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Apple Card Adds Integration with Intuit Mint

by Cory Santos Sunday February 27, 2022

Apple Card has reintroduced integration with the Mint budgeting app. The app previously allowed integration with the popular credit card but encountered severe issues and was pulled in 2022.

Apple Card Enables Mint Integration

When first introduced, the Apple Card was trumpeted as the ultimate symbol of financial and technological integration – uniting Apple users and their wallets everywhere. Several financial services subsequently created mobile integrations with the Apple Card platform – with one of those being Mint.

Mint is a financial service that brings together various financial information, including account balances, spending, budgets, and even the user’s credit score. Owned by Intuit – the maker of TurboTax, QuickBooks, and Credit Karma – Mint provides a clear picture of the user’s financial health. It shows spending habits, investments, free credit scores, and more.

Mint Integration Returns

Unfortunately, the initial integration with Apple Card was deeply flawed, resulting in the integration being removed shortly after it arrived in 2020. According to Apple news site 9to5Mac, the initial launch offered a limited – but troubled service. This was part of a process involving other Intuit properties – including Quicken and QuickBooks integrations.

Now, 9to5Mac is reporting that Mint integration has returned to the Apple Card. Here is how to relink an existing Mint account to the Apple Card:

Open the Mint app and connect your account to link your Apple Card
Log in with your Apple ID and password
You will need to re-grant access every 90 days

About Apple Card

The Apple Card is a unique cash back credit card that works within the Apple Wallet and iPhone ecosystem. The card, launched by Apple and Goldman Sachs in 2019, requires an iPhone to apply and offers up to 3% cash back on purchases – and 2% back wherever Apple Pay is accepted. The Apple Card features no annual fees, no hidden fees and provides a detailed breakdown of your spending directly on your iPhone.

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Get Exclusive Reservations with Capital One Dining

by Cory Santos Saturday February 26, 2022

Capital One is launching a new dining feature for its rewards card members. The new Capital One Dining will offer access to difficult reservations and a curated list of fine restaurants.

Capital One Dining to Launch in March

Capital One and award-winning chef José Andrés — as well as the James Beard Foundation and the Michelin Guide —have joined forces to create a new dining experience for Capital One Rewards cardholders (including the new Venture X). Capital One Dining is a new credit card feature that offers exclusive reservations, special events, experiences, and more. In March, the program will initially be rolled out in several cities, featuring 350 restaurants.

Initial Cities Upon Launch

The initial launch will see Capital One Rewards cardholders in the following U.S. cities enjoying exclusive access to 350 eateries:

New York City
San Francisco
Chicago
Washington, D.C.
Boston
Los Angeles
Miami

Save Important Details within the App

Through the Capital One mobile app or on desktop, eligible cardmembers will be able to reserve tables from those set aside for Capital One Dining members exclusively. Cardmember can also update their profiles to include any dietary preferences, plus special dates such as birthdays and anniversaries. These details will be automatically flagged to participating restaurants.

“We know our customers are passionate about dining out with family and friends, whether it’s a 12-course dinner at an award-winning restaurant or brunch at a hidden gem,” said Monica Weaver, head of branded card partnerships at Capital One. “This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to continue bringing our customers access to unforgettable culinary experiences.”

For his part, Chef Andrés led the curation of the Capital One Dining recommendations, including his favorite picks. The restaurants also include part of his own ThinkFoodGroup restaurant portfolio, including his two-Michelin-starred minibar in Washington’s Penn Quarter.

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Qatar Airways Set to Join Avios

by Cory Santos Thursday February 24, 2022

Qatar Airways is the latest name to join the Avios loyalty program. The premium airline announced earlier this week, with eh switchover from Privilege Club Qmiles to Avios expected to finalize towards the end of March.

Qatar Airways Switching to Avios

Qatar Airways will drop its Privilege Club loyalty program, opting for Avios instead. The change from Privilege Club to Avios will finalize in March, with existing Qmiles transferring to Avios at a ratio of 1:1. In addition, members will retain their well-earned rewards balance. They will be able to continue enjoying the redemption opportunities they currently have.

Avios is the global loyalty currency of British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus AerClub, Iberia’s Iberia Plus, and Vueling’s Vueling Club. Members can earn points through flights with any Avios-earning airline or with select partners – including Best Western, Agoda, Melia Hotels & Resorts, Avis, Nike, Macy’s, and more.

