Citi Expands True Name Program to Debit Cards

Last updated on September 7th, 2022

Citi debit and checking customers can now use their preferred name thanks to Mastercard’s “True Name” program. Effective immediately, all eligible Citi debit customers can now use their chosen first name on their debit cards without requiring a legal name change.

Citi’s True Name Feature Extended to Debit Cards

Initially launched in October 2020, the True Name program has helped eligible Mastercard customers show their true identity without requiring a legal name change. Since its launch, more than 31,000 US Citibank card members have updated their chosen first names. Now, Citi is expanding the True Name program to include Citi debit cards.

Existing Citi debit cardholders can now update their name by calling the number on the back of their Citi debit card or visiting their local Citi branch. Eligible Citi credit cardholders can change their current name to reflect their true identity by visiting citi.com/updatemyname. There, they can log in to their Citi credit card account, click “Profile,” select their contact information, and click “Use My Preferred First Name.”

It is important to note that Citi may still use your legal name in certain circumstances, including identity verification and specific communications.

“We are thrilled to launch the expansion of our popular chosen name feature to debit cards,” said Craig Vallorano, Head of U.S. Retail Banking at Citi. “This is one more way for us to help our customers to be their most authentic selves when banking with Citi. We’re excited to take another big step forward with our commitment to keeping our bank and branches safe and inclusive environment for our colleagues and customers alike.”

About Citi

Citibank is the fourth largest bank in the United States by total assets – and the third-largest issuer of credit cards. Citi, a leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Over 131 million Citi credit cards are currently in circulation, including proprietary, co-branded, and private label credit cards with names like Macy’s, Best Buy, American Airlines, and Expedia.

Related Article: Citi Travel with Booking.com Coming Soon

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Chase Announces 2022 US Open Benefits

Chase Announces 2022 US Open Benefits

Thanks to the new Chase Pass, Chase is giving customers exclusive access to US Open. With the all-new Chase Pass, Chase banking customers can present their debit card or mobile wallet to unlock exclusive benefits. These benefits include access to the new open-air Chase Terrace, complimentary snacks, and more.

Chase Unveils 2022 US Open Activations for Cardmembers

With the US Open kicking off, JP Morgan Chase anticipates more than 10,000 of its customers have tickets to one of tennis’ grand slams. To make the experience even more unforgettable, Chase is providing customers access to exclusive benefits and activations.

To start, the Chase Lounge, Chase Pass, and Chase Terrace will provide upgraded hospitality to Chase customers. These unique spaces include access to the new open-air Chase Terrace within the grandstand, featuring match views, 3D photo opportunities, and complimentary snacks.

Additionally, Chase will host Finals weekend viewing parties in the South Plaza and provide fans with complimentary grounds passes to enjoy the Men’s and Women’s Singles Finals. Fans will be able to take their photos with the US Open Championship trophies and receive free giveaway items.

Full List of US Open 2022 Activations from Chase

Here is a full breakdown of all of Chase’s US Open activations:

Additional Access to the Grounds at Arthur Ashe Stadium:

  • At the Chase Lounge, Chase customers can book their spot to enjoy complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, air-conditioning, and private restrooms
  • The Chase Pass grants customers access, upgrades, and exclusive benefits, including upgraded premiums at the Chase “Automated Tennis Machines” in the South Plaza and reserved seating at the Men’s & Women’s Finals viewing events.
  • Customers can visit the Chase Terrace, an all-new, open-air, customer-only hospitality area within the Grandstand with bleachers facing courts 8-10 for match views and complimentary food and drink.

 Viewing Parties, Concerts & Experiences

  • New this year, Chase will also provide complimentary access to the grounds for fans to enjoy enhanced Finals Weekend Viewing Parties on the South Plaza during the Men’s and Women’s Singles Finals.
  • Chase Sound Check will be headlined by award-winning American dance-rock band DNCE, performing a free, ticketed concert at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for fans and Chase customers on Friday, August 26, as part of US Open Fan Week.
  • The Infatuation Guide to the US Open will provide the first-ever guide to the tournament focused on the US Open culinary happenings onsite. This guide will offer ‘must eat and drink’ on the US Open grounds through a collection of curated write-ups hosted on a dedicated landing page.

