Capital One Launches Venture X Visa Infinite Card

by Cory Santos
Capital 1 Venture X Rewards Visa Infinite Credit Card Launch
Capital One has finally launched the hotly anticipated Venture X Card. The new travel rewards card features a dizzying welcome offer of 100,000 miles, up to 10X miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases, lounge access, and more for an equally impressive $395 annual fee. Here is everything you need to know about the new Capital One Venture X Rewards Card.

Capital One Venture X Now Live to Applicants

The Capital One Venture X is the first entry into ultra-premium credit cards from Capital One. The card, which was subject to rumors for months, was finally confirmed last week. Now, the Venture X Card is live for new applicants. The Capital One Venture X features a steep $395 annual fee. This fee places the card firmly in the same stratosphere as other ultra-premium luxury cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve, UBS Visa Infinite, and even the Platinum Card from American Express. Given the impressive company the Venture X keeps, the card needs an amazing selection of benefits to hold its own.

About the Capital One Venture X Card

Fortunately, the card is more than up to the task, starting with its impressive sign-up bonus. New accounts earn a huge 100,000 miles after spending (an equally huge) $10,000 on purchases within the first six months. Accountholders also enjoy 10,000 bonus miles each year on their account anniversary – a $100 travel bonus. The Venture X earns bonus miles on the types of categories you’d expect from a top-shelf travel rewards card. Cardholders earn accelerated rewards on the following purchases:
  • 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles on flights booked via Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles on all other purchases

Impressive Travel Perks

Earning miles is great, but it’s the luxury afforded to travelers when redeeming those miles that are of critical importance. Here, the Venture X shines. Cardholders enjoy a great selection of travel perks, including:
  • Capital One Lounge access for the cardholder and up to two guests
  • Priority Pass Select membership (including up to two guests, free of charge)
  • Up to a $300 credit annually credit for bookings made on Capital One Travel
  • Up to $100 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees every four years
  • Limited time $200 in statement credits for vacation rental purchases like Airbnb and VRBO
  • Hertz President’s Circle status for primary cardholders authorized users and account managers
What makes these perks particularly impressive is that they apply to the primary accountholder and authorized users. Even better, Capital One allows up to four additional cardholders, free of charge. That impressive feature isn’t available on the Platinum Card, Sapphire Reserve, or other options.

First Impressions

First impressions are tough to break – and first impressions with the Venture X are impressive. The card offers huge potential for the dedicated traveler who wants a premium credit card with premium perks – but can’t justify the steep annual fees of cards like the Amex Platinum. For a more detailed analysis of the Capital One Venture X, including how it stacks up against the competition, please check out our comprehensive review:

Related Article: Capital One and Hopper Launch New Travel Portal

Featured image by Capital One

American Express Has No Interest in Crypto Rewards

by Cory Santos
amex crypto rewards credit card

Last updated on April 20th, 2023

Don’t expect an American Express crypto credit card anytime soon – that’s the latest news from Amex’s chairman and chief executive. The payments giant, one of the largest issuers of credit and charge cards in the U.S., isn’t bending to the pressure from recent moves by competitors Visa and Mastercard.

American Express Not Looking into Crypto Credit Card Rewards

Cryptocurrencies are becoming a popular avenue for credit card rewards, with both Visa and Mastercard investing heavily into crypto-oriented products. Despite the increased focus on crypto, American Express doesn’t appear ready to follow competitors’ lead – at least according to the company’s CEO.

Amex Chairman Stephen Squeri recently told Yahoo that he sees cryptos, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others, as assets like gold rather than traditional rewards or cash back. “I don’t see it as really something that’s going to make inroads with a credit card perspective in terms of payments,” he told Yahoo. “Why? Number one, there are still tremendous fluctuations. Number two, you have the service with it. You don’t have the dispute rights with it. You’re not getting rewards, and you are not extending credit.”

Because Squeri and other Amex executives view current cryptocurrencies as more akin to gold, silver, or other commodities, is there a future for crypto with American Express? According to Squeri, the answer is a firm “probably not.” “We have watched government-based digital currencies very, very carefully,” Squeri said.  “We are exploring other ways to redeem your membership and rewards points potentially, but I don’t think you are going to see an American Express card linked to cryptocurrency anytime soon.”