The switch from Qmiles to Avios also opens up the possibility of a new co-branded credit card through JP Morgan Chase. Chase already issues co-branded airline credit cards for British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus. Qatar Airways currently offers co-branded credit cards with Doha Bank, QIB Bank, Burgan Bank, Housing Bank, and QNB. However, the airline does not offer a credit card for the U.S. market.

“Qatar Airways Continues to Redefine Loyalty”

In a press release announcing the switch to Avios, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker stated: “The transition from Qmiles to Avios marks a ground-breaking new era for Privilege Club, enabling our loyal members to participate in the most compelling loyalty network and the largest portfolio of partners in the industry.

“As the World’s Best Airline, Qatar Airways continues to redefine loyalty through the adoption of exciting digital innovations to create unique world-class experiences for our members. We look forward to revealing more details of this exciting change over the coming weeks, as we explore even more ways to reward our valued members both on and off the ground.”

CEO of IAG Loyalty, Mr. Adam Daniels, the firm that owns and operates the Avios program, added: “Qatar Airways have recognized the power of Avios. By adopting Avios, they will be able to offer their customers a wider range of benefits and support their business development ambitions. It’s an exciting step for IAG Loyalty as we extend our leadership in loyalty, increase Avios’ global reach, and build out our partnership strategy even further.”

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Credit Card Delinquency Rates Rise in January

by Cory Santos Wednesday February 23, 2022

Last updated on April 11th, 2023

More and more consumers are falling behind on their credit card payments. January’s credit card metrics indicate that consumer spending habits are gradually returning to a pre-pandemic level, and inflation begins to take hold of U.S. consumer finances. Despite this, banks are prioritizing rewards, such as 0% APR, to retain customers in the long term.

Delinquency Rates Rise As Spending Reaches Pre-Pandemic Levels

According to analyst John Hecht of the Jefferies Group, an independent investment bank, and financial services company, a return to “normal” consumer spending and repayment habits means a slight uptick in delinquency and charge-off rates for major lenders. Hecht dubbed the rise in delinquencies an “orderly normalization in credit,” reflecting a return to more normal spending patterns following years of COVID-19 chaos.

While delinquency rates (or the rate of consumers paying their credit card bills late) remain modest, charge-off rates grow more dramatically. A charge-off is when a lender writes off an account as a loss and closes the account to future charges.

Here are the delinquency and charge off rates for the major credit card issuers, according to a recent report from Seeking Alpha:

American Express: 0.8% delinquency rate (up from 0.7% in December 2021)
Capital One: 2.4% delinquency rate (up from 2.22% in December 2021); 2.03% charge off rate (up from 1.76% in December)
Chase: 0.7% delinquency rate (up from 0.66% in December 2021); 1.02% charge off rate (up from 0.99% in December)
Citi: 0.84% delinquency rate (up from 0.81% in December 2021); 1.11% charge off rate (up from 0.97% in December)
Discover: 1.75% delinquency rate (up from 1.66% in December 2021); 1.76% charge off rate (up from 1.58% in December)

Issuers Prioritize Rewards to Retain Customers

An interesting facet of credit card delinquency and write-off rates is the cost associated with attracting – and retaining – cardmembers. Lenders are becoming more concerned about keeping rewards cardholders. Many experts see a trend towards slightly longer 0% intro APR periods.

Citi, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Discover all offer lengthy intro APR periods on some of their most popular credit cards, with the Chase Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited offering 15 months interest-free on purchases and balance transfers, the Citi Simplicity® Card and Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card both offer 21 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases, and the Wells Fargo Reflect offering up to 21 months with 0% interest on purchases and transfers.

In American Express’s latest earnings call, CFO Jeff Campbell said its new rewards and benefits help with long-term customer retention and growth prospects. “It does, however, mean you see more year-over-year growth in these variable customer engagement costs,” he noted. “Putting all these dynamics together, I’d expect the variable customer engagement costs overall to run at around 42% of total revenues in 2022.”