 Other Perks

  • The primary Chase South Plaza Booths return this year and will include “Automated Tennis Machines” distributing co-branded giveaways and an AR photo experience, allowing fans to post with the championship trophy in iconic New York City locations.
  • A total of 5,000 complimentary mobile phone charging units will be available for daily use. It will be distributed from 16 Chase branded kiosks throughout the US Open grounds for all fans.
  • Fans across the country can enter a US Open Sweepstakes to win a trip to the 2023 US Open, including a private clinic on Arthur Ashe Stadium court with a tennis legend, tickets to the US Open Men’s Final, and a behind-the-scenes tour.

Chase is also working in partnership with the USTA Foundation to deliver the long-standing community program “Return The Serve,” providing financial assistance and programming to local grassroots organizations to help build the next generation of great tennis players. This year, Return The Serve awarded $215,000 in grants to 29 organizations, surpassing $1.3 million in total over the program.

Related Article: Chase Announces Return of EEEEEATSCON NY 2022

Featured image by Matthew Henry/Burst

Chase Announces Return of EEEEEATSCON NY 2022

INFATUATION EEEEEATSCON NY 2022 details

Last updated on March 4th, 2024

The Infatuation’s EEEEEATSCON, presented by Chase Sapphire, is back in New York City for the first time since 2019. The popular alternative food festival will run from October 8 to 9 at Forest Hills Stadium. It will feature more than 20 restaurants, live music, celebrity appearances, and more. Here are all the details of the 2022 EEEEEATSCON New York lineup:

EEEEEATSCON Returns to NY this October

The Infatuation’s EEEEEATSCON NY, presented by Chase Sapphire, is back for the first time since the pandemic with 20+ participating restaurants, celeb appearances, panels with industry pioneers, musical performances, and exclusive perks for Chase Sapphire cardmembers.

This year’s food festival is back in Ney York City for the first since the global chaos of the coronavirus pandemic. The festival is unique in that it is designed to look like a music festival – with the exception being that the headliners here are the delicious eats. EEEEEATSCON NY 2022 will take place from October 8 to 9, and takes place at the Forrest Hills Stadium in Forrest Hills, NY.

The latest edition of EEEEEATSCON was held at Santa Monica’s Barker Hanger. That event was also the first of its kind since the start of the pandemic and was a huge success. Individual tickets are now on sale for the upcoming event at Forest Hills Stadium, but if you are an eligible Chase Sapphire cardmember, you can expect even more excitement.

Enjoy Special Event Perks with Chase Sapphire

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers enjoy access to special perks, including:

  • Exclusive access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge, featuring complimentary food and beverages and other surprises
  • Once each day of the festival, Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred cardmembers will be able to enjoy one hour of complimentary food and beverages from select vendors throughout EEEEEATSCON
  • Plus, Sapphire Reserve and Preferred cardmembers who purchased presale tickets will be able to enjoy the festival an hour before it opens to all others

EEEEEATSCON 2022 Events

While a finalized schedule of events is still being finalized, the latest edition of EEEEEATSCON is certain to pack a lot of excitement into two days. Here is what guests at EEEEEATSCON LA enjoyed:

  • A first-of-its-kind burger collab between Shake Shack and LA’s Tacos Y Birria La Unica
  • Representation from local Los Angeles and cross-country restaurants, including:
    • Broad Street Oyster Bar, Nixta (Austin), Sanguich de Miami (Miami), Willie Mae’s Scotch House (New Orleans), Kindred (New York, NY)
  • Musical acts from DJ Ivy, Morse Code, LALA Brass, and more
Featured image by Chase/EEEEEATSCON

World of Hyatt Business Card Bonus Extension

world-of-hyatt-business-card-bonus-extension

Last updated on August 31st, 2022

Chase and Hyatt are extending the adaptive accelerator benefit on the popular World of Hyatt Business Credit Card. This accelerator means businesses earn 2X points in their top three (instead of two) spend categories through December 31, 2023.

