Airport Lounge Access from Capital One Coming 2021

by BestCards Team
Image of an Airport Lounge Building

Last updated on November 9th, 2023

Move over American Express. Airport lounge access from Capital One is on its way, and it may just give the Centurion Lounge a run for its money. Those who have waited patiently for lounge access from their Capital One travel cards don’t have to wait much longer. The company plans to debut its first-ever lounge as early as 2021 in Washington DC’s Dulles Airport (IAD). This location comes as no surprise, given that the Capital One Headquarters sits just a few miles away. The company has long expressed its dedication to the DC community, and it plans to continue its support by introducing this local travel perk. Questions remain as to who will have access and at what price. If other Capital One ventures offer any indication, cardholders can expect discounted membership as a new card feature.

What to Expect from the First Capital One Airport Lounge

The Capital One lounge will sit just behind the Dulles TSA PreCheck checkpoint. This will provide easy access for travelers with both memberships, including those carrying the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card. One of the Venture Card’s main features is the $100 credit towards either PreCheck or Global Entry.

TAV American Operations Services Inc., which manages the Turkish Airlines Star Alliance Lounge in that same airport, will oversee the construction. Current plans suggest the lounge will span 9,100 square feet, leaving plenty of room for multiple amenities. Rumored features include:

  • Wi-Fi access
  • Conference space
  • A gym and showers
  • Spa and dining services
  • A children’s room

With the addition of the gym, these potential amenities compare to what you would get with a coveted Centurion Lounge membership. The question is, will the cost of admission compare?

Who Will Have Airport Lounge Access with Capital One?

Capital One has yet to announce who will have access to this new lounge. For comparison, certain Amex travel cards grant complimentary access to Centurion lounges, but the annual fees for these cards range from $550 to $595. With its own annual fee of $95, it’s difficult to say for sure if the Capital One Venture Card’s airport lounge access will be complimentary, or simply discounted. Another speculated aspect is whether or not non-cardholders will be allowed to purchase memberships. It’s possible that the lounge will operate similarly to the Capital One Cafes. These combination café-banks are open to everyone, but Capital One customers get half-price on beverages.

Of course, this would suggest that all Capital One account holders will also have access to discounted memberships. This could mean those holding the Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card with no annual fee, or even just a checking account, can get access for less.

MGM Data Breach: How to Protect Against Fraud

by Cory Santos
MGM Resorts Las Vegas Hotel Image

Last updated on September 19th, 2023

Add MGM Resorts International to the list of major corporations falling victim to data breaches. While the company won’t reveal the total number of guests affected, estimates range as high as nearly 11 million people. MGM Resorts joins the likes of Yahoo, Equifax, Marriott, and U.S. Defense agency DISA in suffering breaches, which expose the personal and financial information of tens of millions of Americans.

The Story So Far

MGM, which operates over 20 properties worldwide, claims the data breach amounts to “phone book data”. This is the type of information you see in a Google search. According to Under the Breach, a cybercrime firm, however, the situation is direr. The firm claims the breach hit over 10.6 million customers, including high-profile names, such as Justin Bieber. Also affected was Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter. While MGM claims only email addresses, physical addresses, and phone numbers were compromised, a lawsuit against MGM claims passport numbers, driver’s license numbers, and other sensitive materials also fell into the hands of thieves. This argument has since been corroborated by business news site ZDNet, who reports that the stolen information currently appears on a popular hacker forum.

MGM Responds

MGM says the company immediately notified those affected and that it takes situations like these seriously. “Last summer, we discovered unauthorized access to a cloud server that contained a limited amount of information for certain previous guests of MGM Resorts,” the company stated in a release. “At MGM Resorts, we take our responsibility to protect guest data very seriously. We have strengthened and enhanced the security of our network to prevent this from happening again,”

Tips to Avoid Fraud

breaches, like the MGM data breach, are something that continues to occur. It’s essential to understand the steps to take if you suspect your information was stolen to protect yourself. Since the breach likely affects M Life Rewards Mastercard holders, the co-branded credit card from MGM, understanding credit card fraud is critical.  For victims, there are five steps to take immediately after credit card fraud:

  • Contact the credit card issuer and alert them of the situation. Also, ask them to freeze the account.
  • Contact credit bureaus and alert them to fraud and data breaches.
  • Update all passwords and ensure accounts are verified to stop further data loss.
  • Update recurring payments and halt current payments.
  • Join a credit monitoring service to check for future breaches or fraudulent activities.

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Gambling & Credit Cards

CardWorks to Ally with Ally Financial

by BestCards Team

Last updated on November 9th, 2023

On Wednesday February 20, the growing financial services company Ally Financial (NYSE: ALLY) announced its plans to acquire CardWorks, the credit card and consumer financing lender. The deal will cost Ally $2.65 billion. More importantly, it will bring together two companies who claim to share a common goal of putting customers first.

