IHG® Offers a HUGE Sign-Up Bonus

by Cory Santos
Ihg offers a huge signup bonus

Last updated on April 5th, 2023

Are you looking for a rewards credit card with a sign-up bonus almost too good to be true? If that is the case, IHG®, a giant in the hotel industry, has something sure to make your mouth water. The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a huge welcome bonus of 140,000 points and one free night after meeting minimum spend requirements. 

Chase Introduces 140K Point Welcome Bonus on IHG Rewards Premier Card

InterContinental Hotels and Chase have unveiled a new welcome offer for the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card. Effective June 30, 2022, new IHG Rewards Premier cardmembers can earn 140,000 bonus points, plus a free award night stay, after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening. The Free Night certificate is valid for a one-night hotel stay at an IHG Hotels & Resorts property with a redemption level of up to 40,000 points.

IHG Rewards points have an approximate value of 0.8 cents/point, making this welcome offer a $1,100+ bonus just for meeting modest spending requirements in the first three months of account opening. That welcome offer valuation doesn’t consider the free night award – itself value of up to $300.

About the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card

The new, enhanced welcome offer with the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is in addition to the impressive rewards the card already earns with eligible purchases. Cardmembers earn 26X points at IHG® Hotels and Resorts, 5X points on travel, dining, and gas stations, plus 3X points on all other purchases.

Cardmembers also enjoy the following IHG perks with the card:

  • Automatic IHG® Rewards Platinum Elite status
  • Earn 10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $10,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year
  • Cardmembers earn IHG® Rewards Diamond Elite status after spending $40,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year
  • Up to $50 United® TravelBank Cash each calendar year
  • World Elite Mastercard benefits and protections

The IHG Rewards Premier Mastercard features an annual fee of $99.

Related Article: What are Your Credit Card Points Worth?

Featured image by KnightFrank

Wells Fargo Announces Autograph Rewards Credit Card

by Cory Santos
wells-fargo-announces-autograph-rewards-credit-card

Wells Fargo has announced a new credit card. The Wells Frago Autograph Visa Signature will launch in July and offers 3X points on everyday categories and more – for no annual fee.

Wells Fargo to Launch New Rewards Credit Card

Wells Fargo has a new rewards credit card. The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is the latest no annual fee credit card in Wells Fargo’s portfolio, joining the Active Cash® and Reflect®, and Bilt Mastercard.

The Autograph Visa Signature earns 3X points per $1 spent on purchases in the following categories: dining out and restaurants, travel, local transit, select streaming services, phone plans, and gas station purchases.

Here is what Wells Fargo classifies as a streaming service:

Apple Music Apple News Apple TV
Amazon Music Unlimited Audible Disney+
ESPN+ fuboTV HBO Now
Headspace Hulu Kindle Unlimited
Netflix NHL.tv Pandora
Prime Video Sirius XM Radio Spotify Premium

The new Wells Fargo Autograph Card also features 12 months of 0% intro APR on purchases, plus a 30,000-point bonus after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first three months. The card features no annual fee and charges no foreign transaction fees.

The Wells Fargo Autograph is currently available in select markets and will be available nationwide in mid-July.

“Real, Transparent Value”

“As consumers begin to reengage across the economy, we’re thrilled to be expanding our portfolio and offering customers more great value with the launch of Autograph,” said Krista Phillips, EVP, head of Branded Cards and Marketing for Wells Fargo Credit Cards in a press release. “Now more than ever, consumers want a card that lets them go their own way, from everyday adventures to annual escapes. This card complements our other credit cards so that we can offer customers real, transparent value no matter what they’re looking for in their credit card.”

“Our customers told us they tend to focus on three core areas when it comes to their credit card preferences: cash back, value, and rewards,” said Phillips. “So we took their feedback to heart, and as evidenced by each of the new cards, we have launched – Active Cash, Reflect and Autograph – you can see that we’re focused on delivering competitive offerings across each of those categories.”