Amex Losing Ground on Crypto to Visa, Mastercard

American Express’ move away from crypto is in direct opposition to moves b Mastercard and Visa – both of which are embracing the potential of cryptocurrency rewards. Mastercard unveiled plans to offer crypto integration through Bakkt last week, while Visa continues to invest heavily into cryptocurrency platforms via its Fintech Fast Track program.

Amex, on the other hand, is seeking to make its Membership Rewards cards much more attractive. Both the Platinum Card from American Express and the Business Platinum Card have received significant refreshes in recent months, with new features, statement credits, and annual fees. Additional Amex updates are anticipated in the new year – possibly with the personal Amex Gold and the  Business Gold cards.

Related Article: Upgrade Launches Bitcoin Rewards Card

Featured image by American Express

Visa Invests Capital in Deserve

by Cory Santos

Last updated on March 8th, 2023

Deserve continues to grow, thanks to new investment from Visa. The payment giant joins a growing list of blue-chip investors seeking to fund the credit-card-as-a-service and fintech company. Here are all the details of Visa’s investment in Deserve.

Visa Invests Capital in Deserve

Visa is injecting fresh capital into Deserve, a leading fintech, and credit-card-as-a-service company. Visa’s increased investment into Deserve follows on the heels of the payment giant fast-tracking Deserve via its Fintech Fast Track program, which supports digital payment innovation by making it simple to collaborate with Visa and launch new fintech products.

Deserve is one of the first credit-card-as-a-service software platforms to leverage Visa’s instant issuance with uncompromising security and provide a seamless digital experience. Deserve has reimagined the credit card application process with a mobile-first approach, allowing consumers to apply, activate and provision their card in digital wallets within minutes.

Deserve issues a variety of impressive credit cards using the Mastercard payment network. These card offerings include:

“Continuing to Drive the Adoption of Crypto-Powered Card Programs”

Visa’s investment means the company, the world’s largest payment network, joins other prominent investors, including Mission Holdings, Mastercard, Ally Ventures, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and Sallie Mae.

“This investment validates the industry’s embrace of a digital-first, embedded approach driven by APIs and SDKs,” said Kalpesh Kapadia, Deserve co-founder and CEO. “We’re transforming credit cards into software that lives on mobile devices, not in wallets.

“Visa’s Crypto team collaborated with BlockFi and Deserve to launch a crypto rewards credit card that would appeal to crypto enthusiasts and introduce crypto to the masses,” said AJ Shanley, Vice President of Crypto at Visa, in a press release. “The BlockFi Bitcoin rewards credit card has been an immediate success. We are excited about our partnership and new investment in Deserve and are looking forward to continuing to drive the adoption of crypto-powered card programs together.”

Related Article: Mastercard Offers Banks Crypto Integration w/ Bakkt

Featured image by AhmadArdity /PixaBay

Mercury Financial Closes on a $400 Million Warehouse

by Cory Santos
mercury-financial-closes-on-a-400-million-warehouse

Mercury Financial, the popular Mercury Mastercard issuer, is continuing their impressive 2021 with a new warehouse facility. The new $400 million warehouse facility is the company’s second of the year – and follows on from record levels of consumer lending, new card offers, and more.

Mercury Financial Secures New Warehouse

Mercury Financial is continuing its impressive 2021 with the announcement of a new $400 million warehouse facility. The new warehouse facility joins a second warehouse facility structured and closed during 2021, bringing total warehouse capacity to $650 million. The increased warehouse capacity will assist in funding growth in Mercury Financial’s credit card portfolio and support the origination of more near-prime credit card accounts.

Mercury’s Strong Performance in  2021

The news of Mercury’s new warehouse capacity follows the company’s record-breaking third quarter – a quarter in which Mercury Financial provided access to more than $300 million in credit for new account holders. This new lending came through a combination of personal loans and the company’s three credit card products:  the Free Spirit® Points Mastercard®, the Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard®, and the company’s proprietary Mercury® Mastercard®.

Q3 2021 also saw an increase of more than 350% in new account openings compared to the same quarter in 2020. Earlier this year, Mercury Financial also closed a $950 million inaugural securitization issuance, helping to strengthen the company’s proprietary platform and customer experience-based business model.