About the Deal

CardWorks is a lender focused on the non-prime market. Its services include collections, merchant acquiring, and processing for consumer credit cards. This includes those offered by Merrick Bank, founded by CardWorks in 1997. Since 1987, CardWorks has sought to provide delightful service to its customers. CEO Don Berman believes the merger will only bolster this. When asked about the deal, he said “At CardWorks, we’ve successfully built a people-centric, compliance-focused organization enabled by technology with a mission to delight our clients and customers, and Ally represents an ideal partner.” The company will bring with it about $4.7 billion in assets, as well as $2.9 billion in deposits.  Berman will reportedly receive $1.35 billion in cash, with $1.30 billion in Ally stock. In addition, Ally has offered him a spot on the Board of Directors. He plans to continue his oversight of the CardWorks aspect of the business. The deal won’t officially close until the third quarter of 2020.

What Does the Ally Financial Acquisition Mean for Consumers?

Ally Financial is a holding company that currently focuses on auto financing and insurance, mortgages, and banking through its online platform, Ally Bank. The company seeks to complement its current services with the help of this acquisition, expanding into the non-prime market. This will enable the company to take another step closer to its goal of becoming a full-service financial firm. The most notable change for consumers will likely be that CardWorks’ Merrick Bank will merge into Ally Bank. Ally Bank’s won the title of “Best Online Bank” several times over since its founding. Money Magazine most recently gave Ally this accolade in 2019. Further information about what will happen to current Merrick Bank credit cards and accounts has yet to be released. However, since Ally Bank doesn’t currently offer any credit cards, a simple rebrand is possible. Both companies offer several options for high-yield CDs, so that seems likely to remain the case. As pointed out by Ally Financial CEO Jeffrey Brown, “Culturally, Ally and CardWorks are ideal partners as both companies share a deep-rooted history of disciplined risk management and an obsession over the customer.” By merging under their common values, both companies hope to offer even more quality, customer-centric products.

Editorial Disclosure — The opinions expressed on BestCards’ reviews, articles, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author. They are not reflective of any card issuer or financial institution and have not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless otherwise noted. Further, BestCards lists credit card offers that are updated daily with information believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.

SmartHealth PayCard: the First Medical Credit Card

by BestCards Team
SmartHealth PayCard: the First Medical Credit Card

Last updated on November 9th, 2023

SmartHealth PayCard Debuts as the First and Only Credit Card Dedicated to Medical Expenses

The SmartHealth PayCard recently debuted, and it may change how Americans pay for medical care. As of now, this is the first and only credit card solely dedicated to paying medical expenses. According to the terms and conditions page accessed through SmartHealth’s application page, the issuer of this new credit card is 1st Community Federal Credit Union. This is a small Texas-based credit union that restricts membership to only a handful of counties in Texas. It’s odd that a groundbreaking credit card like the SmartHealth PayCard would partner with such a small financial institution. SmartHealth employed i2c Inc. to facilitate the creation of this new credit card. This banking technology platform provider may have had something to do with choosing 1st Community as the issuer of the PayCard. It’s unsure what the financial reasoning is. Nevertheless, this card does have some unique features that may help both patients and providers

What does the SmartHealth PayCard Do?

The PayCard differs from existing healthcare payment options. It’s neither a Health Savings Account (HAS) nor an insurance plan. It functions almost exactly like a regular credit card. In fact, it’s part of the Mastercard payment network. As such, you must apply for the SmartHealth PayCard just as you would any other credit card. Applicants can receive credit limits between $3,000 and $15,000. A big difference between this card and other credit cards, though, is that cardholders can only use this card for medical expenses. However, this can include cosmetic procedures, which many health insurance plans typically do not cover. Cardholders can pay for copays, deductibles, co-insurance, and other out-of-pocket expenses at any provider that accepts Mastercard. Unlike insurance, you don’t have to find a provider that is in network.

Unique Benefits

Another feature of the SmartHealth PayCard is that it actually offers cardholders complimentary emergency medical coverage. This coverage is not health insurance and doesn’t comply with ACA guidelines. Rather, it’s what the industry refers to as an indemnity reimbursement plan. Basically, the SmartHealth card will cover hospital admissions, outpatient ER visits and ambulance use up to $5,000 a year. You can almost see this as supplemental emergency health coverage. Cardholders can only use this coverage for three occurrences per year. Additionally, cardholders receive up to $5,000 in accidental death coverage to help family pay for funeral and other expenses. SmartHealth plans to roll out further benefits in the future, including discounts at participating providers. It’s also possible that this card will offer cardholder rewards at some point, although there are no further details about this feature at the time.

Is It Really That Helpful?

As of right now, the SmartHealth PayCard may benefit healthcare providers more than it does patients. This comes down to numbers. The card’s official website boasts a low APR. However, the website doesn’t provide the exact number in writing. After calling customer service, the team at BestCards.com found that the APR is a fixed rate of 18%. That’s not unreasonable, but it is slightly higher than the national average. The PayCard functions almost exactly like a regular Mastercard at medical facilities. Most providers in the U.S. already accept Mastercard as a method of payment. Therefore, there may be little incentive to apply for this card if you currently have a lower-interest credit card. Perhaps the only benefit of this card right now is the fixed indemnity plan. For consumers receiving treatment for chronic illnesses, this card may also help streamline expense tracking. Cardholders have access to a member website, mobile app, and record keeping resources. Providers, however, have more to be excited about. For starters, providers don’t have to pay a fee to accept the SmartHealth card. Furthermore, it may reduce the time and money spent on accounts receivable, billing, and collections. Currently, many patients may defer paying medical bills for lack of funds. Many medical providers dedicate a large portion of their resources to collecting payments from patients. SmartHealth leadership is hoping that if patients have a means to pay for healthcare expenses up front, it can reduce the time and money spent on collecting payments.

