The COVID Credit Card Enhancements Ultimate Guide has now been updated with the latest Chase Sapphire developments: Up to 10x Peloton, redeem travel credits for gas and groceries through the end of 2021, and Pay Yourself Back extended through end of September…
Travel rewards credit cards don’t have the same appeal during a pandemic. To keep our business, card issuers have been throwing temporary new perks our way. We’ve seen a constant barrage of COVID credit card enhancements like category bonuses, purchase rebates, and rewards for everyday needs such as groceries, dining, and gas.
While those bonuses are very welcome, it’s hard to keep it all straight. So, here we are to the rescue. This guide lists all of the COVID inspired credit card enhancements, along with a few related pre-COVID perks so that you can get all of the info in one place. We have been updating this COVID Credit Card Enhancements post regularly as things change.
Many of the temporary card enhancements relate to grocery, gas, drugstore, and dining purchases. So, we’ve organized details accordingly. Also, in some places we’ve included a column called “RRV”. This column shows the effective rebate that you’ll get with the bonus earnings. We based the value of the rebate on our Reasonable Redemption Values (RRVs). For example, our Reasonable Redemption Value for Chase Ultimate Rewards points is 1.5 cents per point. Given that RRV, we calculate the Sapphire Reserve card’s 3X earnings as: 3 points per dollar X 1.5 cents per point = 4.5%.
Please don’t try to read this within your email program: Most of the tables won’t appear. Instead, click through to read online.
COVID Credit Card Enhancements: Recent Updates
- 5/5/21: Bank of America Premium Rewards now offers 2X at grocery stores through 12/31/21.
- 3/31/21: Added Chase Sapphire updates: 5X or 10X Peloton, Pay Yourself Back extended through September, and Sapphire Reserve travel credits via gas and grocery spend extended through end of 2021.
- 2/1/21: Added Amex’s restaurant, wireless, and spend offers for Delta, Hilton, and Marriott cards. Added new wireless phone service category.
- 1/3/21: Added drugstore category, Chase spend offers, Platinum PayPal credits; Citi Prestige benefits; and more.
- 12/29/20: Belatedly added news that Hilton free night certs issued in 2021 will be valid any day of the week and through Dec 31 2022. Details here.
- 12/10/20: Added Delta Platinum & Delta Reserve bonus Status Boosts for 2021.
Drugstore
Registering for the Chase spending offers: See this post for registration links.
Gas
Registering for the Chase spending offers: See this post for registration links.
Business Platinum 5X offer: Amex Business Platinum: 5X gas station, wireless, office supply, shipping, and advertising. Eligibility for this offer is limited. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming.
Grocery
Registering for the Chase spending offers: See this post for registration links.
Restaurants, Take-Out, and Delivery
For details about the Amex dining credits, see these posts:
- Hilton cards: Enhancements for 2021 (dining, wireless, and spend bonuses)
- Marriott Amex cards: Enhancements for 2021 (dining, wireless, and spend bonuses)
- Delta cards: Enhancements for 2021 (dining, wireless, status boost, and Delta spend bonuses)
Eligibility for these Amex Offers is limited. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming.
Wireless Phone Service
For details about the above offers, see these posts:
- Hilton cards: Enhancements for 2021 (dining, wireless, and spend bonuses)
- Marriott Amex cards: Enhancements for 2021 (dining, wireless, and spend bonuses)
- Delta cards: Enhancements for 2021 (dining, wireless, status boost, and Delta spend bonuses)
- Amex Business Platinum: 5X gas station, wireless, office supply, shipping, and advertising
Eligibility for these Amex Offers is limited. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming.
COVID Credit Card Enhancements (by Credit Card)
All Amex Cards: Variis by Equinox Credits
Variis by Equinox is a fitness app & membership which costs $39.99 per month plus taxes. Starting October 9, eligible existing Amex card members can enroll and receive statement credits to partially offset the membership cost:
- Eligible existing Platinum Card Members: $25 back each month in statement credits
- Eligible existing Blue Cash Preferred Card Members: $10 back each month in statement credits
- Other eligible Card Members: $10 back each month in statement credits for the first three months (available through 4/1/2021)
Sign Up Details: “Eligible Card Members will be notified over the coming weeks with more information on how they can enroll and receive these credits.” Once notified, you can join here: variis.
Amex Delta Cards
Eligibility for the following offers is limited. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming.
Delta Gold Consumer Card
- February through December 2021:
- Earn monthly $10 rebate for U.S. restaurant spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- Earn 5X for Delta spend. Must load Amex Offer.
Delta Gold Business Card
- February through December 2021:
- Earn monthly $10 rebate for U.S. wireless phone spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- Earn 5X for Delta spend. Must load Amex Offer.
Delta Platinum Consumer Card
- January through December 2021:
- February through December 2021:
- Earn monthly $15 rebate for U.S. restaurant spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- Earn 5X for Delta spend. Must load Amex Offer.
Delta Platinum Business Card
- January through December 2021:
- February through December 2021:
- Earn monthly $15 rebate for U.S. wireless phone spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- Earn 5X for Delta spend. Must load Amex Offer.
Delta Reserve Consumer Card
- January through December 2021:
- February through December 2021:
- Earn monthly $20 rebate for U.S. restaurant spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- Earn 5X for Delta spend. Must load Amex Offer.
Delta Reserve Business Card
- January through December 2021:
- February through December 2021:
- Earn monthly $20 rebate for U.S. wireless phone spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- Earn 5X for Delta spend. Must load Amex Offer.
Amex Hilton Cards
Hilton’s free nights are usually redeemable only on weekends, but Amex and Hilton have relaxed the rules for free nights issued through 2021.
See also: Hilton free weekend nights become anytime nights valid for 2 years, and New Hilton changes: extended 2021 free night certs, reduced elite requirements, and more.
Amex Hilton (Fee Free)
Eligibility for the following Amex Offers is limited. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming.
- February through December 2021: Earn monthly $5 rebate for U.S. restaurant spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- February through June 2021: Earn 10,000 bonus points for each $5,000 spend. Must load Amex Offer.
Amex Hilton Surpass
- February through December 2021: Earn monthly $10 rebate for U.S. restaurant spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- February through June 2021: Earn 10,000 bonus points for each $5,000 spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- Weekend night becomes anytime night. Unexpired and new Free Weekend Night rewards issued through December 31, 2021 can now be used any night of the week.
- New free nights valid for up to 24 months. New weekend free night awards issued from May 1 to December 31 2020 are valid for 24 months from the date of issuance (previously 12 months). Free nights issued in 2021 are valid through December 31 2022.
