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☆ DTC brands are struggling to turn a profit. Shopify and some software startups aim to solve this by paying customers to shop.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Madeline Stone | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Some are leaning away from the heavy discounting and confusing rewards programs of the past and instead turning to new tech that offers customers cash back for shopping. When shoppers purchase from brands that partner with Catch, they'll get 5-10% back in credit to spend at that store. While DTC brands historically spent a lot to acquire new customers , changes to iOS tracking have made targeted ads less effective. Credit-card companies have also been doing cash-back rewards for years, but those programs don't really benefit brands. PostscriptFondue is another startup looking to revamp loyalty programs by zeroing in on cash-back rewards.

Persons: Nico Perdomo, Denia Ebersole, they'll, It's, Perdomo, Shopify, Harley Finkelstein, that's, Laura Kennedy, William Herlands, Abraham Lucey, Adam Turner, Oren Charnoff, Fondue, Kennedy, Alex Beller, Charnoff Organizations: DTC, Grow, American Express, zeroing, Barstool

☆ How to Score Big Credit Card Rewards — Without Playing the Miles Game
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Emily Sherman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +9 min

Credit card enthusiasts will tell you the best deals come from earning airline or hotel points and miles and redeeming them for free vacations worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. From cash back credit cards to flexible travel cards, these five options are a great choice for those who want to rack up rewards without playing the miles game. The best on the market right now is the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, which offers 2% cash back on every purchase. Rates and FeesRent makes up the largest portion of most Americans’ budgets, but it is a particularly hard category to earn rewards on. The Bilt Mastercard is currently the only credit card on the market changing that.

Persons: Emily Sherman, Wells, spender, you’ll, Cardholders, cardholders Organizations: Wells, Cash, Citi, American, American Express, Walmart, Target, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Amazon.com, Foods, Chase Travel, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Mastercard Locations: U.S, Chase

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

24/7 phone support Check mark icon A check mark. Perks such as roadside assistance, ID theft aid, cell phone protection, and more Check mark icon A check mark. Earn up to $30 per month in out-of-network ATM refunds, depending on tier level Check mark icon A check mark. No monthly fee for the first 12 months, with recurring monthly deposits of $25 Check mark icon A check mark. Mobile check deposit Check mark icon A check mark.

Persons: —, you've, Wells, Banks, Foster, Ally, you’ll, Charles Schwab, Chase, Wells Fargo Organizations: Service, Bank of America, Credit Union, Chevron, Alliant Credit Union, Express, American Express, FDIC, Reading Chevron, Axos, Axos Bank, Blue Federal, Blue Foundation, NOVA, Capital, Schwab, Savings, Chase Bank, Overdraft, Chase, locator.chase.com, Green, Banking, The Bancorp Bank, Stride Bank, N.A, CIT Bank, Bank, FDIC CIT Bank, CIT, Connect, Citi, Member FDIC Citi, BBB, Consumers Credit, Credit, Consumers Credit Union, Delta Community Credit, Community Credit, Utah Free, Discover, Discover Bank, FDIC Discover, Falcon International, International, Falcon International Bank, International Bank of Commerce, American, Laredo Federal Credit Union, Latino Community Development Center, North Carolina, Community Credit Union, Latino Community Credit, Navy Federal Free, Federal Free, NCUA Navy Federal Free, Navy Federal Credit Union, Department of Defense, Premier, LifeGreen, Regions Bank, City Federal Credit, River City Federal Credit, Federal Credit, City Federal Credit Union, Employees Credit, NCUA, State Employees Credit Union, Member, Service Credit Union, American Consumer, Security, Security Service, UT, Stripes, Security Service Credit Union, The Security, Synchrony Bank, . Bank, U.S, Bank's Locations: Chevron, Colorado and Wyoming, NY, LA, TX, VA, NJ, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, CA, CT, FL, Chicago , Illinois, eDocuments, Metro Atlanta , Georgia, Kentucky , Texas, Georgia, Texas, AZ, Arizona , California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Laredo, North Carolina, Charlotte, Piedmont Triad, North, American, City, River City, River, San Antonio , Texas, Bexar County, Europe, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Colorado , Texas, Utah

☆ 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

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

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). I opened a new credit card for a single hotel stay largely because I knew it was the best card for my spending. Read Insider's guide to the best travel rewards credit cards. Let's look at how much value I gained simply by opening and using a Hilton credit card — and my earning potential had I not opened a Hilton credit card. What I would have earned without a Hilton credit cardHad I not opened a Hilton credit card, I'd have put my bill on one of my other credit cards.