Final Thoughts

Most of what the SmartHealth PayCard promises to do is purely conjecture at this point. Time has yet to tell how this credit card will affect the health care industry or whether patients will be onboard with it. At best, it may have a similar effect as HSAs, which still see a limited acceptance rate among many American consumers. The relatively higher interest rate, association with a very small bank, and offshore customer service may deter some consumers from applying for this credit card. At the same time, these details may spark other issuers to start offering medical expense-related financial products.

Want to Dodge Auto Loan Debt? A Credit Card Could Help

by Allan Guzman Chinchilla

Last updated on May 13th, 2020

Between credit cards, mortgages, car payments and student loans, American consumers are saddled with a lot of debt. This can make buying a vehicle tricky, since most people don’t want to add to their overall dues. Can a credit card like the Dodge DrivePlus Mastercard® help? 

Muscle Cars and American Debt

Americans love muscle cars; Dodge has been a fan favorite since they began to produce fast, sexy cars in the early 1950’s. While some have been discontinued, models like the Challenger get an update each year. Americans love to spend their hard-earned money on vehicles for both work and play, and the muscle car is an American institution for many. The Challenger is an iconic sports car. Beloved by many, it can be found on the road in its classic form together with its more modern iterations. The “holy trinity” of American Muscle – the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Mustang contributed approximately 1% of total U.S. car sales. These three vehicles are currently the most common muscle cars on the road in the United States. Despite only contributing to 1% of total car sales, the popularity of muscle cars is easily illustrated by this statistic. After all, that number includes only three car models. There are thousands of types of cars that make up the total sales for 2019.  A car is one of the most expensive purchases one can make. The average classic muscle car costs between $25,00 and $30,000. Due to this, when buying a vehicle Americans will finance part, or all, of their purchase. At last estimate, Americans owe more than $1.2 trillion in auto loans. Add a mortgage, a financed smartphone, and/or financed furniture, and many Americans are saddled with debt. Outside of a traditional auto loan, is there an alternative way to fund our love of Dodge cars? The Dodge DrivePlus Mastercard® holds the answer.

What is the Dodge DrivePlus Mastercard®? 

The Dodge DrivePlus Mastercard®, designed specifically for the lovers of Dodge vehicles, is a viable alternative to an auto loan. Boasting several benefits only available from the dealership, it’s geared towards everyone who loves Dodge cars and trucks. These perks are, simply put, not available to anyone who finances their Dodge Challenger using a traditional loan. The card can be used when purchasing a new vehicle at any Dodge or Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) dealership and is designed to incentivize the purchase of a vehicle. It can be used for other purchases too, although the yield for earning rewards will not be as high.  FCA awards each new cardholder account a $1,000 bonus certificate when that person spends $7,500 or more within the first year. The certificate can only be used towards the purchase of a new FCA US vehicle. This makes the bonus useless, unless the cardholder plans to use their card to buy that beautiful Dodge Challenger they’ve been eying. The bonus would then offset the amount charged to their card. This sort of benefit is unheard of from a traditional auto loan. Rewards earned from card use are worth approximately $0.01 per point if redeemed for cash back, travel rewards, or gift cards. When redeemed directly at the dealership, those point values increase. This is designed to encourage cardholders to spend more at Dodge. Purchases that earn points at the dealership can include a new vehicle, but also auto parts and maintenance. This means that bringing a Dodge vehicle that you currently own in for oil changes and brake alignments will boost the points you earn. These points can be accumulated over time to help offset the purchase of a new vehicle.

Using a Credit Card to Buy A Car 

A credit card is a powerful financial tool when it comes to spending and saving money. Using a credit card to make a large purchase can save money in the long-run, especially if it has an introductory APR period and favorable interest rates. Add cash-back rewards and points that can be redeemed for merchandise to the mix, and cardholders can really maximize their savings.  Credit cards can be used for virtually any purchase, provided the item’s price tag doesn’t exceed the cardholder’s credit limit. It’s common to finance an expensive purchase like a mattress, a new couch, or a computer using a credit card. Financing a vehicle using a credit card can be a bit trickier, but it’s definitely within the realm of possibility. There are even co-branded auto rewards credit cards that feature perks and benefits for car lovers. The Dodge DrivePlus Mastercard® falls into this latter category.

