The latest summer offers are worth exploring.
Responsible credit card use can bring a variety of rewards, including miles, points and rewards. But most travelers want more than just bonus points, and different cards offer different rewards.
According to iSeatz's State of Loyalty Credit Card Rewards, credit card issuers are increasingly moving away from traditional rewards (flights, hotels, and other points redemptions) towards lifestyle rewards like tours, activities, dining, wellness activities, etc. There are also updated rewards and bonus earning categories when cardholders use their cards for these lifestyle experiences.
These are some of the newest credit cards on the market and the extra perks they're offering for the summer.
Barclays unveils Xbox credit card
Father and son concentrating while sitting at home playing video games together.
Good news for video gamers: this new card from Barclays Bank gives you points to redeem on xbox.com, Microsoft.com, or console and in-game purchases. The card has no annual fee and unlocks 3 months of Game Pass Ultimate with your first purchase on the card. The big draw of this card is the bonus points: 5x points per dollar on eligible digital Microsoft Store products and 3x points on streaming and food delivery services.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Cardless' new card
Qatar Airways launches new US credit card.
In early May, Qatar Airways opened a waiting list for its first credit card in the US. The card is currently available for application, and cardholders can earn Avios points that can be used for free travel on Qatar Airways and oneworld partner airlines. Both the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card ($499 annual fee, instant gold status) and the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card ($99 annual fee, instant silver status) offer instant elite status for one year after card approval. This is the first international loyalty program to offer a Visa Infinite credit card in the US market. Cardholders can earn 5x Avios points on spending with Qatar Airways, 3x points at restaurants, and 1 point on everything else. For the Visa Signature card, points earned are 4x points on Qatar Airways flights, 2x points at restaurants, and 1 point on everything else.
Launch of Citi Strata Premier Card
The Citi Strata Premier Mastercard replaces the original Citi Premier card.
The Citi Strata Premier, which replaces the Citi Premier card, is a new card product with upgraded benefits. Existing cardholders will still receive the new Strata Premier card for an annual fee of $95. One of the changes is that cardholders will earn 10x ThankYou points on hotels, attractions and rental cars booked directly through Citi's travel site. Cardmembers will also earn 3x ThankYou points when they use electric vehicle charging stations. This is in addition to the previous bonus that offered 3x points on air travel, restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations. Cardmembers will also earn a $100 credit when they book at least $500 of hotel stays through Citi's travel site.
Special invitation to the Paris Olympics for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders will have special access to Paris Olympic events.
Visa is offering several additional benefits for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders attending the Paris Summer Olympics. Upon presenting their card, they will receive admission to a VIP lounge floating on the Seine River where they can enjoy food, drinks and meet and greets with special athletes. Cardholders will also have exclusive access to priority reservations at a famous Paris restaurant with up-close views of the Eiffel Tower. The à la carte menu is a collaboration between New York chef Ignacio Matos and chef Charles Ducroc. There will also be an Olympic kickoff party for cardholders on July 27th, featuring delicious food and drinks.
American Express launches limited edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card
This is the second time American Express has developed a credit card using recycled aircraft.
American Express is releasing a limited-edition credit card featuring retired jumbo jets for the second time. After a successful launch, the airline is doubling the number of cards featuring the two 747s that were retired in 2017. The cards, which have a new white glossy finish, were released in late April but will be discontinued on June 5.
Card gives you increased Global Entry credit
Card benefits are being updated in line with fare increases.
With the Global Entry fee increasing from $100 to $120, many credit cards are increasing their credit to fully cover it, including the Citi Prestige and Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercards, the AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard and many Chase-branded credit cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve, United Explorer Card, United Club Infinite Card, United Quest Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, JP Morgan Reserve Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and Aeroplan Credit Card.