Related Article:

Featured image by Wells Fargo

PayPal and WebBank Launch Business Credit Card

by Cory Santos
paypal-and-webbank-launch-business-credit-card

Last updated on April 5th, 2023

PayPal and WebBank have launched a new business credit card. The PayPal Business Cashback Mastercard is the first business credit card offered through PayPal. The card has no annual fee and rewards cardholders with 2% cashback on all purchases with no rewards earning caps or expiration.

WebBank and PayPal Launch Business Credit Card

PayPal has a new small business credit card. The PayPal Business Cashback Mastercard, issued by WebBank and powered by the Mastercard network, offers unlimited cash back rewards for no annual fee.

Industry-Leading Cash Back

The new PayPal Business Cashback Mastercard is among the industry’s leading cash back business credit cards with unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. There are no limits to the cash back rewards earned – helping small business owners get rewarded as they make business purchases. The new business card is now available to applicants.

The unlimited 2% cash back with the new PayPal Business Mastercard is a slight improvement over the unlimited 1.5% back in rewards with the Chase Ink Business Unlimited or the Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards from Bank of America.

Other Card Features

Other notable features of the new PayPal Business Cashback Mastercard include:

  • Competitive APR, starting around 14% variable
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Free employee cards with separate account numbers
  • Mastercard Business features, including Microsoft 365, Intuit QuickBooks, and TurboTax integrations, spending controls, and more.
  • PayPal integration

“Provides Greater Value, More Choice”

“As small business owners continue to recover from the challenges of the past two years, having multiple financing options to address their capital needs is more important than ever,” said Bernardo Martinez, VP of Global Merchant Lending, PayPal, in a press release. “The PayPal Business Cashback Mastercard provides merchants greater value, more choice, and the increased flexibility they need to manage their business finances, offering among the best value available on no annual fee business credit cards today. This new solution continues PayPal’s commitment to supporting small businesses and offering options to help manage the day-to-day costs of operating their business.”

“Small businesses are a force multiplier for our economy, and it’s critical to ensure that they have access to digital tools and solutions that support their needs and growth,” said Sherri Haymond, EVP Digital Partnerships, Mastercard. “The PayPal Business Cashback Mastercard is tailor-made to support small business owners navigating their day-to-day operations. Coupling dynamic, flexible payments technology with compelling rewards and resources, we’re proud to team up with PayPal to deliver tremendous value and access to small business owners in the US.”

Related Article: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card or Amazon Prime Rewards: Read This Before Applying

Featured image by PayPal

How to Use Autopay with Credit Cards

by Cory Santos
how-to-use-autopay-effectively-with-credit-cards

Last updated on August 24th, 2023

Tackling money problems is something to which we can all relate. While most of us are familiar with the concept of autopay, not everyone takes advantage of this convenient option. Autopay, or automatic payment, is an excellent payment and personal finance tool for credit cardholders for a variety of reasons. Here’s why you should consider using autopay, how to use it effectively, and how automatic bill pay options can protect your credit score.

What Is Autopay?

Autopay is a “set it and forget it” online bill pay feature for many people. After all, the whole point of setting up automatic payments is so that you don’t have to worry about remembering to make the payments yourself before your due date, right?

Benefits of Automatic Payments On Your Credit Card Accounts

The biggest benefit of using autopay on your credit cards is that it can protect you from missed payments. Missing payments can seriously impact your credit health, as payment history is the single biggest factor in what makes up your credit score.

A missed payment occurs when your bill remains unpaid for at least 30 days and stays on your credit report for seven years, although its impact lessens over time.

Beyond a dent in your credit score, missing your due date means you’ll owe even more. First, there are late fees, typically about $28 for the first offense (and more for subsequent late payments). Also, interest continues to accrue, meaning you’ll owe more for the same purchase – and your bank may even raise your APR or slash your credit limit.

Another benefit of autopay is paying your bill when you want, not when it’s due. Scheduling automatic payments means you can pay your credit card statement well before it is due based on your paycheck schedule. You can also make multiple smaller monthly payments, breaking up your bill and easing your monthly budget burdens.

Drawbacks of Autopay

Autopay can be a lifesaver by paying bills you may have otherwise forgotten. Still, it does come with some minor headaches.