☆ Strikes, Delays and Lost Luggage: How to Survive Air Travel This Summer
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-25 | by ( Elaine Glusac | The New York Times | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +27 min

Illustration by Yukai Du Strikes, Delays and Lost Luggage: How to Survive Air Travel This Summer With the travel season in full swing, we compiled a guide to help you navigate the year’s most hectic time in the skies. If you don’t care which beach, shop around.” If you haven’t booked summer flights, do it now. For one, avoiding the airports with the highest levels of delays and cancellations last summer may be a good idea. They’re also getting longer inside airport lounges, longtime havens from the masses clogging the terminals at peak times. Standard membership in Priority Pass, a network of 1,300 airport lounges, starts at $99 a year, with each visit costing $35 at that level.

Persons: Yukai Du, we’ve, haven’t, Hopper, What’s, ”, Laura Lindsay, Ted Rossman, Priceline, Mr, Rossman, Charlotte Douglas, Toronto Pearson, it’s, “, Carter Langston, Rhonda Lawson, C.B.P, you’ve, you’re, You’ll, Lawson, Emmanuel Macron, Tomasz Pawliszyn, Jamie Larounis, Larounis, they’re, SITA —, They’re, Eric Goldmann of Atlanta Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Google, Miami, JetBlue, Heathrow Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol, Gatwick, Air Canada, Labor, Newark Liberty International, La Guardia Airport, Kennedy Airport, Reagan, Miami International, Orlando International, Boston Logan International, Charlotte Douglas International, Toronto Pearson, Federal Aviation Administration, Washington , D.C, Customs, Western, Gulf, Phoenix, Transportation Security Administration, Global, Border Protection, Clear, PreCheck, Heathrow, Air, SNCF, U.S . State Department, Smart, Union, Travelers, New Tech, Airlines, Lufthansa, Siemens, Alaska Airlines, KLM, U.S . Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Apple, The Department of Transportation, American, Venture, Dallas Fort Worth International, JPMorgan Chase, Club, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Americas Locations: Europe, United States, Asia, San Francisco, Jacksonville, Fla, Miami, London, Amsterdam, U.S, La, New York, Washington, Charlotte, N.C, Newark, Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, Jakarta, Frankfurt, Munich, Heathrow, Washington ,, States, Denver, Seattle, Reno, Nev, Gulf Coast, Atlantic, Houston , New Orleans, Atlanta, Luton, T.S.A, ’, noncitizens, France, Britain, Italy, Germany, Berlin, Dutch, Swiss, Delta, United, Hong Kong, Dallas, Boston, North, Central, South America, Dallas , Newark

But the 20% rebate on travel purchases (up to $200 back) easily makes this superior to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer. Meanwhile, those with a Chase Sapphire Reserve can book travel through the Chase Travel Portal at a rate of 1.5 cents each. Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve®Consider statement credits and complimentary membershipsThe Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Green Card offer various credits that can effectively reduce the annual fee you pay to be a cardholder. The Chase Sapphire Reserve's $300 travel credit is much more versatile than the Amex Green card's annual statement credits, since it applies to virtually any travel purchase. The Chase Sapphire Reserve carries a $550 annual fee, while the Amex Green Card charges $150 per year.

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). The Good Brigade/Getty ImagesThe Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $240 in annual digital entertainment credits. More Information Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. Amex Platinum Entertainment Credit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Which streaming services can I use with the Amex Platinum digital entertainment credits?

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.

Alyssa Powell/Business InsiderThe American Express® Green Card just got a refresh, with a record-high welcome bonus offer and improved benefits. The travel statement credit isn't as straightforward as it sounds, but it's a great deal if you can use it. Plus, if you max out the travel statement credit, you'll offset the entire annual fee (and then some) for the first year. Amex Green Card benefitsThe Amex Green Card already comes with statement credits that can help offset the annual fee, though they're not the sole reason to open the card. But there are other Amex Green card benefits that are appealing to travelers that don't require signing up for a subscription.

