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☆ Delta flyers slam SkyMiles program overhaul: 'The biggest middle finger yet'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Delta is making big changes to its SkyMiles program — and many frequent flyers aren't happy. Starting in 2024, SkyMiles members will no longer be able to earn loyalty status through the number of miles flown. "With Delta's upcoming SkyMiles changes it is clear that loyalty isn't bidirectional," tech executive Randall Hunt wrote Wednesday evening on X. With @Delta's upcoming skymiles changes it is clear that Loyalty isn't bidirectional. "We are already paying a premium to fly Delta," the user wrote Thursday.

Persons: SkyMiles, Delta, Randall Hunt, — Randall Hunt Organizations: Delta, Service, Air Lines, American Express Locations: Wall, Silicon, Delta

☆ Delta just dramatically overhauled its SkyMiles program. You aren't going to like it.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Lloyd Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Delta's SkyMiles program typically allowed members to earn loyalty rewards through miles flown. Starting January 1, 2024, SkyMiles members will earn the elite Medallion status — which gives rewards such as unlimited complimentary upgrades and waived baggage fees — through cash spent rather than miles flown. The airline has been dealing with overcrowding issues at its lounges and previously restricted access to Delta employees unless they purchase a ticket. Starting February 1, 2025, cardholders of Delta American Express SkyMiles Reserve and Delta American Express Reserve Business will be limited to 10 visits per year. AdvertisementAdvertisementHolders of Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express cards will also no longer get automatic access to Sky Club.

Persons: Delta's, SkyMiles, MQD, Dwight James, James Organizations: Sky, Service, Delta, USA, Diamond, Bloomberg, Sky Clubs, Sky Club, SkyTeam, Delta American Express SkyMiles, Delta American Express Reserve, Delta SkyMiles, Business American Express, American Airlines Locations: Wall, Silicon

☆ Delta will make it harder to get into airport lounges, changes rules to earn elite status
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Leslie Josephs | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Delta Air Lines is changing how customers can earn elite frequent flyer status and is making it harder for many American Express cardholders to get into the carrier's airport lounges, the latest reality check for air travel's era of mass luxury. Starting Jan. 1, customers will earn Delta Medallion status solely based on their spending, instead of a combination of dollars spent with the carrier and flights. Next year, Delta customers will earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $1 they spend on Delta flights, car rentals, hotels and vacation packages booked through the airline. The ratio isn't 1:1 for dollars spent through co-branded American Express cards. Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card members earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $10 spent on the card, while Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Card Members earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $20 spent.

Persons: John F, Dwight James, Delta's Organizations: Kennedy International, Delta Air, American Express, Delta Medallion, American Airlines, CNBC, Delta, SkyMiles Reserve, Reserve Business American Express, Business American Express Locations: New York

The Atlanta-based airline said it plans to cap the number of entries to its Sky Clubs starting Feb. 1, 2025 for holders of the American Express Platinum Card as well as the Delta Reserve American Express Card. Those holding the Platinum Card will be allowed six visits per year, while the Delta Reserve Card holders will get 10 annual visits. The news may not come as a surprise to Delta customers who have visited a Sky Club at Delta's major hubs like JFK Airport or Atlanta, where lines to access Sky Clubs have been a common occurrence. Political Cartoons View All 1157 ImagesThe Platinum Card has become American Express’ most popular product, despite its high annual fee, among Millennials and Gen-Z partially due to its travel perks. The news does not impact access to AmEx's own Centurion-branded airport lounges, which American Express owns and operates.

Organizations: Delta Air, Sky Clubs, American, Delta Reserve American Express Card, Delta Reserve, Delta, Sky, JFK, American Express Locations: Atlanta, Delta's, JFK

☆ How to use the Delta Reserve card to earn Delta elite status quickly
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Holly Johnson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

As a longtime Delta Air Lines enthusiast, I have had both the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card over the past few years. The Delta Reserve makes it possible for me to earn elite statusSpending $25,000 on the Delta Platinum or Delta Reserve cards waives the MQD requirement for elite status. Other reasons to love the Delta Reserve cardThe Delta Reserve card is loaded with perks, including Delta Sky Club access and upgrade priority. Status boostThe Delta Reserve and the Delta Platinum both come with a perk called Status Boost that gets you closer to Delta Medallion status without flying a single mile. Just make sure your Delta SkyMiles number is linked to your Delta credit card — this is often done when you apply for a Delta card.

