Summer’s latest perks are worth exploring.
Responsible use of your credit card can add a lot of value in miles, points and benefits. But different cards offer different perks, as many travelers are looking for more than just bonus points.
According to iSeatz’s State of Loyalty Credit Card Rewards, there is a growing trend for credit card issuers to move away from traditional rewards (flights, hotels and other point redemptions) in favor of lifestyle rewards, including things such as tours, activities, restaurants and wellness activities. There are also updated perks and bonus earning categories when cardholders use their card for these lifestyle experiences.
Here are some of the newest credit cards on the market and the extra perks they offer just in time for summer.
Barclays launches Xbox credit card
Father and son are focused while sitting at home playing video games together.
Video game players rejoice. This new card from Barclays Bank awards points that can be redeemed for xbox.com, Microsoft.com or console and game purchases. The card has no annual fee and, after making the first purchase with the card, it unlocks three months of Game Pass Ultimate. Bonus points are a big part of this card: 5x points per dollar on eligible products in the digital Microsoft Store, 3x points on streaming services and dinner delivery services.
New Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Cardless cards
Qatar Airways launches new credit card in the USA.
In early May, Qatar Airways launched a waitlist for its first U.S. credit card. It is now available for sign-ups and awards cardholders Avios points that can be redeemed for free travel on Qatar and Oneworld partner airlines. The Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card ($499 annual fee and instant Gold status) and the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card ($99 annual fee and instant Silver status) offer elite status instant for one year after being approved for the card. This is the first international loyalty program to offer a Visa Infinite credit card in the US market. Cardholders earn 5x Avios points on Qatar Airways spend, 3x points on dining and one point on everything else. For the Visa Signature card, you earn 4x points on Qatar Airways flights, 2x points on dining and one point on everything else.
Launch of the Citi Strata Premier card
The Citi Strata Premier Mastercard replaces the original Citi Premier card.
Replacing the Citi Premier Card, the Citi Strata Premier is a new card product with some updated perks. Existing cardholders will receive new Strata Premier cards, which will continue to have a $95 annual fee. Among the changes is the ability to earn 10x ThankYou points on hotels, attractions and car rentals booked directly through the Citi travel website. Cardholders also receive 3x Thank You Points when using electric vehicle charging stations. This is in addition to the previous bonus, which will continue to offer 3x points on air travel, restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations. Cardholders also receive a $100 credit when making a hotel reservation through the Citi travel website for at least $500.
Special Invitations for Chase Sapphire Reserve Cardholders at the Paris Olympics
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders have special access to Paris Olympic events.
Visa is offering some extra perks to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders who attend the Paris Summer Olympics. Show your card to enter the floating VIP room on the Seine, where food, drinks and special meet-and-greets with athletes will entertain. Cardholders also have special access to priority reservations at an iconic Parisian restaurant with an up-close view of the Eiffel Tower. The à la carte menu is a collaboration between New York chef Ignacio Mattos and chef Charles Ducrocq. There is also an Olympics launch party for cardholders with delicious food and drinks on July 27th.
AmEx has launched another limited edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles Reserve card
This is the second time that American Express has used recycled aircraft to develop a credit card.
For the second time, American Express is releasing a limited edition credit card made from a retired Jumbo Jet. It was so popular last time that AmEx is creating twice as many cards made from two separate 747 planes that were retired in 2017. The cards, which have a new glossy white finish, became available at the end of April, although they will no longer be offered on June 5th. .
Cards increase Global Entry credits
Cards are updating their benefits due to the rate increase.
In the wake of global entry fees rising from $100 to $120, many credit cards are increasing their credits to fully cover them. These include Citi Prestige and Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercards; the AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard; and a series of Chase-branded credit cards. They include Chase Sapphire Reserve, United Explorer Card, United Club Infinite Card, United Quest Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, JP Morgan Reserve Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, and Aeroplan credit. Card.