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Amex Adds Plan It to Delta Credit Cards

by Cory Santos Tuesday February 22, 2022

Last updated on February 20th, 2024

Financing flights with Delta just got a whole lot easier. Delta co-branded credit cardmembers can now use their Delta Amex credit card to finance Delta flight purchases of $100 or more using Plan It, the Buy Now, Pay Later service from American Express. Here’s how:

American Express and Delta Adds Plan It to Delta Credit cards

The popularity of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services continues to soar. Thanks to this growing popularity amongst average Americans, major banks have jumped on the BNPL train, providing built-in payment plans to credit cards – such as Chase’s My Chase Plan or American Express’ Plan It.

Amex is adding the Plan It BNPL feature to its co-branded airline cards with Delta. For any flight purchases of $100 or more, American Express cardmembers in the United States will be able to break up payments into installments through Plan It.

The Plan It feature does not charge users interest, meaning cardmembers will only need to agree to a fixed charge – and make their monthly payments according to their payment plan. Cardmembers can split payments for up to six months, helping them finance expensive travel over time – with no interest charges.

American Express currently issues seven co-branded credit cards with Delta Air Lines. The SkyMiles range of cards provides exceptional value for money, with a no annual fee option for consumers, as well as the ultra-luxurious Delta Reserve, which provides Delta SkyClub access, TSA PreCheck statement credits, and more. Here are all of Delta’s American Express airline rewards credit cards:

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

platinum delta skymiles business credit card

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

gold delta skymiles business credit card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

The Popularity of BNPL

As noted, BNPL services continue to grow in popularity, with a 2021 Marqueta study noting that 70% of consumers who have used a BNPL solution said they see themselves using BNPL in place of their credit card. Despite this, some experts warn of the hidden dangers of BNPL services – with another study finding 36% of respondents had either missed a BNPL payment or were late meeting their financial obligations.

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

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Mercury Reports $450 Million Sale of Credit Card Securities

by Cory Santos Sunday February 20, 2022

Mercury Financial has announced the sale of $450 million in credit card asset-backed securities. The news continues Mercury’s hot-streak from 2021, as the near-prime credit card lender enjoys continued growth.

Mercury Financial Announces $450 Million Sale of Credit Card Securities

Mercury Financial, a financial inclusion technology company exclusively serving the near-prime market, has announced the sale of $450 million in credit card asset-backed securities (ABS). The Series 2022-1 notes (MFCCMT 2022-1, the Issuer) marks the second term issuance from the firm’s master trust and consists of approximately $385 million in A-rated bonds, $51 million in BBB-rated bonds, and $14 million in BB+-rated bonds.

The transaction underscores the strength of Mercury Financial’s purpose-driven business model and targeting technologies focused on the 36 million consumers in the near-prime credit segment. Currently, that business model includes three credit cards, including the popular Mercury Mastercard. Mercury Financial also issues two co-branded cards with Spirit Airlines, the Free Spirit Points Mastercard and the Free Spirit Points Plus Mastercard.

Mercury Continuing 2021 Successes

The sale also follows a record-breaking year of growth for Mercury. The company reached more than one million accounts in 2021 and is now extending more than $3.5 billion in credit access to the near-prime market in its pursuit of increased financial inclusion.

Mercury will use proceeds from the transaction to pay down outstanding balances in the company’s two-variable funding note facilities, creating capacity to support accelerated acquisitions and digital platform expansion., according to a press release announcing the sale.

“Plans for Continued Growth”

“The performance of our assets and the strength of our balance sheet have never been in a better position, and this transaction reflects that,” said James Peterson, CEO of Mercury Financial. “Our business has a direct impact on the lives of over 1 million deserving Americans in need of better credit opportunities. I’m very proud of the great support from investors who believe in the performance of these assets and our mission toward greater financial inclusion.”

“Our disciplined approach to growing our business contributed to the success of this transaction,” added Steve Carp, CFO of Mercury Financial. “Backed by a decade of historical data in the near-prime consumer market, we’re able to show existing and new investors the stability of our business and provide confidence with our plans for continued growth in this underserved segment of American consumers.”

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Amazon and Visa Reach Credit Card Agreement

by Cory Santos Saturday February 19, 2022

Last updated on February 21st, 2022

Amazon and Visa have reached a deal that will see the online retail giant continuing to accept the payment network’s credit cards. The agreement comes after months of stalemate and growing concerns from customers globally.

