Bilt Card's primary users are young professionals in major cities, often with high incomes. Customers that would otherwise cost competitors a lot more money to acquire than what Wells Fargo is paying Bilt.
Given the financial strain, I see a few ways this situation could be address:
From my perspective, the best approaches might be to pay Bilt less for rent payments or to increase the number of required swipes. These options could balance the financials without alienating customers.
This would address one of the primary issues (more everyday purchases) without causing too much friction.
This situation presents a complex challenge for both Bilt and Wells Fargo. The future of their partnership (post-2029) will depend on finding a sustainable financial model that benefits both parties.
If you're considering diversifying your credit card portfolio, explore options like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® or the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, both offering competitive intro bonuses and solid benefits.
Act fast! Park Hyatt Niseko just opened up award space for the end of January 2025! If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, this is one of the best redemptions. ⛷️
Side note: if you're not into skiing, there's wide open availability for the rest of 2024 for 35,000 points/night. Great for hiking or enjoying nature before the ski season!
Niseko offers some of the best skiing in the world and awesome if you’re looking for fresh, dry powder, with heavy snowfall. They even have a term for it — JAPOW — Japan Powder!
The retail price for 3 nights is about ¥600,000 (~$4,233 USD).
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Even with a favorable exchange rate, you're looking at ~$1,400 / night.
Retail
$1,400 / 45,000 Hyatt = 3.1 cents per point
My hurdle rate (how much value I need to get before using them) for flexible / Hyatt points is 2 cents per point, and this is a great redemption.
I’m generally happy to pay upwards of $1,000 per night for 5-star ski hotels (for example, we paid out of pocket for The Chedi at Andermatt).
Would Pay
$1,000 / 45,000 Hyatt = 2.2 cents per point
YMMV, but a great booking in my book :)
The Park Hyatt is nestled on the Hanazono side of Niseko, which is great for intermediate and advanced skiers — tons of reds (~blues in the U.S.) and backcountry options for this ski area.
It’s not a bad option for beginners either, but you might be stuck on the same few runs!
You can watch the in-depth reviews of the Park Hyatt Niseko on the Sebby Fung and Mandy Roams channels. I also made a Niseko ski guide video about what to expect on the slopes.
Dreaming of seeing Taylor Swift live, without paying the outrageous prices on the secondary market? Capital One just dropped exclusive access to the Eras Tour!
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Capital One is giving eligible Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders exclusive access to purchase tickets for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Miami, New Orleans, and Indianapolis.
Look for the email subject line "Venture X access to Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour."
This is a limited-time offer, so let's dive into the details.
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If you're a Swiftie with a Venture X card, this is a no-brainer. The exclusive access could mean better seats and less competition compared to general sales. Even if you're not a huge fan, these tickets could be valuable for resale (though I don't encourage this practice).For those without a Venture X card, it's probably too late to apply just for this offer. But it's worth noting for future promotions – the Venture X often comes with perks like this that can offset its annual fee.
This is a solid perk for existing Venture X cardholders who are Taylor Swift fans. Remember, time is of the essence – you only have until September 11 to register.
Even if you're on the fence, I'd recommend registering. You can always decide later if you want to purchase tickets.
Delta Airlines and American Express have reintroduced the limited-edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, following positive feedback from their initial launch in 2022.
The card is crafted from metal sourced from retired Delta Boeing 747 aircraft, featuring a cloud-white glossy finish. Available for a limited period from April 25 to June 5, 2024, the card aims to appeal to aviation enthusiasts by incorporating a piece of aviation history.
Enhanced travel benefits accompany the card's release, enriching the overall travel experience for Delta loyalists.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. See Rates & Fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. See Rates & Fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
If you're an existing Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card cardholder, you can login to your American Express account and request the new design.
Go to Account Services and click on Card Management.
Order a replacement card and select "I want to change my Card's design."
Select the Boeing 747 design for the replacement card.
The next step is to enter the 3-digit CSC on your existing card.
After you verify the number, you'll get a confirmation screen and an expected date for the replacement card.
Act fast! For a limited time, if you have Delta SkyMiles Medallion status, you can status match to JetBlue Mosaic.
JetBlue is only accepting the first 30,000 applications or until 10/31/23, whichever comes first.
After getting Mosaic status, you can keep it until 12/31/2023. To keep this status for the year 2024, you will need to complete a challenge. Enjoy new benefits with your Mosaic status this year.
In the status match form, you'll need to submit screenshots of your Delta status as proof.
Depending on the Delta level you're matching from, you'll enjoy various benefits until December 30, 2023. You'll need to complete additional tasks to keep the status through 2024.
As a Mosaic 1, you'll receive the following Signature Perks:
Plus, you'll enjoy Mint Suite® Priority as your pre-selected Mosaic 1 Perk You Pick.