Chase Extends Rewards Accelerator on Hyatt Business Card

The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card from Chase typically rewards companies with 2X World of Hyatt rewards points per $1 spent in the top two spending categories each quarter. Chase extended that bonus to the top three categories earlier this year, allowing companies to earn even more rewards. Now, that adaptive accelerator benefit is being extended through the end of 2023.

Small businesses 2X points on the top three spending categories from these options:

  • Airline tickets, when purchased directly with the airline
  • Car rentals
  • Dining
  • Gas stations
  • Internet, cable, and phone service providers
  • Local transit and commuting
  • Social media marketing and search engine advertising

Beyond the 2X World of Hyatt points on the top three categories, businesses earn rewards in the following categories:

  • 9X points per $1 spent at Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
  • 2X points per $1 spent on fitness club and gym memberships
  • 1X points per $1 Spent on all other purchases

Limited-Time Welcome Bonus

To celebrate the extension of the accelerator, successful applicants for the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card by October 6, 2022, will receive two Tier-Qualifying Night Credits per eligible night from August 23, 2022, through December 31, 2022. In addition to this limited-time offer, new accounts can also earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points (the equivalent of up to 12 free nights at a Category 1 Hyatt hotel or resort or two free nights at a Category 7 Hyatt hotel or resort) after spending $5,000 within the first three months from account opening.

Related Article: Unique Features to Look for in a Business Credit Card

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Hello Alice Launches a Small Business Credit Card

Hello Alice Launches a Small Business Credit Card

Hello Alice has launched a small business credit card with traditional benefits and provisions to help build credit. Hello Alice is a free platform made for and created by small business owners. The platform helps small business owners unlock access to capital, tools, and resources to build sustainable business growth.

Hello Alice Small Business Credit Card Launch

At Hello Alice, business owners can share their experiences and get recommendations based on their business needs. In addition to personalized business recommendations, Hello Alice also gives small business owners access to workshops and exclusive products to help their growth. The launch of the new business credit card is in partnership with Mastercard and issued by First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO). The Hello Alice Small Business Mastercard caters to the needs of underserved small business owners with a batch of inclusive benefits for its cardholders.

With the launch of the new Hello Alice Small Business Mastercard, cardholders can earn points to redeem for gift cards, virtual learning events, and cash back. The card comes with a few points categories, starting with 4X points per $1 spent on wireless telephone service and business software purchases. Customers can also earn 3X points per $1 spent on eligible office supplies and shipping purchases, 2X points on rideshare and restaurant purchases, and 1.5X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

The point earning potential is only one of the benefits that come with the Hello Alice Small Business Mastercard. Cardholders can also enjoy 1-on-1 business coaching with professional advisors on-demand and a $50 statement credit after $1,000 spent in the first three billing cycles. The card also has a 0% introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers – all for no annual fee.

Additional Benefits:

  • 24/7 Business Assistant
  • Mastercard ID Theft Protection
  • Zero Liability Protection
  • Car Rental Insurance

“We designed the Hello Alice Small Business Mastercard to meet the needs of small business owners where they are, breaking longstanding barriers to mentorship, access to credit, and overall financial health for those who have traditionally been denied access,” said Elizabeth Gore and Carolyn Rodz, co-founders of Hello Alice, “In times of economic boom and bust, access to capital remains the leading challenge for all small business owners, and particularly for New Majority owners, which is why we continue to focus our efforts on expanding the capital continuum beyond our existing grants and loans programs.”

For small business owners who may not have the best credit history, Hello Alice offers the option of a secured credit card. The credit-building credit card is the Hello Alice way to maximize capital accessibility to small business owners. Secured credit cardholders can also upgrade to the unsecured credit card in as little as 11 months (subject to credit approval and good standing).