Amazon and Visa Reach Agreement Over Credit Card Fees

Amazon threatened to stop accepting Visa credit cards in the United Kingdom late last year. The disagreement with Visa centered on fees, namely processing fees that Visa charged when using its credit cards. Interestingly, Visa debit and prepaid cards and credit cards from other payment networks (American Express, Mastercard, Diner’s Club, Discover, etc.) had no issues..

In November, Amazon emailed UK users of the site, blaming the cost of processing the payments. The retail giant state that “Starting 19 January 2022, we will unfortunately no longer accept Visa credit cards issued in the UK, due to the high fees Visa charges for processing credit card transactions.”

The Visa ban was scrapped by Amazon in January, as the retailer sought more time to negotiate in good faith with Visa. Now, the two sides have reached an agreement, with Amazon set to continue to accept Visa credit cards worldwide.

“A Broad, Global Agreement”

A Visa spokesperson told the Guardian that “Visa is pleased to have reached a broad, global agreement with Amazon. This agreement includes the acceptance of Visa at all Amazon stores and sites today, as well as a joint commitment to collaboration on new product and technology initiatives to ensure innovative payment experiences for our customers in the future.”

“We’ve recently reached a global agreement with Visa that allows all customers to continue using their Visa credit cards in our stores,” added an Amazon spokesperson. “Amazon remains committed to offering customers a payment experience that is convenient and offers choice.”

Agreement Is Good News for Chase

The Amazon-Visa agreement is good news for Chase, which issues two co-branded Visa credit cards with Amazon: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature and the Amazon Rewards Visa credit cards. Those rewards credit cards provide enhanced cash back with Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, gas, dining, drugstores, and more. Both cards also come with an Amazon gift card upon successful application.

Related Article: New Amazon Prime and Chase Gift Card Offer

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Alliant Offering Free Avocado Toast Gift Card

by Cory Santos Thursday February 17, 2022

Last updated on March 16th, 2022

Alliant Credit Union is looking to poke fun at the popular image of millennials and avocado toast. The union is offering a $200 prepaid Visa for eligible new checking or savings accounts through March 4, 2022. Here are the full details of Aliant’s avocado toast and coffee gift card offer:

Alliant Offers Avocado Toast Themed Gift Card for New Accounts

Millennials and avocado toast are seemingly a match made in heaven. At least that is what some believe – and they cite is a reason why so many young Americans are priced out of homeownership. Alliant Credit Union is now mocking this absurd belief with a new avocado toast and coffee gift card for the first 1,500 eligible applicants who become a member and open a checking and savings account.

Between February 15th and March 4th, the first 1,500 eligible applicants who become an Alliant member and open a checking and savings account will receive one of the avocado toast prepaid cards. These prepaid debit cards can be spent at the local coffee shop or trendy brunch spot of their choice without undermining their savings efforts. In fact, users don’t need to splurge on the millennial treat at all.

Mocking a False Narrative

Alliant says they’re doing this because of the absurd belief that avocado toast is why millennials can’t buy a home – obviously a false narrative:

“The reality of soaring student debt, rising housing costs, and banks with absurd fees and low rates of return have a lot more to do with Millennials’ saving challenges than their breakfast choices. In welcoming new members to take advantage of Alliant’s great interest rates and no overdraft fees, we hope to keep more money in their pockets for life’s big plans and small comforts,” said Norm Buchanan, VP and chief product and experience officer at Alliant.

Who Is Eligible for Alliant Credit Union Membership?

Alliant Credit Union is a Chicago-based financial institution. Despite this, the credit union has members nationwide.

Membership in Alliant Credit Union is open to current or retired employees of businesses or organizations that partner with Alliant, those who live or work in one of the 20 Illinois communities served by Alliant, or immediate family of current Alliant Credit Union members.

Membership is also open to members of the Foster Care to Success (FC2S) organization. Even better, Alliant will pay the $5 membership fee for you.

Beyond the credit union’s checking and savings accounts (both of which are award winning), Alliant also offers a full suite of other banking products, including credit cards. The union’s Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card is one of the best cash back credit cards on the market today, offering up to 2.5% cash back with no categories to keep track of.

