Last week, I wrote about how more Amex card changes are on the horizon. That and more as we round up some of the interesting stories during the week.
More Amex Card Changes Coming: Everyday Cards next?
During their most recent earnings call, Amex’s CEO indicated that they plan to refresh around 40 card products globally. As per this post by DDG, it seems like the Everyday cards by Amex may be next. Cardmembers are already seeing the updated design of the card after logging in. What I’m dreading the most is another annual fee increase in line with what usually happens when Amex ‘refreshes’ their card products.
Multiple Transfer Bonuses
If you have travel on the horizon, then this is a great time to transfer some points over, with Amex, Capital One and Chase running transfer bonuses. I find the Chase transfer bonus to Marriott tempting, as Chase is currently offering a transfer bonus of 70%. Also, you can potentially unlock a way to transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to several airlines by transferring to Marriott Bonvoy in this way:
- Let’s say you transfer 36,000 Ultimate Rewards points, you’ll earn 61,200 Marriott Bonvoy points after the 70% bonus
- You can convert 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points into 20,000 airline miles. Let’s take the example of Alaska Airlines. You’ll another 5,000 bonus miles for each chunk of 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you convert. In the end, you’ll earn a total of 25,000 Alaska miles, in effect converting 36,000 Chase points intil 25,000 Alaska miles at a ratio of 1:0.7. While that’s not a great conversion, it may be an option for someone who is falling short by a few miles while booking a trip.
Here’s a list of current transfer bonuses launched in August:
- 30 % bonus points (1:1.3): Amex Membership Rewards points to British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus, expires Sept 30
- 20% bonus points (1:1.2): Capital One miles to Qantas Frequenty Flyer, expires Sept 1
- 70% bonus points (1:1.7): Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy, expires Aug 14
- 20% bonus points (1:1.20): Amex Membership Rewards points to Hawaiian Airlines, expires Aug 31
Global Entry Fee Increase
As per Doctor of Credit, the Global Entry fee is set to increase to $120. Per TPG, American Express will also increase the global entry fee credit benefit to $120. I won’t be surprised if other issuers for suit as the fee credit is vital benefit on many premium credit cards by issuers in the market.
New Department of Transportation Rule
The Department of Transportation has put out a notice about a proposed rule pertaining to seating families on flights. The rule would mandate that airlines must seat families together for free, even if the fare purchased belongs to the ‘basic economy’ fare class. The new DoT rule would apply to both domestic and international carriers.
However, as per View from the Wing, the rule may not become a reality after all.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss out on the deals, news and travel industry trends. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Twitter to keep getting the latest content!