About Hello Alice

Hello Alice was founded by Carolyn Rodz and Elizabeth Gore on a mission to ensure entrepreneurs in the New Majority have what they need to launch and grow small businesses. The free online platform helps start and grow businesses with access to resources catered to the needs of small business owners. Such resources include guides on business knowledge, funding, networks, and more. The platform also provides peer-to-peer connections with over 600,000 small business owners.

Related Article: PayPal and WebBank Launch Business Credit Card

Featured photo credit to HelloAlice.com

Citi Travel with Booking.com Coming Soon

citi-travel-with-booking-com-coming-soon

Last updated on February 20th, 2024

Citi and Booking.com are joining forces for a brand-new travel portal, Citi Travel with Booking.com. The new Citi Travel portal is expected to launch later this year, streamlining rewards booking for Citi credit cardholders.

Citi to Launch Citi Travel with Booking.com

Citi ThankYou Rewards credit cardholders can expect an all-new travel booking experience starting in late 2022. The bank has announced a new partnership with Booking.com, resulting in the upcoming Citi Travel with Booking.com. Citi Travel is an end-to-end travel booking platform to help cardmembers plan and book their next trip.

The new portal will offer more than 1.4 million hotels worldwide, thanks to the scale and range of the Booking.com platform. This unmatched breadth of options will provide Citi credit cardholders with the right choice for every budget, vacation type, and preference.

Additional key benefits of Citi Travel include:

  • Digital-first platform: Cardmembers can easily compare hotel, air, car rental options, and more through an intuitive and modern platform, now accessible directly from the Citi website and the Citi mobile app.
  • Book your way: Choose to pay for your travels with your cards, ThankYou Points, or a combination of the two. Nearly a quarter of travelers say the inability to use or earn rewards is one of their biggest roadblocks when booking a vacation, so this flexibility can make the difference between booking a vacation and not.
  • Full-time customer service: Cardmembers can access 24/7 customer support to receive help at every step of the booking and travel process.
  • Earn points as you travel: Purchases through Citi Travel can help eligible cardmembers earn ThankYou Points as they plan their next adventure. ThankYou Points can be redeemed across 180+ partners, including iconic and hyper-relevant brands like bp, Shell, Amoco, CVS, Choice Hotels, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Special Launch Bonus for Select Cardmembers

From the launch of Citi Travel through December 31, 2023, new and existing customers with Citi Prestige, Premier, ThankYou Preferred, and Rewards+ credit cards will be able to multiply their ThankYou Points earning potential by booking their hotels, rental cars, or eligible attractions through Citi Travel. Citi Prestige and Citi Premier cardmembers will earn a total of 10X and ThankYou Preferred and Rewards+ cardmembers will earn a total of 5X Points.

Featured image by TheAndrasBarta/PixaBay

Walmart+ Now Includes Paramount+ Subscription

Walmart+ Now Includes Paramount+ Subscription

Walmart has recently announced a new benefit for all its Walmart+ subscribers. Beginning September of 2022, Walmart+ members get access to a Paramount+ Essential Plan – at no extra cost. It’s Walmart’s latest initiative to give its customers more for less.

Walmart+ Now Includes Paramount+ Subscription

A new streaming benefit will soon be available for Walmart customers. The initiative to include a complimentary Paramount+ Essential Plan Subscription for Walmart+ memberships is a step taken to give Walmart customers more bang for their buck. For starters, the Walmart+ membership has much to offer its members, claiming to save customers $1,300+ annually.

Granted, Walmart+ will continue to be only $98 a year or $12.95 a month. The Paramount+ Essential Plan is an added $59 value for Walmart+ members. With the Walmart+ membership, customers also get to enjoy a long list of savings, such as:

  • Fuel discounts
  • Free store deliveries
  • Free shipping
  • Mobile scan & go
  • Early access to promos

And now, the list includes a complimentary Paramount+ subscription. With the newly added entertainment streaming service, Walmart+ members will get access to a “Mountain of Entertainment.” Such entertainment includes popular content like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and PAW Patrol to recent blockbuster films and live sports. The Paramount+ Essential Plan offers the following:

  • Tens of thousands of episodes & movies
  • NFL on CBS live
  • Top soccer like Champions League live
  • Limited ads
  • 24/7 live news with CBS

Amex Platinum Cardholders Get Both

Even better news, American Express Platinum cardholders get both. The Platinum Card® offers numerous benefits for cardholders. Among the many benefits included is a $155 Walmart+ credit. Cardholders can use their Amex Platinum card to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership to receive a monthly statement to cover the subscription cost. Therefore, cardholders can enjoy all the savings offered by Walmart+, including access to popular content on Paramount+. Other Amex Platinum credits include:

  • $200 Hotel Credit
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit
  • Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
  • $300 with Equinox
  • $100 Saks Credit
  • $189 with Clear®
  • Global Dining Access
  • Global Entry or TSA Precheck® credit (every 4 – 4.5 years)

The credits mentioned are not complete. There is more. However, the statement credits mentioned above add up to over $1,155. The value of the credits makes up for the $695 annual fee. If you’re someone who already makes use of the services provided by Amex partners, then the Amex Platinum card more than pays for itself in the long run. In addition to the many statements credits the American Express Platinum card has lined up, cardholders can earn up to 5X points on purchases. Customers also get travel benefits like trip cancellation insurance, car rental insurance, and more.

Related Article: The Best Credit Cards for Streaming Services

 

Featured photo by daronk Hordumrong’s Images / Canva

Save on Back-to-School Purchases with Chase Freedom

save-on-back-to-school-purchases-with-chase-freedom

Last updated on February 20th, 2024

Parents, college students, and anyone looking to save this back-to-school season can save big with the Chase Freedom Flex. Cardmembers who activate the Q3 bonus categories can earn up to 5% back on gas, car rentals, movie theatres, and live entertainment – perfect for getting the most out of summer before it ends.

Activate Chase Freedom Q3 5% Back Categories to Save this Summer

With children heading back to school, parents everywhere are looking for any ways to save money they can find. But it’s not just parents looking to save this year, as college students hope to reduce costs as inflation soars.

Fortunately, eligible Chase Freedom family cardmembers can safely spenders navigate back to school with the rotating bonus categories of the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom (no longer accepting new applicants). Chase Freedom cardmembers who activate this quarter’s categories can earn up to 5% cash back on gas stations and select live entertainment purchases to enjoy the end of summer fun before school is back in session.

Limited-time Gas Promotion

New Chase Freedom Flex (and Freedom Unlimited) cardmembers can benefit even from limited-time-only gas rewards welcome bonus. New accounts receive a $200 sign-up bonus (after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening) plus 5% cashback for each $1 spent on purchases in gas stations made within the first year from opening an account or until customers reach $6,000 in gas station purchases, whichever occurs first.

About the Chase Freedom Flex

The Chase Freedom Flex earns up to 5% back on rotating categories each quarter after activation. These categories change every quarter and are capped at the first $1,500 spent per quarter. Bonus category purchases made after $1,500 in spending each quarter will earn a flat-rate 1% back.

Here is the Chase Freedom cash back calendar for 2022:

5% Cash Back Category
January - March 2023 Groceries (excluding larger stores like Target or Walmart) and eBay
April - June 2023 Amazon.com and select streaming services
July - September 2023 Gas stations, car rentals, movie theatres, and select live entertainment
October - December 2023 PayPal and Walmart

The card also earns cash back in the following everyday categories:

  • 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • 3% back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
  • 3% back on drugstore purchases
  • 1% back on all other purchases

Freedom Flex cardmembers also receive World Elite Mastercard benefits, including cell phone protection and discounts with Lyft, Shoprunner, and more.

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Cardless Removes Some Rewards Categories

Last updated on September 19th, 2023

Cardless has quietly removed some rewards categories from its credit card offerings. The fintech has also reduced sign-up bonuses to its sports credit card portfolio. Here is what you need to know about the sudden changes to the Cardless credit card lineup:

Cardless Eliminates Some Rewards Categories

The Boston Celtics Credit Card, for example, formerly earned 7X points on Celtics tickets, rideshare services, and streaming services, 4X points on dining, and 2X points on groceries and drug stores. Those rewards have now been streamlined, with many of the lucrative categories removed.