Featured image by Einladung_zum_Essen/PixaBay

Elan Adds “Across the Country Charitable Giving” Program

by Cory Santos Wednesday February 16, 2022

Elan is a financial services company that provides a suite of products and services to many local and regional banks and credit unions. Elan is making it easier to support local causes through a new charitable giving program benefiting 50 charities selected by credit union partners across the United States.

Elan Launches Across the Country Charitable Giving Program

Earlier this week, Elan Financial Services announced the launch of its Across the Country Charitable Giving program benefiting 50 charities across the United States. Of Elan’s 250+ active credit union partners, 50 have been randomly selected to participate in this exciting initiative to give back to the communities they serve.

The new charitable program allows each selected credit union to identify a charity of their choice in their own community. Elan will donate $12,500 to the designated organization on their behalf.

“Credit unions are a vital resource for their communities, with a mission to serve members and neighbors. We’re proud to launch Across the Country Charitable Giving and help support the positive impact our credit union partners have on their communities,” said Elan’s Credit Card GM, John Owens in a press release. “We believe giving back is more important than ever, and including our credit union partners was a meaningful component of bringing this project to fruition.”

Beyond the charitable donation to each chosen organization, Elan hopes to organize in-person volunteer events in select areas. This will provide the opportunity for Elan team members to work alongside our credit union partners and serve their neighbors.

Eligible Charities

Elan’s Across the Country Charitable Giving Program credit union partners and selected beneficiaries are:

1st Gateway Credit Union (United Way of Clinton County);
5 Star Community Credit Union (The Fellowship Cup);
ACT 1st Federal Credit Union (Walk to End Alzheimer’s);
ACFCU (Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center);
Alive Credit Union (High School 9:12);
AllSouth Federal Credit Union (Harvest Hope Food Bank);
Alltrust Credit Union (Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County);
Aurgroup Financial Credit Union (Butler County United Way);
Banner Federal Credit Union (Banner Health Foundation);
Brotherhood Credit Union (Boys & Girls Club of Lynn);
Central Coast Federal Credit Union (MY Museum);
Cloverbelt Credit Union (The Neighbors’ Place);
Community 1st Credit Union (Food Bank of Iowa);
DoverPhila Federal Credit Union (United Way Tuscarawas County);
Fairmont Federal Credit Union (Mon Valley Habitat for Humanity);
Financial Horizons Credit Union (Boys and Girls Club of Mason Valley);
Gold Coast Federal Credit Union (Education Foundation of Palm Beach County);
Greater Nevada Credit Union (Special Olympics Nevada);
Harborstone Credit Union (Communities in Schools of Lakewood);
Heart O TX Federal Credit Union (Communities in Schools of the Heart of Texas);
Heritage Community Credit Union (Folsom Cordova Community Partnership);
Lampco Federal Credit Union (Madison County Humane Society);
Maine Solutions Federal Credit Union (Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger);
Marine Credit Union (Marine Credit Union Foundation);
Members 1st Credit Union (Brenden’s Friday Backpacks);

Members Community Credit Union (Muscatine Center for Social Action);
Meriwest Credit Union (Children’s Miracle Network);
Metco Credit Union (Matthew 25);
Northwest Christian Credit Union (Chrysalis Women’s Transitional Living);
Northwestern Mutual Credit Union (Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Eastern Wisconsin);
NuMark Credit Union (Northern Illinois Food Bank);
Pasadena Service Federal Credit Union (Families Forward Learning Center);
Philadelphia Letter Carriers Federal Credit Union (Transformation to Recovery);
Pillar Credit Union (Peace and Freedom Committee);
Pinnacle Credit Union (RightPath);
Santa Fe Federal Credit Union (High Plains Children’s Home);
Sharonview Federal Credit Union (Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina);
Southern Gas Federal Credit Union (Special Olympics Arkansas);
St. Louis Community Credit Union (Prosperity Connection);
Summit Federal Credit Union (Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank);
Superior Choice Credit Union (Life House, Inc.);
Taunton Federal Credit Union (Citizens for Citizens Inc.);
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (Partnership for Families, Children and Adults/ YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga);
Trona Valley Community Federal Credit Union (Trona Valley CU Foundation);
Tyler City Employees Credit Union (East Texas Food Bank);
USSCO Federal Credit Union (Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania);
VA Hospital Federal Credit Union (Fisher House Foundation);
Wakota Federal Credit Union (Neighbors, Inc.);
WEPCO Federal Credit Union (Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation);
Workers Credit Union (Our Father’s House, Inc.)

