The Marriott-SPG loyalty program merger brings credit card benefits

With the merger of the Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty programs occurring in August, I wanted to highlight some of the practical benefits of that combination for moderate travelers like me. Specifically, there are some definite benefits coming to Marriott/SPG co-branded credit card portfolio.

Credit Cards, Loyalty ProgramsDerek CookJuly 23, 2018Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, Chase Marriott Premier Plus Visa, credit cards, Chase, American Express Hilton Honors Ascend Card, American Express Company

Evaluating my credit card portfolio - American Express

Since my pursuit of points and miles has resulted in many open credit card accounts, I recently began a top-to-bottom review of my overall credit card portfolio. In today's entry in the series covering this review, I will consider the American Express card products I hold.

Credit CardsDerek CookMarch 15, 2018credit cards, American Express Business Platinum Card, American Express Company, American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles Card, American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles Business Card, points and miles, Amex EveryDay Preferred Cad, credit card rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, Sheraton, Marriott Rewards, Hilton Honors

Evaluating my credit card portfolio - Overview

When pursuing points and miles using credit card sign-up bonuses, you soon accumulate a lot of credit cards. I was accustomed to carrying multiple cards before I became immersed in these rewards, but the number of cards I currently hold has tripled. As an early-year task, I decided to undertake a top-to-bottom review of my open accounts in order to decide if any should be closed, and I want to strategize how to adjust my card portfolio in 2018. Today, I want to provide a little background to frame my analyses.

Credit CardsDerek CookMarch 8, 2018credit cards, credit score, American Express Company, Chase, credit utilization rate

Deciding on my next points and miles credit card

Recently, I signed up for the American Express Starwood Business Card and am close to earning the full signup bonus. So I am in search of my next points and miles card. At the moment, there are some attractive offers from American Express and Citibank.

Credit Cards, Points and MilesDerek CookJune 16, 2017American Express Membership Rewards, American Express Company, credit cards, credit card rewards, Delta SkyMiles, Citibank, Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, American Airlines

American Express to become exclusive issuer of Hilton branded cards

Hilton is one one of a few hotel and airline companies that have agreements with multiple banks for affinity credit cards. Currently, both American Express and Citibank issue Hilton-branded cards, but that will soon change. Hilton announced this week that it would enter into an exclusive agreement with Amex.

Credit Cards, Loyalty Programs, PopularDerek CookJune 4, 2017Hilton hotels, Citibank, American Express Company, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase, 5/24 Rule, Hilton Honors

American Express Business Platinum Card Enhancements

Last week, American Express announced new benefits for the personal American Express Platinum Card along with a $100 increase in the annual fee to $550. At the time, nothing was said about similar updates to the business version of the card, the American Express Business Platinum Card. That changed on Monday.

Credit CardsDerek CookMarch 8, 2017American Express Platinum Card, American Express Business Platinum Card, American Express Company, credit cards, credit card rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Priority Pass, Hilton Honors

Using Amex Business Platinum Card airline travel credit for Delta gift cards

The Enhanced Business Platinum Card from American Express OPEN offers annual $200 airline fee credits. If you purchase small gift cards, despite the card terms and conditions, you can use these credits for airfare.

Commercial Aviation, Credit CardsDerek CookJanuary 14, 2017Delta Air Lines, American Express Enhanced Business Platinum Card, airline fee credit, American Express Company, credit cards

Is Amex permitting a fifth credit card now?

There unconfirmed reports that American Express will now permit members to carry five credit cards, up from the previous limit of four.

Credit CardsDerek CookJune 9, 2016American Express Company, Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card, credit cards, points and miles

Approved for Amex Everyday Preferred with 30,000 point signup bonus

The Amex Everyday Preferred card is a great credit card for everyday spend given its 50% across-the-board point bonus with 30 uses per month. However, the 30,000 point signup bonus is targeted to new Amex customers, so current customers have to be careful how they access the signup page.

Credit CardsDerek CookOctober 26, 2015American Express Membership Rewards, credit cards, Chase IHG Rewards Mastercard, IHG Rewards, American Express Company, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, Citi ThankYou Premier Card, Amex EveryDay Preferred Card

Fascinating Bloomberg Businessweek article on American Express

Bloomberg Businessweek has taken a close look at the condition of American Express's business as the company prepares to end it's relationship with Costco in 2016.

Credit CardsDerek CookOctober 17, 2015American Express Platinum Card, American Express Company, Costco, Sam's Club