Here is the new rewards structure with the Celtics Mastercard:

  • Earn 7X points on Celtics tickets purchased from the Celtics or Ticketmaster
  • Earn 3X points at bars and restaurants
  • Earn 1X points on everything else

The changes appear to impact Cardless’ sports team credit cards only. For instance, the Manchester United Credit Card has lost the 5X points in both rideshares and streaming services category. In contrast, the freshly-launched LATAM Airlines Mastercard and LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard have retained their initial rewards structure.

The quiet removal of bonus categories comes from news that the fintech was teaming up with American Express to issue credit cards. It is unknown if the changes relate to this partnership and if the current Mastercard versions of the Cardless credit card portfolio will switch to the Amex payment network.

Sign-Up Bonuses Also Impacted

Cardless has also significantly reduced the sign-up bonuses with its sports-branded cards. The Celtics Mastercard formerly offered 30,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first three months. That offer is now 5,000 points after spending $500 – a $50 value.

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards for Groceries & Delivery Services

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Earn 10% Back with Wayfair’s Double Rewards Event

Wayfair Double Rewards Promotional event

Last updated on October 26th, 2023

Wayfair Mastercard cardmembers can save big this week with Citi. Now through August 22, new and existing Wayfair cardmembers can earn up to 10% back in rewards through the Wayfair Double Rewards event.

Wayfair Double Rewards Event Through August 22

Citi has a limited-time-only promotional event for Wayfair Mastercard® credit cardholders. The Wayfair Double Rewards event, running from August 15 through August 22, offers new and existing cardmembers double rewards on their Wayfair purchases.

Wayfair credit cardholders can earn up to 10% back in rewards through the 22nd, instead of the usual rewards rate of 5% back on Wayfair purchases. With this limited-time offer, Wayfair Mastercard cardmembers also earn up to 10% back in rewards on eligible grocery store purchases, compared to 3% back regularly.

This is Wayfair’s second promotion for credit cardholders this year. In April, the brand celebrated “Way Day.” New Wayfair cardmembers received $40 off their qualifying first purchase of $100 or more during that promotion. The Way Day promotion is Wayfair’s largest sales event of the year, and it includes all the Wayfair brands, including Joss & Main, AllModern, Birch Lane, and more.

About the Wayfair Mastercard Credit Card

Wayfair Credit Card and Wayfair Mastercard cardmembers receive fantastic rewards and benefits year-round, including no annual fee, impressive rewards, and the option of financing for up to 24 months on eligible Wayfair purchases. Additionally, Wayfair Mastercard cardmembers can earn:

  • 5% back on Wayfair purchases
  • 3% back at grocery stores
  • 2% on online purchases
  • 1% everywhere else

The Wayfair Mastercard from Citi was launched in September of 2020. Since the co-branded credit card launch, Citibank now services many of the top eCommerce companies in the US with consumer credit card programs, including Home Depot, Best Buy, Costco, and Macy’s.

The Citi Wayfair portfolio also includes credit cards from the following Wayfair brands:

Related Article: New Citi Merchant Offers for Credit Cards

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Goldman Sachs Credit Card Practices Examined

Last updated on September 5th, 2023

The CFPB is probing Goldman Sachs and its credit card practices, the bank said in a filing. The CFPB examination is the latest issue for Goldman and its popular Apple Card.

Investigation into Payments, Credit Reporting, More

The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) is examining Goldman Sachs’ credit card practices. According to a regulatory filing last week, the CFPB is looking into the company’s credit-card practices, including how it resolves incorrect bills and processes refunds. The probe also examines ads and how Goldman credits “nonconforming payments” and reports information to credit bureaus.

The bank is cooperating with the ongoing CFPB investigation, a spokesman for the New York-based firm said.

