Top Cards for May, United Status Upgrades, 100k Amex Platinum Offer and More
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Each Saturday, we round up news stories that you may have missed from the week before, including several that already appeared on The Points Guy, and some more that we haven't covered yet. If you're an avid TPG reader, scroll down for the new stuff. Here's the top miles, points and travel news you may have missed this week:
Top 10 Travel Rewards Credit Card Offers for May 2016
Stay up to date with the latest and greatest credit card offers for May 2016. There are some familiar names on the list, as well as some exciting newcomers. If you're in the market for a great sign-up bonus, this is the post for you.
United's Upgrading Status and Handing Out Economy Plus Subscriptions (Targeted)
United Airlines is attempting to gain some more loyal flyers. This week, the airline targeted customers with upgraded elite status and complimentary Economy Plus subscriptions through January 2017.
10 Things to Do When You Get Amex Platinum
This week many people were surprised and very excited to see a 100,000-point offer for The Platinum Card from American Express after spending $3,000 in the first three months after account opening. If you were one of the lucky ones who snagged the promotion before it was pulled, check out this comprehensive list of ways to maximize the incredible value that this card offers.
Earn Up To 50,000 Bonus AAdvantage Miles on Travel to Europe
With American Airlines' latest promotion, you can earn up to 50,000 bonus AAdvantage miles for travel to Europe on American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair or Iberia. The number of bonus miles you'll receive depends on which fare class you book into as well as how many times you travel round-trip.
Insider Series: Carrie's 5 Tips for Surviving Long-Haul Flights
Long-haul travel can be a very exciting experience but it can also take a toll on your body. Read the advice of an experienced long-haul traveler on how to arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go.
In Other News...
Get $30 Off Your First HotelTonight Booking
HotelTonight is offering new customers a $30 discount when you spend $175 or more on a stay booked between now and June 30, 2016. Enter promo code TPGSPRING to get $30 off your first booking.
TSA Lines are Going To Be Nuts This Summer — Will Free Checked Bags Help?
Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have reached out to airline executives asking them to eliminate checked bag fees in hopes of reducing the lines at security checkpoints at airports around the nation.
You Can Also Earn Bonus Business Extra Points For Transatlantic Flights
In addition to American's recent 50,000 bonus miles promotion, the airline is running a promotion for members of its Business Extra program. This program is designed to award businesses that have an impact on travel but don't necessarily fly. This Business Extra promotion is a great way to earn even more miles on American this summer.
Get 20% Off Some Marriott Hotels When You Book This Month
Looking for a getaway this spring? Marriott is currently running a promotion that gives up to 20% off vacations through June 30, 2016. Book online using the promotional code D3Q and enjoy a vacation for less.
You Might Not See In-Flight Foie Gras For a While
If you're a fan of foie gras, you might have to settle for another dish on your next flight because France has stopped producing the delicacy until August due to a particularly bad strain of bird flu.
The Head of AAdvantage Is Moving On
Suzanne Rubin is leaving American Airlines. As president of AAdvantage, she led the program through a seamless integration with US Airways Dividend Miles and oversaw the largest frequent flyer program in the world. We wish her all the best!
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.