Amex Hilton Aspire
- February through December 2021: Earn monthly $20 rebate for U.S. restaurant spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- February through June 2021: Earn 10,000 bonus points for each $5,000 spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- Weekend night becomes anytime night. Unexpired and new Free Weekend Night rewards issued through December 31, 2021 can now be used any night of the week.
- New free nights valid for up to 24 months. New weekend free night awards issued from May 1 to December 31 2020 are valid for 24 months from the date of issuance (previously 12 months). Free nights issued in 2021 are valid through December 31 2022.
Amex Hilton Business
- February through December 2021: Earn monthly $10 rebate for U.S. wireless phone spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- February through June 2021: Earn 10,000 bonus points for each $5,000 spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- Weekend night becomes anytime night. Unexpired and new Free Weekend Night rewards issued through December 31, 2021 can now be used any night of the week.
- New free nights valid for up to 24 months. New weekend free night awards issued from May 1 to December 31 2020 are valid for 24 months from the date of issuance (previously 12 months). Free nights issued in 2021 are valid through December 31 2022.
Amex Marriott Cards
Eligibility for the following Amex Offers is limited. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming.
Amex Marriott Bonvoy
- February through December 2021: Earn monthly $10 rebate for U.S. restaurant spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- February through December 2021: Earn 7,500 bonus points for each $7,500 spend. Must load Amex Offer.
Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- February through December 2021: Earn monthly $20 rebate for U.S. restaurant spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- February through December 2021: Earn 7,500 bonus points for each $7,500 spend. Must load Amex Offer.
Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business
- February through December 2021: Earn monthly $15 rebate for U.S. wireless phone spend. Must load Amex Offer.
- February through December 2021: Earn 7,500 bonus points for each $7,500 spend. Must load Amex Offer.
Amex Platinum Consumer & Business
- The Hotel Collection Complimentary Night or Property Credit: U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum Card Members and Gold Card Members can receive a complimentary night or property credit of $150 or more after booking an eligible stay through American Express Travel at participating Hotel Collection properties. Required booking dates and travel dates vary by property. Terms apply.
- Fine Hotels + Resorts® Complimentary Night or Property Credit: U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum Card Members can receive a complimentary night or property credit of $250 or more after booking an eligible stay through American Express Travel at more than 200 participating Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties. Required booking dates and travel dates vary by property. Terms apply.
- Recommended Flights: U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum Card Members can access lower fares on select routes, flights and seats, with the ability to save up to 20% off the publicly listed ticket price. These lower fares are available with participating airlines for eligible flights and seats booked between January 10, 2021 and March 31, 2021 for travel from January 10, 2021 through May 31, 2021. Terms apply.
- Pay with Points on Prepaid Car Rental Bookings: For those renting a car to enjoy a local getaway, Membership Rewards® program enrolled U.S. Card Members can now use Pay with Points or earn 2X Membership Rewards points on prepaid car rental bookings through AmexTravel.com.
Amex Platinum (Consumer)
No registration required
- $30 back monthly for Paypal purchases. Valid through June 30, 2021.
Amex Offers (requires registration)
Eligibility for the following Amex Offers is limited. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming.
Amex Offers for Platinum cards that were active as of Nov 1, 2020. See this post for more details. All of the following expire 6/30/2021:
- bestbuy.com®: Spend $50 or more, get $50 back. Up to 2 times (total of $100).
- HomeDepot.com – Ship to Home or Store: Spend $50 or more, get $50 back. Up to 2 times (total of $100).
- Instacart: Spend $250 or more, get $50 back. Up to 2 times (total of $100).
- Goldbelly: Spend $100 or more, get $50 back. Up to 3 times (total of $150).
- WineInsiders.com: Spend $30 or more, get $30 back. Up to 2 times (total of $60).
- Scribd – Book, audiobook, and podcast subscription: Spend $9.99 or more, get $9.99 back. Up to 5 times (total of $49.95).
- Home Chef: Spend $50 or more, get $50 back. Up to 3 times (total of $150)
- The Container Store: Spend $150 or more, get $50 back. Up to 2 times (total of $100).
- Samsung: Spend $1,000 or more, get $200 back.
- Avis Car Rental: Spend $250 or more, get $75 back. Up to 2 times (total of $150).
- Equinox Virtual Personal Training: Spend $780 or more, get $130 back. Up to 5 times (total of $650).
Amex Platinum Business
- Earn 5X gas station, wireless, office supply, shipping, and advertising. Up to 80K bonus points per category. Make sure to load to Amex Offers. Valid only for those who have had their card prior to November 1, 2020. Expires 6/30/2021. Details here. Eligibility for this offer is limited. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming.
Capital One
Venture, Venture One
- 5X Uber Eats (through Jan 31, 2021)
- Redeem points at full value for restaurant delivery (including Uber Eats), takeout and streaming service purchases. Valid through April 30, 2021.
Savor, Savor One
- 5% Uber Eats (through Jan 31, 2021)
- 4% Streaming services (through April 30, 2021) for Savor
- 3% Streaming services (through April 30, 2021) for Savor One
Spark Miles, Spark Miles Select
Chase Statement Credits
If you have any Chase cards it can be well worth calling Chase to ask if there are any offers available on your account. For details of my experience, see this post: My $575 phone call (complete in 20 minutes).
Here are examples of free money that people have earned through a simple phone call (or sometimes a few calls):
- Sapphire Reserve: $150, $250
- Sapphire Preferred: $60
- Ritz Card: $150
- Southwest Priority: $70
- Southwest Premier: $100
- Southwest Plus: $70
- Ink Plus: $50, $95
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: $50, $100
- Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business: $50
- Hyatt: $35, $50
- IHG Premier: $50
- IHG Rewards Club Select: $25
- Freedom: 2500 points, 5000 points
Chase Sapphire Reserve & Sapphire Preferred
- Pay Yourself Back at full travel value: Through September 30 2021, use points to pay yourself back for grocery, dining, home improvement, and select charity spend. Details here.
- Grocery bonus November through April: Nov 1 through April 30 2021, earn 2X (Sapphire Preferred) or 3X (Sapphire Reserve) for grocery spend on up to $1K spend per month. Details here.
- Sapphire Reserve $300 Travel Credit via gas and grocery: Travel credit reimburses gas and grocery purchases through end of 2021.
- Peloton credits: Sapphire Reserve cardholders earn up to $120 and Preferred cardmembers up to $60 in statement credits for eligible Digital and All-Access Peloton memberships, through December 31, 2021
- Peloton 5x or 10x earnings: Through March 2022, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can earn 10x on the purchase of a new Peloton bike and accessories of $1800 or more up to a max of 50,000 points earned. Sapphire Preferred cardholders can earn 5x up to 25,000 points with the same minimum purchase of $1800. Details here.
- 10x Chase dining: Through 6/30/21, book take-out or in-restaurant dining through Chase dining and get 10x rewards. Details here.