“In a Stronger Position Than Ever Before”

“Our continued ability to source new warehouse capacity is key to funding additional loan originations prior to issuing a second term series from our credit card master trust, which closed in the first quarter,” said Steve Carp, chief financial officer at Mercury Financial, in a press release. “As a result of our corporate and portfolio performance, we have had numerous global financial institutions express strong interest in supporting our growth through funding facilities.”

“I’m very proud of all we accomplished this year and to see our progress recognized by our trusted partners and investors,” added James Peterson, chief executive officer at Mercury Financial. “Building better lives for our customers begins with opportunities for better credit, and we are in a stronger position than ever to continue our mission to raise up deserving Americans by serving the near-prime customer base.”

Related Article: Spirit Airlines and Mercury Financial Launch New Credit Cards

Featured image by Pexels/PixaBay

Chase Unveils Apple Ultimate Rewards Promotion

by Cory Santos
chase freedom, ink, sapphire, jp morgan reserve apple ultimate rewards

Last updated on October 16th, 2023

Chase Ink Business, Freedom, and Sapphire cardmembers can now enjoy extra savings with Apple, thanks to the card issuer’s new Apple Ultimate Rewards promotion. Through the end of November, eligible Chase cardholders can enjoy up to 50% more value when using rewards for Apple products, including the new iPhone 13 and Apple Watch 7. Here are all the details:

Chase Unveils Apple Ultimate Rewards Promotion for Holiday Shopping

Chase is bringing back its popular Apple redemption offer for eligible cardmembers. Effective November 1, Chase Freedom and Sapphire cardmembers enjoy up to 50% more value from their points when using them to purchase Apple products through the Ultimate Rewards® portal.

Throughout November (ending on November 30, 2022), eligible Chase cardholders can save up to 50% when redeeming rewards with Apple. Current eligible Chase credit cards include:

Chase Freedom Cards

Starting November 1 – November 30, 2021, Chase Freedom, Freedom Unlimited, Freedom Flex, and Freedom Student cardmembers enjoy 10% more value with points when redeemed for Apple products through Ultimate Rewards.

Chase Sapphire Cards

Starting November 1 – November 30, 2021, Chase Sapphire Preferred cardmembers enjoy 25% more value with points when redeemed for Apple products through Ultimate Rewards.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers receive even more value, with Ultimate Rewards points worth 50% more when redeeming for Apple products through the Ultimate Rewards portal.

Ink Business Cards

Chase Ink small business cardmembers also enjoy enhanced redemption value when using points with Apple:

  • Ink Business Cash, Ink Cash, and Ink Business Unlimited:
    • Starting November 1 – November 30, 2021: Points are worth 10% more when redeemed for Apple products through Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Ink Business Preferred and Ink Plus
    • Starting November 1 – November 30, 2021: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for Apple products through Ultimate Rewards®.

Related Article: Chase Launches World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Featured image by Pexels / PixaBay

Mastercard Touch Card to Help Visually Impaired Consumers

by Cory Santos
Mastercard Touch Card designed to aid blind visually impaired cardholders

Mastercard has announced plans to launch a line of credit and debit cards for people who are blind or have vision impairment. The new card designs, known as Mastercard Touch Card, is set to launch in 2022 and will feature distinct physical notches to help differentiate between credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards.

Mastercard Touch Card Set to Debut in 2022

Mastercard has announced a new credit and debit card design for blind and visually impaired consumers. The new card designs, known as Mastercard Touch Card, were developed after input from the Royal National Institute of Blind People in the UK and the nonprofit Visions/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the US. Notches were selected instead of Braille, as research indicates that blind card users do not make use of it, according to Mastercard research.

The company hopes the new notched Touch Card will help improve security for blind and visually impaired cardholders. While some blind consumers have created their own methods to differentiate between their various cards, many still rely on others to visually verify which card they are holding. This process, it is argued, can lead to fraud.

“If you are partly impaired or totally impaired, you don’t need to learn a lot,” said Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard’s chief marketing and communications officer. “All you need to see is OK; there are different shapes.”

While Mastercard has pioneered the new card design for visually impaired customers, the company will not monopolize the innovation. According to the report announcing the news of the launch, Mastercard will also make its new designs are available for other card companies to use.

About Mastercard

Mastercard is the world’s second-largest payment network, behind only Visa. Over 230 million credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards bear the Mastercard logo worldwide. The company’s processing network connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories.

