Credit Cards

Category Archives for Credit Cards.

Advice From The CEO Of Loyalty Startup Bilt, Fastest Company Ever To A $1.5 Billion Valuation

by Gary Leff on July 27, 2023

Jul 27 2023

I recently had the chance to catch up with Ankur Jain, founder and CEO of Bilt Rewards. He’s a serial entrepreneur, having sold connections tool Humin to Tinder; became their Vice President of Product (he’s rumored to have created the separate celebrity version of Tinder); and helped launch a company that solves the cashflow problems renters face from security deposits.

And he’s created the first loyalty program for renters which underscores that the single largest expense for most people wasn’t covered by loyalty marketing before. It’s such a no-brainer that Bilt became the fastest company to hit a $1.5 billion valuation, just over a little more than a year after public launch.

10,000 Point Bonus Offer For Existing Marriott Co-Brand Cardmembers

by Gary Leff on July 27, 2023

Jul 27 2023

10,000 Marriott points don’t go very far on their own, so this isn’t something to stretch for. But if you have a Marriott card, or more than one (I have two, generating 40 elite nights per year), you might as well register. And if you spend money on these cards more points are far better than fewer points.

Which Is The Best Transferable Points Program? Comparing Amex, Chase, Citi And More

by Gary Leff on July 26, 2023

Jul 26 2023

“Which program is best” can be a bit like “who was the better ballplayer, Ted Williams or Mickey Mantle?” We may not settle it definitively, but we can get pretty close I think and the thinking process can help you figure out which program is the right one for you.

The “American Airlines Credit Card” Will No Longer Be Accepted For Payment Online By American Airlines

by Gary Leff on July 22, 2023

Jul 22 2023

Did you know that American Airlines has its own credit card, aside from the Barclays and Citibank-issued AAdvantage cards?

The American Airlines Credit Card stopped taking applications in May. It’s a credit card used only for purchases with American. In other words, it’s a store card like a Macy’s credit card or a Best Buy card.

Whoops: Citibank’s AAdvantage Executive Card Will Reward Spending On Barclays AAdvantage Products

by Gary Leff on July 13, 2023

Jul 13 2023

The update to the premium Citi AAdvantage Executive product which goes into effect July 23 seems like a step backwards for consumers. But it’s a step backwards for Citibank, also.

Every Big Bank Opens Credit Cards For Customers Without Their Knowledge

by Gary Leff on July 11, 2023

Jul 11 2023

At some banks the controls may have been insufficient, and too many fake accounts were opened for real customers, to earn bonuses or other incentives for employees. But, as with all things, the optimal amount of fraud is not zero.

Leaked Changes To Citi AAdvantage Executive Card

by Gary Leff on July 10, 2023

Jul 10 2023

Back in the fall I wrote that Citi would be ending the benefit of no annual fee authorized users with Admirals Club access, and likely raising the annual fee on the card itself as well. The ability for a single $450 annual fee to generate 11 cards (primary plus up to 10 authorized user cards) each with the ability to enter Admirals Clubs and also bring up to two guests was simply too good a deal.

When A Program Wants To Reward You Too Much – You Let Them

by Gary Leff on July 9, 2023

Jul 09 2023

Sometimes a question really just gets it. Is the Bilt World Elite Mastercard too good to be true?? How can they make money giving so much to cardmembers?

Americans Stuck Abroad With No Money After Uber Charged Them $30,000 For A Single Trip

by Gary Leff on July 7, 2023

Jul 07 2023

Two Americans vacationing in Costa Rica were charged $29,994.33 for one Uber ride. It was supposed to be 29,994 a single Uber ride due to a suspected currency conversion error. The couple claims that the cost of the ride should have been 29,994 Costa Rican Colón – or US$55.16.

Complaining to Uber, they were told to contact their bank. The bank says Uber’s the one who charged them this way. And since they paid via debit card, their bank account has been fully drained. They shared their story having made it to Guatemala with “no access to funds” for their five year anniversary.

You’re Losing 8,333 Miles A Month And Not Realizing It

by Gary Leff on July 3, 2023

Jul 03 2023

You’re losing up to 4,166 points per month if you rent and do not have a Bilt Mastercard. This card offers something literally no other card does and it can mean a huge difference in your points balance.