Related article: What Are Auto Rewards Cards and Are They Worth Getting? Here’s how a credit card compares to a traditional auto loan:

Loan Terms

An auto loan’s terms will vary based on the lender, as well as the individual’s financial situation and preferences. Factors like income, credit score, and the type of vehicle being purchased are all used to determine the terms of the loan. Certain lenders offer loans for up to 84 months. The average auto loan is between 36 to 60 months.  In contrast, a credit card doesn’t have set terms like a loan does. While the credit card’s minimum monthly payment is like a loan’s monthly payment, the two are fundamentally different. Firstly, a credit card balance is fluid. Each purchase increases the amount a cardholder must pay in a given billing period. Secondly, the minimum payment amount changes each month based on the cardholder’s spending, while a loan has a set payment. These loan terms are not as flexible, and do not increase or decrease each month based on spending.

Interest Rates

An auto loan’s interest rates, like the APR assigned to a credit card account, is determined by the applicant’s finances. The interest rate a credit card applicant receives is tied directly to their credit score, their debt-to-income ratio, and their financial history. An auto loan takes this into account along with several other factors. For example, the interest rate assigned to an automobile purchase is different for a new vehicle versus a used vehicle. The interest rates for a credit card typically are variable and can change at the discretion of the issuing bank based on the Prime Rate and the market. Auto loan APRs are typically less prone to fluctuation – although a variable-rate loan will also react to the Prime Rate. The average credit card APR is approximately 15.1%. On the other hand, the average auto loan APR is approximately 5.3%. While this represents a significant difference, remember that auto loans are must be completely paid off by an agreed-upon date. Debt from credit cards can extend infinitely, hypothetically – and this higher interest rate reflects the risk the bank takes.

Credit Limit

Credit cards are most often issued for everyday use, not for purchasing an automobile. Still, a vehicle purchase is within the realm of possibility here. Credit cards traditionally have a credit limit. This limit represents the maximum amount of money that a client can spend using their card at any given time. Card issuers determine the credit limit for each applicant based on their financial history, their credit score, and their income. They also look at how many open credit cards an applicant has. A higher credit limit is a higher risk for banks; because of this, the average credit limit is not high enough to pay for a new vehicle in full. Although many credit limits are not high enough to pay for an entire vehicle, credit cards can be used to make partial payments.  On the other hand, an auto loan is tailored to the vehicle being purchased. Lenders will look at the applicant’s finances and the overall cost of the car. They also consider how much money the potential buyer is willing to contribute as a down payment.

Rewards

The biggest draw for using a credit card to buy a vehicle is the availability of rewards programs. Auto loans do not offer perks and benefits. Therefore, a rewards program is one of the biggest differentiators between a credit card and a loan. Many credit cards offer loyalty programs that feature rewards like cash back, miles for travel, and points for merchandise and gift cards. Some credit card issuers take this a step further by designing rewards programs for car lovers. The DrivePlus Mastercard® program is the perfect example of this.  An auto loan may not boast rewards in this way but makes up for it with a lower interest rate.  The Dodge DrivePlus Mastercard®, along with the other FCA Driveplus Mastercard® credit cards, are a great alternative to a traditional auto loan. To maximize savings when using a credit card to pay for a vehicle purchase, remember to only charge what you can pay off immediately. Additionally, auto dealers may limit how much of the purchase you can put on a credit card. That said, with proper planning a credit card can be a powerful tool for saving money when purchasing a vehicle.

Hit the Dunes with the 2020 Jeep® Gladiator Mojave

by BestCards Team
2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave

Last updated on November 9th, 2023

Once again, Jeep® is taking the off-roading world by storm – sandstorm, that is. This time, the manufacturer is heading into new terrain with its very first desert rated vehicle: the 2020 Jeep® Gladiator Mojave. Equipped with an upgraded frame, suspension system and an all-new rear axle locker, this mid-size pickup truck hopes to be a desert dweller’s dream. If you’ve set your sights on this new Jeep, it might be worth taking up the Jeep® DrivePlus Mastercard® to unlock some rewards at the dealership.

2020 Jeep® Gladiator Configurations for the Mojave

Jeep vehicles, including the other Gladiator models, include the best 4×4 technology for driving over endless trails of rocks and mud. Now, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave configurations must prepare drivers for the unpredictability of driving over shifting sands. So, what exactly warrants the “Desert Rated” badge this vehicle displays?  This designation refers to the vehicle’s unique dune-surfing technology, which allows for traction and stability while maneuvering over the highest ridges and irregular desert plains. This includes:

  • Exclusive 2.5-inch shocks from Fox and hydraulic jounce bumpers for a relatively smooth ride
  • Frame reinforcements and body protection all around to brace against the rough terrain
  • A high-performance cooling system to withstand the extreme desert heat and dust clouds
  • An Off-Road Plus button that automatically adjusts the traction and throttle for the best performance

One of the newest features the Jeep Gladiator Mojave will deploy is the Rear Axle Lock. You can activate this feature to send maximum torque to both rear wheels, even at high speeds. What you’re left with is a vehicle equipped to handle even Mad Max: Fury Road-level conditions. The Jeep Gladiator Mojave aims to be the best personal vehicle for the desert, whether for leisurely exploring or racing across the undulating sands.