Related Article: Mastercard Offers Banks Crypto Integration w/ Bakkt

Featured image by Mastercard

Marriott Makes Changes to Bonvoy Program for 2022

by Cory Santos
marriott-makes-changes-to-bonvoy-program-for-2022

Last updated on April 24th, 2023

Marriott is making changes to its Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program for 2022. The new changes include extending 2021 elite tier status through the beginning of 2023, extensions to award night redemption deadlines, a pause on point expiration, and more.

Major Changes to Marriott Bonvoy in 2022

Marriott Bonvoy is the latest loyalty program to announce changes for 2022. The program, one of the largest hotel loyalty programs in the world, traces its roots back to 1983, and includes three former rewards programs: Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest.

Dynamic Pricing

One of the most significant changes to the Marriott Bonvoy program for 2022 is a shift towards dynamic award pricing. Marriott says it will move to dynamic award pricing from March 2022, and the current award chart will be removed.

Despite the shift towards dynamic pricing, Marriott claims around 97% of its properties will maintain their current award peak (and off-peak) pricing through the end of 2022. After 2022, however, there is no cap on the amount of Bonvoy points a specific property may cost. While Marriott claims this new policy will help increase access to properties, only time will tell if the pricing continues to be fair beyond 2022.

Points + Free Night Certificates

Another noteworthy change to the Marriott Bonvoy program is the ability to add points towards free night certificates. Bonvoy members will be able to add up to 15,000 points to a free night certificate, allowing them to access award properties they might typically not be able to afford with just a free night corticate alone.

The addition of points plus award certificates is an excellent addition to the Bonvoy program. The cap of 15,000 points seems low, but again, it will require a better understanding of how award night pricing changes with the shift towards dynamic pricing.

Other Changes

Other notable changes to the Marriott Bonvoy program for 2022 include:

  • Extensions of elite statuses through February 2023
  • Suite night awards and free night awards also extended through June 2022
  • Points will not expire through December 2022

Related Article: New AAdvantage Changes for 2022 Announced

Featured image by JanClaus / PixaBay

Credit Card Application Rules for Major Banks

by Cory Santos
Secret Credit Card Application Rules for Major Banks

Last updated on August 24th, 2023

Applying for a credit card requires a variety of steps. Part of the process involves the bank using internal approval processes, which are hidden from consumers. Before you apply for your next credit card, make sure you know the secret credit card application rules from some of the biggest credit card issuers in the United States:

Credit Card Application Rules from Major Banks and Issuers

The Chase 5/24 rule is one of the better-known credit card application rules. The 5/24 rule states that Chase will not approve a personal credit card application if there are more than five hard inquiries on the applicant’s credit report within the last two years (24 months).

Other banks also have secretive rules regarding credit card applications. Bank of America, for example, has two rules: the 7/12 and the 3/12 rules. The 7/12 rule states that Bank of America will not approve a seventh new credit card account if the applicant has opened six accounts in the last year. The 3/12 rule is similar, stating that Bank of America won’t approve a third BoA credit card within a 12-month period.

Other Bank Rules Regarding Credit Card Applications

Not surprisingly, other leading banks also have limitations to approving credit card applications. Here are some of the most noteworthy of the card issuer language regarding new applications:

American Express

American Express is one of the most popular issuers of credit cards and charge cards (including the Platinum Card and Gold Card). The issuer has several rules regarding applications for either type of credit product, including:

  • Applicants are limited to one approved credit card every five-day rolling period
  • Applicants are limited to two approved credit cards every 90-day rolling period

These rules only apply to credit cards and not the bank’s popular charge cards. This means that it is possible to apply for a credit card and a charge card within five days and be approved for both.

Barclays

Barclays has the 6/24 rule, which is like Chase’s 5/24 rule. The 6/24 rule from Barclays states that applicants will likely be rejected for a new credit card if they have six new accounts on their credit report within the last 24 months.

Capital One

Capital One is one of the largest issuers of credit cards in the United States – and a leading issuer of co-branded credit cards. The bank has strict rules on the total number of cards one account can have:

  • Capital One will only approve one new credit card account every six months, and this rule applies to both personal and small business credit cards.
  • The bank has a strict limit of two co-branded credit cards, with any subsequent applications doomed for rejection.

