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Marriott and SPG Credit Card Eligiblity Confusion
Marriott’s new combined rewards program has been named Marriott Bonvoy and will go live in February. This consolidates the Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and SPG programs under one unified brand. What’s still confusing are the credit card and bonus eligibility requirements of each card. Can you get the Amex SPG Luxury card if you have the Chase Marriott Premier Plus card? The answer isn’t always apparent. And if you read the Offer Terms, you’re left even more confused. I’ve written a questionnaire to cut through the eligibility legalese in each card’s offer terms. Simply choose the card you intend to apply for, answer the ensuing questions, and I’ll tell you if…
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Chase Offers: $40 Back on DirecTV
I found a Chase Offer in my Chase mobile app for $40 back after spending $20 on DirecTV with my Sapphire Reserve card . This offer is intended for new subscribers. I’ve been with DirecTV for years, but I gave it a shot anyway. Here’s how it went. What are Chase Offers? According to Chase’s FAQ, “Chase Offers brings you great deals from the places you love. No coupons, codes or vouchers to remember, and no registration is required. You just click on an offer to activate it for your card, and then use your card to pay in stores, online or via mobile apps and wallets. You’ll see your…
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Why is the Chase 5/24 Rule So Confusing?
I had a recent exchange with someone claiming to have been approved for Chase Freedom Unlimited despite being at 5/24. As it turns out, he was only 4/24, and that’s why he wasn’t declined. That begs the question: “How could it be so hard to count to 5?” Well, Chase’s 5/24 rule is not so straightforward. In fact, it’s downright confusing. It can make a reasonably intelligent person have trouble counting to 5. In this post, I will try to clear up some of the most confusing concepts of the 5/24 rule, including the reason that the Freedom Unlimited application I mentioned above was approved. What is the Chase 5/24…
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New Lineup of Marriott Bonvoy branded Credit Cards
Marriott’s new combined rewards program has been named Marriott Bonvoy and will go live in February. This consolidates the Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and SPG programs under one unified brand. This new branding will be reflected across Marriott’s entire line of credit cards offered by American Express and Chase. Points earning rates and benefits will remain largely unchanged, with the exception of a few new ones. Here’s a rundown of all of the new Marriott cards. American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card The SPG Amex card will become the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card and will close to new applicants on February 12. The card’s benefits and annual fee will…
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New Access Restrictions for Amex Centurion Lounges
In an effort to reduce overcrowding at its popular Centurion Lounges, American Express has been piloting various access restrictions in certain airports at certain times. Some of those will now be made permanent. Beginning March 22, 2019, Platinum and Centurion Card Members will only be permitted to access a Centurion Lounge within 3 hours of their scheduled flight departure time or between connecting flights. Card Members will not be permitted access upon arrival at their destination. I’ve seen enough complaints about overcrowding at Centurion Lounges, even while the temporary restrictions have been in place that I’m skeptical that making these permanent will have any noticeable effect. The arrival restriction seems…
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