How to Buy the 2020 Jeep® Gladiator Mojave

Though this desert-ready truck is set to become available in Spring of 2020, Jeep has yet to announce information about exact launch dates and pricing. If the prices for other trim levels are any indication, it will likely be upwards of $40,000. Other versions are currently available with starting prices as follows:

  • Sport: $33,545
  • Overland: $40,395
  • Rubicon: $43,875
  • North Edition: $45,915

If you’ve got your heart set on the Mojave, you can sign up for updates and be the first to hear when the truck becomes available and how much it will cost. In the meantime, you can start saving up for your new vehicle and exploring your payment options. One route that may be worth checking out is the Jeep Mastercard from the DrivePlus℠ Program.

What is the DrivePlus Mastercard® Program?

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) created DrivePlus to encourage customers to spend more at FCA dealerships, whether on new vehicles or regular maintenance and repairs. To facilitate this, the program offers several co-branded rewards credit cards, including the Jeep® DrivePlus Mastercard®.

Related article: What Are Auto Rewards Cards and Are They Worth Getting?

With this card, you’ll earn 5% cash back on all purchases made at the dealership. You can also earn additional rewards on gas, travel, and everyday purchases. You can then redeem these rewards for statement credits or at the FCA dealership for transactions like:

  • Vehicle purchases or leases
  • Replacement parts
  • Accessories
  • Maintenance or repair services

Using the Jeep® DrivePlus Mastercard® at the Dealership

Aside from earning Jeep Mastercard rewards points, this card can also make it a little easier to purchase the 2020 Jeep® Gladiator Mojave (or any FCA vehicle). For example, it offers a special 0% APR for 6 months on qualified transactions at FCA dealerships.

This can make a big difference if you use the card to make your down payment. Having more time to pay it off means you can put more down and possibly get a better deal. Moreover, since this isn’t an introductory offer, you can also activate the special APR for future transactions at the dealership on top of any rewards you’ve accumulated.

If you spend a certain amount within your first month as a cardholder, DrivePlus issues a $100 credit as well. You’ll earn another $1,000 credit if you meet the spending requirement for your first year. You can put this toward the lease or purchase of a new FCA vehicle, though not all models are eligible.

It’s likely that the Mojave won’t qualify, so it won’t help with this particular purchase. It’s also only valid for 1 year from the issue date. However, you can use these funds on another Jeep or FCA vehicle if someone in your household needs an upgrade. And of course, the points you accumulate in order to reach the spending requirement can still go a long way. For a more detailed breakdown of this automotive credit card, check out our complete review.

Editorial Disclosure — The opinions expressed on BestCards’ reviews, articles, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author. They are not reflective of any card issuer or financial institution and have not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless otherwise noted. Further, BestCards lists credit card offers that are updated daily with information believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Westgate Resorts Completes Miami Beach Renovations as NYC Work Begins

by Cory Santos
westgate resorts completes miami beach renovations

Last updated on April 24th, 2023

Westgate Resorts is the largest privately-held timeshare company on the planet, with over 14,000 luxury villas and rooms under their portfolio. This impressive collection includes properties in 27 destinations across the United States, including Westgate Las Vegas, Nevada; Park City, Utah, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; and Westgate Resort Orlando and Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Recent Westgate Resort Renovation Projects

These destinations include two resorts recently in the news: one in Midtown Manhattan, while the other sits on South Beach in Miami. The Manhattan property, located on East 42nd Street in New York City, is undergoing $20 million in renovations. The project, due for completion this fall, will include luxury updates to their guest rooms and expansion of the lobby, common guest areas, and bar.

The South Beach property, the three-story Westgate South Beach Oceanfront Resort, recently reopened after an extensive renovation project. The resort, steps from the famous Art Deco district of South Beach, features 46 villas. The newly refreshed one-bedroom villas accommodate up to four guests and feature 600 square feet of floor space, while the two-bedroom villas offer 900 square feet and can accommodate six guests.

How Does Westgate Work?

Westgate Resorts operates both as a property rental company and a timeshare broker. The company offers both private villas and rooms for bookings or as part of a vacation ownership package.

There are many types of bookings. Timeshares, however, are their most popular form of resort booking. A timeshare works by purchasing part of a resort, also known as a “share.”. Owners then use that share to book a vacation at the resort each year. The annual stay depends on how big the share. Timeshares are a popular option for those who want the security of knowing their vacation destination is set but without the hassle of full-time property ownership.

About Westgate Rewards

Frequent Westgate patrons, including timeshare owners, can join the Westgate Rewards program. This program allows members to earn rewards points on Westgate purchases and fees. Eligible purchases include:

  • Property taxes and fees
  • Mortgages financed through Westgate Resorts
  • HOA fees
  • Restaurants
  • Vacation bookings
  • Any other purchases made directly with the Westgate brand

Additional points are earnable through the Westgate Rewards Mastercard, from Comenity Bank. The card earns double points on Westgate purchases, plus other eligible anywhere Mastercard is accepted, such as groceries and gas. The card also offers member perks, such as preferred check-in.

Points earned through the Westgate Rewards program – including those from the Westgate Rewards Mastercard – apply to Westgate vacations and services, dining at Westgate restaurants, attraction tickets, or for Westgate timeshare fees.

