- Do this now: Register for a targeted United MilePlay promotion. I got “Book and take a trip* in a premium seat three times to earn 50,000 bonus miles.”
What’s that asterisk, you say? Apparently a trip only counts if it costs $600+ before taxes and fees. - The American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cards continue their march toward the soft embrace of mediocrity, but now at a higher cost to make up for it? On September 18, the cards will:
– Offer a January – June $300 FHR or THC stay credit
– Offer a July – December $300 FHR or THC stay credit
– Increase the annual fee to $895
– Restrict the 35% points rebate to only the selected airline (Business only)
If your card renewal date is post September 18, I think you’ll be subject to the higher annual fee although that’s not yet confirmed. If you think these changes suck, you and I think alike. If you’re a serial FHR user or abuser who never flies paid premium cabins outside of a single US airline, there’s value here outside of a sign up bonus I suppose. (Thanks to DDG) - We have details for Alaska’s new premiums credit card based on a leaked terms and conditions PDF. The likely sign-up bonus is 105,000 miles and a global 25,000 point companion award after $6,000+ spend in 90 days. The card’s important vitals:
– Annual fee: $395
– 3x on Alaska and Hawaiian flights
– 3x on dining and foreign purchases, 1x elsewhere
– 10% points bonus with an “eligible” Bank of America account
– 0.5x status points per $2 spent, regardless of multiplier
– 10,000 status points annually
– Two lounge and WiFi passes every quarter
– Free same-day changes
– Global 100,000 companion award after $60,000 spend each card member year
The actionable part of this rumorlet? Start lowering credit lines and closing cards as necessary to make approvals easy if you want this card, especially because you can probably spend your way toward top status. If you’re a hoser gamer with a business, maybe that’s even better.
Have a nice weekend!
Now just make this a business.