Bank of America Premium Rewards
Citi Prestige
- Earn $250 Travel Credit at Supermarkets & Restaurants: Valid all of 2021: Purchases at Supermarkets and Restaurants (including takeout) count toward the card’s $250 Travel Credit benefit
US Bank Altitude Reserve
US Bank is offering this temporary pandemic inspired enhancement to the Altitude Reserve card. This is valid from June 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 June 30, 2021:
- Earn 3X points per $1 on takeout, food delivery and dining purchases.
- Takeout, food delivery and dining purchases qualify toward the $325 annual travel credit (UPDATE: This is now a permanent change to the card!)
- No registration required.
Expired COVID Credit Card Enhancements
We update the COVID Credit Card Enhancements Guide as frequently as possible. Here’s what’s expired…
- Amex Expired Offers
- All Amex cards: Free year of CALM. Register by Dec 31 2020.
- Amex Marriott Bonvoy earn 8X at Amazon, Target, and Walmart on up to $3,500. Expired 12/27/20.
- Delta Gold: Earn 4X restaurants and 5X Delta August 17 through December 31, 2020.
- Delta Platinum & Reserve: Earn 5x miles on Delta purchases and also earn 500 Bonus Miles and 500 MQMs after spending $1,000 in purchases on your enrolled Card (up to 25K Miles and 25K MQMs). Valid through 12/31/20.
- Amex Platinum:
- Book discounted domestic flights through AmexTravel.com. Book by December 31st for travel through March 31 2021.
- Get a one-time $150 Statement Credit after booking a prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts stay. Enroll and book by 12/7/20. Details here.
- $20/month cell service rebate + $20/month streaming services rebates: May 2020 to Dec 2020.
- Amex Business Platinum:
- $20/month cell service rebate + $20/month shipping rebates: May 2020 to Dec 2020.
- Additional $100 Dell rebate May – June 2020 + another additional $100 Dell rebate June – December 2020.
- Amex Green Card: $10/month cell service rebate May through Dec 2020.
- Amex Bonvoy Cards earn 10X at US gas stations, US restaurants, and Marriott hotels: Up to $7,500 spend in each category. Expired 10/31/2020. Details here.
- All Amex Bonvoy Cards earn 6X at supermarkets: May 1 through July 31, 2020, earn 6X at grocery stores, up to $7,500 per card.
- Bonvoy Brilliant: Dining, takeout, and delivery qualify toward $300 Marriott statement credit benefit (through August). Consumer Card Members’ eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery, will now qualify toward the $300 Marriott statement credit benefit (June through August 2020).
- Delta SkyMiles Cards earn 4X at supermarkets: Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Platinum, Gold and Blue Consumer Card Members earn 4X miles at U.S. supermarkets (May through July 2020).
- Hilton Aspire: Dining, takeout, and delivery qualify toward $250 resort credit benefit (through August). Consumer Card Members’ eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery, will now qualify toward the $250 Hilton resort credit benefit (June through August 2020).
- Hilton Surpass and Aspire: 12X points at U.S. supermarkets (through July). Hilton Surpass and Aspire Consumer Card Members will now earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at U.S. supermarkets (May through July 2020). Bonus Points earned through eligible purchases on all Hilton American Express Cards, that post to the Card Member’s Hilton Honors account between May 1 through December 31, 2020 will be considered Base Points and will count towards Elite tier qualification and Lifetime Diamond Status.
- Chase Expired Offers
- Sapphire Reserve:
- Lower renewal fee through end of year: Through June 2020, Chase had been rebating $100 to help offset the Sapphire Reserve card’s $550 annual fee for those who renew. Renewals from July 1 to end of December 2020 are automatically charged $450.
- Sapphire Reserve 5X Instacart, 5X gas, 10X streaming: July 1 – Sep 30
- Sapphire Reserve extended free Lyft membership: Sapphire Reserve cardholders who sign up by Oct 31 (or have previously signed up) for a free year of Lyft Pink membership will keep their membership for 5 additional months (a total of 17 months). Details here. This is particularly noteworthy now that Lyft has partnered with Grubhub to offer Pink members free GrubHub+.
- Ritz Card: $300 statement credit applied to grocery & dining purchases between July 1 and Dec 31 2020.
- 3X to 5X at Amazon & grocery stores Nov & December 2020.
- Sapphire Preferred 3X Instacart, 3X gas, 5X streaming: July 1 – Sep 30
- Chase Marriott 10X bonus for restaurants and gas: July 15th – Sep 30.
- Chase airline and IHG card grocery and gas bonuses. Expired Sep 30
- All Chase Bonvoy Cards earn 6X at grocery stores: May 1 through July 31, 2020, earn 6X at grocery stores, up to $5,000 per card.
- Sapphire Reserve:
- Other Expired Offers
- Bank of America Premium Rewards: Through December 31, earn a $50 statement credit for grocery store, dining, and takeout purchases through December 31, 2020.
- Bank of America Travel Rewards: Through December 31, 2020, both the consumer and business Travel Rewards cards are allowing points to be redeemed for full value towards grocery store, dining, and take-out purchases. This is in addition to the usual ability to redeem points towards travel purchases.
UPDATE: This benefit is now permanent. - Citi Prestige:
- 5X Online (through August): Citi Prestige cardholders can now earn 5X on online purchases up to 7500 points (i.e. up to $1500 in purchases) for “online purchases” through August 31, 2020. Examples Citi provides of qualifying online purchases include: retailer website orders, online grocery orders, online drugstore orders.
- 5X Online & More (through end of year): Citi Prestige cardholders can now earn 5X for online, cable, and streaming purchases (up to 7500 points) through the end of 2020.
- American Airlines Cards: Between May 1st and December 31st, 2020, every dollar spent on an American Airlines credit card counts toward million miler status.
- Alaska Airlines Card:
- [Expired] Earn 2,500 elite qualifying miles for each $5K spent on purchases from June 1st through September 30th
- [Expired] 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants and on take-out and delivery from June 1st to July 31, 2020 on up to $1500 in spend
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[…] times, travel points credit cards are popular with frequent travelers. Not a surprise, right? As FrequentMiler.com points out, though, these kinds of rewards just weren’t resonating in the same way during the […]
[…] It’s extremely rare to see so many rewards cards offering lucrative bonuses in common spending categories at the same time, said Nick Reyes, senior author at Frequent Miler, who has written a guide to COVID credit card changes. […]
[…] It’s extremely rare to see so many rewards cards offering lucrative bonuses in common spending categories at the same time, said Nick Reyes, senior author at Frequent Miler, who has written a guide to COVID credit card changes. […]
[…] It’s extremely rare to see so many rewards cards offering lucrative bonuses in common spending categories at the same time, said Nick Reyes, senior author at Frequent Miler, who has written a guide to COVID credit card changes. […]
May be of benefit to also note the $200 Travel Credit on Personal Amex Platinums. Note this isn’t the airline credit, but another separate enhancement. Need to use the AMEX travel portal and runs until 12/31/21. Just found out about this today, myself.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/more-american-express-personal-platinum-cardholders-get-200-amextravel-credit/
[…] is really out to get you to keep its credit cards! Here is an updated list: COVID Credit Card Enhancements Ultimate Guide: Now with Amex dining & wireless credits…Just make sure you do load these offers to the appropriate card if […]
Any info on CNB (City National Bank) Crystal card ?
