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Equinox knows how to do a luxury gym, and with an Amex Platinum card you can effectively get a discount. Courtesy of EquinoxThe Platinum Card® from American Express has long offered an annual $300 credit to be used with Equinox luxury gyms. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. However, you can soon use your Platinum Card's annual $300 Equinox credit to give an Equinox gym a try for free.

☆ Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card review: Earn 75,000 points and get valuable perks like upgraded boarding and travel credits
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Jasmin Baron | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +30 min

Otherwise, have a look at other Southwest cards like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, which have lower annual fees but the same elevated welcome bonus offer. Review: Is the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card the best for you? If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is definitely worth it. However, if you're not able to use all of the benefits, you could save money by opening the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card instead. Who is eligible for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card?

$69 Annual Fee View Full Details $69 Annual Fee Apply now On Chase's websiteSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Apply now On Chase's website Details Rewards Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Review: Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus the best credit card for you? The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the entry-level version, with the lowest annual fee ($69) of the bunch. $69 Annual Fee View Full Details $69 Annual Fee Apply now On Chase's websiteSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Apply now On Chase's website Details Rewards Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. To have the best chance of being approved for a travel credit card like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, your credit score should be 700 or above.

Review: Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier the best credit card for you? That's the same bonus you'll find on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card ($69 annual fee) and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card ($149 annual fee). Anniversary points bonusEach year when you renew your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, you'll receive 6,000 points, which are worth around $84 in Southwest airfare. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card comes with ongoing benefits valuable enough to offset the $99 annual fee each year. To have the best chance of being approved for a travel credit card like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, your credit score should be 700 or above.

☆ Gold ticks higher on dollar pullback; hawkish Powell caps upside
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Gold prices edged higher on Thursday, helped by a slight dip in the dollar, although U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's hawkish remarks limited further gains in zero-yielding bullion. Spot gold rose 0.2% to $1,638.32 per ounce, as of 0118 GMT, after falling 0.8% on Wednesday. Although gold is considered a hedge against inflation, higher interest rates increase the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding asset. The European Central Bank "will need additional interest rate increases" to fight off inflation, policymaker Pablo Hernandez de Cos said on Wednesday. Spot silver rose 0.3% to $19.33, platinum rose 0.6% to $935.98 and palladium edged 0.3% higher to $1,860.08.

☆ Nationwide catalytic converter theft ring made hundreds of millions of dollars, feds say
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Jonathan_Dienst_Byline.Jpg | Jonathan Dienst | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

“Amidst a rise in catalytic converter thefts across the country, the Justice Department has today carried out an operation arresting 21 defendants and executing 32 search warrants in a nation-wide takedown of a multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft network,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. Thieves made off with 12 times as many catalytic converters in 2021 as they did in 2019, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. On his Instagram account, he posted a photo of a necklace with a pendant made to look like a catalytic converter. Prosecutors say that was among the businesses allegedly purchasing stolen catalytic converters and reselling them. Technician Adelmo Rodriguez etches a catalytic converter with a license plate number in Huntington Beach, Calif, in 2021.

☆ JSU head coach Deion Sanders to prohibit players from leaving hotel after Takeoff shot and killed
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Matt Foster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Jackson State University head football coach Deion Sanders has told his players they can’t leave their hotel in Houston, Texas, this upcoming weekend in the wake of rapper Takeoff’s fatal shooting in the city. “Sooner or later we gotta start changing our addresses guys,” Sanders said. Now you guys are Jackson State royalty. You’re 8-0 now. You’re gonna have to disconnect, sooner or later you’re gonna have to.”

☆ Gold edges higher ahead of key Fed rate verdict
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A selection of gold jewellery displayed in the window of a store in the Dubai Gold Souk in Deira, in the United Arab Emirates. Gold prices ticked higher on Wednesday, supported by a pullback in the dollar, although investors were focused on the U.S. Federal Reserve outlook on future pace of interest rate hikes as the central bank's policy meeting concludes later in the day. Spot gold was up 0.2% at $1,650.13 per ounce, as of 0100 GMT, while U.S. gold futures also gained 0.2% to $1,652.10. U.S. job openings unexpectedly rose in September, suggesting demand for labor remained strong, providing evidence that rapid interest rate hikes have yet to bite hard in the real economy. Investors widely expect the Fed will raise its benchmark overnight interest rate by 75 basis points, the fourth such increase in a row.

Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application. If you're looking for Chase small-business card but don't want to meet the hefty spending requirement on the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, the no-annual-fee Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a great alternative. If you're considering opening a new rewards credit card, do your research to see whether the card you want has previously offered a higher bonus. A credit card sign-up bonus can be a great incentive to apply, especially if you're looking at a card that has an annual fee, but not every good credit card offers an intro bonus. Before you apply for a new credit card, make sure you understand how credit card applications affect your credit score.

