You can put some extra cash in your pocket this season with a new, limited-time Chase Freedom Unlimited® offer. Earn a $300 cash welcome bonus with a new Chase Freedom Unlimited card when you spend at least $500 within the first three months. That’s a significant increase from the card’s standard $200 bonus and a huge boost for holiday shoppers. Read our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited card. Why now is a good time to open a Chase Freedom Unlimited card Limited-time welcome offer From now unt ...

North America is gearing up to host the biggest sporting event on the planet. For the first time, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will jointly welcome the FIFA World Cup — and with 16 host cities spread across the continent, this will be the largest World Cup ever.Now that the draw and full match schedule are officially out, fans finally know where their favorite countries will play. So if you’ve got a bucket-list dream of experiencing a World Cup match in person (or you’re hoping to follow your team across mu ...

Core Insights - Chase Ultimate Rewards is highlighted as a leading transferable rewards currency, offering significant value for leisure travel through various airline and hotel loyalty programs [1][2][53] Earning and Redemption - Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be earned through multiple credit cards, with a focus on maximizing rewards by applying for new cards and meeting spending requirements [3][6] - The program allows for flexible point redemption options, including cash back, gift cards, and travel bookings, with points valued at approximately 2 cents each [24][53] Top Transfer Partners - Air Canada Aeroplan is noted for its value, offering a zone-based award chart and a generous stopover policy, making it a preferred choice for travelers [25][26][28] - World of Hyatt is recognized for its consistent value and published award chart, with points valued at 1.5 cents each, making it a top choice among hotel loyalty programs [29][31] - Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is highlighted for its partnership with ANA, providing excellent redemption rates for premium cabin travel, particularly for flights between the U.S. and Japan [48][50][52] Credit Card Offerings - The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months, with an annual fee of $95 [7][9] - The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card provides a welcome bonus of 125,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months, with a higher annual fee of $795 but includes extensive travel benefits [13][14] - The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers a welcome bonus of 90,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months, catering specifically to business owners [19][20]

Core Insights - The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is generally recommended over the Chase Sapphire Reserve for most users due to its lower annual fee and straightforward benefits [1][2][23]. Comparison of Annual Fees - Capital One Venture X has an annual fee of $395, while Chase Sapphire Reserve has a significantly higher fee of $795, making it easier to offset the cost of the Venture X [2]. Welcome Bonuses - The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a larger welcome bonus of 125,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first three months, compared to the Venture X's 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 [3][5]. Rewards Rates - Capital One Venture X offers 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals, and 2x miles on all other purchases. In contrast, Chase Sapphire Reserve provides 8x points on purchases through Chase Travel, 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly, 3x points on dining, and 1x point on all other purchases [6][8]. Redemption Options - Both cards offer multiple redemption options, including travel redemptions, cash back, gift cards, and transfers to travel partners. However, the specific value of these options can vary based on individual preferences [9][10]. Transfer Partners - Capital One Venture X has access to a greater number of transfer partners compared to Chase Sapphire Reserve, but the value derived from these transfers depends on the user's specific travel preferences [11][12]. Purchase and Travel Protections - Both cards provide overlapping protections such as auto rental coverage, trip cancellation insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement. However, Chase Sapphire Reserve offers more robust coverage overall [13][16]. Additional Perks and Benefits - Chase Sapphire Reserve has more extensive benefits, including access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and a flexible annual travel credit. Capital One Venture X offers benefits like access to Capital One Lounge and free additional cardholders [21][23]. Recommendations - The Capital One Venture X is suggested for users looking for a lower annual fee and straightforward benefits, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve may be more suitable for those who can maximize its extensive perks [24][25]. Other Card Options - Alternatives to consider include the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which offer lower fees and useful travel benefits without the high costs associated with premium cards [28][32].

Core Insights - The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ are prominent credit cards known for their rewards and benefits, appealing to frequent travelers and business owners [1][4]. Summary by Sections Welcome Bonus - The Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card offers a substantial welcome bonus of 200,000 points after spending $30,000 in the first 6 months, valued at approximately $4,000 [2][5]. Card Features - The Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card is tailored for business owners who travel frequently, providing premium perks and benefits [4][6]. - The card has an annual fee of $795 and a variable APR ranging from 18.24% to 26.24% [5][8]. Rewards Structure - Both cards offer similar rewards for Chase Travel purchases, earning 8x points, and 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly [19]. - The Chase Sapphire Reserve card provides 3x points on dining, while the Business card offers 3x points on social media and search engine advertising [21][19]. Annual Credits - The Chase Sapphire Reserve card includes various annual credits, such as a $300 travel credit and a $500 hotel credit through The Edit, which can be utilized effectively by cardholders [16][11]. - Starting January 1, 2026, the hotel credit will no longer have a biannual requirement, simplifying its use [15]. Travel and Purchase Protections - Both cards offer extensive travel and purchase protections, including trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and purchase protection [23][26]. - The travel protections are nearly identical, ensuring coverage for both personal and business expenses [23]. Combined Benefits - Holding both cards allows for the pooling of rewards, maximizing the value of credits and points earned across personal and business expenses [22][20]. - The ability to separate expenses for tax purposes while still earning rewards is a significant advantage for business owners [18][20]. Conclusion - The combination of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Sapphire Reserve Business cards provides substantial value through rewards, credits, and protections, making it a strategic choice for frequent travelers and business owners [25][24].