The biggest concern to be aware of is the time it takes for scheduled payments to post. Expect a lag of up to a few business days for your payment to be applied to your account, though the times may differ from bank to bank. The bank identifies the posting date on your account, meaning it’s a good idea to note how long your payments take to post and schedule any future payments accordingly.

Which Banks Offer Autopay for Credit Cards?

If you’re fearing your bank doesn’t offer autopay on your credit card accounts, you’ll be happy to know that autopay is a near-universal feature.  Despite that, rules and autopay enrollment options vary from bank to bank.  Here’s a quick rundown of the basic rules for enrolling in autopay with the some of the largest credit card issuers in the United States:

Bank Autopay rules
American Express Enrollment available in branch, online, in app, by calling 1-800-528-4800
Bank of America Enrollment available online or by calling 1-800-432-1000
Barclays Enrollment available online, in app, or by calling 11-888-710-8756
Capital One Enrollment available online, in app, or by calling 1-877-383-4802
Chase Enrollment available in branch, online, in app, by calling 1-800-935-9935
Citi Enrollment available in branch, online, in app, by calling 1-800-950-5114
Discover Enrollment available online, in app, or by calling 1-800-347-2683
US Bank Enrollment available in branch, online, in app, by calling 1-800-872-2657
Wells Fargo Enrollment available online, in app, in branch, or by calling 1-800-869-3557

How to Set Up Autopay

How do you set up credit card autopay? It’s easy. Log in to your account, click on the payments tab, and choose to set up automatic or recurring payments. You can choose the amount you pay each month if you make at least the minimum payment.

As an example, let’s detail how to set up autopay with Citibank’s Citi Simplicity® Card. Setting up autopay with Citi is simple, straightforward, and takes just minutes:

  • Log in to your Citi account, either at Citi’s website or through the Citi mobile app
  • Once logged in, link your bank account (either Citi or external) to your Simplicity Card. You can link your account through the following methods:
    1. Select “Payment Accounts” if you have a deposit account with Citi
    2. Select “Add a New Payment Account” if you do not have an existing Citi deposit account
  • Select how much you want to pay and when once your bank account is linked to your Citi Simplicity account. You can select by:
    1. Payment type (minimum balance due, statement balance, etc.)
    2. Payment date
    3. Payment frequency (2X per month, 1X per month, etc.)

Beyond the Citi example, using autopay is simple, and you can use autopay for paying your bills in three distinct ways, all of which have advantages. Here’s a brief rundown of each option, followed by a more detailed explanation:

Autopay Option Explenation
Pay minimum You can choose to pay only the minimum balance due on your monthly credit card statement. Paying the minimum lets you carry a balance and finance purchases over time and without any late fees. Be wary of accumulating interest, however, as interest accrues daily for credit card balances you carry
Pay in full You can choose to pay off your entire credit card balance. Paying in full is the best way to avoid late fees, interest charges, or negative impacts to your credit score. A good tip is to immediately repay your card charges as soon as the4i hit your account.
Pay fixed amount Pay a set amount that your decide on. You can opt to pay any amount between the minimum payment due and full balances, giving you the flexibility to repay debts sooner *and cheaper), if possible

Pay the Minimum Payment Due Each Month

Autopay (also known as automatic bill payment) is an excellent way to safeguard against missing payments on your credit cards or car payments, utility bills, or other bills. Setting your payment option to autopay recurring payments for your credit card’s minimum amount due can help you avoid missing payments, which can seriously hurt your credit score and incur extra fees once your grace period expires.

Missed payments stay on your credit report for years. Even one missed payment can drag your credit score down for a long time – and the better your current credit score, the more harm a missed payment does. Payment history accounts for a whopping 35% of a FICO credit score – the most crucial facet in determining your risk levels to lenders.

Just because you elect to have autopay the minimum bill due doesn’t mean that’s all you should pay, however. You can still choose to pay more manually – it’s just an excellent way to protect yourself from a worst-case scenario.

Use Autopay to Pay Your Full Statement Balance

Paying your credit card statement balance in full each month is ideal. Paying in full allows you to eliminate interest payments and avoid falling into debt. Putting your credit card bills on autopay is the easiest way to achieve these goals and give yourself the peace of mind that everything is under control.

