All articles tagged with #credit cards
Apple marks seven years of the Apple Card, while a plan emerges to switch the issuer from Goldman Sachs to Chase by early 2028; Mastercard remains the network, and open balances will migrate to Chase with Goldman Sachs continuing customer service in the interim. For now, cardholders can continue using Apple Card as usual, with no confirmed changes beyond the issuer transition and no expansion beyond the U.S. yet.
Rising grocery costs are squeezing American households, pushing more shoppers to borrow, use credit, or tap savings to pay for groceries as inflation, shrinking packaging, and diminished brand trust shape spending habits across income levels.
A record uptick in debt-management activity in early 2026 shows Americans grappling with higher prices: Money Management International reports 15,000 new clients and an average balance near $40,000, while total U.S. household debt hits a record $18.8 trillion and the personal savings rate sits at 2.7%. Slower savings, rising card delinquencies, and growing use of personal loans or zero-interest cards highlight the tools and trade-offs people rely on to manage debt, though these solutions aren’t universal fixes.
American Airlines will raise Admirals Club membership prices by up to 75% starting Aug. 23, 2026, introducing a new solo "single" membership and removing the household add-on; standard memberships will cost up to $1,400/year with elite-discount tiers (Gold 1,350; Platinum 1,300; Platinum Pro 1,250; Executive Platinum 1,200) while single memberships are $750/year with no guest or partner lounge access. Renewals before Oct. 3, 2026 stay at current rates; the changes fund lounge upgrades and service improvements and align pricing with Delta/United. Separately, Citi/AAdvantage Executive Mastercard rises to $695/year, offering a $500 vacation credit and Omni Hotels status, making the card a cheaper route to lounge access than the full membership. One-day passes remain $79.
American Express and Chase are expanding their premium lounge and experiential marketing beyond airports, opening spaces and activations at festivals, stadiums, and events (Coachella, Sundance, Lollapalooza, Formula 1, NBA arenas, and more) to attract and retain high-spending cardholders. They’ve raised annual fees for flagship cards (Amex Platinum to $895, Chase Sapphire Reserve to $795) and offer perks like dining credits and exclusive access. The strategy targets affluent consumers in a shifting economy, where access and experiences can drive loyalty and spending more than traditional rewards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred is back with its record 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points welcome bonus, opening doors to aspirational first-class redemptions by transferring points to airline partners. The article outlines five standout options: Singapore Airlines First Class (NY to FRA) from 106,500 KrisFlyer miles; Lufthansa First Class via Aeroplan around 90,000; ANA First Class via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (often 57,500–90,000); British Airways First Class from 88,000–93,500 Avios; and Thai Airways First Class (NRT-BKK) from about 60,000 Aeroplan. While availability can be tight and taxes/fees apply, these redemptions can translate 100,000 points into $2,000+ in travel value and some of the world’s most luxurious cabins, making the offer especially valuable for points and miles enthusiasts.
Amex is upgrading the Delta SkyMiles-branded cards with a free second checked bag on domestic Delta-operated flights, a new $120 annual rideshare credit for Gold and Gold Business cards (with up to $10 per month), and fresh card designs, all while keeping annual fees unchanged. The benefits apply to existing SkyMiles cardholders and are aimed at staying competitive with United’s recent card updates; there are enrollment steps and caveats (e.g., the bag benefit applies only to domestic flights and to eligible cardholders on the same reservation).
Delta Air Lines and American Express are expanding value for Delta SkyMiles cards with a complimentary second checked bag on domestic Delta flights for eligible cardholders, a $120 annual rideshare credit for Gold cardmembers, refreshed card designs, updated Companion Certificates toward Delta Vacations, and substantial limited-time welcome offers through July 15, 2026, all without raising annual fees.
Oura Ring 5, a slimmer version of the popular health ring, is now on preorder with prices starting at $399 and $499 for finishes. Amex Platinum cardholders can receive up to a $200 annual statement credit toward eligible Oura Ring purchases on Oura's site, effectively cutting the price in half. Enrollment is required, and the credit cannot be used toward the ongoing Oura membership (which costs $5.99/month or $69.99/year). Preorder starts May 28, 2026, with shipping beginning June 4, 2026; first shipments include a sizing kit and a one-year purchase protection.
Credit cards, rewards, BNPL, and digital wallets have made spending frictionless, turning impulse buys into debt traps. The piece highlights personal stories and expert analysis showing how “play money” rewards and installment plans blur true costs, with BNPL usage rising to 15% in 2025 and credit-card balances at a record $1.28 trillion. While some use BNPL for necessities, the system often leads to spiraling debt, higher interest and fees, and long-term consequences like wage garnishment or bankruptcies, all amid ongoing inflation and uncertainty.
Robinhood launches a $695 Platinum card aimed at its investing-following customers, offering cash-back that can be reinvested and a suite of travel/dining credits; American Express Platinum remains the premium benchmark at an $895 fee with extensive travel credits, lounge access, and transferable Membership Rewards. Early reviews suggest the Amex card delivers broader value for frequent travelers, while Robinhood’s offering may appeal to existing users, but it generally falls short on travel perks compared with Amex.
United Airlines is overhauling its MileagePlus loyalty program to reward co-branded cardholders, offering at least 10% off award flights booked with miles (rising to at least 15% for Premier elites with a co-branded card), while cardholders will earn double miles per dollar on flights. Basic-economy earning will be restricted, and starting April 2, travelers on the cheapest fares will need a co-branded card to earn miles. The changes reflect a broader industry shift to tie perks and earnings to credit-card relationships, as airlines seek to monetize loyalty, lock in high-spending travelers, and push back against softer fares. Aimed at rewarding cardholders over budget flyers, the move aligns United with rivals like Delta and American.
United Airlines is overhauling its MileagePlus program to heavily favor cobranded cardholders and elite status. Earning rates will be reduced for non-cardholders and for basic-economy bookings, while cardholders (and those with status) will earn more miles per dollar and receive discounts on award flights (at least 10%, rising to 15%+ for Premier status). The changes, effective for tickets purchased on or after April 2, mark a significant shift toward rewarding loyalty members over casual fliers.
A 73-year-old retiree, Susan Cannon, carries about $39,440 in credit-card debt across 19 cards with interest rates up to 34.99%, a situation worsened by the pandemic and ongoing inflation that forces reliance on cards for essentials; advocates push for caps on credit-card rates as relief, while banks warn such caps could reduce access to credit.
Bilt has pushed back the deadline for current cardholders to roll over to its 2.0 card lineup—from Jan 30 to Feb 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT—after rollout hiccups. It will also extend double Rent Day points for all 2.0 cards through Jan 1, 2027 (up to 1,000 points), with earnings varying by card (Blue 2x on everyday purchases; Obsidian 6x dining/groceries, 4x travel, 2x; Palladium 4x on everyday purchases). Note that Bilt Cash and housing points aren’t doubled. The moves aim to reduce transition friction and rebuild trust, though Rent Day promos may vary month to month.