As a Mosaic 2, you'll receive the following Signature Perks:
Plus, you'll enjoy the Pet Fee Waiver as your pre-selected Mosaic 2 Perk You Pick.
As a Mosaic 3, you'll receive the following Signature Perks:
Plus, you'll enjoy the FoundersCard Blue Membership as your pre-selected Mosaic 3 Perk You Pick.
As a Mosaic 4, you'll receive the following Signature Perks:
Plus, you'll enjoy 15,000 TrueBlue Points as your pre-selected Mosaic 4 Perk You Pick.
All status and perks are valid through 12/30/23, and keeping your status through 2024 is as easy as successfully completing this challenge. This challenge can be completed in one of two ways:
This status match offer is available to a maximum of 30,000 applicants, or until 10/31/2023, whichever comes first. Once the maximum number of applicants is reached, the signup form will no longer be accessible and no additional applicants will be able to register.
MGM Resorts and Hyatt recently announced the end of their strategic partnership, effective September 30, 2023.
We did a quick search for new trademark filings to see if we could find any clues to what's next. Note: these are my predictions, I could be completely wrong :)
On June 13, 2023, MGM filed a trademark for "MGM Collection" relating to hotel accommodation services, restaurant, and bar services.
Could MGM take the Hyatt playbook of partnering with other small boutique hotels?
The more exciting prediction that I hope is happening is that MGM could potentially partner with Marriott Bonvoy. There's a lot of connecting dots.
The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas is part of Marriott Bonvoy, and MGM acquired Cosmopolitan for billions. Despite the sale to MGM, Cosmo was keeping the Mariott partnership.
The Marriott partnership didn't extend to other MGM resorts because of their Hyatt partnership. Could this whole situation be that Marriott and MGM have finalized a partnership?
To me, that's the most interesting outcome because a lot of us also have Marriott status. If that happens, it means that there's still a path to waived resort fees for half The Strip.
On May 9, 2023, Marriott International filed a trademark for "It's In The Cards" related to promoting the sale of credit card accounts through the administration of incentive reward programs.
We'll have to wait and see what's next for MGM Rewards!
Over the weekend, we noticed that Citi recently filed a trademark application for the "Citi Strata Elite." We don't know anything about the new card yet, but we have high hopes that it will be Citi's new luxury travel card.
From what we can gather from the trademark application, it's for the promoting and sale of credit cards. More importantly, "credit card services." This is the same trademark category like the Sapphire Reserve, which makes us have hopes that the new card will be at a similar card tier.
American Express is updating their signup bonus terms and conditions to stop people from gaming the system. The updated terms allow Amex to freeze accounts and claw back bonuses if you break any rules. h/t Flyer Talk
You can find the updated terms and conditions on most of the cards:
"... points will be credited to your Membership Rewards account 8-12 weeks after you have met the purChase requirement. If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with the welcome bonus offer in any way or that you intend to do so (for example, if you applied for one or more cards to obtain a welcome bonus offer (s) that we did not intend for you; if you cancel or downgrade your account within 12 months after acquiring it; or if you cancel or return purchases you made to meet the Threshold Amount), we may not credit Membership Rewards to, we may freeze Membership Rewards credited to, or we may take away Membership Rewards from your account. We may also cancel this Card account and other Card accounts you may have with us.
American Express reserves the right to modify or revoke offer at any time.
Your account must be in good standing and not in default at the time of fulfillment of any offers.
*Qualifying purchases are purchases for goods and services. Qualifying purchases do NOT include fees or interest charges, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, purchases of gift cards; person-to-person payments, or purchases of other cash equivalents. Additional terms and restrictions apply."
There are three main changes:
For all three of these topics, they can either freeze your points, cancel your cards, or claw back the signup bonus. We've seen this in the past with leaked Amex Platinum cards. People who manufactured spend for the leaked link had their signup bonus clawed back and account closed.
The first major change to the terms is that if you apply for a credit card, you have to be targeted for it. If you want to apply for a particular offer, be sure it's not a leaked link.
Don't use links that are not publicly available or not targeted towards you. Most leaked links are only available for a few hours before they're shut down. Last year, there was a leaked link with a 100,000 signup bonus.
All of the offers we talk about on AskSebby are publicly available. Increased offers are okay to use. For example, if we talk about how the Amex SPG card normally has a signup bonus of 25,000 points, and there's an increased offer of 35,000, then this is okay because it's publicly available.
The second change in terms is related to hitting minimum spend. Amex wants you to make real transactions. Some people buy $3,000 in items and refund the items once the bonus posts. Be sure if you do purChase an item and return it, there is enough remaining balance to cover the minimum spend requirement.
The other change in regards to hitting minimum spend is related to gift cards. Amex can see third level data, meaning they can see exactly what you purChased. The main issue is buying Visa gift cards because they are cash equivalents.