Related Article: New Accor Credit Card Announced

LATAM and Malaysia Airlines Form Partnership, Sign Codeshare Agreement for Select Flights

by Allan Guzman Chinchilla
Airplane's Wing

Last updated on January 7th, 2021

The latest announcement from LATAM Airlines is good news for frequent fliers who travel with LATAM and Malaysia Airlines. As the LATAM’s departure from oneworld approaches, they are looking to form lasting relationships with other carriers, like Malaysia Airlines.

LATAM and Malaysia Airlines Partnership

Many airlines are making the most of 2020 and have sought out new partnerships and alliances. LATAM is no different and recently reached a new codeshare agreement with Malaysia Airlines. This pact is strategic for the Latin American airline as it prepares to exit the oneworld airline alliance this year. LATAM may be leaving oneworld, but they are maintaining partnerships with several members of their former airline alliance. As part of this effort, LATAM has announced a partnership with Malaysia Airlines. This means that travelers can soon take advantage of a codeshare agreement between the two airlines for six routes:

LATAM will be able to sell tickets on select Malaysia Airlines flights from Kuala Lumpur. Likewise, Malaysia Airlines will be able to sell tickets on the above LATAM routes from Australia and New Zealand.

As LATAM explores its new partnership with Delta Air Lines, it will also be defining its relationship with the remaining members of its former airline alliance. It’s entirely possible that LATAM may sign more codeshare agreements in the near future. LATAM’s codeshare agreements are particularly useful for customers who hold one of their co-branded credit cards, like the LATAM Visa Card. Miles and rewards earned from using LATAM credit cards can be applied to flights with Malaysia Airlines along the routes specified above.

LATAM Exits oneworld Airline Alliance

As a new decade begins, 2020 has seen some major changes for the oneworld airline alliance. Through its member carriers, oneworld offers service to more than 1,000 destinations across the globe. Oneworld has dominated the headlines in the airline industry lately, thanks to several upcoming changes. South American carrier LATAM announced its exit from the alliance, with Royal Air Maroc set to join in its stead. Alaska Airlines also announced that it intends to join oneworld in the summer of 2021. The coming and going of these airlines will mean a shift in codeshare agreements. These changes affect travelers who frequently fly with oneworld’s member airlines.

The departure of LATAM from oneworld is fast approaching. Originally slated for later this year, the airline will now depart on May 1. This means that many of the existing reciprocal agreements in place for frequent flyers will no longer be available. On the heels of the news of LATAM’s departure from oneworld comes an announcement that it has partnered with a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, Delta Air Lines. Delta is a competitor of oneworld member American Airlines. As such, LATAM has already ended its codeshare agreements with American.

New Accor Credit Card Announced

by Cory Santos

Last updated on April 20th, 2023

Leading hospitality group Accor is introducing a new credit card for members of the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty program. The group is partnering with Visa for the venture, though the specifics of the new credit cards are still unknown.

What We Know So Far

While information about the Accor Card is sparse, it will be a Visa credit card. Visa, however, does not issue credit cards itself. Accor also announced plans to collaborate with financial institutions throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.

What we currently know is that ALL Cardholders will earn points on everyday purchases, with additional points and rewards via Accor hotel stays.

Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of the Accor Group, expressed his excitement in a press release earlier today. “Partnering with Visa will be a huge boost to Accor as we embark on the shared journey to develop an innovative co-branded payment card,” he said. “This new initiative will provide unmatched benefits to our members and reinforce the success of our ALL loyalty program by increasing our member base, driving additional engagement, and giving each member incentives to stay with us more frequently and easily.”

Accor Live Limitless

The new Accor credit card follows closely on the heels of the launch of the new Accor Live Limitless program. Accor Live Limitless is the latest incarnation of the Accor loyalty program. Formerly, the program was Le Club Accorhotels. The new program aims to provide more expansive rewards and loyalty experiences, with enhanced partnerships and more significant perks for members.

An Enhanced Focus on the U.S. Marketplace 

Many in North America often overlook the Accor loyalty program due to the brand’s focus on international markets. The ALL program and launch of a Visa card may shift this mindset and increase attention in the U.S. marketplace. The U.S. marketplace currently features dozens of co-branded hotel cards. How the new Accor credit card will fit into this already crowded marketplace will be interesting to see.

About Accor

Accor is a French hospitality chain that operates in over 100 countries across the globe. The group includes over 35 different hotel brands, among them Swissotel, Sofitel, Ibis, Novotel, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, and more.

Related Article: Barclays Announces New Credit Card from Emirates

Chase’s Southwest Rapid Rewards® Cards Get a Facelift: What’s New?

by Allan Guzman Chinchilla

Last updated on January 7th, 2021

A brand new signup bonus for each of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® cards from Chase Bank is ready for liftoff. The Southwest co-branded credit cards from Chase are already extremely popular with fans of Southwest Airlines and credit card travel rewards alike. This new bonus will bring more fans to the fold and may even make existing cardholders slightly jealous. Here’s what to expect.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Signup Bonuses

Fans of flying Southwest who apply for a new Southwest Rapid Rewards® credit card are in for a treat. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card each earns a special bonus of 40,000 points. This bonus is awarded to new cardholders who budget to spend $1,000+ within the first three months of card membership. Southwest Rapid Rewards points are valued at approximately 1.4 cents ($0.014) each. At this valuation, a bonus of 40,000 points comes out to a savings of $560, once redeemed. This is a lucrative return on a $1,000 spend. (Point valuations depend on several other factors at time of redemption, so these numbers can change.)