While having 0% credit use may sound ideal, however, it actually isn’t. That’s because many lenders want to see credit borrowers actually use their available credit. For that reason, the best course of action is to aim for credit utilization of 10% or below – but above 0%.

Pay a Pre-Set Amount

You can also use autopay to pay a pre-set amount each month on your credit card. This method is great for those who currently carry a balance but are looking to get debt-free.

Paying more than the minimum due is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. First, this method allows you to cover your minimum amount due to protect yourself from late or missed payments. Second, it helps you reduce your credit utilization and debt levels.

Reducing your credit utilization (or credit use) is critical because it is the second most significant factor in calculating your FICO Score. Credit usage accounts for 30% of the FICO scoring model – which most lenders use to judge credit applicants.

Choosing to pay off the debt at a set amount each month has another bonus, too. This method allows you to reduce your debt levels while still maintaining the financial flexibility to plan for unforeseen issues that may arise.

The Autopay Hybrid Approach

Autopay plays an essential role in this credit utilization process. Set all your autopay accounts to pay the balance in full each month – except one. The one exception should be the credit card you use least – set that scheduled payment for the minimum due amount.

This autopay hybrid approach will help you in several ways, including :

  • Keeping your credit utilization rate low
  • Avoiding late payment penalties
  • Avoiding missed payments
  • Keeping your debt levels manageable

FAQs About Autopay

Still have questions about automatic payments, how they work, or something else? Check out some of the most commonly asked questions concerning autopay:

Setting up autopay is easy but you’ll need a few things beforehand, including your name as it appears on the account, your card number (on the front of the card and the security information on the back (if applicable), your checking or saving account number and the routing number, and the dates for which you want to setup payments.

Typically, autopay takes effect the next billing cycle after it is setup. Your bank will often add a message on your bill saying, “Do not Send Payment.  Your bill is scheduled for electronic payment”.

If you do not have your account number, please call your credit card issuer and speak with a customer service representative. The phone numbers for many of the biggest banks are available above. for your convenience.

Yes, with autopay you can pay your bill at a time that suits you, provided it is before the due date on your account. Many banks also let you change the due date for your bill.

Yes. You will need to submit a request for each account you wish to enroll in autopay.

Summing It Up

Managing your monthly credit card payments through autopay is both simple and effective. Even better, almost every major credit card issuer offers the service – with most autopay systems operating similarly. The versatility of autopay allows you to cover the minimum balance to avoid missing it altogether or to pay down balances with additional payments each month. However, continue to monitor your accounts to avoid slipping into debt or missing fraudulent charges. Additionally, if you have any specific questions about your card’s autopay feature, contact your card issuer by calling the number on the back of your card.

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Debit Cards

Verizon, FNBO to Launch Verizon Business Mastercard

by Cory Santos
Verizon, FNBO to Launch Verizon Business Mastercard

Last updated on August 22nd, 2022

Verizon Business and First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) are joining forces to launch a business rewards credit card. Dubbed the Verizon Business Mastercard, the new card will offer up to 3% back in rewards with no foreign transaction fees or annual fees.

About the Verizon Business Mastercard from FNBO

The new Verizon Business Mastercard, issued by FNBO, allows small-to-medium business owners to earn and redeem Verizon Business Dollars toward devices or accessories for their business. The no annual fee credit card offers a full suite of business tools, software integrations, and purchase protection you’d expect from a Mastercard small business card.

Businesses earn 3% cash back (in Verizon Rewards Dollars) on Verizon purchases, like paying your Verizon bill or buying devices from Verizon, 2% back on eligible gas, electronic vehicle charging, and office supplies, and 1% back on other purchases. FNBO and Verizon accelerate the Verizon category for the first billing cycle, with new accounts earning 5% back in rewards at Verizon during their first billing cycle after account opening.

Other features of the Verizon Business Mastercard include:

  • New accounts enjoy a $50 statement credit after their first purchase with the card
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • EMV chip-enabled for contactless payments
  • Mastercard benefits and protections

Not the Same Program as the Personal Card

The new Verizon Business Mastercard is not the same program as the Verizon Visa® Card. That card, issued by Synchrony, offers up to 4% cash back on select purchases – including savings on consumer Verizon phone and internet plans.