☆ The 6 best credit cards for restaurants and dining in May 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Jennifer Yellin | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

With many options available, we’ve put together a list of the best credit cards for restaurants and dining for May 2023. Let’s look at the dining credit cards we like and why we like them. The best credit cards for dining out in MayThere’s no one card that’s best for every foodie. This is the highest return you’ll receive amongst any other credit card on this list. Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards currently available.

☆ Late MacAllister penalty gives Brighton 1-0 win over Manchester United
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United - The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain - May 4, 2023 Brighton & Hove Albion's Alexis Mac Allister scores their first goal from the penalty spot Action Images via Reuters/Paul ChildsBRIGHTON, England, May 4 (Reuters) - Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis MacAllister fired the winner from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time to snatch a 1-0 win for his side over Manchester United in a pulsating Premier League clash on Thursday. The victory was some measure of revenge for Brighton, who lost to Manchester United on penalties in their FA Cup semi-final 11 days ago. Brighton continued to press forward looking for a winner, with substitute Solly March and MacAllister both forcing superb saves from De Gea as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes. "Really happy and delighted for the performance and result," Brighton coach Roberto de Zerbi told Sky Sports. "There is a God of football - we deserved to win the (FA Cup) semi-final but lost on penalties, but today we won with a penalty."

Compare the Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Gold Chase Sapphire Reserve®American Express® Gold Card Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. With the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you'll earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, while with the Amex Gold Card you'll earn Amex Membership Rewards points. With that in mind, let's look at if the Amex Gold Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve is best for you. Winner: Chase Sapphire ReserveAnnual FeeThe Chase Sapphire Reserve charges a $550 annual fee. But no matter which card you choose, both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Gold Card offer hundreds of dollars in annual benefits.

Two of the best travel rewards cards — the American Express® Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — are fixtures in the wallets of frequent flyers, and for good reason. Compare the Sapphire Preferred and American Express Gold Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardAmerican Express® Gold Card Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Here's what to know if you're trying to decide between the Amex Gold Card and Sapphire Preferred. Fortunately, both the Amex Gold Card and Sapphire Preferred are heavy hitters in this regard, with excellent everyday spending categories that most consumers can easily use. In addition, the Amex Gold card offers up to $10 per month in Uber Cash (applicable to U.S. Eats orders and Rides, and the Gold Card needs to be added to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit).

☆ I'm a frequent traveler and these 5 credit cards never leave my wallet
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Andrew Kunesh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

So without further ado, these are my top five credit cards as a frequent traveler. My top 5 credit cards as a frequent travelerI use credit card rewards to fund my flights and hotel stays around the world. HyattThe Chase Sapphire Reserve is another iconic travel credit card that took the credit card world by storm when it launched in 2016. Other travel credit cards I keep openI keep a handful of hotel cards open for the annual free night certificate. Read my article to why you should have more than one credit card for more information on creating a credit card stack that works for your needs.

☆ Bilt Rewards members can earn up to 8x points (effectively up to 13.2% back) at restaurants with the new Bilt Dining program
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Joseph Hostetler | Jasmin Baron | Credit Cards Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +17 min

Bilt Dining is the new fastest way to earn Bilt Rewards points. Even transferable points currencies are breaking into the dining scene (programs like Capital One Dining and Chase Dining are relatively new), but no flexible rewards dining program is as easy to use as the latest creation by Bilt Rewards: Bilt Dining. Here's a quick look at what you can expect from Bilt Dining — and why it's a no-brainer for Bilt Rewards members, even if they don't have the Bilt Mastercard®. Apply nowBilt Mastercard® 4 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4 out of 5 Stars $0 Annual Fee Intro offer N/A Rewards Earn 3X point on dining. Unfortunately, Bilt Dining is exempt from this — but you'll still earn double points on dining (6 points per dollar) when swiping your Bilt Mastercard®.

