Credit Cards

Category Archives for Credit Cards.

City National Bank Crystal Visa Infinite Intermittently Allowing Online Applications

by Gary Leff on July 27, 2019

Jul 27 2019

A little over four years ago I first covered the City National Bank Crystal Visa Infinite Credit Card.

At the time it was the only Visa Infinite card you could apply for in the United States. It was interesting because the card offered a $250 airline fee credit, not just to primary cardholders but also to no annual fee authorized users, and also because it offered a Priority Pass for lounge access without guest limits. It’s not a great card for spending but there are other rich benefits as well.

Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris Wants to Change Your Credit Score

by Gary Leff on July 12, 2019

Jul 12 2019

She’s proposing to amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require credit scores to take into account more types of payments. Paying rent, cell phone bills, and utility bills on time would give you a better credit score. And a better credit score gives you better access to credit, the theory goes.

Redeem Hawaii Awards for Just 7500 Miles Each Way (Even Better: 12,500 for First Class)

by Gary Leff on July 9, 2019

Jul 09 2019

I’m going to show you one of the remarkable uses of Citi points. Would you believe 60,000 points is enough for (8) flights to Hawaii — and not just from the West Coast, but including connections from the East Coast as well?

Now Get 60,000 Miles and a $99 Companion Ticket From Lesser-Known American AAdvantage Card

by Gary Leff on July 3, 2019

Jul 03 2019

Barclays has just increased the initial bonus offer for its AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard to (what’s tied for) a best-ever bonus offer of 60,000 miles after first purchase within 90 days and paying the card’s $99 annual fee — there is no minimum spend — but added on an unprecedented $99 companion ticket also after first purchase within 90 days.

I have a companion ticket from my Aviator Silver card and was just lamenting that I have only one as I plan a few domestic trips with my wife and infant daughter where American Airlines travel makes the most sense.

Capital One Offering 25% Transfer Bonus to Avianca LifeMiles, More Bonuses on the Way

by Gary Leff on June 30, 2019

Jun 30 2019

Capital One has just announced a 25% bonus on all miles transferred to Avianca LifeMiles in July.

Already on their fourth transfer bonus of the year, having just launched transferable points, and Capital One notes “limited-time offers like this will be another major perk for Venture and Spark Miles account holders to take advantage of.” So we can certainly expect to see more.

Here’s a New Premium United Card Value Proposition Chase is Considering

by Gary Leff on June 29, 2019

Jun 29 2019

The 20% redemption discount is interesting, It could be well worth upgrading from a base United Explorer to this card — but wouldn’t be worth spending money on this card over more compelling alternative transferable points products.

How Can Citi Eliminate Nearly All Travel and Purchase Benefits From All Their Cards?

by Gary Leff on June 25, 2019

Jun 25 2019

Yesterday Citibank announced the elimination of nearly all of the ancillary benefits associated with their credit cards.

Gone effective September 22 are rental car insurance; trip cancellation and interruption; travel accident insurance; trip delay; baggage delay; lost baggage; price rewind; 90 day return protection; Medical Evacuation coverage; Missed Ticket Protection; roadside assistance dispatch service and travel and emergency assistance.

Reader Daniel asks, how can Citi even do this?

Citi Gutting Most Travel Protections and Other Card Benefits Across All Premium Products

by Gary Leff on June 24, 2019

Jun 24 2019

I’m now questioning whether to get the Citi Prestige card again, after all. The card’s 5 points per dollar on air will no longer come with trip delay and baggage delay coverage. Notably of course many of these benefits don’t come with American Express cards, but it makes my Chase-issued premium cards more attractive.

Great Availability Business Class Awards to Europe For Just 43,000 Miles Thanks to New Transfer Bonus

by Gary Leff on June 23, 2019

Jun 23 2019

Capital One has a 20% transfer bonus to Flying Blue through end of month. Brand new Citi is now out with a 25% transfer bonus to Flying Blue through July 20. Here are some key things to know about the offer and how this translates into great deals on transatlantic business class award travel,

What Credit Card Does Airbus Accept When Buying New Planes?

by Gary Leff on June 19, 2019

Jun 19 2019

It wasn’t really a $13 billion deal as reported, new planes buyers usually pay about half of list price. It’s incredible to contemplate even 9.75 billion Membership Rewards points however.