Tag: rewards credit

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2 IHG Rewards Credit Cards Debut Bigger Sign-Up Bonuses

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart

Two of the three IHG Rewards credit cards have new sign-up bonuses — and one is the card’s highest-ever points…

Two of the three IHG Rewards credit cards have new sign-up bonuses — and one is the card’s highest-ever points offer. The bonuses became available Jan. 26 on the co-branded cards issued by Chase.

Consumers who regularly spend at IHG hotels and resorts, such as Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Hotel Indigo, might want to consider getting a card. You can redeem your points for free stays, with nights starting at 10,000 points.

IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card

— Annual fee: $99.

— Sign-up bonus: 175,000 for spending at least $3,000 in the first three months with an account, the best-ever sign-up bonus on this card. Previously, new cardholders could earn 140,000 bonus points for the same spending.

— Rewards: It’s possible to earn up to 26 points per dollar at IHG properties. You’ll get five points per dollar on travel, gas station and restaurant purchases, and three points per dollar on all other spending.

— Select benefits: Cardholders get Platinum Elite status in IHG One Rewards, unlocking perks including free room upgrades and amenities. The card also comes with a statement credit of up to $100 every four years to cover the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus. You’ll get a reward night each year after your account anniversary, and when you redeem your rewards for four or more eligible nights in a row, you’ll get every fourth night free.

IHG Rewards Traveler Credit Card

— Annual fee: $0.

— Sign-up bonus: 120,000 bonus points to cardholders who spend at least $2,000 in their first three months with the card, a 40,000-point increase over the previous offer.

— Rewards: It’s possible to earn up to

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Credit Cards With Airport Lounge and Expedited Security Access

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

It’s been a rough year for domestic and international travelers. Marred by issues related to understaffing, many airlines have found themselves in a precarious position — in this case, not having enough planes and crew members to accommodate so many travelers — leading to lots and lots of flight cancellations.

So far this year, over 130,000 flights have been canceled. For reference, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, from 2013 to 2021 — with the exception of 2020 — the number of flight cancellations never exceeded 80,000. At this rate, that number could end up close to the record 263,941 number of flights that were canceled in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Needless to say, it’s been a stressful time for those who have had to fly. And as demand for travel remains strong, it’s predicted that this will be a long-standing issue.

Thankfully, there are a few ways to make your next trip to the airport a little bit easier, especially if you have the right credit card.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or you simply want to make your upcoming flight less of a headache, these seven credit cards are worth considering, as they each include complimentary lounge access and statement credits toward expedited airport security to make your next travel experience less stressful.

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Best credit cards for lounge access and expedited security

Statement credits for expedited airport security

Before you hit the airport lounge, you’ll need to get through a potentially long security line. While wait times are completely out of your control, there are a

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Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart

FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR TSA PRECHECK AND GLOBAL ENTRY

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Simple travel rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Richer rewards for frequent travelers

The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Luxury travel perks and credits

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren’t afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money’s worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That’s not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders.
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