Asked this question here before but no one answered, looks like everyone canceled them already ? )
I haven’t heard anything from CNB (and yes, I’ve long since cancelled my card)
Any chance you will incorporate the universally available offers, like the Chase gas spending offer, into the best catergory spend resource?
That’s a really good idea. I’ll think about how we could go about doing that.
[…] to get us to stick with using their travel rewards credit cards. This is a comprehensive list of COVID Credit Card Enhancements Ultimate Guide: 2021 Edition. Continuing on the same bank theme, here goes American Express Launches New Offers for U.S. […]
Oh, and I do recognize I made some grammatical errors (like missing a question mark etc), we ICU-ers are and must be exceedingly anal, yet I was focused on your complete and utter disgracefulness.
If you don’t change the course of your life because of this, I truly feel sorry for your children.
Oh, and, rest assured, I’ve got the screen shot.
Really, Greg?
‘Covid Credit Card’ as you make/allow it (to) come up during your google search result?
Would you like to spend a few hours with me in my ICU as I hold the hand of my patient who dies of COVID? Of course, I get to use the other hand to hold a phone up to their relatives to see their loved one die.
Hey, but as long as you get to whore credit cards for corporate terrorists who do nothing but rape, rape, rape the citizens of this great country, all is good, eh?
You, and you all, should be ashamed of yourselves.
From, a former suppporter of yours. Please have the courage of your choices, actions, income, commitments, and have the balls (as corporate terroristic as they may be), to post this comment.
Can I turn American Airlines points in for anything other than a free flight?
Yes, see this post for options: https://frequentmiler.com/amex-membership-rewards/
Unfortunately award flights are the best value option, but it’s also possible to cash out points for as much as 1.25 cents each. Or transfer to Hilton during a transfer bonus (there is one right now).
Missing DiscoverIT 5x for groceries this quarter
Thanks for the reminder! The fix should show up in about an hour or so.
[…] As many readers surely know, both the consumer Platinum and Green cards have had temporary streaming services benefits added this year only. We have previously covered those and many other short-term changes in our COVID credit card enhancements complete guide. […]
[…] Earn bonus miles at restaurants and on Delta purchases as well as increased status boost bonuses on …. […]
All in this month: I have received airline credits for P1 and P2 Amex Plat cards by applying to UA Travel Bank. I also received airline credit for a $98 ow ticket on Southwest on Amex Gold.
I want to cancel the Gold card, the AF hits the end of this month. Does it matter when I cancel the Southwest ticket and/or when I cancel the Gold card?
Thanks!
It doesn’t matter. When you cancel the Southwest ticket you’ll have Southwest credit that lasts a year
Are new Amex Platinum Business cards getting the Covid enhancements? Where can I verify the benefits?
Thanks!
Yes. I don’t think those benefits are shown online but you can secure message Amex to verify.
Thanks for this list and its updates.
Q: If I do a product change from CSP to CSR (eg in June 2021), will I be eligible for the $120 peloton credit? I have already used the $60 peloton credit on the CSP.
Good question. My guess is yes.
I don’t have Dell offer neither on Schwab card or regular platinum
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How is Instacart coding? As grocery? In other words does it qualify for grocery bonuses if used for a supermarket?
Yes. At least with Chase it has coded as grocery for me.
Greg
Called on my Chase SW ($149) card got $70 instant credit . 1 out of three cards @ Chase but not bad for 7 mins work..
Tanks
Marriott (not sure which one): $100
You probably picked that up from my comment on your Chase phone call post. 🙂 It’s a Bonvoy Boundless card.
Thanks! Fixed.
Just renewed my Amex Marriott Business card. Amex offered me 30,000 Marriott points to renew with $2,000 spend in three months. The way I see it, that is a free Marriott night at a mid range Marriott. Plus, with the renewal I receive a free Marriott night. So I was happy with this.
Also just renewed my Amex Hilton Surpass card. This is one of my most used cards and in no way would I cancel it. But I thought I would call anyway and see what happens. A more modest offer of 10,000 Hilton points with no spend requirement.
Not as nice as the Marriott offer. But that is still $50 in value for just making a call.
[…] thanks to extra points for grocery, extra cash back for online spend, targeted spending offers, and temporary COVID enhancements, the answer for you may not be clearly obvious. It can be downright difficult to keep track of […]
Do you mention the Sapphire Reserve DoorDash $60/yr for 2020 and 2021 benefit anywhere? I’m sure I am just missing it……
I didn’t mention it because that was a pre-COVID benefit. Makes sense for me to add it under dining though.
I see in the chart above for Nov/Dec: Hyatt earning 5x on Amazon, Target and Walmart as well as 3x on Groceries.
Are these targetted? Registration required? Whicj Hyatt card – old one or WoH?
Anyone know the answer?
Yes you must register. See this post for links: https://frequentmiler.com/targeted-3x-10x-chase-spending-offers-on-a-plethora-of-cards/
When I registered my World of Hyatt card, I got only 5x on Amazaon and 3x on groceries through Dec. 31. No 5x on Target and Walmart.
[…] You have to keep service with Fi for 60 days, though Amex Platinum cardholders may be able to use temporary COVID credits to mitigate that cost. Note that there are conflicting reports as to whether Fi codes as streaming or wireless services […]
[…] spend. We have maintained an excellent resource for keeping up with the latest changes in our COVID credit card enhancements ultimate guide. Just a few examples that could be relevant for your holiday […]
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[…] Most months since May, I’ve been putting $20 each month on the Business Platinum card for the temporary $20 monthly wireless rebate, but in a stroke of luck (I’m not kidding) I had actually forgotten to do so for the bill […]
What about the Amex Platinum airline discounts and hotel stay credits mentioned in the GSTP post “ Amex Platinum Gets Huge New Travel Savings Offers”?
I’ll look into adding that stuff with the next update if there’s anything worth reporting. Thanks.
Cell Phone Services Mint Mobile (formerly MintSIM) qualifies under Cell Phone services. Add funds to your wallet then on renewal of the prepaid plans call customer support to have them apply the wallet balance to your renewal. (Amex Plat Consumer)
This should be marked as [Expired]?