Group 1 - The article discusses the planning and booking process for a trip to Christmas markets in Europe, focusing on utilizing points and miles for travel expenses [1][27] - The destinations considered for the trip included southeast Germany and Strasbourg, with a final focus on France, Germany, and surrounding areas [2][3] - Flexibility in travel dates was crucial for finding award flight availability, especially during peak travel season [3][6] Group 2 - The booking process for business class flights involved using Delta SkyMiles and Chase Ultimate Rewards points, with a focus on transfer partners for better availability [6][8] - A flight from Chicago to Frankfurt was booked for 70,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points plus $56.98 in taxes and fees, highlighting the importance of timely point transfers [8][11] - The return flight from Zürich to New York was secured for 60,000 Aeroplan points plus $113.30 in taxes and fees, demonstrating effective use of points for international travel [11][27] Group 3 - Hotel accommodations were booked using points, including a stay at Kimpton Main Frankfurt for 58,765 Chase points, which would have cost $1,175 in cash [28][35] - In Stuttgart, three nights were booked at Le Meridien Stuttgart using Marriott free night certificates, which would have otherwise cost $830 [30][33] - A night at Park Hyatt Zürich was booked for 35,000 World of Hyatt points, valued at approximately $966.46, showcasing the value of points in luxury hotel stays [35][37] Group 4 - The total cost for the trip, including flights and hotel stays, amounted to $363.88 out of pocket, with a total cash value of over $7,300 if booked without points [27][38] - The article emphasizes the transformative power of points and miles in making expensive trips feasible, highlighting the real-life value beyond cash savings [38]

Core Insights - The premium travel credit card market has seen significant changes, with major players like the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve revamping their offerings and increasing fees [1][34][63] - The introduction of the Citi Strata Elite card marks Citi's return to the premium travel credit card space, offering a lower annual fee and lifestyle-focused benefits [2][49][63] Group 1: Amex Platinum Card - The Amex Platinum card is renowned for its extensive airport lounge access and a range of valuable benefits, including a recent increase in its annual fee to $895 [6][12][14] - Cardholders can earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months, with a valuation of up to $3,850 [10][11][18] - The card offers various statement credits that can offset the high annual fee, including $200 in airline fee credits and $300 in hotel credits [15][14][12] Group 2: Chase Sapphire Reserve - The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has undergone significant changes, with its annual fee increasing to $795 and the addition of new benefits such as $500 in hotel credits and complimentary IHG Platinum elite status [34][38][63] - Cardholders can earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months, with an estimated value of $2,500 [38][39] - The card provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide and offers substantial travel insurance protections [39][40] Group 3: Capital One Venture X Business Card - The Capital One Venture X Business card features a lower annual fee of $395 and offers at least 2x miles on all purchases, along with premium perks [21][25][30] - Cardholders can earn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months, valued at up to $2,700 [25][30] - The card includes a $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles each year, making it financially beneficial for users [32][30] Group 4: Citi Strata Elite Card - The Citi Strata Elite card is designed for frequent travelers and food enthusiasts, offering a lower annual fee of $595 and various bonus categories [49][50] - Cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $6,000 in the first three months, with a valuation of up to $1,600 [49][50] - The card provides unique benefits such as 12x points on hotels and rental cars booked through Citi Travel, and 6x points on dining during specific hours [56][50] Group 5: Market Trends - The premium travel credit card market is evolving, with new entrants and existing players enhancing their offerings to attract consumers [63][64] - The competitive landscape is characterized by increased annual fees paired with additional benefits, prompting cardholders to evaluate the value of their cards [63][64]