Goldman’s Growing Consumer Portfolio

Goldman Sachs launched its US consumer credit card venture in 2017. The bank first made a splash with the Apple Card in 2019. The portfolio expanded further in 2021 with the acquisition of the GM Rewards credit card portfolio from Capital One.

Despite spending big to attract customers to the business in the last five years, Goldman has yet to make its credit card venture profitable. The bank’s core business remains trading and investment banking, with the credit card arm an attempt to find new income streams and diversify.

The Apple Card remains the bank’s most popular credit card property by a considerable distance. According to the regulatory filing, Goldman Sachs stated it had about $11.8 billion in outstanding credit card balances at the end of June, most of it from Apple Card accounts.

Previous Investigations into Goldman Sachs

This is not the first time that Goldman Sachs has been investigated for credit card products. In 2019, Goldman Sachs was accused of discriminatory behavior on allegations of gender bias and credit limits in 2019.

Additionally,  the Apple Card has experienced sporadic issues since its launch. The myriad of issues included systematic problems with account management and bill payment, plus cash back rewards errors. The New York State Department of Financial Services cleared Goldman Sachs of those claims in 2021.

Related Article: CFPB Fights Excessive Credit Card Late Fees

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Sam’s Club Mastercard Vs Costco Anywhere Visa: Read This Before Applying

Sam's Club Mastercard Vs Costco Anywhere Visa: Read This Before Applying

Costco and Sam’s Club are two of the better-known clubs out there – and both issue co-branded credit cards that provide savings on everyday purchases. But which warehouse credit card is right for you – the Sam’s Club® Mastercard® or the  Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi?

Sam’s Club® Mastercard® or Costco Anywhere Visa® Card: Which Is Right for You?

Citi issues co-branded credit cards with some of the largest names in U.S. retail – including warehouse giant Costco. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi closely resembles the Sam’s Club® Mastercard®, which gets its best value with the higher tier Sam’s Club Plus membership.

Both the Sam’s Club and Costco credit card enjoy popularity among fans of stocking up their pantries, saving in bulk, and earning rewards while filing up, but which one is right for you? Here is the breakdown of the cards over crucial categories:

Pre-Qualification Before Applying

Applying for a credit card requires a credit check. Often, these credit checks (or credit inquiries) are known as “hard inquiries,” meaning the bank pulls your full credit report before approving (or denying) your credit card application. If you apply for a credit card and are declined, your credit score will likely take a minor hit.

One way to avoid a negative impact on your credit score before getting a new credit card is by pre-qualifying before you apply. Though they may sound similar, pre-qualification and pre-approval are not the same things.  

A pre-approval means that a lender has analyzed your credit profile based on existing credit information it holds, offering a product you will likely be approved for. On the other hand, pre-qualification means the lender has reviewed financial information from a credit profile and believes you may be a good fit for the credit card product. Pre-qualifications are also known as “soft inquiries,” as they have no impact on your credit score.

Related Article: How to Pre-Qualify for a Credit Card

Does the Sam’s Club Mastercard Let You Pre-Qualify?

Yes, the Sam’s Club Mastercard does provide a quick, easy online pre-qualification process. Potential applicants can see their approval odds before applying without impacting their credit score. 

Does the Costco Visa Let You Pre-Qualify?

Similarly, the Costco Anywhere Visa also provides a pre-qualification page. Citibank provides a helpful pre-screening service for potential applicants. This service offers pre-qualification for select Citi credit cards – including the Costco credit cards.

Credit Score Needed

Since both credit card options are retail credit cards, they are intended for consumers with “good” or “excellent” credit.

How to Apply

Both cards require similar information to apply. Here is the types of information you can expect to provide before applying for either the Sam’s Club Mastercard or the Costco Anywhere Visa:

  • Name
  • Address (including email address)
  • Phone number
  • Costco/Sam’s Club membership number
  • Social Security Number
  • Annual income

Annual Fee

As stated, both cards feature no annual fee. However, that doesn’t mean there are no costs associated with opening (and maintaining) an account, since membership with the warehouse club is required.