Yes thanks. Fixed.
[…] Amex Platinum card or Amex Green card that is offering temporary streaming credits as part of the COVID enhancements, I presume that you will probably be able to stack both offers (though note that Amex can sometimes […]
[…] Amex Platinum card or Amex Green card that is offering temporary streaming credits as part of the COVID enhancements, I presume that you will probably be able to stack both offers (though note that Amex can sometimes […]
Greg,
You should split your numbers to USA and International, as many offers are USA only.
Greg, there is some info missing for US Bank Altitude Reserve. It captures the part about the $325 travel credit being usable for dining thru year-end, but is missing these 2 items:
Thanks! I updated this. It may take a bit to show up.
FYI – Chase Sapphire Reserve pay-yourself-back program has been extended.
Yep, we covered that here: https://frequentmiler.com/chase-pay-yourself-back/
Thanks. I’ll add to this post too
[…] We have added this to our COVID credit card enhancements Ultimate Guide. […]
[…] cards have recently carried a temporary bonus on gas station spend for those who opted in (See our COVID Credit Card Enhancements Ultimate Guide for full details). Chase offered 10x on up to $3500 in purchases per Marriott card through […]
Any updates on this now that we are past Sep 30? Find this guide super helpful and Im sure others do the same- would be great to highlight some common current spend categories (Gas, Dining, Drugstores, Grocery and Restaurants) and see what is the best card for each currently (special bonus or just high earn rate in general. E.g. Chase freedom is 3x points at Drugstores permanently)
I’ve updated this post to be up-to-date. That said, I agree, it would be great to blend the info in this post with our post: Best Category Bonuses: Which card to use where?
Any MS opportunities to take advantage of the 5x ‘shipping’ category for SW performance business and Ink Preferred? Large cap (10K).
I seem to be getting restaurant and Uber Eats charges reimbursed with my $300 Amex Bonvoy Brilliant travel credits for charges posting after September 1.
Interesting!
Hi,
In the tables can you indicate when needed the rate in the USA and overseas. There are many offers that are available only in the US (i.e. Supermarkets…)
The United Club Card actually has 7x on Groceries vs. the 5x you mention on other United cards.
This leads me to be a bit curious about how y’all gather data. I assume none of the three of you have the Club card, so do you rely mainly on public advertisements, or do you get “inside” info directly from banks or do readers forward you email offers they receive to give you situational awareness?
Not at all complaining, just curious.
Keep up the great work. Of the three award travel blogs I keep up with, yours is by far the best and most informative. The podcast has become a weekly event for me. Your site has helped me out immensely in gathering the points/miles needed for some great trips.
Thanks! I’ve updated the Club card to 7X.
Most of the info we get comes from readers like you, public advertisements, emails we receive as cardholders (and you’re right that none of us have that card), etc. In some cases we get info either directly from the brand or from the PR firm hired by the brand.
[…] COVID Credit Card Enhancements Ultimate Guide (updated) […]
CSR: I believe the statement credit I received is $100 rather than $50.
Chase has extended the Marriott 10x promo to the end of the month. https://imgur.com/nG3opBN
Thanks! Updated.
[…] There is a new Amex Offer out today good for AT&T Business: get 10% back as a statement credit up to $100. Note that I saw a different version reported elsewhere that only offered up to $50 back, so it is possible that there are different targeted versions. I found this offer on a Business Platinum card, so it is possible that this would stack with the monthly $20 wireless services credits coming this year due to the COVID enhancements. […]
[…] It’s difficult to remember all of the changes to credit card benefits in the world of coronacrapola. I had to give a re-do for my wallet after three months of lockdown. As usual, Frequent Miler wrote the post I wanted to write if I had the time. Here’s the Ultimate Guide to all COVID-19 credit card enhancements. […]
[…] points in the following categories (note that the chart below does not consider limited-time COVID credit card enhancements, which in some cases represent better short-term bonus […]
[…] interesting because of the timing. Through the end of this year, the Platinum card is offering limited-time streaming and wireless phone credits, which offer the chance for extra credits worth up to $200 if you were to be approved in August […]
The Citi Prestige 5x up to 7500 points is really $1,875 of spend because it is 4x over the normal 1x for a total of 5x so the 7500 bonus point cap/4 = $1,875. That’s how the math worked on my July statement.
[…] Please don’t try to read this within your email program: Most of the tables won’t appear. Instead, click through to read online. […]
Would have completely missed the BA 7x/the best(!) offer if not for your recent post, thanks Greg!
I went back to see if BA had sent me an email but could not locate one (signed up instead thru your landing page link).
In checking emails, though, BA did send me this on July 30: “To celebrate, we’d like to give you double Avios next time you book with us. All you need to do is register and book by 31 August 2020, and travel by 31 December 2020.”
The Chase Avios cards are also earning 7x on restaurants (in addition to groceries and gas).
Also, for the Citi Premier, the 3x on groceries and restaurants isn’t in effect yet for new cardmembers.
Thanks! I made these corrections. It may take a few minutes to show up in the post.
Though targeted, why not update grocery and gas with the 5-7x from Chase cobrands?
https://frequentmiler.com/targeted-earn-5x-points-on-groceries-gas-with-select-chase-cards/
Excellent idea. And… done! Check out the updated gas and grocery sections
Also need Ritz-Carlton update for groceries and restos qualifying for $300 incidental airline exp reimb.
Thanks for the reminder!
please consider keeping old info on past bonuses vs removing them. this doc has been extremely useful as a reference guide. deleting old expire items would remove the ability to refer back to old promos for missing points and follow-up. you can simply mark/filter/move certain promos to the bottom. otherwise, we would have to find old posts and threads to review past details for missing points. i see that everything prior to aug has been removed. that definitely is a shame. if possible, please consider putting it back in some way.
Excellent idea. I’ll see if I can arrange it that way with the next update.
[…] in an area where Walmart is convenient for groceries and where our local Walmart also coded as a grocery store for Chase, so we picked up Walmart gift cards and loaded them to Walmart Pay to use in future months in order […]
[…] offer and means my Chase Marriott cards won’t be leaving my wallet once they stop earning 6x at grocery stores at the end of this month. The restaurants category also includes food delivery like Grubhub and […]
I can confirm that the CSR earns 5x on gas in Mexico. That’s surprising because the 5x grocery bonus wasn’t working here in May-June.
[…] this is a nice little enhancement, though with all the other cards offering enhanced rewards for restaurants and takeout/delivery, this isn’t a huge deal to me. Of course, that’s at least partially because I […]
I think BofA Preferred Rewards is giving a $50 credit on restaurants and grocery (at a minimum) through the end of the year? Not huge, but nice and simple. I didn’t see it below. Great resource!