CNN —Houston officials vowed to deliver justice in the killing of rapper Takeoff, with the chief of police calling the 28-year-old Atlantan a “peaceful” man and urging any witnesses to the shooting to come forward. There were roughly 40 people at the event, many of whom left “possibly out of fear,” Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said. “This great city, with our great citizens, with our police department – we will find who’s responsible for it. Finner was clear, however, that investigators do not believe Takeoff was “involved in anything criminal at the time,” he said. Rap star was on an upward trajectoryThe news of Takeoff’s death was a blow to the hip-hop community, still reeling from the fatal shooting of rapper PnB Rock in September.

☆ Taylor Swift announces 2023 ‘Eras Tour’ of U.S. stadiums, international dates to come
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Taylor Swift announced Tuesday morning her long-rumored return to the road, with an outing dubbed the “Eras Tour” scheduled to hit U.S. stadiums beginning in March 2023 and running into August, with international dates set to be revealed later. The supporting acts are very much all about the sisterhood, with a host of acts Swift has championed in the past. The tour starts March 18, 2023 in what is apparently a sweet spot for Swift, Glendale, AZ, the same place her last outing, the pre-pandemic “Reputation” tour, began in 2018. Swift described the tour as “a journey through the musical eras of my career (past and present! The reception for “Midnights” upon its October release left no doubt just how strong the appetite for Swift tickets will be.

Your business has the control to pay when you wantGet an itemized report of your spending to simplify budgeting and tax timeThe best average credit credit card reviewsIf you're looking for a basic credit card you can use to build your credit score up, consider the Capital One Platinum Credit Card. Pros: No annual fee, free employee cards, no foreign transaction fees, decent perksCons: No welcome bonus offer, similar cards earn more rewards on purchasesHow we chose the best credit cards for average or fair credit We evaluated credit cards for those with a fair or average credit score by looking at several factors: Annual fee — Some credit cards geared to folks with lower credit scores tack on an annual fee. Some credit cards for average credit, including the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, give you access to your credit score and credit-building tools just for being a cardholder. Credit card interest is charged on your balance if you do not pay your credit card bill in full each month. Currently, American Express doesn't offer a credit card for fair or average credit as most Amex credit cards require you to have at least a good credit score (some as high as excellent credit) to qualify.

Then, once you've improved your credit score by using a credit card responsibly, it can be easier to upgrade to more lucrative rewards credit cards. $0 Annual Fee View Full Details Learn moreBest for rotating bonus categories Discover it® Student Cash Back 5 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 5 out of 5 Stars Intro offer Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Best for choosing your own bonus category: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for StudentsThe Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students offers one of the most generous welcome bonuses of any student credit card. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, flat-rate rewards cards such as the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card or Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students could be a better pick. After you graduate, your card issuer may convert your student credit card into an equivalent, regular credit card.

☆ Gold hovers near 1-week low as dollar steadies ahead of Fed decision
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Spot gold was listless at $1,633.69 per ounce, as of 0059 GMT, having earlier touched its lowest level since Oct. 21. The dollar index was steady after rising 0.8% overnight, hurting gold's appeal for overseas buyers. Gold is highly sensitive to rising U.S. interest rates, as that increase the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding metal. Holdings of SPDR Gold Trust , the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, fell 0.22% to 920.57 tons on Monday from 922.59 tons on Friday. Spot silver rose 0.2% to $19.18 per ounce, platinum dipped 0.1% to $924.51 and palladium gained 0.9% to $1,856.91.

CNN —Takeoff, who was one third of the platinum-selling rap group Migos, was shot and killed early Tuesday in Houston, Texas, a source close to the group confirmed to CNN. According to authorities, police were informed that a private party had been held at the venue prior to the shooting. Born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Takeoff began performing with his uncle and fellow rapper Quavo, along with Offset, as Migos in 2008. “I really wanna thank the Migos, not for being in the show, but for making ‘Bad and Boujee,’” Glover said at the time. It’s time to give me my flowers, you know what I mean?, Takeoff said.

Show more Regular APR 18.99% - 25.99% Variable Editor's Rating 4.8 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.8 out of 5 Stars Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available. American Airlines introduced its no-annual-fee American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Mastercard a couple of years ago to target less-frequent flyers on a budget. You'll continue to get the standard American Airlines benefits, such as a free first checked bag on American Airlines domestic itineraries, preferred boarding on American Airlines flights, a 25% savings on American Airlines inflight purchases, etc. American Airlines credit card frequently asked questions (FAQ)What credit score do you need for an American Airlines credit card? Most co-branded American Airlines cards (except the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Mastercard) come with early boarding privileges.

☆ 10 best credit cards for bad credit of November 2022: Secured and unsecured cards, including some that earn cash back or flexible points
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( Holly Johnson | Jasmin Baron | Freelance Writer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +24 min

This credit card comes with no annual fee and no hidden fees, yet it's a Visa credit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide. How to choose the right credit card if you have bad creditBefore you pick the best credit card for your situation, you'll want to decide if you want a secured or unsecured credit card. A secured credit card is a type of credit card that requires a cash deposit as collateral. To avoid paying interest on purchases made with a credit card, you need to pay your credit card statement balance in full each month. American Express doesn't currently offer a secured credit card as most Amex cards require you to have a good to excellent credit score.