Citi

Citibank has the following rules regarding its consumer and small business credit cards:

  • A limit of one business card application every 90 days
  • Applicants can only be approved for one new personal credit card every eight days and no more than two cards in a 65-day period

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank only has one rule, which pertains to its popular U.S. Bank Altitude line-up of cards. This rule is known as the 0/6 Altitude rule and stipulates that the bank will not approve a new Altitude account if there was another inquiry within the last six months.

Some experts have also noticed a rule with the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite, the luxurious, ultra-premium travel card from U.S. Bank. This rule stipulates that U.S. Bank will not approve an application for the Altitude Reserve if there is no previous banking relationship (checking, savings, credit, mortgages, etc.) between U.S. Bank and the applicant.

Wells Fargo

Like U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo also considers previous relationships with applicants before approving credit card applications. The bank also has explicit language on their website regarding credit card application rules: “You may not qualify for an additional Wells Fargo credit card if you have opened a Wells Fargo credit card in the last six months.”

Related Article: How to Recover After a Credit Card Application Rejection

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New AAdvantage Changes for 2022 Announced

by Cory Santos
AAdvantage frequent flyer changes

Last updated on April 25th, 2023

Big changes are instore for the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. The program will refine how and when members earn base miles, with a new Loyalty Points system being introduced to streamline earning elite tier statuses within the program. Here’s everything you need to know about the new changes to the American Airlines AAdvantage program for 2022:

American Airlines Outlines Changes to AAdvantage Program for 2022

American Airlines has unveiled changes to its AAdvantage frequent flyer program for 2022. The new changes mark a dramatic change from the previous miles earning system, which American Airlines states uncomplicates elite qualifying metrics, with one qualifying AAdvantage® mile earned equals one Loyalty Point.

As noted, the new AAdvantage program operates on both AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points. Members can earn base miles on various purchases, including American Airlines fares, baggage, and other purchases, through AAdvantage Dining, AAdvantage eShopping, SimplyMiles, and more.

Flying with American Airlines and Partner Carriers

Flying with American is the most straightforward way to earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points. Members earn five base AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on American fares and purchases. Since 5X miles also equals 5X Loyalty Points, flying with American Airlines can quickly accelerate members towards elite status.

Elite statuses carry miles boosters, with higher tiers earning more miles/Points on every purchase. Here are the Point bonuses for AAdvantage elite tier members starting in 2022:

  • Gold: 40% bonus
  • Platinum: 60% bonus
  • Platinum Pro: 80% bonus
  • Executive Platinum: 120% bonus

These boosters provide ample opportunity for reaching/ retaining elite tiers within the AAdvantage program. Executive Platinum members, for instance, can earn up to 11X Loyalty Points on American-operated flights.

Flying with American Airlines codeshare partners, including Oneworld Alliance partners, also earns miles/ Loyalty Points. Members will earn miles/Points at the same rate as previously, with elite status bonuses also applying to partner-operated flights.

Earning with AAdvantage Credit Cards

Credit cards are a popular method for accruing AAdvantage miles. Citi and Barclays currently issue a range of personal and small business credit cards co-branded with American Airlines, many of which offer accelerated miles in select bonus categories.

In 2022, AAdvantage credit cardholders will earn one Loyalty Point for every base mile earned on their card. Using an eligible card to make purchases in a bonus spending category (such as 2X AAdvantage miles per $1 spent at grocery stores with the Citi American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp Mastercard®) only earns Loyalty Points on the base earning rate (so, the 2X on groceries would earn one Loyalty Point per dollar spent, not two). Additionally, welcome bonuses do not count as Loyalty Points

Earning with Other Activities

While spending with credit cards and flights is set ins tone, American Airlines is still fine tuning the base miles/ Loyalty Point earning with other partners. Spending with AAdvantage Dining, AAdvantage eShopping, and SimplyMiles apply towards Loyalty Points, with each dollar spent resulting in one Loyalty Point.

With other partners, however, the situation is less specific. Hotel partners, booking portals, and other third-party activities have not been fully hashed out, with American noting that members need to “stay tuned” for further updates.

The new AAdvantage program is set to launch at the beginning of 2022.

Related Article: Chase Increases Waitlist Bonus for Aeroplan Credit Card

Featured image by American Airlines / AAdvantage

Dining Programs: How to Earn Airline Miles with Any Credit Card

by Cory Santos
dining programs how to earn airline miles with any credit card

Last updated on April 3rd, 2024

Want to earn airline miles but can’t bear to part with your favorite credit card? Now you don’t have to. Here is everything you need to know about airline dining programs:

What Are Airline Dining Programs?