For more information on Elan’s Across the Country Charitable Giving program, visit www.cupartnership.com.

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Americans Resolve to Save Money, Build Credit in 2022

by Cory Santos Tuesday February 15, 2022

Last updated on March 18th, 2024

Americans are seeking to improve their credit and save in 2022. A recent CIT Bank survey reveals nearly half of Americans are seeking to improve their financial wellbeing in 2022. Here are the full findings of CIT Bank’s “2022 New Year’s Resolutions by the Numbers.”

Study: Americans Looking to Save Money in 2022

The new year often brings with it new resolutions for the upcoming year. CIT Bank has released a study highlighting the resolutions of everyday Americans – with many citing financial wellbeing as their most important goal for 2022.

Savings is the largest area of financial concern for those questioned, with 77% looking to save more money in 2022. Those savings resolutions breakdown as follows:

43% plan to boost their emergency/rainy day savings
33% plan to create a travel fund
25% hope to save for a new car
23% plan to save for home improvements, down payments, and other housing costs
10% want to save to go back to school
8% are planning for either a return to the office (commuting/business expenses) or for starting a family

Tips for Saving Money

Saving money is difficult, especially with rising inflation, stagnating wages, and global shortages. Fortunately, saving money is achievable with resolve, the right tools, and a sensible approach.

Some practical steps to save money in 2022 include:

Keeping track of spending
Eliminating services/experiences that are unnecessary
Setting up autopay to avoid late fees
Using online shopping portals that offer special discounts and the ability to combine offers

Americans Also Looking to Build Credit in 2022

The CIT Bank study also found that 48% of respondents planned to build their credit score in 2022. Having a higher credit score means you are more appealing to lenders, resulting in better approval odds for credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, and other evolving accounts.

Like saving money, building credit requires common sense, practicality, and resolve. Here are some practical tips for building your credit score in 0222:

Pay your bills on time to eliminate missed payments (accounting for 1/3 of your credit score)
Eliminate credit card debt by chipping away slowly or getting a balance transfer credit card like the Upgrade Card with Cash Rewards or Chase Slate Edge.
Check your credit report regularly for errors
Keep credit use below 10% (ideally) or at least below 30% (to maintain your credit score)

Other CIT Bank Study Findings

Here are other findings from CIT Bank’s “2022 New Year’s Resolutions by the Numbers”:

65% of respondents plan to focus on their health in 2022
59% of respondents want to focus on their personal life this year
35% of respondents want to improve their professional life in 2022
28% of respondents plan to focus on their social involvement and interactions
49% of those questioned plan to buy something to help them maintain their resolution

Featured image by CIT Bank

Chase, Marriott Add Features to Bonvoy Boundless Card

by Cory Santos Monday February 14, 2022

Chase and Marriott are making exciting changes to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card. The updated benefits allow cardmembers to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on everyday spending and a faster path to Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status based on spend. Cardmembers can enjoy all these upgraded benefits with no increase to the annual fee, which means they’ll get more value with the same great card.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card Adds New Features

Marriot Bonvoy and Chase are making one of their most popular hotel rewards credit cards a little more exciting. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Cardmembers can now earn 3X points when they make purchases at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants (up to $6,000 in combined purchases per calendar year).

Additionally, cardmembers will now automatically receive one Elite Night Credit for every $5,000 in purchases, with no cap toward achieving higher Elite Status in Marriott Bonvoy. This is in addition to current earning benefits of up to 17X points for every $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and 2X points on all other purchases, as well as automatic Silver Elite Status, 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Elite Status each calendar year and a Free Night Award every year after account anniversary.