Thanks! I didn’t include the BOA Premium Rewards $50 because it seems to be targeted. Some people reported that they didn’t get the offer. I’m not sure though if its targeted or people just didn’t get an email for whatever reason (such as a spam filter)
Believe the Gas section should show Sapphire enhancements as of July 1, not July 15. I’m going to have so many great options for gas! I’m going to look for a shop that codes as gas to do my oil changes.
You’re right! Fixed.
The registration link for the Chase Marriott 10X promo is here: https://www.chase.com/mybonus
Unfortunately it’s not yet working for most cardholders. We will post once we learn that it is fixed. Luckily you can register anytime up until Sep 15 and purchases from before that time will still qualify (or so we were told by a rep).
Can you clarify the “Registration Required” for the the Marriott Gas 10x? I’m not finding a registration link on Chase or Marriott.
Do you have the hyperlink to register for the enhancement to the Marriott Bonvoy cards? Can’t locate on chase website
I’m being thankful for this excellent resource, thanks so much, guys!
Just FYI, someone I believe to be reputable mentioned that Chase confirmed to them that the 10x enhancements starting July 15 don’t apply to the Bold. Not a card I have but you mention it in your table so just sharing that DP.
Thanks! Fixed
[…] taking into account credit card rewards, which could be lucrative given some current short-term COVID credit card enhancements. That said, as GC Galore notes, you’ll probably want to avoid paying with an Amex card given […]
I’ve received AmEx Platinum cell credits for both Google Project Fi (for me) and Great Call (senior citizen service for my Dad)
Sorry if I missed this one, but it’s hard to keep up. Targeted, check your WN account and register.
“Earn 30% bonus points
Register and earn up to 25,000 bonus points this year.
When you have at least 6,000 points post to your Rapid Rewards® account between 8/1/20 and 10/31/20 under the category of “Credit Card,” you’ll be eligible for a 30% bonus (up to 25,000 bonus points).”
And they are CP-qualifying.
[…] on the CSR if you have not used up your annual $300 travel credit thanks to Chase’s temporary COVID credit card enhancements. The good news for Greg is that he won’t need to switch up his wallet again to accommodate […]
[…] COVID Card Enhancements: Banks monitor your spending and they’re definitely seeing a shift from travel to other expenses such as streaming and groceries. Many cards have offered bonus points for these categories and are allowing you to use your travel credits for these items. […]
I received an email from Citi on July 1, with these bonuses for the Premier:
Use your card to earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent, up to 2,500 points, through 09/30/2020 on eligible purchases¹ you make at:
• Home Improvement Stores
• Home Furnishing Stores
• Computer & Electronics Stores
• Department Stores
Did you know, eligible purchases made online also count towards this offer!
WOW the Citi Biz AA card stepped up to the Covid plate with “Use your card to earn 5 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent, up to 2,500 miles, through 09/30/2020 on eligible purchases you make at: Computer & Electronics Stores.” Such a yawner…absolutely nothing new from them.
LOL
You guys are so helpful. Can’t tell you how much we appreciate resources like this. Reading this post basically made me $300. I called in about a retention offer or any statement credits for my wife’s personal platinum card. The annual fee will be charged sometime this month. Sure enough they said if we spend $2000 in 3mo they’ll give her $300 statement credit. Awesome! I’ll take that. On top of all the other stops they’re pulling out I feel great about her keeping that card.
It was all back to your post which reminded me to call in and see what’s possible.
See ya on Google Play podcast on the next FM Live
Great to hear!
No more 5x on groceries with CSR?
The Chase grocery bonuses ended at the end of June (except for the Chase Marriott cards)
Hi Greg,
I’m not sure if it’s mentioned here, but did you forget to include Citi Prestige’s 5x bonus on online retailers website orders?
Since it seems like it works with Amazon, this is great.
https://frequentmiler.com/citi-joins-the-party-5x-prestige-online-3x-groceries-on-premier-starts-now/
I think I did forget. Thanks I’ll update it.
Just got notification from my wife’s Wyndham card that they are giving $20 cashback, over July/Aug/Sep, every month you spend $300 or more. Max $60 back.
That’s pretty good. Any idea if it’s targeted?
No indication in the email whether it’s targeted or not.
Just got the something similar for my Barclays Aviator card.
“Earn 2,500 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles when you use your AAdvantage® Aviator® Red Mastercard® this July, August and September and spend $300 or more on purchases each month.1 All your online shopping, food delivery, and entertainment purchases count and these bonus miles are in addition to what you already earn.
There’s no need to sign up. Simply use your card for all your purchases.“
“The following streaming services qualify for Platinum and Green Card rebates” – not on GC (only $10 off cell bill).
Used my first $5 off $10+ (x10) AMEX Small Biz Offer today, worth a mention. Good thru 9.20 (not 9.30).
Wonderful! Thank you so much. For a hobbyist that has a lot of these cards/credits, this is extremely helpful. I was trying to decide if I should put this together for my family. Nice work!
FWIW, I just got the 10x for online purchases offer via email for the citi aadvantage platinum select card. Good through 9/30, have to activate by 8/15. Good for up to 2500 miles (so, $250 spend).
When I got this offer in April, I went a bit over $250 and they gave me 10x for all of it. I wonder if their system is set up so that they give you all the points for the final purchase that puts you over $250. Makes it tempting to try to pay my taxes with this card…
Following up, it sounds like (from this comment: https://frequentmiler.com/targeted-10x-online-w-citi-spending-offer-up-to-2500-points/#comment-2214080) that it’s up to 2500 BONUS miles, so this should be considered as an additional 9x per online purchase for up to $277.78 spend.
[…] up almost $500 of bonused spend at a grocery store which could be particularly useful seeing as many Chase spending bonuses are coming to an end in a couple of […]
[…] on our Frequent Miler Ask Us Anything live Youtube broadcast, and in blog comments has been which temporary grocery bonus to use, specifically between the 12x offered by the Hilton cards at US Supermarkets and the 6x being […]
Mint Mobile is working for mobile phone credits. You can load credit to your wallet and then use the funds in the wallet to renew.
[…] the Ritz card) are currently offering 6x points up to $5K spend through the end of July as part of Chase’s COVID-19 enhancements. After some sleuthing, I see why he thought that: Chase and Marriott are making this extra […]
is this correct? 3k spend is a free night?
Bonvoy Premier $5K May-Jul 6X 6X 6X 4.3%
1 elite night per $3K spend
I’m not sure exactly what you’re asking.
The Bonvoy cards all get 6x May-July at grocery stores. The Chase ones are capped at a total of $5K per card during the promo (not $5K per month, just $5K over the whole promo period).