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card is still available as an upgrade from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card or Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card . You can find Priority Pass lounges and restaurants by searching for your airport on the Priority Pass website or through the Priority Pass app. Priority Pass LoungesTypically, airport lounges in the Priority Pass network are off-limits to the general public unless you have access through a membership, airline ticket, elite status, or via a paid day pass. Priority Pass Restaurants, Cafés, Spas, and MoreIn addition to airport lounges, the Priority Pass network includes restaurants and cafés at airports like Houston (IAH) and San Francisco (SFO). Credit Cards With Priority Pass Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Is Priority Pass membership automatic when you open an eligible credit card?

☆ The Amex Centurion 'black' card has a $5,000 annual fee and a long list of luxury perks, but you can get many of the same benefits with the Amex Platinum
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( Anna Baluch | Angela Fung | Sarah Silbert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +15 min

It makes premium credit cards like the Platinum Card ($695 annual fee) and the Amex Business Platinum Card ($695) look downright affordable. Benefits of the Amex Centurion black cardThe Amex Centurion card isn't just a status symbol; it has some great perks, including some unique benefits like complimentary Delta elite status that you won't find on other cards. The Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card offer status with Hilton and Marriott**, but not with IHG and Relais & Châteaux. Unsurprisingly, there's no comparable benefit on the Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card cards**. Once again, the Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card also offer concierge services.

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: American Express® Green Card, Chase Freedom®. Read Business Insider's guide to the best 0% APR credit cards. `Amex Plan ItAmex's Plan It is very similar to My Chase Plan, but it's been around much longer. It debuted on 16 Amex credit cards in the summer of 2017, and over the next three years, people created nearly five million plans worth $4 billion.

Persons: they'll, Chase, it's, Amex, You'll Organizations: Business, Citi, Read, American, American Express, Chase, Chase Chase

The Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards of April 2023In terms of versatility, cash back is the most flexible credit card reward. View Full Details $0 Annual Fee Apply now On Wells Fargo's websiteWells Fargo Active Cash® Card Apply now On Wells Fargo's website Best all-around 2% cash rewards credit card Details Rewards Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. Best All-around 2% Cash Rewards Credit CardThe Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has no annual fee and earns a flat 2% cash rewards on purchases. Wells Fargo Active Cash card reviewBest 2% Cash Back Card for Balance TransfersLong considered the best cash back credit card, the Citi® Double Cash Card still holds its own despite new offerings from other issuers. How to Choose a 2% Cash Back Credit Card2% cash back credit cards offer some of the simplest credit card rewards around, and they're great for people who don't want to deal with bonus categories, transferring points, or shuffling several cards to get the best return on spending.

☆ 6 reasons why you should have more than one credit card in your wallet
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Andrew Kunesh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

So, let’s run through a few of the reasons why you should have more than one credit card in your wallet. Here’s a look at my credit card stack and the earning rate for purchases I make with each card. You can make a no annual fee credit card stack, tooOf course, my credit card stack isn’t for everyone. Look through our guides to the best credit cards and best no annual fee credit cards for inspiration on building your own credit card stack. Possibly improve your credit scoreHaving multiple credit card could improve your credit if used responsibly.

☆ The best credit card for each type of purchase
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Jennifer Yellin | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Since every credit card earns a different amount of points on your common category purchases, the bonus points earned might persuade you to get one credit card over another. Fortunately, there’s a credit card out there for every type of purchase. Let’s check out some of the best credit card to use for all of your spend categories. Best credit cards for each category purchase in 2023While the cards listed here are some of our favorites for their respective categories, they might not be the best for your needs. American Express Gold Card: Best for restaurantsThe Amex Gold card earns 4 points per dollar at restaurants in the U.S. and abroad.

CNBC Select asked Brian Walsh, a CFP and Senior Manager of Financial Planning at SoFi, to share some of his best tips for making travel more affordable. Plus, waiting too long could mean the more affordable hotel and vacation rental options fill up, leaving you stuck paying for pricey accommodations. Many travel rewards credit cards can make booking flights and hotels more affordable thanks to the large welcome bonuses they may offer. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Learn More Information about the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication. Remaining flexible and using rewards points when booking your travel plans is key to significant savings.

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