Brands using different issuers for different aspects of their portfolios isn’t unheard of: Amazon uses Chase for its personal credit cards, while American Express issues its small business credit cards. Amazon also offers a secured store card through Synchrony.

Designed to “Solve Challenges to Drive Growth”

“Mastercard has been a key partner to us on our journey to help our customers of all sizes transform their businesses and ensure they are truly future-ready,” said Tami Erwin, CEO of Verizon Business, in a press release. “We are pleased to expand this partnership to include FNBO and bring this small business credit card to our customers at a time when we know they are seeking new avenues to expand their business, manage costs and maximize their use of new technologies to solve challenges to drive growth.”

“Today’s small business owner is looking for smarter, relevant, and customized digital financial products that accelerate their operations and make their lives easier,” said Chiro Aikat, Executive Vice President, Products & Engineering, North America at Mastercard. “We’re proud to extend our relationship with Verizon and FNBO to connect the small business segment through meaningful technology and benefits.”

“FNBO has a rich history of helping small businesses grow and succeed, so we are excited to partner with such a respected brand as Verizon on the launch of their first program for small businesses,” added Jerry J. O’Flanagan, Executive Vice President, Partner Segment at FNBO.

Related Article: REI Co-op Mastercard Converting to Capital One

Featured image by FNBO/Verizon

New Limited Edition Boeing 747 Delta Reserve Card

by Cory Santos
new-limited-edition-boeing-747-delta-reserve-card

Last updated on August 24th, 2023

American Express and Delta are joining forces to offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance for aviation fans everywhere. The payment giant is using a Boeing 747 for a new, limited-edition version of its Delta SkyMiles® Reserve credit card.

About the New, Limited Edition Card Design

From June 16 through Aug. 3, 2022, customers can apply for the Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business Card – while supplies last. Along with best-in-class travel benefits, it comes with access to exclusive content via augmented reality (AR) experience with the welcome kit.

The AR experience (created especially for this limited-edition card design) features the history of the Delta Ship #6307 (the plane used for the limited edition credit card) and the Boeing 747, flight stories, and the card transformation.

Here is a look at the new design and the original Delta Reserve card art. Interestingly, cardholders not intrigued by the new Boeing design can opt for the original metal version of the card or select a plastic option made from 70% reclaimed plastics:

delta reserve boeing 747 limited edition amex card
Boeing 747 #6307 design
delta reserve credit card
Regular design

About the Plane

The Boeing 747 Reserve Card started out as Delta ship #6307, a now-retired Boeing 747- 451. The Boeing 747, known as “The Queen of the Skies” and “The Jumbo Jet” for its majestic presence and distinctive “hump,” set the stage for many advancements in air travel and was a beloved part of Delta’s fleet.

“The Most Unique Card Design to Date”

Despite being created from aircraft-quality materials, the ability of the Boeing’smetal to withstand the rigors of life inside a cardholder’s wallet. “This metal was made to fly, and it’s actually softer than you think,” said Jon Gantman, senior vice president and general manager of cobrand-product management at American Express. “It’s very different from banging around in your wallet.

“This is the most unique card design Delta and Amex have created to date,” he added. “To transform fuselage into metal that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use while still functioning as a contactless credit card was a huge feat. This special-edition Boeing 747 card design is one more way Delta and American Express continue to partner together to bring Card Members unique products and experiences.”

Related Article: Cardless Launches LATAM Mastercard Credit Cards

Featured image by American Express/Delta Air Lines

Citi Eliminates Overdraft Fees

by Cory Santos
citi-ditching-overdraft-fees

Last updated on April 11th, 2023

Citi has eliminated overdraft and other fees on Citi Retail Banking consumer deposit accounts. The change makes Citibank the first of the top five U.S. banks to eliminate these fees.

Citi Eliminates Overdraft Fees

Citibank has become the first of the biggest U.S. banks to completely eliminate overdraft fees. The financial giant made the announcement yesterday, with the process expected to finish by the summer.