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Bonuses for Business

Southwest’s co-branded business cards also feature a similar new signup bonus that’s sure to tantalize business owners. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card weighs in with a bonus of 60,000 points after the cardholder spends a minimum of $3,000. This is the equivalent of an $840 reward. Folks who spring for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card can earn a signup bonus of up to $100,000 ($1,400 equivalent). This 100,000 point bonus is broken into two stages:

Business owners who spend $5,000+ on purchases within the first three months of opening their account will qualify for a bonus of 70,000 Rapid Rewards® points. If they continue to use their card to build their business and hit a $25,000 spending threshold within 6 months of opening their account, they’ll earn an additional bonus of 30,000 points. After spending $25,000, business owners will see their signup bonus come to a total of 100,000 points.

Comparing Southwest Cards from Chase

Each of the above consumer credit cards features the same signup bonus. The primary differentiators between the three personal cards are the annual fee, and the size of the anniversary bonus. Some cards offer more perks than others, too. The Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card includes an exclusive annual travel credit. It also offers 4 upgraded boardings each year (based on availability), and 20% back on inflight drinks and WIFI. The business offerings display similar differences; the Performance Business Credit Card features more airline-centric perks than its Premier Business counterpart.

Accessible Rewards

These new signup bonuses mark a slight reduction in the total number of points that can be earned with each card. A recent promotion, which featured a higher bonus reward, has just ended. However, Chase makes it easier to qualify for the new bonus. The required spend during the introductory bonus period has been reduced.

These rewards are not always this accessible, and Southwest and Chase offer beefed-up limited-time bonuses quite often. Those who are considering applying for a new Southwest co-branded card should check which promotions are available.

Apply for a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Card

For those who are debating which card to apply for, Chase doesn’t make this decision an easy one. The new signup bonus easily offsets the annual fee for each of these cards. Applying for one is a no-brainer – but only if the cardholder plans to meet or exceed the spending threshold. If you don’t spend the minimum required to qualify for the signup bonus, you won’t receive the points. There are still plenty of perks to take advantage of, but these bonus points steal the show. Luckily, spending $1,000 in three months is an easy goal to meet – especially for those who use their card regularly. Booking a family trip with Southwest Airlines, for example, is an easy way to spend $1,000 in the first three months.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which of these cards is the best fit for you.

Alaska Airlines Partnership with American Airlines

by Cory Santos

Last updated on November 12th, 2021

Alaska Airlines Strengthens Partnership with American Airlines and Plans to Join One World Alliance

Alaska Airlines just announced that it will be strengthening its partnership with American Airlines. This is the first step in the Seattle-based airline’s eventual move to join the One World Alliance, of which American Airlines is already a member.

Alaska Airlines has already partnered with 16 global and domestic carriers to increase its global destinations. However, this recent announcement means that Alaska’s customers can expect greater access to a network of air travel perks. This is especially those enrolled in the airline’s Mileage Plan™.

Alaska Airlines Credit Card May Get Even Better

The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card is already rated as one of the top co-branded airline cards in the industry. This credit card, which Bank of America issues, provides cardholders with a slew of benefits on top 3X miles on Alaska Airline purchases, unlimited earning potential, and no expiration on miles earned.

The airline’s Visa Signature® Card famously offers cardholders one reduced-price companion fare every year. What’s more, new cardholders can earn 40,000 miles worth around $3,200, on average. As well, they earn an additional companion pass after spending $2,000 within the first 90 days of opening an account.

Other perks include no foreign transaction fees and free checked bags for cardholders and up to six guests. Cardholders also receive a 50% discount on day passes to Alaska Lounges. Alaska hasn’t announced any direct changes to its credit card benefits. However, its reinforced partnership with American and upcoming induction into One World Alliance may offer cardholders’ more flexibility in how they use these perks.

What’s Happening, Exactly?

Alaska Airlines’ partnership does not mean it’s merging with American Airlines. This airline, which has risen to become a favorite mid-range domestic carrier, already had an existing partnership with the air travel giant.

This partnership (in addition to partnerships with 16 other carriers) facilitated connections between Alaska’s mostly domestic routes and American’s more global reach. If you book an international flight, for instance, Alaska may fly you one of American’s hubs, and American will take you the rest of the way.

These partnerships also enabled passengers to book travel in a single reservation through a single airline. Without this partnership, customers would have to book both legs of their travel separately, try to find coordinating flights, and pray that they have enough time to connect.

You may notice when you book airfare your connecting flight might be with a different airline. This is often the result of an airline partnership. The practice is known as a codeshare agreement in the industry because both airlines will share flight codes.