If you do a product change or cancel the card before 12 months, they can claw back the bonus. Amex refunds the annual fee if you product change or cancel the card within 30 day of the fee posting.
Don't cancel or downgrade the card until after the second the annual fee hits. For example, if you apply for the Amex Platinum card on July 31, 2017, wait until after July 31, 2018, to cancel or product change the card. In this situation, you can downgrade or product change starting on August 1, 2018.
If you are considering canceling a card, be sure to call the retention line first to see if they can offer points to make the annual fee more reasonable.
Again, you're free to downgrade or cancel after the one year mark. As long as you call within 30 days of the second annual fee posting, they will refund the fee.
These changes seem reasonable and fair because the people who are taking advantage of these loopholes are the ones that are doing it to an extreme. Amex is cracking down on individuals who abuse their programs and benefits.
Each card issuer is different, but I do foresee other banks taking a similar stance to combat people gaming the system. For me, I think it's fine to pay the annual fee during the first year because I only apply for cards that have a generous signup bonus that outweighs the fee.
A recent American Express survey found that 60% of respondents arrive at the airport early to enjoy airport lounges.
In 2023, American Express plans to open a Centurion Lounge on Concourse E at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
The new lounge will be the largest in the Centurion Lounge network– measuring approximately 26,000 square meters with distinctive amenities that passengers will enjoy.
Let's go over the details we've got so far!
The Centurion Network is composed of over 40 locations worldwide. Around 13 of those locations are found across the U.S., including:
The Centurion network also includes International Lounges and Escape Lounges (the Centurion Studio partner).
Amex Centurion Lounges are one of my favorite lounge networks when traveling domestically. They offer amenities like fast Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, an open bar with complimentary wine and drinks, and meals that outperform what you’ll find in most other airport lounges.
The newest lounges, such as the JFK Centurion Lounge in New York City (JFK) and the Centurion Lounge in Denver (DEN), have taken what makes Centurion Lounges unique and elevated it with some local style, signature touches, and plenty of additional space.
The new Centurion lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta, will surpass both the Denver (DEN) Centurion lounge and New York’s Centurion lounge in terms of size and special amenities. Currently, Hartsfield-Jackson features nine Delta Sky Clubs, one United club, one American Admirals Club, and one common-use lounge called The Club ATL on international Concourse F.
The new Atlanta Centurion lounge will be the largest in the world, measuring 26,000 square feet, and will be constructed on top of the existing roof, next to gate E11.
Located in Concourse E between the domestic and international terminals, this new lounge will be accessible from all terminals by The Plane Train or by walking along the Transportation Mall. The lounge will also provide Card Members with travel needs like high-speed Wi-Fi, shower suites, private telephone rooms, private noise-canceling workspaces, and more.
Furthermore, according to American Express, qualified Card Members will receive an authentic taste of Atlanta thanks to unique features such as:
Atlanta is the biggest and busiest airport with approximately 300,000 passengers passing through every day.
The airport is about seven miles south of Downtown Atlanta. From Atlanta International Airport, over 1,000 aircraft services run to numerous international and local destinations. It is also considered Delta Airlines' primary hub. The airport features two terminals and seven concourses, totaling around 195 gates.
Despite the fact that the Delta mega-hub is filled with Sky Clubs, there are few lounge options for passengers traveling with other carriers. The Club at Concourse F is the only Priority Pass Lounge, in addition to lounges for American and United frequent travelers.
As stated by the Atlanta City Council in public records about the lounge, this will leave passengers flying on the remaining 15 airlines at ATL with just one substantially undersized option, even if they are flying in a premium class.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta Council approved a contract for the lounge in June, but American Express stated that construction, permitting, design, and staffing will take until next year to complete. The council also mentioned that American Express will foot the bill for the lounge's $40 million shell construction.
Centurion lounges are complimentary to all American Express card members with The Platinum Card® or The Business Platinum Card® on the day of their flight.
Alternatively, if you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and are flying on a Delta flight the same day, you can also access a Centurion Lounge at no cost.
In the past 18 months, American Express has opened new additional sites including JFK in New York, Centurion Lounges in Denver (DEN), and London’s Heathrow (LHR) airport. The former lounge at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York was also replaced with a new location in the airport's reconstructed Terminal B.
Apart from the Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, another new lounge is being built at Reagan National (DCA) in Washington, D. C. airport and is set to open later this year. Meanwhile, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's board has approved the construction of a Centurion Lounge in Newark (EWR) airport's new Terminal A, which is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2023.
We don’t have the exact date yet but it was reported that the new Centurion Lounge at Atlanta Airport Concourse E is expected to open in 2023. While this is a pretty broad time frame, I don’t think it'll open until the third or fourth quarter of next year.
Amex seems to be spending more on its lounges as the network expands. Especially now that the annual premium for the Personal Platinum card in the United States has been raised to $695, they would be wise to broaden their lounge portfolio.