The old Marriott Bonvoy Premier card (the one that only gets a 25K annual cert and normally only gets 1x) earns 1 elite night credit per $3K spend. So you can earn 1 and two-thirds of an elite night at 6x during the promo period.
*Elite Night*, not Free Night. This is just giving you credit toward earning elite status.
Google do works. 2 different cards
[…] with the help of research found at the FrequentMiler, I created the infographic below (which is still a bit of a work in progress and will be updated) […]
Thanks for putting together this reference – very handy!
BTW – Google Fi charged to my AmEx Business Platinum *DID* qualify for the $20 Cell Phone Service in May.
Thanks Tom A. I’ve updated that section. It will be interesting to see if they fixed this across the board or just for business Platinum cards. e.g. some people with consumer Platinum cards have reported that the credits were taken out of their streaming credits rather than cell phone credits.
[…] recently put together a COVID-19 credit card enhancements ultimate guide. In our Frequent Miler on the Air episode that week, we talked about how Amex basically stole […]
[…] of which, there are a lot of cards that offer bonused spend at grocery stores right now due to Amex, Chase and Citi offering limited-time bonused spend at supermarkets. Many of the Chase cards have a $1,500 limit […]
[…] I didn’t actually get this on any of my cards, but I’m not surprised since I don’t live in an area with Food Lion. Hangingwithfred on Reddit posted the screen shot so I imagine those with Food Lion nearby might find this one in their online accounts. As noted at the top, you’ll hopefully receive this offer on one of the Chase cards offering additional points for grocery store spend. […]
[…] my post “COVID Credit Card Enhancements Ultimate Guide,” I detailed all of the enhancements credit card issuers have made to their travel cards to […]
Is this the best, most current updated version of this information? Thanks.
Yep
[…] credit card. Many Chase and Amex cards are temporarily offering bonus points for grocery spend, so check out this post for a list of those. Many of the Chase cards have a $1,500 limit per month for May and June, so it […]
@greg, do you have a google sheet containing all the offers? Thanks.
Yep: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zYWDP7sJ0z1glu1ekA5LBXteyyW0J9cC3JurXI4V28c/edit?usp=sharing
[…] Albertsons, Safeway and other Just For U stores still have a digital coupon offering $10 off when buying $100 or more of Mastercard gift cards. Having already used this deal, I can confirm that it does work on variable load gift cards, so this is a simple and profitable way to rack up almost $500 of spend at a grocery store, especially considering how many cards are temporarily offering bonused spend. […]
You guys rock!
One Typo – Chase SR and SP – dashPlus is free, you have it as Fee in the table.
Thanks!
[…] this offer with increased supermarket payouts from many credit cards (see our COVID-19 Credit Card Enhancements Ultimate guide post for full details) to make for decent deals on some brands that are rarely […]
Can the table be created in non-image form so that the card names are searchable?
For example, searching “aspire” on the page brings me to relevant locations?
I’m working on something like that for a future update. In the meantime, if you want to see the spreadsheet that it is based off of, you’ll find it here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zYWDP7sJ0z1glu1ekA5LBXteyyW0J9cC3JurXI4V28c/edit?usp=sharing
thanks! excellent!
Does anyone know whether using Amex’s cell phone credit would void the built-in insurance provided by Mastercard? My plan would be to manually pay $20 on Amex and let the auto-pay on Mastercard take care of the rest.
I hate to self-reply, but I just got off the phone with Mastercard, and they said all monthly charges need to be on the card, so I wouldn’t be able to use the Amex benefits. Bummer!
We addressed this on FM on the Air last week. If Mastercard offered to sell you insurance for 8 months for $160, would you buy that policy? If you don’t use the Amex credit to partial-pay the bill, that’s essentially what you’re doing. Some people are willing to pay that much for insurance. I’m not; I’d have to think breaking my phone were pretty likely to make it worth spending $160 on
8 months of insurance. I’ve smashed one phone in the last 10 years, so that price point is too expensive for me to consider. To each his own, but I think it’s worth considering in that context.
Streaming Hacks
For Streaming – you can add some options not listed i.e. add Cinemax for $9.99 as a Hulu add-on. Or Showtime is only $4.99 for three months (To watch the latest season of Billions).
Similar with other streaming apps – Sling
Still trying to figure out how to set-up billing to Default to an Amex for payment (or rather switch to Amex) for things like Audible, Kindle, Amazon Music Unlimited ( Spotify is free for six months with CSR – I use both – I like things and dislike things about both apps). One Could also churn Spotify with other e-mails – by using desktop browser and follow old playlists with new account (My daughter taught me that one – So I could use the advertised 6 Mo free with Note 10+ Purchase (no fine print about new subscription till after you bought).
Disney+ ( for those non-early adopters) One year sub is $69.99 – $20 (credit) $12.50/1,250MR Ratuken credit.
That said streaming credits have less overall value. Especially post Shelter-in-place.
Dosh Streaming Money makers
Dosh has one Month Disney+ $8 CB for $6.99 charge so you would need to spend $13.01 to use rest of $20 credit.
Apple Music
Dosh CB. $4-$14 Not sure how much Apple music subscription.
SiriusXM
Dosh CB $12.
Streaming credit also applies for App Store purchases
great
Greg – if you have that in excel can you make it available? or send me
I’m not sure what you’re asking for?
The charts above, did you make them in excel? I would love to have a copy so I can check off which ones I have completed.
Here’s a link to my Google Sheets document. You can make a copy and then make changes to your own copy. Reader beware that I may be in the midst of making changes at any time.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zYWDP7sJ0z1glu1ekA5LBXteyyW0J9cC3JurXI4V28c/edit?usp=sharing
[…] Amex is offering incentives to many cardholders to renew. Overall, it’s a good time to be a Platinum […]
I just added a new section titled “Renewal Offers”. In this section I’ll keep track of bonuses that are conditional upon renewing your card. This includes $200 for some Biz Plat cardholders, $200 in Amex Travel rebates for some consumer Plat cardholders, and $225 for all Citi AA Executive cardholders.
hey greg. looks like this important section was removed. totally forgot about all the critical one-time credits from 2020. im trying to look them all up now. i think we have been too focused on the monthly credits, but these renewal credits are easily forgotten. are you able to put that section back? i think there is a lot of old 2020 info removed. thank you.
Ugh, good idea, but for some reason WordPress doesn’t seem to have kept a version with that info.
thanks for compiling this. very helpful!
Great job!!
Would it be possible to add the annual fee next to the card? Thanks!
nice compilation! grazie
Great article. Here’s a link to an Amex page that shows the Covid related benefits for each card. https://www.americanexpress.com/us/campaigns/new-offers/product-overview/
Great find, thanks! I’ve added it to a new resource section at the end of this post
Greg: I notice at the AMEX website cited above, there’s nothing to confirm the enhancements for the Hilton Biz card free weekend night reward. Do you have separate confirmation that this will be changed per your article?