Persons: Julian Kheel, You’ll, Andrew Kunesh Organizations: CNN, American Express, longtime Delta Air Lines, Delta, Delta SkyMiles ®, American Express Card, Delta Reserve, Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Sky Club, MQM, American, Delta Sky, Delta Air Lines Locations: Cancun, Mexico, Europe, Delta, United Kingdom, New York, JFK, Paris, Comfort

You can earn up to 200,000 Marriott points, but to unlock the most points you'll need to stay six nights at Marriott Bonvoy properties. Marriott Credit Card Offers: Earn up to 200,000 PointsTwo of these cards (the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card) are from American Express, and two (the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card) are issued by Chase. Details Rewards 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®. 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.

Persons: Marriott, we've, We're, Chase, Regis, it's, you'll, You'll, you'd, Cardholders Organizations: Marriott, Orlando . Marriott, Service, American Express, American Express Marriott, Chase Marriott, Villas, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott Vacation, Residence, Vacation, Westin Vacation, The Ritz, Carlton Club, Regis Residence Club, Express, Ritz, Carlton, TSA, Global, TSA PreCheck, New Hampshire Insurance Company, AIG Company, Reading Chevron, Chevron, Business, Cardholders, Chase, Sapphire, United Airlines, Hyatt, American Locations: Grande Lakes, Orlando, Marriott, Wall, Silicon, Marriott Bonvoy, St, Regis, U.S, Chevron, airfare

With these Delta credit card offers, you can earn up to 100,000 Delta miles, which don't expire. Delta Credit Card OffersAmex Delta credit cards give you the ability to use Delta miles in a way that non-cardholders can't. However, Insider estimates that Delta miles are worth 1.1 cents each, on average, when booking award flights. That's much higher than the previous card bonus, which was 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after meeting minimum spending requirements. Amex Business Delta Reserve Card ReviewDo You Qualify for These Delta Card Bonuses?

Persons: cardholders, Insider's, you've, We're, Miles, You'll, you'll, it's Organizations: Delta, Getty, Service, American Express, Delta SkyMiles Gold American, Card, U.S . Supermarkets, U.S, PayPal, Reading Chevron, American, TSA, Delta Sky, Global, TSA PreCheck, Delta Sky Club, SkyMiles Reserve American, ®, SkyMiles ®, Delta SkyMiles ®, Delta Sky Clubs, Chevron, American Express Card, Delta Reserve, Gold Business American, Business American, Delta American Express, SkyMiles Reserve Business, SkyMiles, Delta SkyMiles, Express Locations: Wall, Silicon, delta.com, U.S, Delta

☆ Make your money work harder with the right rewards credit card
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Sponsor Post | Created Insider Studios With Marriott Bonvoy | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card rewards spending and nights at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. It pays to be a Marriott Bonvoy® MemberThe Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card rewards its members for their ongoing loyalty. For people who are on the move and want a credit card that moves with them, the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card is the ace in the pack. Learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card. This article was created by Insider Studios with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card.

Persons: you'll, you've, haven't, — that's, they're Organizations: Marriott, Elite, American Express, —, Marriott Bonvoy, Insider Studios Locations: Marriott Bonvoy

☆ 3 Hilton credit cards are offering whopper welcome bonuses of up to 150,000 points plus a free night at nearly any Hilton hotel, but it's your last chance to apply
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Joseph Hostetler | Jasmin Baron | Sarah Silbert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +31 min

The Hilton Honors American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card are offering a higher number of points than usual, plus a Hilton free night award certificate valid at just about any Hilton hotel (worth as much as 150,000 points). Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. Those bonus points worth $650 in travel, based on Insider's valuation of Hilton points as worth 0.5 cents each. Details Rewards Earn 12x Hilton Honors Points at Hilton per dollar for purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. The best Hilton card for you depends on your spending habits and how often you stay with Hilton.