Besides eliminating overdraft fees on its banking products, Citi continues to offer a robust suite of overdraft protection services for its customers, including:

  • Overdraft Protection Services: Citi offers two services to cover negative balance transactions, whose fees are eliminated with this change:
    • Safety Check – Safety Check transfers available funds from linked Citibank savings accounts to cover your overdraft plus any fees.
    • Checking Plus – If approved, a Checking Plus® line of credit automatically transfers funds from your credit line to your checking account to cover your overdraft plus any fees. Accounts in the Access Account Package cannot be linked to Checking Plus.
  • Access Account Package: Citi’s checkless account package with low or avoidable monthly charges provides customers with a simple, transparent way to manage their finances. Since launching in 2014, the Access Account Package has been viewed as an industry leader due to its flexible structure and automatic protection against debit card overdrafts on your account.
  • Common Sense Protection Measures: Citi will not authorize ATM or point-of-sale debit transactions in cases when funds are not available.
  • Low Balance Alerts: Consumers can enroll in Low Balance Alerts via their account online or mobile app.

“Make the Financial System Easier and More Equitable”

“This latest enhancement is a significant step for Citi as a leader in the banking industry offering the most consumer-friendly overdraft practices,” said Gonzalo Luchetti, CEO of U.S. Personal Banking at Citi, in a press release. “We are continuously looking for ways to utilize our industry-leading capabilities to make the financial system easier and more equitable for communities who have little or no financial buffer.”

About Citi

A leading global bank, Citi has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

Citi also issues a vast assortment of credit cards from leading brands, plus proprietary cards such as the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer, Citi Simplicity® Card, Citi Premier® Card, Citi Rewards+® Card, Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, and Citi® Secured Mastercard®.

Related Article: New Citi Merchant Offers for Credit Cards

Featured image by Olichel/PixaBay

Cardless Launches LATAM Mastercard Credit Cards

by Cory Santos

The new LATAM credit card from Cardless is live – and it isn’t one card, but two. The fintech has launched two new airline cards ideal for South American travelers from the United States. Here is what we know about the new LATAM Airlines Mastercard and World Elite Mastercard:

Cardless and LATAM Launch Two New Credit Cards

LATAM, the largest airline group in South America, and Silicon Valley-based credit cards startup Cardless have partnered to offer two new co-branded airline rewards credit cards – the no-fee LATAM Airlines Mastercard and the $99 annual fee LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard.

The LATAM Mastercard is the no annual fee version of the two Cardless/LATAM credit cards. The card earns 3X miles on LATAM purchases, 2X miles on dining and ground transportation, and 1X on all other purchases. Additionally, new accounts can earn 15,000 bonus miles after $1,000 spending in the first three months.

The LATAM World Elite Mastercard offers enhanced features for a $99 annual fee. Cardholders earn an additional point on bonus category purchases, meaning cardholders receive 3X miles on restaurants and ground transportation and 4X miles on LATAM purchases. Additionally, new accounts can earn 40,000 bonus miles after $2,500 spending in the first three months.

Neither the LATAM Mastercard nor LATAM World Elite Mastercard charges a foreign transaction fee when using the card abroad or when purchasing from a foreign retailer online.

Perks and Rewards Most Relevant to Travel Lifestyles

“We’re seeing record high numbers for travel this year, and it’s no surprise people want generous travel benefits with their credit cards,” said Michael Spelfogel, President and Co-Founder of Cardless in a press release accompanying the launch. “Through our collaboration with LATAM Airlines, we’re excited to launch two separate credit card products, giving travelers access to the perks and rewards most relevant to their travel lifestyle.”

“As the largest airline group in South America, LATAM is the logical solution for travel anywhere on our beautiful continent. Whether you are visiting the beaches of Brazil, the wonders of Machu Picchu, or the natural beauty of Patagonia, LATAM is your best choice. And with the new LATAM credit card, customers can earn miles towards award flights and more.” added Marty St. George, Chief Commercial Officer of LATAM Airlines Group.

