RECENT POSTS
  • Miles and Points

    How to Combine SPG Starpoints Between Accounts

    Here’s a lesser-known but generous feature of the Starwood Preferred Guest program: members of the same household can combine SPG Starpoints into one account. If you alone don’t have enough SPG points for a redemption, pool points with a family member for that upcoming vacation. I did exactly that, and I’ll show you how. What are SPG Starpoints? Starwood Preferred Guest is a hotel loyalty program where you earn points for each stay. These SPG Starpoints are a favorite for travelers: they have high value when you redeem at Starwood properties like Sheraton, Westin, and W Hotels, they can be transferred directly to miles in a huge list of frequent flyer programs,…

  • Credit Cards

    Disposing of my Metal Platinum Amex After Canceling

    Last week, I finally decided to cancel my Amex Platinum card. I had been a long-time card member, but at this point, the annual fee outweighs the benefits I’m currently enjoying. I’ll write about my reasons in a future post. When the American Express phone agent read through his disclaimer as I canceled, I was told I needed to destroy and dispose of my physical cards. I told the agent that I had the new, fairly hefty, metal version of the card. “Do you have any suggestions for destroying my cards?” I asked. “I’ll tell you what,” the agent replied, “I’ll send envelopes that you can use to mail them…

  • Offers

    25% Bonus JetBlue Points from Membership Rewards

    From now through May 31, 2017, American Express card members get 25% Bonus JetBlue TrueBlue points when they transfer Membership Rewards points. The transfer ratio is now an even 250 MR points to 250 TrueBlue points. The normal ratio is 250:200. Depending on the flight, each TrueBlue point can be worth around 1.7-1.8 cents and the points never expire. These transfer bonuses come around occasionally, but certainly not frequently. For regular JetBlue flyers, this can be a good transfer even if you don’t have an immediate need for the points. * Special Offer Terms & Conditions Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards® program apply. Visit membershiprewards.com/terms for more information. Participating…

  • Credit Cards

    Amex Slashes Business Platinum Pay with Points

    According to a post today by TPG, American Express is drastically reducing a recently improved benefit of its Business Platinum Card effective June 1. The 50% Pay with Points Airline Bonus is being reduced to 35%. This bonus was only recently enhanced for Platinum Business Card Members back in October, 2016. The enhancement lasted a mere 9 months. In addition, Amex is putting a 500,000 cap on rebates each calendar year. The cap will only affect heavy users of this benefit. There are also recent reports that the Airline Bonus rebate, which had been taking only a day or 2 to hit Cardmember accounts, is now taking weeks. If you…

  • new metal platinum card
    Credit Cards

    New Amex Platinum Metal Cards Already Delayed

    Yesterday, the updated benefits for the Platinum Card from American Express went live. One of the new features is the new metal card design shown below. I have no urgent need for a metal version of the card, but I like having new shiny things. So, early yesterday morning, I decided to order a replacement card using the “Card Services” section of my online account. All seemed well at the time. I had two shipping options–both free: USPS standard mail or UPS overnight. Obviously I chose UPS overnight. This evening, when my card hadn’t been delivered yet, I logged onto my American Express account and noticed the following banner: The…

  • Uncategorized

    Comparing Amex Everyday and Everyday Preferred Cards

    Whenever I’m asked what the best credit card is, my answer is always, “It depends.” Even making a recommendation between just two cards leads me to respond the same way. Case in point: the Everyday and Everyday Preferred cards from American Express. If you are a fan of Amex’s Membership Rewards program, one of these two cards is a good choice for you. I can’t tell you which is the better choice, but at the end of this post you’ll find a calculator that will help you decide for yourself. Lets take a look at each card’s benefits. Amex Everyday Card 2x Membership Rewards points at U.S. Supermarkets (on up…

  • Uncategorized

    Targeted: SPG Amex 5000 Bonus Points After $5000 Spend

    If you have the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express, check your email for a targeted offer. You may be able eligible for an extra 5,000 Starpoints. You can also check to see if you’re targeted by clicking this link and logging in to your American Express account. The Offer American Express is offering 5,000 Bonus Starpoints after spending $5,000 in qualifying purchases on your enrolled SPG card between the time you complete enrollment and May 31, 2017. The enrollment period ends on March 31, 2017. Qualifying purchases can be made by the cardholder and any authorized users and do NOT include fees or interest charges, balance transfers, cash advances, purchases…

  • Credit Cards

    Amex Platinum Card to add Priority Pass Guest Benefit

    UPDATE: The theory I shared in this post has been confirmed. See Below. Yesterday, American Express announced refreshed benefits for its Platinum Card as well as an increased annual fee. They proudly touted new Uber benefits, 5x Membership Rewards for certain hotel bookings, and a new metal Card design. Strangely, there’s one other enhanced benefit that American Express never mentioned. Beginning March 30, 2017, the Priority Pass guest policy for Platinum Card Members will change. At any visit to a Priority Pass lounge, all Platinum Card Members may bring in two guests for no charge. Card Members will be charged $27 for any additional guests. The old policy automatically charged $27…

  • Credit Cards

    American Express Announces Changes to its Platinum Card

    American Express today announced its anticipated refresh of benefits for the Platinum Card. The changes include new Uber benefits, 5x Membership Rewards for certain hotel bookings, and a new metal Card design. But the accompanying annual fee increase casts a rather large shadow over what are only marginal new benefits. The new perks will kick in on on March 30, 2017. At that time, the annual fee will be increased to $550 from $450 for new applicants. For existing Platinum Card Members, the new annual fee will take effect on their renewal date on or after September 1, 2017. Back in October, Amex announced its last set of enhancements to Platinum Card benefits and…