Persons: Hilton, Conrad, Amex Hilton, Wells, We're, we've, Hilton Cons Organizations: Hilton, Conrad, Waldorf, Read, Service, Hilton Honors, Express, Hilton Honors American, Hilton Honors American Express, American, Honors American Express, Card Citi, Card, Target, Walmart, Citi, U.S, Honors, Chevron, Reading Chevron, Express Card, Honors American, Gold, Business, Diamond, Hilton Business, Jumeirah, eBay, Hilton Honors American Express Business, Honors American Express Business, Hilton Gold, Amex, Global, American Express Locations: Conrad Maldives, Wall, Silicon, U.S, City, Dubai

Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesSelect enrolled American Express cardholders can save up to 50% (maximum discount $80) on Amazon Prime Day purchases by using 1 Amex Membership Rewards point. You'll need a Membership Rewards points-earning card linked to your Amazon account to take advantage, and not everyone is eligible. $0 Rewards Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. $0 Rewards Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. This is a great opportunity to stack credit card rewards and deals with this promotion.

Persons: Rafael Henrique, Read, you’ve, Wells, We're, you'll, there's Organizations: American Express, Getty, Express, Amazon Prime, Service, Amazon, Card Wells Locations: Wall, Silicon

☆ American Express is being investigated over sales practices. Salespeople say they have been made scapegoats.
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Dakin Campbell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +25 min

In late May last year, some 250 salespeople at American Express learned they weren't going to get paid. In addition to earning commissions, the Premium Wire volumes helped them reach higher compensation tiers, known as kickers. For the first time, the Premium Wire product made economic sense. The presentation discussed shifting the sales focus toward Premium Wire and another product to "accelerate revenue growth and meet client's needs." Isserlis said Williams was fired because of misconduct unrelated to Premium Wire.

Persons: Amex, salespeople, Salespeople, Adam Isserlis, Isserlis, Stephen Squeri, John Moore, Amex salespeople, Pablo Ribas, Ribas, Anna Marrs, Marrs, Charles Schwab, Schwab, Mike Peterson, Charlene Luke, they'd, Nick Williams, Williams, Nick, Mr, —, Thomas Zoerner, Zoerner, Amex's, she's, weren't, Carter Johnson Organizations: American Express, Commercial Services, Securities and Exchange Commission, Justice Department, Internal Revenue Service, Street, IRS, Getty, Credit, Employees, Business, SME, Global Commercial Services, Marriott, Express, University of Florida's Levin College of Law, Amex, California Labor, Court, whistleblowing Locations: Brooklyn, California, Manhattan, Canadian, —, Orange County , California, New York, Webex

You can enroll in an identity theft protection service so you don't fall victim to theft. There are many companies out there that solely focus on identity protection — you can read our guide to the best identity theft protection services — but you may be able to enroll in an identity theft protection service through your credit card provider. Pros Check mark icon A check mark. Covers up to 10 children under 18 at no extra cost Check mark icon A check mark. With services comparable to some of the best identity theft protection services at a competitive price, this is an appealing option to Discover cardholders.

Persons: Capital One's CreditWise, David McMillin David McMillin, Guy, David, he's Organizations: Social, Federal Trade Commission, Research, Express, American Express, Chase, Credit, Business, Capital, Mastercard, Theft Locations: cardholders, Experian, AnnualCreditReport.com, Chicago, Alaska , Utah , Oklahoma, Vermont

☆ 9 things to do once you get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card to enjoy benefits like free hotel status and over $400 in statement credits
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Ariana Arghandewal | Jasmin Baron | Sarah Silbert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +24 min

Marriott BonvoyIf you stay with Marriott frequently, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is worth considering. 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 with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Read up on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant travel benefitsThe Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card comes with several travel protections that can come in handy. What to know about the Marriott Bonvoy BrilliantThe Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card can be incredibly valuable to Marriott fans — though its annual fee is high.