Core Points - The Chase Ultimate Rewards program is recognized as a leading travel rewards program due to its excellent transfer partners, simplified award redemptions, and straightforward point earning mechanisms [1][2] - The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Reserve for Business cards are highlighted as top travel rewards credit cards, each offering unique benefits and overlapping features [2][3] Card Comparison - The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a welcome bonus of 125,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months, while the Sapphire Reserve for Business card offers 200,000 points after spending $30,000 in the first 6 months [3][17] - Both cards have an annual fee of $795 and provide significant earning potential, with the Sapphire Reserve card earning 3x points on dining and the Business card earning 3x points on advertising purchases [4][42][26] - The earning structure includes 8x points on Chase Travel purchases and 5x points on Lyft rides for the Sapphire Reserve card, while the Business card offers 3x points on social media and search engine advertising [20][24] Redemption Options - Both cards allow for various redemption methods, including gift cards, statement credits, and travel bookings through Chase Travel, with the best value obtained by transferring points to airline and hotel partners [28][29] - The Points Boost feature enables cardholders to redeem points at a higher rate for select airline tickets and hotel accommodations booked through Chase Travel [3][28] Travel Benefits - Both cards provide extensive travel benefits, including airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select and complimentary access to Chase Sapphire Lounges [39][37] - Travel protections include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental coverage, and lost luggage reimbursement, enhancing the overall value of the cards [48][39] Additional Credits and Benefits - The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers unique lifestyle credits, such as $300 annual travel credit and various subscription services, while the Business card includes credits for services like Google Workspace and ZipRecruiter [9][36][18] - Both cards feature no foreign transaction fees, making them suitable for international travel [45][42] Conclusion - The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Reserve for Business cards are positioned as premium offerings in the travel rewards market, catering to different consumer needs while providing substantial value through rewards, benefits, and protections [46][47]

Core Insights - The article discusses the best credit cards for entertainment spending in 2025, highlighting various options that offer rewards and benefits tailored for entertainment purchases [3][46]. Group 1: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card - This card is recommended as the best overall for entertainment due to its flexibility, offering 3% cash back on entertainment purchases with no limit [4][6]. - It features a welcome offer of $300 in bonuses, including a $100 credit for travel bookings and a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months [3][4]. - The card provides 8% cash back on purchases made through Capital One Entertainment, along with 5% on travel bookings and 3% on dining and streaming services [5][6]. Group 2: Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express - This card is ideal for at-home entertainment, offering 6% cash back on select streaming services and a welcome offer of $250 after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months [9][10]. - It has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, transitioning to $95 thereafter, and provides 3% cash back on eligible gas stations and transit [9][10]. - Cardholders can access American Express Experiences, which includes exclusive event seating and presales [12]. Group 3: American Express Platinum Card - The Platinum Card is noted for exclusive access, with an annual fee of $895 and a welcome offer of up to 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months [15][16]. - It offers 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel, along with up to $600 back in statement credits for hotel bookings [15][16]. - Cardholders can receive up to $240 annually in digital entertainment credits for services like Disney+ and Hulu [16][17]. Group 4: Chase Sapphire Reserve - This card is highlighted for event savings, with an annual fee of $795 and a welcome offer of 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months [20][21]. - It provides up to $250 annually for Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions, and up to $300 in statement credits for Stubhub ticket purchases [20][21]. - The card earns 8x points on travel purchases and offers various travel protections and benefits [21][23]. Group 5: Citi Custom Cash Card - The Citi Custom Cash Card is recognized for live entertainment rewards, offering 5% cash back on the highest eligible spending category each billing cycle [26][28]. - It has a welcome offer of $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months and a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months [26][28]. - The card provides access to Citi Entertainment, allowing cardholders to access presales and exclusive ticket offers [29].

Core Points - The article discusses two premium travel credit cards from American Express: the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express, highlighting their benefits and suitability for frequent travelers. Group 1: Annual Fees - The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card has an annual fee of $650, while The Platinum Card has a higher fee of $895, making the Delta Reserve more cost-effective in this category [3] - Both cards offer valuable benefits and rewards that can offset their high annual fees [3] Group 2: Welcome Bonuses - The Delta Reserve offers a welcome bonus of 125,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in the first six months [8] - The Amex Platinum offers a potentially higher welcome bonus of up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months, providing more flexibility in redemption options [4][8] Group 3: Rewards Structure - The Delta Reserve card earns 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x mile on other purchases [6] - The Amex Platinum card earns 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, with all other purchases earning 1x point [7][9] Group 4: Additional Benefits - The Delta Reserve card provides benefits primarily for Delta travelers, including complimentary access to Delta SkyClub lounges and a companion certificate [12][13] - The Amex Platinum card offers a broader range of benefits applicable to various travel expenses, including access to over 1,550 airport lounges and elite status with hotel chains [18][19] Group 5: Suitability - The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card is ideal for frequent Delta travelers who prefer to earn SkyMiles and enjoy Delta-specific benefits [12][14] - The Amex Platinum Card is suited for travelers who do not have a single preferred airline and want flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards [17][19] Group 6: Combined Use - Using both cards together can provide comprehensive benefits for frequent travelers, allowing for maximized rewards and elite status qualification across different airlines and travel expenses [26][27][28]