Airline dining programs (also known as dining clubs) are a lesser-known credit card hack that allows you to earn airline miles with any credit card you currently use. These free programs are made up of partnered restaurants, cafes, and other establishments and can earn diners airline miles towards the affiliated airline carrier.

Members earn miles or points similarly to traditional rewards programs where members earn a range of between 1-5 miles per dollar(s) spent at an affiliated restaurant. It may seem too easy to be true – but simply register your credit card with the airline dining program of your choice and watch the rewards roll in.

How to Register for an Airline Dining Program

There are no exceptions to which credit cards are eligible to enroll in a dining program. If you already have an airline card, feel free to double dip and earn even more miles on top of your card’s initial rewards.

Have a credit card from a different or competing airline carrier? You’re welcome to use that too! Just keep in mind that you are only allowed one credit card per program and that attempting to use the same card for several will result in the card being removed from another program, minimizing your returns.

For example, if you first link your Chase Freedom to American Airlines and then later to Delta, you will automatically be un-enrolled from AA’s dining program. Why is this the case? All airline dining programs are administered by a single company, the Rewards Network. However, there is no limit on the number of dining programs that you can enroll in as long as you use a unique credit card for each.

How to Choose Which Dining Program to Sign Up For

As is the case with credit cards, not all dining programs are equal. Fortunately, if you sign up for a dining program that turns out to be less rewarding than you anticipated, you’re not stuck with it. You’re always free to enroll your credit card with a different airline’s program at any time – but these tips will help you nail it the first time.

Choose an Airline You Frequently Fly With

Earning miles through an airline dining program could be slow-goings if you don’t eat out often. To set yourself up for success, think of airline dining programs as a supplementary way to earn miles rather than your main source of scoring free airfare.

Spending $10 a day at lunch should earn you 300 miles (minimum) in the airline program of your choice – a far cry from the first-class, round trip ticket might be hoping your miles will earn you. Since the bulk of your airline mile earnings will come from actual flight purchases (whether you have an airline card or not), think of the miles earned through airline dining programs as a means to bump you up to that next membership tier or to give you just enough to book that one-way ticket.

Consider How Many Restaurants in the Program are Located Near You

Visit the homepage of any airline dining program and search to see what restaurants are near you. This list will show the rating from fellow dining club members, the average price of an entrée, and whether there are any exceptions to earning miles or points.

Find Restaurants You Would Want to Eat At

Last but not least, make sure that the restaurants listed in the program are ones at which you’d actually want to dine. It does you little good if there are dozens of restaurants in your area, but none of them sound appetizing to you. Additionally, dining programs (just like credit cards) offer sign-up bonuses that you must meet within a certain period (typically 30 days).

Which Airlines Offer Dining Programs?

There are seven US airline programs that have various sign-up bonuses and reward rates. Keep in mind that you’ll have to be a registered member of the airline’s loyalty program before signing up for a dining club.

American Airlines – AAdvantage Dining

New Member Bonus: Earn 1,000 bonus miles after spending $25 within the first 30 days of signing up. 

Earning Potential: Members are automatically at the basic membership level, where they earn 1X American Airlines AAdvantage mile per dollar spent. To reach the next tier, Select, opt-in to emails and receive 3X AAdvantage miles per dollar spent. The highest tier membership is VIP, which requires 12 qualified transactions per calendar year and will earn 5X AAdvantage miles per dollar spent.

Earn More with AAdvantage Credit Cards: American Airlines currently offers a variety of personal and small business credit cards through Barclays and Citi. All cards offer additional miles with the AAdvantage program:

Alaska Airlines – Alaska Mileage Plan

New Member Bonus: Earn 1,000 bonus miles after spending $30 and writing a review on your experience within the first 30 days of signing up. 

Earning Potential: There are three membership levels within the Alaska Airlines dining program: Basic, Select, and VIP. To immediately be eligible for the middle tier, make sure to opt-in to promotional emails. This will automatically boost the mile-earning powers from 1X mile to $2 spent (Basic membership) to 3X miles per $1 spent (Select membership). The VIP level membership offers 5X miles per $1 and is earned after the 12th qualifying purchase within a calendar year (while also being opted-in to emails).