Related Article: Fight Inflation with Cash Back Credit Cards

Featured image by Cardless

Get Ready for Amazon Prime Day 2022

by Cory Santos
amazon prime day 2022 details

Amazon Prime Day 2022 is fast approaching. The online giant has announced that Prime Day will run for two days, with the 48-hour event kicking off on July 12 and running through July 13, 2022. Here is everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2022:

Amazon Prime Day Starts July 12th

The ever-popular Prime Day is back this July. Amazon’s flagship event will run two days this July, from July 12 at 3 a.m. EDT to July 13, 2022. The annual event is open to Amazon Prime members in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, the U.K., the U.S., and for the first time in Poland and Sweden.

Prime customers will be able to shop products from top national brands and more third-party sellers than on last year’s Prime Day, including many small and medium-sized businesses. New deals—from fashion and electronics to toys and home goods—will go live throughout Prime Day, offering savings on products across categories, including from Customers’ Most Loved, Internet Famous, and a selection of Climate Pledge Friendly products.

“With the small businesses and national brands our members love and trust, we’re excited to offer some of our best Prime Day deals yet to even more customers around the world,” said Jamil Ghani, vice president of Amazon Prime. “This year, we’re making it simple for members to find the best deals, from personalized deal recommendations to Alexa reminders. It’s never been easier for Prime members to shop, save, and make the most of Prime Day.”

Enjoy Additional Savings with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card

Select Prime members can save even more this Prime Day thanks to a new, limited-time-only cash back bonus with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card from Chase. Cardmembers with an eligible Prime membership can earn 6% back at Amazon and Whole Foods Market on Prime Day and 5% back year-round, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back everywhere Visa is accepted. Additionally, from July 1 through July 29, Prime members instantly get a $200 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the card.

New Amazon Fresh Benefit

Starting June 29, Prime members will also save 20% on select everyday essentials at Amazon Fresh stores across the U.S. Members can enjoy this new benefit year-round by scanning their Amazon app at the register or paying with a credit card registered to their Prime account.

Related Article: The Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Featured image by AboutAmazon

APMEX Bullion Card to Offer Gold & Silver Rewards

by Cory Santos
apmex-bullion-card-to-offer-gold-silver-rewards

Last updated on March 4th, 2024

APMEX, one of the largest e-commerce retailers of precious metals in the United States, is launching a credit card. The Bullion Card, currently offering a waitlist, features up to 4% back in gold & silver through APMEX, 0% intro APR, and Visa Signature protections and benefits.

APMEX Bullion Card to Offer Precious Metals as Rewards

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are leading the charge when it comes to diversifying credit card rewards – but they aren’t alone. APMEX, the Oklahoma-based metals retailer, is looking to make credit card rewards a little more “precious,” with gold and silver replacing cash back with every purchase on its new Bullion Card.

The upcoming Bullion Card from APMEX will offer APMEX and OneGold customers up to 4% back in gold and silver, plus 1% back in gold and silver on all other purchases.

How the Bullion Card Works

Purchases made at APMEX earn 4% back in gold and silver rewards through 2/27/2023. After 2/28/2023, Bullion Cardmembers will earn 3% back on APMEX purchases. This bonus category is also capped at 500,000 points, or $5,000 in gold and silver rewards, per year, with all purchases after that (and all other purchases with the card outside APMEX) earning 1% back.

Unlike cards that offer award travel or gift cards, the Bullion Card lets cardmembers take possession of physical precious metals through APMEX and OneGold. Points with the Bullion Card apply towards purchasing precious metals through APMEX. Points expire after 24 months of inactivity or qualifying transactions on either the Bullion Card account or the cardholder’s APMEX OneGold account.

Other Card Features

Other notable features of the upcoming Bullion Card from APMEX and UMB Bank include:

  • 15,000 bonus points ($150 cash value) after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first three months
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
  • Exclusive access to APMEX offers and flash sales
  • No annual fee

The card will also provide Visa Signature protections and benefits. These features include the following:

Zero Fraud Liability Cardholder Inquiry Services Emergency Card Replacement Luxury Hotel Collection Extended Warranty Coverage
Roadside Dispatch Lost/Stolen Card Reporting ID Navigator from Norton Travel & Emergency Assistance

More information about the Bullion Card from APMEX, including the waitlist, can be found here.

