Credit Cards

Category Archives for Credit Cards.

57,000 Miles Business Class Roundtrip to Europe – 40% Off Virgin Atlantic Miami Awards, Any Class of Service

by Gary Leff on February 10, 2018

Feb 10 2018

Virgin Atlantic is a transfer partner of Chase, American Express, and Citibank. So Virgin Atlantic miles are really easy to get. In general I don’t value their miles as much as many other currencies but there are strategic uses like 120,000 miles roundtrip for first class from the East Coast on their partner ANA.

Another strategic use is when they discount their own flights. Virgin adds fuel surcharges to awards, but when the mileage cost is low enough even that makes sense.

All the Ways to Earn Miles You May Be Missing Out On

by Gary Leff on February 9, 2018

Feb 09 2018

There are many great ways to earn miles, and many of those are neglected by the average frequent flyer. While the greatest miles and points deals ever are long gone, that’s how these things work. The best deals don’t last. Which is why it pays to stay alert, and not leave miles on the table.

The Best Rewards Credit Cards in a Nutshell

by Gary Leff on February 9, 2018

people playing music with piano and singing

Feb 09 2018

We often delve into the extreme detail and minutiae of rewards cards, there are tons of benefits and features and lots of details but it’s easy to lose the forest from the trees.

I thought I’d try to keep it simple, with just a single statement to encapsulate the key value proposition offered by several of the best rewards cards. See if you agree with my cutting to the chase on each.

Chase Credit Cards Can Now Fund Horseracing Bets

by Gary Leff on February 6, 2018

Feb 06 2018

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 provides penalties for financial institutions who allow themselves to fund illegal online gambling activities. However fantasy sports, state lotteries, and horse racing are not clearly included activities in the law.

Most financial institutions have stayed well on the ‘safe side’ of the law and prohibited customer activity that isn’t actually illegal under the Act.

British Airways AARP Discount Extended Through 2019

by Gary Leff on February 2, 2018

Feb 02 2018

The British Airways Visa comes with a 10% re-usable code, CARDOFFERU, that cardholders can use to reduce the price of British Airways tickets. That offer has been extended to travel which begins by June 30.

And now the British Airways AARP discount of up to $200 has been extended too.

LEAKED Details of New Starbucks Credit Card

by Gary Leff on January 31, 2018

Jan 31 2018

There’s a Vimeo video up about the new Starbucks credit card.

When the original Starbucks Visa was introduced 14 years ago it gave you an actual 1% rebate at Starbucks. The Starbucks Duetto Visa was sunset in 2010. I had hoped the new iteration of the product would be more lucrative.

Cathay Pacific Credit Card Increases Bonus, Adds First Year Fee Waiver for Limited Time

by Gary Leff on January 16, 2018

Jan 16 2018

Cathay Pacific launched its new US credit card back in February. It’s issued by Synchrony Bank.

Initially the signup bonus on the card was 25,000 points after $2500 spend within 90 days for this $95 annual fee card. In late summer they ran a 50,000 point signup offer.

Today they launched a new offer for the card which bonuses all foreign transaction spend: 35,000 miles after $2500 spend within 90 days and a $0 annual fee the first year.

Exciting – New Hilton Credit Cards Launching This Week

by Gary Leff on January 14, 2018

Jan 14 2018

With American Express getting exclusivity to issue Hilton co-brand credit cards in the U.S., and Citi’s Hilton cards retired, Amex will be launching new cards and improving benefits this week — expected for Thursday the 18th. The base Hilton Honors American Express Card remains the same but eliminates foreign transaction fees. The Hilton Honors Surpass® Card from American Express is going to become the Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card. The annual fee goes up from $75 to $95, but it adds 10 Priority Pass free visits per year and a free weekend night each year after spending $15,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year. And the card looks attractive, too. It’s important to note that if you’ve had the Surpass card, the Ascend card will not be considered a new product.…

Readers: What Are the Cards You’re Using Most?

by Gary Leff on January 13, 2018

Jan 13 2018

I’ve shared with you what’s in my wallet and why.

This is your opportunity to take shots at my strategy, or to offer your own an explain why it makes sense for you. What cards are you using for the most spend?

American Express Improves Membership Rewards Transfer Rate to Hilton

by Gary Leff on January 2, 2018

Jan 02 2018

American Express Membership Rewards points have historically transferred to Hilton at a rate of 1000 -> 1500. So 1 Amex point was worth 1.5 Hilton points.

That’s not a rate I’d want to transfer at. I value Hilton points at 4/10ths of a cent and Amex points at 1.8 cents apiece. Sometimes they’d run bonuses where 1 Amex point would yield 2 Hilton, still not a great deal but better of course.