☆ Gold steady as investors brace for Fed policy meeting
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A selection of gold jewellery displayed in the window of a store in the Dubai Gold Souk in Deira, in the United Arab Emirates. Gold prices were flat on Monday, after declining about 1.3% in the previous session, as investors cautiously awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve' s policy meeting for cues on its rate-hike path. Spot gold was little changed at $1,642.59 per ounce by 0046 GMT, while U.S. gold futures were up 0.1% at $1,645.90. The European Central Bank (ECB) could hike its interest rates by 75 basis points again at its next policy meeting in December, ECB governing council member Klaas Knot said on Sunday. Spot silver fell 0.3% to $19.17 per ounce, platinum eased 0.2% to $942.60 and palladium rose 0.7% to $1,914.06.

☆ How Russia Pays for War
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Lazaro Gamio | Ana Swanson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +17 min

Invasion –84% Imports from Russia –20% Germany Current total trade $4.8 billion Since invasion –3% Exports to Russia Avg. Invasion –51% Imports from Russia +38% The Netherlands Current total trade $2 billion Since invasion +32% Exports to Russia Avg. Invasion –52% Imports from Russia +74% China Current total trade $15 billion Since invasion +64% Exports to Russia Avg. Invasion +24% Imports from Russia +98% India Current total trade $3.3 billion Since invasion +310% Exports to Russia Avg. Invasion –19% Imports from Russia +430% Turkey Current total trade $6.2 billion Since invasion +198% Exports to Russia Avg.

☆ Catalytic Converter Theft Surges as Precious Metals Attract Criminal Groups
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-29 | by ( Joe Barrett | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Police around the country are using gumshoe detective work to break up sophisticated rings that steal catalytic converters, though many fear that they aren’t making a dent in a crime wave triggered by pricey precious metals. Catalytic converters, cylindrical hunks of metal within the exhaust system of most cars and trucks, transform harmful gases into less-harmful ones using precious metals including rhodium, palladium and platinum. Some vehicles, such as Toyota Prius models, large pickups and delivery trucks, are often targeted by thieves because their catalytic converters contain a lot of the metals.

☆ Activist Starboard takes a stake in Vertiv, and an opportunity to boost margins is in sight
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-29 | by ( Kenneth Squire | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Activist Commentary: Starboard is a very successful activist investor and has extensive experience helping companies focus on operational efficiency and margin improvement. Starboard sees Vertiv as a great business in a solid industry with secular tailwinds – more data is being generated every day requiring more data centers. After going public, Vertiv delivered solid results, which allowed management to continue to focus on revenue growth, rather than operating margins. This is a typical situation for Starboard: a private company CEO running a public company like a private company leading to underperforming operating margins. Both Starboard and Vertiv seem to be on the same page.

☆ Gold flat; set for weekly gain on hopes of less hawkish Fed stance
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Spot gold was flat at $1,663.22 per ounce, as of 0130 GMT but it was up 0.4% for the week so far. The Fed is widely expected to announce another 75 basis-point rate increase at its meeting next week, although the central bank is seen slowing its aggressive pace in December. U.S. rate hikes increase the opportunity cost of holding zero-yielding bullion, while boosting the dollar, in which it is priced. Holdings of SPDR Gold Trust , the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, fell 0.34% to 925.20 tons on Thursday. Spot silver eased 0.2% to $19.54 per ounce, platinum rose 0.2% to $962.03 and palladium gained 0.5% to $1,951.07.

American Express is giving Marriott, Hilton, and Delta cardmembers better tools for viewing and tracking rewards. Those who collect Amex Membership Rewards points will find these to be familiar. Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Each calendar year you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.

☆ Bilt Rewards is offering free United Airlines elite status to members, plus bonus points and more in celebration of 'Rent Day'
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Joseph Hostetler | Credit Cards Reporter | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

In advance of Rent Day on November 1, 2022, all Bilt Rewards members can receive free United Airlines elite status for a limited time. On Rent Day, Bilt Mastercard® cardholders can earn double points on non-rent expenses, and all members can participate in challenges to earn points and free rent. cardholders can earn double points on non-rent expenses, and all members can participate in challenges to earn points and free rent. You can also redeem Bilt points toward rent payments, merchandise, Amazon purchases, and even a downpayment on a house. You can earn 2,500 Bilt points per friend you refer to the Bilt Mastercard® — and 10,000 bonus points after you successfully refer five members.

☆ Gold firms as U.S. dollar, bond yields fall
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Gold prices rose on Thursday, as the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields fell on mounting expectations of slower monetary policy tightening by the Federal Reserve later in the year. Spot gold rose 0.3% to $1,669.16 per ounce by 0116 GMT, after hitting a two-week high on Wednesday. A weaker dollar makes greenback-priced gold less expensive for overseas buyers. Benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury yields slid further away from multi-year peak touched last week. Gold is highly sensitive to rising U.S. interest rates, as these increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion, while boosting the dollar, in which it is priced.

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