Bonvoy Boundless Visa Signature Features

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Signature is one of the most popular co-branded hotel rewards cards – and it is easy to see why. A full list of Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card’s benefits include:

Ways to earn:
- Earn up to 17X total points for every $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy:
  - 6X points on purchases at more than 7,900 properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy
  - Up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy member
  - Up to 1X points from Marriott with Automatic Silver Elite Status
- NEW: 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
- 2X points on all other purchases
A new way to elevate Marriott Bonvoy status: earn one Elite Night Credit toward Elite Status for every $5,000 spent
Additional Boundless travel benefits:
- Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year
- 15 Elite Night Credits toward next level of Elite Status each calendar year
- Gold Elite Status when cardmember spends $35,000 per calendar year
- Free Night Award every year after account anniversary (redemption level up to 35,000 points)
- Free Premium Wi-Fi
No foreign transaction fees
Visa Protection benefits include:
- Baggage Delay Insurance
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement
- Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Purchase Protection
Visa Concierge

Special, Limited-Time-Only Welcome Offer

To celebrate the enhanced benefits, for a limited time, new Marriott Bonvoy Boundless cardmembers can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is now available and has an annual fee of $95.

“Important to Evolve”

“The updates to the Boundless card were designed to deliver increased value to our cardmembers and provide more opportunity to earn on everyday spending,” said Ed Olebe, President of Chase Co-Brand Cards, in a press release. “During a time when the landscape is ever-changing, it’s important we evolve with our cardmembers to offer a product that maximizes the value they can get from their spending both at home and while traveling.”

“Our members are again experiencing unforgettable vacations across our portfolio of hotels, the largest portfolio of leisure and luxury hotels in the industry,” said David Flueck, Senior Vice President, Global Loyalty Marriott Bonvoy at Marriott International. “We’re thrilled to give our members an even faster way to earn free nights and status with their everyday spend on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card.”

Related Article: The Ultimate Marriott Bonvoy Program Guide

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Credit One Bank Launches NASCAR® American Express® Card

by Cory Santos Sunday February 13, 2022

Last updated on March 8th, 2023

Credit One and NASCAR are continuing the celebrations after agreeing on a multi-year sponsorship extension by naming American Express as the new payment network for its co-branded NASCAR Credit Card. The new network, plus a new name and design, have been launched to help kick off the new 2022 NASCAR racing season.

Credit One Changes Product Name to NASCAR® American Express® Card

Credit One has served as an Official Partner and issuer of co-branded credit cards for NASCAR since 2016. The two brands recently agreed on an extension to this successful partnership, with the added announcement of American Express becoming the Official Credit Card Payment Network of NASCAR starting with the 2022 racing season.

NASCAR® American Express® Card Features

The changes to the card (formerly a Visa product) have already taken effect, with the new Amex version now called the NASCAR® American Express® Card. The Credit One NASCAR American Express Card, offers fan-focused benefits including:

Earn unlimited 1% cash back rewards on all purchases, terms apply
Free access to Scanner on PC or within NASCAR mobile app for the 2022 race season. For details, click on Rates & Fees below
30% discount on select race tickets, parking, merchants, and other race experiences, terms apply
Receive discounts on select NASCAR race tickets, parking, merchants, and other race experiences.
Rates & Fees

Cardholders can also enjoy a wide range of unique discounts from leading brands through Amex Offers, early access to concert and event tickets from American Express Experiences, and additional benefits offered by American Express partners, including purchase and return protection, travel accident insurance, and extended warranty coverage.

“Helping Our Customers Access More of What They Love”

In celebration of the partnership and new card launch, a Credit One and American Express-themed pace car will be present on the racetrack during the historic Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum last weekend.

“Helping our customers access more of what they love is a tenet of everything we do,” said Mamta Kapoor, Head of American Express and NASCAR Partnership Marketing at Credit One, in a press release. “NASCAR has some of the most passionate fans in the world. We are proud to continue to give those superfans unique opportunities to earn cash back rewards while gaining access to exclusive experiences with their new Credit One NASCAR American Express Card.”

“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Credit One with the addition of this new card for NASCAR fans on the American Express Network,” added William Stredwick, Senior Vice President, Global Network Services, American Express. “This partnership extends our brand, giving more customers access to the benefits, offers, and protections of American Express.”

“Announcing this new partnership with American Express and a multi-year renewal with long-time partner Credit One continues building on the NASCAR fan experience,” said Michelle Byron, Vice President of Partnership Marketing, NASCAR. “We’re giving fans unique ways to experience the sport and show their support for brands that celebrate the best racing in the world.”