Sam’s Club offers two tiers of membership: standard Club membership and Plus membership. Club membership is $45 per year, with the ability to add up to 8 additional member accounts for just $40 each. Sam’s Club Plus membership costs $100 per year (although Sam’s sometimes offers a one-time price of $40 to join), with up to 16 additional accounts addable for $40 each.

With Costco the costs are very similar. The company offers two personal membership levels and one business membership.

Gold Star is the basic Costco membership level and costs $60 per year to join. Costco Gold Star provides access to Costco warehouses and two membership cards. Costco Executive is the top-tier of personal membership, providing 2% back in annual rewards. Executive membership costs $120 per year.

Both cards serve as membership cards, saving the cardholder space in their wallet and time when checking out at the register.

Where Can You Use It?

The Sam’s Club credit card uses the Mastercard payment network. Mastercard is currently accepted in 212 countries worldwide. Here is what you can expect from a Mastercard credit card:

Zero Liability Protection Mastercard Global Services ID Theft Protection

The Costco credit card uses the Visa payment network. Visa is the world’s largest credit card network in terms of number of merchants who accept Visa, meaning both cards can be used practically anywhere you want to spend – or earn rewards.

Here is what you can expect from a Visa credit card:

Zero Fraud Liability Cardholder Inquiry Services Emergency Card Replacement
Roadside Dispatch and Auto Collision Damage Waiver Lost/Stolen Card Reporting ID Navigator from Norton

Earning Cash Back Rewards

Both the Costco Anywhere Visa, as well as the Sam’s Club Mastercard, are exceptional gas rewards credit cards. Beyond just gas, however, both cards also provide quality rewards on dining and purchases made at the respective warehouse clubs.

Here’s how the cash back rewards breakdown with the two credit cards:

Savings on Gas

As mentioned, both cards provide their greatest value at the pump. The Sam’s Club Mastercard lets cardmembers earn 5% cash back on gas purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted. While that 5% back is capped on the first $6,000 per year in spending (after that, 1% back on all gas station purchases), that total amounts to $500 per month.

In contrast, the Costco Visa offers 4% back on eligible gas, including gas at Costco for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter According to statistics, the average American fills up their car at least twice per month, so earning either 4% or 5% back on gas is a great benefit with impressive value.

Savings at the Wholesale Club

The Sam’s Club® Mastercard® also earns accelerated cash back on purchases at the wholesale club. The card earns 3% back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members, with regular members earning 1% back on Sam’s Club purchases. That 3% back takes the form of the 1% all Sam’s Club members earn on purchases and the additional 2% Plus members earn on qualifying in-club and Pickup purchases.

The Sam’s Club® Mastercard® also earns accelerated cash back on purchases at the wholesale club. The card earns 3% back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members, with regular members earning 1% back on Sam’s Club purchases. That 3% back takes the form of the 1% all Sam’s Club members earn on purchases and the additional 2% Plus members earn on qualifying in-club and Pickup purchases.

In comparison, the Costco Anywhere Card offers 2% cash back on purchases from Costco and Costco.com. That flat rate is comparable to another credit card offering from Citibank – the Citi® Double Cash Card.

Other Ways to Earn Rewards

The Costco Anywhere Visa provides 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchase worldwide, and 1% back on all other purchases. With the Sam’s Club Mastercard, Sam’s Club members earn 3% cash back on dining and takeout and 1% back anywhere else Mastercard is accepted worldwide.

Do Rewards Expire?

Rewards with the Costco Visa and Sam’s Club rewards do not expire (provided the account is open and in good standing). For Costco Vis the rewards are automatically redeemed, meaning cardholders have nothing to worry about – besides racking up the rewards.

Recap

Here is a quick recap of all the features of both cards:



Sam’s Club® Mastercard®


Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Rewards Earn 5% cash back on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on first $6,000 per year, then 1%); 3% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members. Club members earn 1% cash back; 3% cash back on dining and takeout; 1% cash back on other purchases Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter;3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases; 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com; 1% cash back on all other purchases
Network Mastercard Visa
Annual fee No annual fee No annual fee

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