A reader reported this from a Twitter conversation with Amex. So, I don’t have great proof, but it is logical enough that I believe it to be true. I doubt Hilton will differentiate where the free nights came from.
Greg, is there an equivalent page for the Chase enhancements?
I have several of the Chase cards mentioned. But I have not received any email from Chase about these extra temporary benefits, so it’s not clear to me if they are only for targeted customers, or if they apply to everyone who holds these cards. Do you know/can you clarify? Thanks.
The Chase enhancements are for all customers. I haven’t found a Chase document online that shows it though. Information was conveyed to us through affiliate channels
Thanks for doing this. I will still cancel some more cards (Hyatt was the first, probably the Hilton surpass is next) since I can’t see getting value of them in the next year or two and other cards provide benefits.
I’ll keep Amex Plat due to the changes they’ve made for this year. And the Aspire I was definitely going to cancel but if I can get $250 from restaurant purchases over the summer that makes it worth keeping for a year. And then maybe cancel it since the Amex Plat gives me gold status and diamond doesn’t get me anything extra, at least not in my travels in the US.
Thanks for the work (still not fond of the new website).
Nothing being done on Aspire for Up to $250 annual airline-fee credit?
Nope. At least not yet
Thank you! This is very helpful.
Can anyone report on how meal delivery services are coding for AMEX and Chase? Are they potentially coming in as grocery to qualify for the bonuses?
Services such as Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, Home Chef, Sunbasket, etc…
Neither Blue Apron or Marleyspoon code as grocery, sadly 🙁
Sun Basket has coded as grocery on my AmEx
I don’t MS but curious about buying VC/MC gift cards at grocery stores then using them for other bill payment. I believe that would work fine for Chase cards but not for AMEX cards, correct?
No problem with Amex. Keep in mind that Amex does not like you achieving minimum spend for signup bonus buying gift cards. After that, IME, go wild. I have bought tons of $500 V/MC GCs at Kroger primarily to get fuel points. Of course, who knows how this new policy might change things?
Made the comment elsewhere, but Amex is giving biz plat cardholders $200 statement credit if they renew their cards between now and December 31.
Thanks. Yep. We’ve been too busy to write that up today but it sure was a welcome email!
Yes, I got this too (renewal date in December). Very pleasant surprise in an email from this morning… I came here to report that to you but first went through the comments to find out if others have received it too, and see that it is not narrowly targeted. For the record, it didn’t apply to my wife’s biz plat renewed just end of April. But thanks to the new perks, not canceling it turns out to be a wise move.
Looks like some of the WN CCs are giving bonus TQPs through December statement. Unlimited if I read right in my cursory scan.
https://www.southwest.com/TQPCM20/
Thanks. Yes I’ll add this on the next update.
Any updates on what Amex is doing to compensate Green card holders for losing lounge buddy and Clear? Clear is only freezing membership for now for three months. What about Gold’s travel credit?
I failed to mention, Greg, fantastic post. You always do a comprehensive analysis.
Thanks. I think that the $80 in credits towards your cell phone bill is the compensation for Green cardholders. I doubt they’ll offer anything more.
Wow, this is really indispensable.
Great resource. Thanks for all of the work! Has anyone seen/heard anything on the Chase Ritz Card? The $300 annual travel credit is going to be tough to use at this point.
I kind of doubt they’ll do anything about that. The card hasn’t been available for new applicants for a couple of years at this point. If they aren’t offering it anymore, I can’t imagine that enhancing it is a marketing priority. Hopefully you’ll be able to book 2021 travel at some point before the end of this year and make use of the credits. Alternatively, purchases that don’t strictly meet the terms have sometimes been reimbursed pretty easily.
For the record, I’d love to be wrong and see Chase announce some easier way to use the credit, I just wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for it.
Thanks Nick. I might PM Chase and see what they might be willing to do. Both my wife and I have the card and our renewal is coming up in a couple of months. I’ll post if I they offer anything as a data point.
Richard – I’d be interested what you heard from Chase if you did indeed reach out to them re: the Ritz-Carlton card.
Just got my renewal fee and called Chase – couldn’t believe they offered to credit back $150 with no fuss.
Greg, great resource. What about a few other temporary changes, such as triple elite nights at Hyatt per 5k spend, AA spend counting towards lifetime elite status, or Delta rolling over all MQM’s to next year? For those of us contemplating paying big bills (taxes are coming up soon) these are important factors. My tentative strategy this year is to get Hyatt Globalist (for the first time) and hope this leads to an offer of AA Executive Platinum for next year (have never been higher than Platinum Pro) as happened for Stephen.
Good suggestion. I’ll add these things on the next update.
Best thing about these enhancements is…the CALM app!
Said nooneever 🙂
I had the same reaction, but I’ve since heard from a couple of people who said that they were already paying for the app and that it has made a huge positive difference in their lives. So you never know!
Do these new benefits apply to new Amex cards or only existing cards?
Yes new and existing
I’ve made a number of fixes to this post. Thanks to readers who pointed out errors!
1. Fixed Amex Marriott grocery RRVs
2. Added info about Chase Marriott cards that earn an elite night per $3K spend
3. Added Amex Green $10/mo cell service credit
4. Fixed Hilton free night expiry
Keep reporting errors please and I’ll keep fixing them!
I would have liked to see more offers from Citi especially for the AA Executive World Elite card which has a $450 annual fee and all the Admirals clubs are closed. Do you think we will see anything more from them?
I sure hope so. I think that all of the other major issuers are going to have to respond in some way to Amex’s big announcement.
Corrected information is very useful.
I still haven’t read anything official on the Citi Prestige changes. Have not received an email from them. Do we know for sure that this is official?
Yes we received an email from Citi about it
“Ultimate Guide” is the second-worst cliche in the points blogosphere, right behind “no-brainer.”
Thanks. Very helpful.
Greg, great resource overall, I am guessing I will come back to this summary a few times over the next couple months.
One correction: The free Hilton nights for certs prior to May 1 says expiration on Aug 30, 2020. I believe it should be Aug 31, 2021. The text from my email from Hilton on Mar 14 says: “For all unexpired Weekend Night Rewards as of March 11, 2020, and all new ones issued until August 30, 2020, we are extending the expiration date through the end of next summer (August 31, 2021).”
Oops. Right! Will fix. Thanks!
Agreed, Super job, Gregg!!
Amex Green is getting $10 credit for streaming and internet also.
Oops. Will add.
Why is the RRV for the Amex and Chase Marriott cards different if the earnings amount is same? Also chase is offering 5x on DoorDash thru May.
I had the same question. Something seems wrong here as Marriott point values should be the same
Yikes. I see several errors in that top table. I’ll fix it now. Thanks!