These agreements not only benefit customers but also simplify flight timetables and ideally increase profits for all parties involved. This is why smaller carriers often partner with larger ones.

As the terms of these two airlines’ existing partnership were nearing an end, both decided to renew their business relationship but also take it a step further. Their strengthened partnership will increase American’s presence in the west coast and provide Alaska’s loyal customer base with more destinations.

How Will the Alaska Airlines Partnership Affect Visa Signature® Cardholders?

One thing to keep in mind about Alaska Airlines’ miles is that they’re not exclusive to the airline’s credit card. In fact, these rewards are part of Alaska’s free frequent flyer program, known as the Mileage Plan™. As such, many changes to cardholder benefits will also apply to Mileage Plan™ members.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® cardholders will still be able to earn and redeem miles through all of Alaska’s current Mileage Plan™ partners. Previously, American Airlines’ partnership with Alaska did not extend to earning and redeeming miles.

That’s changing, though. Effective immediately, Visa Signature® cardholders can now use their miles to book American Airlines flights. By Spring of 2020, cardholders will also be able to earn miles on American Airlines purchases.

By Summer of 2021, Alaska Airlines plans to become a full member of the One World Alliance, joining American and 12 other airlines. Once this happens, Alaska Signature® Visa cardholders will be able to earn and redeem their miles through any One World Alliance member.

Increased Elite Perks

According to the Alaska Airline’s website, once it joins One World Alliance in 2021, Mileage Plan™ Elite members will also receive exclusive perks on all member airlines. There are no specifics on these perks. However, Alaska Airlines’ website states that they will include priority boarding, premium seating, and extra baggage allowances. Elite Mileage Plan™ members are those who have earned at least 20,000 miles and flown 30 segments with the airline or qualifying partners.

Higher level Elite members who have reached MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K statuses will also get complimentary access to over 650 One World member airport lounges beginning in 2021. On that note, Alaska Airlines is already giving its passengers a taste of increased lounge access. Alaska Lounge members now have access to 50 American Airlines Admirals Club lounges.

Visa Signature® cardholders don’t have access to this privilege unless they pay separately for this membership, which costs as much as $450 a year. Cardholders presently pay half the price for lounge day passes. However, it’s unclear how this cardholder perk will change once the airline transitions.

Is It All Good News?

For the most part, Alaska Airlines’ strengthened partnership with American Airlines and its impending One World membership is good news for consumers. However, a question remains of what will happen to the airline’s existing partnerships.

Alaska Airlines currently partners with some major global players, and Mileage Plan™ members can use and redeem miles with many of them. However, if membership into One World Alliance means breaking ties with non-member partners, there can be some drawbacks for consumers.

Alaska Airlines will have three fewer partners than it currently has. Additionally, it will be losing some Emirates, Iceland Air, Korean Air, and Singapore Airlines – all popular carriers. Other potential losses include:

  • Aer Lingus
  • Condor
  • El Al
  • Fiji Airways
  • Hainan Airlines

In exchange, the airline will gain Qatar Airways, which has soared in recent years as one of the top-rated airlines in the world. Mileage Plan™ members will still be able to earn and redeem miles with the following major airlines, though:

  • British Airways
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Finnair
  • Japan Airlines
  • LATAM
  • Qantas

Barclays Announces New Credit Card from Emirates

by Cory Santos

Last updated on April 26th, 2023

Barclays announced a new relationship today with Dubai-based airline, Emirates. The new partnership will result in a co-branded credit card – Emirates’ first for the U.S. marketplace.

What We Know So Far

Few details are currently available. The card will likely be a World Mastercard – keeping with the current Barclays line-up of airline credit cards.

The announcement came in the quarterly conference call with investors. While Barclays gave no date for the roll-out of the new card, the notion that the discussion of the partnership was in the past tense is intriguing. This seems to imply the relationship began much earlier than initially thought. It may also indicate the card’s launch to be imminent.

Barclays CEO Jes Staley believes the new partnership offers tremendous potential for both parties. According to Sately, “This is a great growth opportunity for Barclays, adding to the strong and profitable partnerships we have with top brands in the U.S. like American Airlines and Uber.”

Emirates Skywards

The new card will earn rewards in the Emirates Skywards rewards program. While Emirates isn’t partnering with the “big three” airline alliances, it does have some useful codeshares for passengers. Currently, the airline has agreements with JetBlue, JAL, Alaska Airlines, and Korean Air.

While the Skywards program has less appeal to some U.S. travelers the real value in airline cards is the perks. Access to Emirates lounges, seat upgrades, and other benefits might be enough to lure current AAdvantage MileUp Card or SkyMiles Platinum Cardholders over to Barclays.

The addition of Emirates to the Barclays portfolio of credit cards is an enticing proposition for many travelers. First, because Barclays cards currently come with quality introductory bonuses for reasonable minimum spending. Second, because Emirates offers one of the finest in-flight experiences in the world.

About Barclays

Barclays is one of the U.S. leaders in co-branded airline credit cards. The bank currently has relationships with several U.S. and European carriers. This list includes American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and Lufthansa.

Related Article: Delta Announces Changes to SkyMiles Credit Cards

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