Earn More with Alaska Airlines Credit Cards: Diners looking to maximize their Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles can earn even more with co-branded Alaska Airlines credit cards. Bank OF America currently offers two co-branded Alaska credit cards, both of which earn enhanced miles with every eligible purchase:

Delta Air Lines – SkyMiles Dining

New Member Bonus: Earn up 3,000 bonus miles after spending at least $30 at participating restaurants within the first 30 days: 500 bonus miles for the first restaurant visit, 1,000 miles after the second time dining at an eligible restaurant, and then 1,500 miles for the third visit to any restaurant within the network.

Earning Potential: Basic membership level earns 1X mile per dollar spent. Select level membership requires opting into emails and earns 3X miles per dollar spent. VIP level requires 12 qualified transactions per calendar year offers 5X SkyMiles per dollar spent.

Earn More with Amex SkyMiles Credit Cards: Delta offers several credit cards through American Express. These cards include a no annual fee option, as well as several premium cards that provide lounge access and additional perks:

Hawaiian Airlines – Hawaiian Marketplace

Hawaiian Airlines does not have a decided dining program. Despite this, the airline does offer a Marketplace for members – which provides additional HawaiianMiles on eligible purchases. These partners and merchants include several restaurants and delivery services, allowing HawaiianMiles members to earn additional miles just for eating out at eligible restaurants.

        

JetBlue Airlines – TrueBlue Dining

New Member Bonus: Earn 500 points in your first 30 days. New accounts earn 500 TrueBlue points for opening an account and spending $25 or more with a registered credit or debit card at a participating restaurant in the first 30 days.

Earning Potential: Members earn a flat rate of 3X TrueBlue points per dollar spent.

Earn More with JetBlue Credit Cards: Diners looking to maximize their TrueBlue points can earn even more with co-branded JetBlue credit cards:

Southwest Airlines – Southwest Rapid Rewards

New Member Bonus: Earn 1,000 Rapid Rewards bonus points after spending at least $25 and writing a review on your experience within the first 30 days of signing up. 

Earning Potential: Earn 3X points per dollar spent when opting in to emails; otherwise earn 1X point per 2 dollars spent.

Earn More with Southwest Credit Cards: Diners looking to maximize their Rapid Rewards points can earn even more with co-branded Southwest credit cards from Chase:

Spirit Airlines– Free Spirit Dining

New Member Bonus: Earn 1,000 bonus miles after spending at least $30 and writing a review on your experience within the first 30 days of signing up. 

Earning Potential: Basic membership level earns 1X miles per $2 spent. The next tier is Online Member, which requires opting into emails and earns 3X miles per dollar spent. VIP level requires 12 qualified transactions per calendar year earns 5X miles per dollar spent.

Earn Additional Miles with Free Spirit Credit Cards: Free Spirit members can earn even more rewards with one of the airline’s co-branded credit cards. Spirit currently offers four credit cards from Bank of America and Mercury Financial:

United Airlines – MileagePlus Dining

New Member Bonus: Earn 3,000 bonus miles after spending at least $25 within the first 30 days of signing up (and leaving a review).

Earning Potential: Basic membership level earns 1X miles per $2 spent. The next tier is Select, which requires opting into emails and earns 3X miles per dollar spent. VIP level requires 12 qualified transactions per calendar year and receives 5X miles per dollar spent.

Earn More with United Co-Brand Credit Cards: Earn even more United MileagePlus miles through co-branded credit cards from Chase and First Hawaiian Bank:

Final Thoughts

Airline dining programs are a tremendous commitment-free way to earn miles and points towards your favorite airlines. While these programs alone may not earn you enough points to replace your airline rewards credit card outright – the sign-up bonuses alone could make them worth joining. As long as you don’t mind receiving the occasional email and writing a quick review, you’ll definitely find these programs easy to take advantage of.

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Airline Credit Cards

Featured image by Dan Gold / Unsplash

Chase Increases Waitlist Bonus for Aeroplan Credit Card

by Cory Santos
chase waitlist increase bonus aeroplan

Last updated on April 26th, 2023

Chase has launched a new bonus offer for anyone joining the waitlist for the upcoming Chase and Air Canada Aeroplan credit card. Anyone joining the card’s waitlist (and subsequently getting approved for the card) will earn 10,000 Aeroplan points over the standard welcome offer, plus ten eUpgrade credits.