Persons: You'll, —, Cardholders, Wells, We're, Marriott, Regis, shouldn't, you've, Read, you'll, Amex, they're Organizations: Marriott, Service, Card Citi, Card, Target, Walmart, Citi, Ritz, Carlton, TSA, Global, TSA PreCheck, American Express, New Hampshire Insurance Company, AIG Company, Reading Chevron, Sheraton, Premium, Amex, Regis, Marriott Bonvoy Brands, Marriott Delta, Sheraton Gaylord Hotels Homes, Villas, Marriott International, Marriott Hotels, Resorts Marriott, Carlton Reserve Locations: Regis Bahia Beach , Puerto Rico, Marriott Bonvoy, Fairfield, St

☆ TikTokers are using this Google Flights trick to book cheap airfare — here’s how it works
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-16 | by ( Jasmin Suknanan | Jason Stauffer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

However, TikTokers recently found a way to lower some of those travel costs, particularly when it comes to booking flights. The Google Flights "trick" is simple, but does require some flexibility in terms of where and when you're willing to travel. Here's how the feature works: Step 1: Open up your browser and type in Google Flights. Some TikTokers who posted about this trick have shown themselves finding flights to Cancun for $270 and Las Vegas for $94. Consider booking a flight with a layover While direct flights are convenient, flights with a layover often cost less.

Persons: it's, there's, TikTokers, You'll, you'll, Chase, Airfares Organizations: NerdWallet's, Google, Labor, New, Las, Chase, American, American Express, CNBC, Card, Delta, U.S . Supermarkets, CNBC Select's, Facebook, Twitter Locations: New York, New York City, Atlanta, Toronto, Cancun, Las Vegas, U.S, Italy

Persons: cardholders, —, Insider's, you've, We're, Miles, You'll, you'll, it's Organizations: Delta, Getty, Service, American Express, Delta SkyMiles Gold American, U.S, Card, U.S . Supermarkets, PayPal, Reading Chevron, American, TSA, Delta Sky, Global, TSA PreCheck, Delta Sky Club, SkyMiles Reserve American, ®, SkyMiles ®, Delta SkyMiles ®, Delta Sky Clubs, Chevron, American Express Card, Delta Reserve, Gold Business American, Business American, Delta American Express, SkyMiles Reserve Business, SkyMiles, Delta SkyMiles, Express Locations: delta.com, U.S, Delta

You can earn up to 200,000 Marriott points, but to unlock the most points you'll need to stay six nights at Marriott Bonvoy properties. Marriott Credit Card Offers: Earn up to 200,000 PointsTwo of these cards (the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card) are from American Express, and two (the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card) are issued by Chase. Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in 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®. 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.

Persons: —, Marriott, we've, We're, Chase, Regis, it's, you'll, You'll, you'd, Cardholders Organizations: Marriott, Orlando . Marriott, Service, American Express, American Express Marriott, Chase Marriott, Villas, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott Vacation, Residence, Vacation, Westin Vacation, The Ritz, Carlton Club, Regis Residence Club, Ritz, Carlton, TSA, Global, TSA PreCheck, New Hampshire Insurance Company, AIG Company, Reading Chevron, American, Chevron, Business, Cardholders, Chase, Sapphire, United Airlines, Hyatt Locations: Grande Lakes, Orlando, Marriott, Marriott Bonvoy, St, Regis, U.S, Chevron, airfare

He'd started up his gym business last year but was struggling to make ends meet. Jose said he had launched the business in the past year and was doing a "horrible job" at keeping his personal and business finances separate. $12,061.64 on an American Express Blue Business card, with a minimum payment of $371. $4,898.59 on an American Express card, with a minimum payment of $86. Around $5,000 on an Upstart personal loan, charged at 30% interest rate, with a minimum payment of around $170.

