Best credit card promotions for travelers this summer
The popular Capital One commercial created the tag line, “what’s in your wallet?,” but do you really know what’s in your wallet? These are the latest bonus points and miles offers awaiting you this month.
Earn cash back or bonus points with Chase Ultimate Rewards. If you have a Chase Freedom credit card, hotel and car rental purchases up to $2,500 made with the credit card are eligible for 10% cash back during the month of July. This means that travelers can earn as much as $250 back for their travel plans if they book through the credit card’s online travel portal.
Earn 25% more Etihad Guest miles from Citi transfers. If you have a Citibank credit card, consider transferring points over to Etihad’s mileage program. The airline will pony up a 25% bonus for all points transferred. This promotion is also valid when transferring points from various hotel programs to Etihad and lasts until July 31. If you fancy traveling in Etihad’s first class Apartment while jetting to Abu Dhabi and beyond, this could give you an accelerated way to score a seat with miles.
American Express offers 50% transfer bonus to Plenti. Membership Rewards from American Express can be worth more if you transfer them to your Plenti account. Amex will dole out a 50% bonus on transfers made between now and the end of the year. But before you make a move, be sure to have a use for your Plenti points in mind. They are typically valued at a penny a piece and can be redeemed at places like Exxon or AT&T. While they may not get you as far and in such high-flying style as Etihad miles, it could be worth it if you are short on vacation time and would rather use points for cash discounts instead.
New American Express Centurion lounge opens in Houston. Travelers holding the American Express Platinum or Centurion credit cards have access to yet another luxe lounge when traveling in the USA. The newest location is in Houston Bush Intercontinental terminal D and offers an expansive bar and locally inspired menu. Other lounge locations include Miami, New York’s LaGuardia, and Seattle/Tacoma, among others. Cardholders can bring one guest.
Free Sam’s Club membership from American Express. American Express is going all in and targeting some members with an offer for a free Sam’s Club membership. This follows the recent news that the chain store will begin accepting American Express cards. To check if you are eligible, log into your American Express account and check the Amex Offers section. If you are, the promotion gives you a $45 statement credit if you buy a Sam’s Club membership, which costs $45. Not a bad deal if you have to buy 36 rolls of toilet paper or 500 diapers anytime soon.
United-branded Chase credit cards get VIP Olympics lounge access. When the Olympics ramp up this summer, anyone with a United Airlines-branded Chase credit card will get a little special treatment. If you’re in Rio for the games, Chase has a special VIP viewing lounge for you. If not, there are a few domestic lounges being set up in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, as well. For a $25 fee and a flash of your credit card, visitors get access to a private space to watch the games, meet Olympic athletes like Amanda Beard and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. Each lounge is available on specific dates and times, but if you’re available, it could be a unique experience.