Category Archives for Credit Cards.
The Sapphire Reserve refresh wasn’t about adding perks or taking them away — it was about bringing the card’s economics back into line with how Chase needs it to operate.. Once you understand why the old earn and redemption structure no longer worked for them, every change in the refresh snaps into focus.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has evolved far beyond its 2016 launch. With a massive 125,000-point bonus, doubled travel credits, richer lounge access, and smart partnerships from Apple to Hyatt, it’s once again a top-tier rewards card. Here are 18 reasons it’s better than most people realize.
Visa and Mastercard are finalizing a settlement that would let stores refuse certain rewards cards for the first time. The move could reshape how points and airline miles are earned — but the real impact may be smaller than you think.
Charlie Javice, founder of the startup Frank, was convicted of defrauding J.P. Morgan after selling the company for $175 million. Yet under Delaware law, the bank is still footing the bill for her defense — including legal fees, hotel upgrades, and meal expenses.
Rakuten now lets you earn Bilt points instead of cash back — and for six months, every $1 of Rakuten rewards equals 100 Bilt points. That means everyday online shopping can now generate one of the most valuable points currencies in travel, especially when paired with Bilt’s frequent transfer bonuses.
Chase and Hyatt have renewed their partnership, adding new benefits for Sapphire Reserve cardholders. Starting in 2026, top spenders will earn Hyatt Explorist status, more Hyatt brands will join The Edit by Chase Travel, and cardholders will gain expanded credits for luxury hotel stays — a clear win for frequent travelers.
Bilt Card 2.0 is nearly here. The transition to Cardless brings three new versions — no-fee, $95, and $495 — all earning points on mortgage payments. Current members can choose their new card with no hard credit pull ahead of the February 7 rollout.
Capital One has launched a new co-brand credit card with T-Mobile, offering 2% back on spending — but the real story may be what comes next. The partnership could signal that Capital One is preparing a broader push into travel cobrands to compete with Chase, Amex, and Citi.
Southwest’s new debit card lets members earn Rapid Rewards points — and even Companion Pass credit — on everyday spending. But the real story is what it signals: a new wave of debit-based loyalty products that could upend how travel rewards work.
When readers ask me what to do now that Sapphire Reserve increased earning on airfare and hotels to 4x, but eliminated 3x earning on ‘all other travel’ like Airbnb and cruises – I tell the Airbnb, Vrbo and cruise set to consider Autograph Journey.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