Persons: Jose, Caleb Hammer's, He'd, Hammer, Caleb Hammer, Uber, It's Organizations: American Express Blue, American Express, Disney, Jose Locations: Dallas , Texas

☆ How my credit card saved the day when my phone was stolen on a trip abroad
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Liz Hund | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Why the Chase Freedom Flex saved the day when my phone was stolenMy credit card reimbursed me for my stolen smartphone. Additionally, the Freedom Flex’s cell phone insurance is secondary to any other insurance you have that covers your phone. Credit cards with cell phone insuranceA number of credit cards include cell phone insurance. However, some banks — namely Citi — have removed cell phone insurance as a credit card benefit, even for World Elite Mastercards. Check out CNN Underscored’s full guide to the best credit cards for cell phone insurance for the full list, which includes popular travel credit cards.

We'll compare the Amex Green Card, Amex Gold Card, and the Amex Platinum Card, highlighting similarities and differences to help you decide which is best for your lifestyle. Amex Green vs Gold vs Platinum: Which American Express Card Is Worth It for You? The Platinum Card, Amex Gold Card, and Amex Green Card are all good choices if you want to earn Amex points. Insider's valuations peg Amex Membership Rewards points as worth 1.8 cents each, on average, in travel. You can read our Amex Green card review for a full breakdown of the card, and our comparison of the Amex Gold and Amex Green for a closer look at the differences.

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). In the last two years, my credit cards have saved me over $4,500 on travel — and a lot of hassle. Travel insurance offers peace of mind, but what most people don't realize is that it doesn't have to come at a cost. Here's a detailed look at how my American Express credit cards' travel insurance came to the rescue on two different occasions. Whenever you file a claim, your credit card insurance company will ask for documentation to prove your travel was nonrefundable to approve your claim.

You can use a Hilton free night certificate at just about any Hilton hotel, including the stunning Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea Resort in Maui. Hilton HotelsYou can earn Hilton free night certificates with select Amex Hilton credit cards. Hilton free night reward certificates are valid at almost any Hilton hotel, including luxury Conrad and Waldorf Astoria properties. Best Hilton hotels for using a free night certificateYou'll usually get the most value from your Hilton free night certificate by redeeming it at expensive properties or luxury beach resorts. How to use Hilton free night certificatesWhen you've earned a Hilton free night certificate, you'll receive an email from Hilton Honors letting you know your award is in your Hilton account.

☆ 3 Hilton credit cards are offering whopper welcome bonuses of up to 150,000 points plus a free night at nearly any Hilton hotel (even the fanciest resorts)
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-11 | by ( Joseph Hostetler | Jasmin Baron | Sarah Silbert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +31 min

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $100 in credits at Saks Fifth Avenue each year. The Amex Platinum Saks credit is worth up to $50 at Saks Fifth Avenue from January to June, and another $50 July to December. Here's how to use the Amex Platinum Saks credit for maximum savings. For example, Rakuten occasionally offers up to 15% cash back (or 15 Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar, depending on your earning preferences).

☆ Restaurants embrace premium reservations to target big spenders
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-06 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

When cities and states rolled back lockdown rules, many implemented new orders for restaurants to help with contact tracing, such as requiring customers to book tables in advance. As a result of those pandemic-fueled changes, restaurants and the companies that help them book their tables are targeting big spenders with premium reservation options to drive higher sales. About two-thirds of SevenRooms' restaurant clients use its software to promote special experiences or sell upgrades when customers book reservations. Page said the move toward premium restaurant reservations can partially explain why it feels like it's so much more competitive to book a table in advance these days. "I kind of don't like the whole 'Disney FastPass line' of restaurant reservations," he said.

MarriottThe Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card has increased its welcome bonus to 125,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership (offer ends 5/3/23). With an annual fee of $125, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a little pricier than similar hotel credit cards. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. But even without the elevated welcome bonus offer, the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is well worth the annual fee.

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