Chase Launches New Waitlist Offer for New Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card

Chase created a waitlist for the hotly anticipated new co-branded airline card the banking giant is launching with Air Canada Aeroplan. Initially, the waitlist for the Air Canada credit card from Chase offered 10,000 additional Aeroplan points in addition to the standard welcome bonus as an incentive to join the list and eventually apply for the new card.

Earn 10,000 Bonus Points and ten eUpgrade Credits

Now, Chase is upping the ante with its Air Canada credit card waitlist. Potential applicants joining the Aeroplan waitlist will now receive 10,000 Aeroplan points plus ten eUpgrade credits should they apply for the card on launch and be successfully approved.

While the precise nature of the Aeroplan eUpgrade credits isn’t fully known, Chase states that “(the new credits) will come in handy when combined with the benefits on the new card!” This wording appears to hint that the card will offer a streamlined avenue towards more elite tiers in both Air Canada’s Aeroplan program and in the Star Alliance codeshare program.

Other notable items from the Chase Air Canada waitlist include:

  • The waitlist remains open until November 8, 2021
  • Those that already signed up for the waitlist are automatically eligible for the new eUpgarde credit offer
  • Those on the waitlist must be approved for the card by February 15, 2022, to receive the 10,000-point and ten eUpgrade credit bonus

When Will the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card Launch?

Chase added Air Canada Aeroplan as an Ultimate Rewards transfer partner earlier this year.  The bank also announced a new co-brand partnership with Canada’s leading airline at the same time, with a new credit card set to launch later this year. Previously, TD Bank issued the only U.S.-based credit card with Air Canada: the TD Aeroplan Visa Signature® (no longer open to new applicants).

Click here to join the waiting list for the upcoming Chase Aeroplan credit card.

Related Article: Air Canada Updates Aeroplan Miles Expiration Rules

Featured image by Chase

Mastercard Offers Banks Crypto Integration with Bakkt

by Cory Santos
mastercard-offers-banks-crypto-integration

Last updated on April 12th, 2023

Mastercard is offering banks and merchants the chance to integrate crypto into their payment and rewards structures – a first for a major payment network. The move will help further boost the accessibility of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which continues to enjoy widespread success and growth. Here are all the details:

Mastercard Set to Offer Crypto Integration to Banks, Merchants

Mastercard will offer crypto integration to any bank or merchant that uses its payment network. A new CNBC report states that Mastercard will provide crypto integration through Bakkt, including credit and debit cards.

The move by Mastercard will significantly shift how consumers earn – and use cryptocurrencies.  Because of Mastercard’s immense global footprint, more and more consumers will have the opportunity to join in the crypto revolution. To date, there are 2.8 billion Mastercards in use, according to the company.

Cryptocurrencies Appear Here to Stay

Crypto has enjoyed continued popularity in recent years, with more lenders seeking to provide rewards as Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies. While crypto credit cards (like the Upgrade Visa® Card with Bitcoin Rewards) have attracted concordable attention, spending Bitcoin and other cryptos has remained challenging – until now.

Mastercard’s crypto integration will make it easier for banks, lenders, and merchants to better utilize cryptocurrencies – keeping users on their networks and services versus third-party Bitcoin and other crypto wallets and exchanges. The new partnership with Bakkt, a publicly-traded crypto firm, will allow merchants and banks to offer rewards in cryptocurrency rather than traditional rewards points.

“Lowering the Barriers to Entry”

“We want to offer all of our partners the ability to more easily add crypto services to whatever it is they’re doing,” Sherri Haymond, Mastercard’s executive vice president of digital partnerships, told CNBC in an interview. “Our partners, be they banks, fintechs, or merchants, can offer their customers the ability to buy, sell and hold cryptocurrency through an integration with the Baktt platform.”

“We’re lowering the barriers to entry, allowing people to take something like your rewards points and trade them into crypto,” said Bakkt CEO Gavin Michael in an interview. “It’s an easy way to get going because you’re not using cash, you’re putting something that’s an idle asset sitting on your balance sheet, and we’re allowing you to put it into work.”

Related Article: The Best Fintech & Crypto Credit Cards of 2021

Featured image by WorldSpectrum / PxaBay

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