Monday: AmEx Triple Devaluation, Citi ThankYou+Copa, Chase Avios Bonuses, Gift Cards, and More

1. On January 1, the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection credits are changing, unfortunately as predicted a week and a half ago with p=0.90. The changes:
   
   – Only 2+ night stays eligible
   – Airbnb Luxe properties will be eligible
   – A $250 Airbnb experiences credit with an Airbnb Luxe booking
   
   The Airbnb Luxe addition feels like a nice add, until you look at the properties you’re getting and the dollar cost that is.
   
2. Citi ThankYou added Copa ConnectMiles as a 1:1 transfer partner. Sweet spots:
   
   – United domestic Polaris, 25,000 miles each way
   – Emirates business: 80,000 miles each way with minimal surcharges
   
   What’s the opposite of a sweet spot? Using this program for US – Europe in any cabin.
   
3. Citi ThankYou has a 10% transfer bonus to Cathay Pacific AsiaMiles through November 14.
   
4. The Chase Avios cards have increased sign-up bonuses of 90,000 Avios after $5,000 spend in three months:
   
   – British Airways
   – Iberia
   – Aer Lingus
   
   Each card has slightly different benefits. Generally the British Airways option is the best for its modest surcharge rebate if you’re going to book on British Airways metal with Avios.
   
5. The American Express Business Platinum cards are changing a few benefits on February 17, 2027 in the wake of, I guess gaming?
   
   – Only named cellular providers are eligible for the monthly $10 wireless coupon
   – Only named shipping services are eligible for 2x points on shipping
   
   The fact that American Express is treating lack of breakage as public enemy number one should tell you a lot about their current economic predictions for consumer credit.
   
6. Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and other Just4U stores have a digital coupon for 10x points earning on $50+ in Zift Zillions cards excluding those with Amazon through Saturday.
   
7. The Citi AA Executive Mastercard added 2x$100 InKind dining credits annually. split into January – June and July – December credits. If you value these at above 2x$65, then you probably should see what Costco’s up to lately.
   
8. Office Depot / OfficeMax stores have $15 off of $300+ in Mastercard gift cards through Saturday. Whether or not math is your strong suit, buy in even multiples of $300.
   
   These are Pathward / BlackHawk Network gift cards.
   
9. Staples stores have fee-free $200 Visas through Saturday, limit nine per transaction.
   
   These are Pathward / BlackHawk Network gift cards.

Happy Monday, friends!

MEAB Exclusive: American Express’s Q1 economic model output.