Related Article: What are Your Credit Card Points Worth?

Featured image by APMEX

American Express Announces First Crypto Rewards Card

by Cory Santos
american-express-announces-first-crypto-rewards-card

American Express looks set to debut its first crypto rewards credit card. The payments giant announced the news earlier this week at the Consensus cryptocurrency conference in Austin, TX.

American Express Announces First Crypto Rewards Credit Card

Cryptocurrency rewards are becoming more commonplace with credit cards. The Upgrade Visa® Card with Bitcoin Rewards was the first major crypto card on the market. Others, such as BlockFi and Gemini, followed suit. Now American Express looks set to join in on the crypto revolution with a new credit card with Abra.

About the New Amex Crypto Card

Amex announced the new partnership with crypto wealth manager Abra at the Consensus cryptocurrency conference in Austin, TX. The new card, the first crypto cash back card to use the Amex payment network, will transact in U.S. dollars and offer crypto back on any purchase category and amount. The card is expected to roll out later this year.

According to Abra, the upcoming crypto rewards will be tradable across over 100 different cryptocurrencies supported by Abra with no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee. In addition, the card will provide several benefits from the American Express payment network, including offers for shopping, travel, dining, and Amex’s purchase protections.

“We’re thrilled to combine the strength of our payments network with Abra’s innovation and expertise in crypto. This is a credit card for crypto explorers and enthusiasts alike,” said Mohammed Badi, President of Global Network Services at American Express, regarding the news.

About Abra

Abra is a Silicon Valley fintech with notable investors, including Digital Currency Group, Pantera Capital, and the Stellar Development Foundation. The self-described “crypto bank” and member of Forbes’ “Next Billion-Dollar Startups 2021” list currently boasts more than two million customers. The fintech firm has processed more than $2 billion in crypto-backed loans to retail and institutional clients.

Related Article: Nilson Names Upgrade Card “Fastest Growing Card in US”

Featured image by Pixabay

REI Co-op Mastercard Converting to Capital One

by Cory Santos
rei-co-op-mastercard-converting-to-capital-one

Outdoors brand REI is the latest retailer to announce a change to its credit card program. The brand will shift its co-brand credit card portfolio from U.S. Bank to Capital One this summer. The REI credit card changeover will also introduce new, enhanced cardmember features.

REI Mastercard Switching to Capital One

The REI Co-op Mastercard is a robust cash back and retail reward card for those who love the outdoors and want to earn rewards while exploring. The REI credit card program is currently issued through U.S. Bank, though that is set to change this August.

REI began notifying Co-op Rewards credit cardholders that the program will switch to Capital One on August 5, 2022. The changeover will see existing card members receive a new Capital One version of the card this fall.

Here is a breakdown of the REI credit card changeover timeline:

  • Now – changeover: Use the REI Co-op Mastercard as usual until a replacement arrives in the mail (late summer, early fall 2022)
  • August 5, 2022: The new REI credit card program with Capital One Existing cardmembers gain access to new features (see below).
  • August 7, 2022: REI Co-op Mastercard Rewards cannot be redeemed* (one day only)
  • August 8, 2022: Existing cardmembers may enroll with Capital One for online bill pay, paperless statements, and more.

New Card Features

Beyond the switchover to Capital One, the REI Co-op Mastercard will also receive a selection of new features. Chief among these new features is an unlimited 1.5% back in rewards on all purchases made outside REI Co-op locations. Previously, REI cardmembers earned 1% back in rewards on all non-REI purchases.

Other new features with the card include:

  • Rewards never expire
  • $50 annual credit toward REI Co-op Experiences
  • Redeem rewards as soon as they post to the account

*As part of the new REI Co-op Mastercard Rewards program, cardmembers are no longer able to receive REI Co-op Mastercard Rewards via cash or check. You have through August 5 to request a check for your available rewards. Any REI Co-op Mastercard Rewards not redeemed or requested via check will be transferred to the new card rewards program.

Related Article: How to Use Autopay with Credit Cards

Featured image by Capital One

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