New Radisson Rewards Americas loyalty program launches today
Editor's Note
Back in April, Radisson announced it would split its Radisson Rewards loyalty program into two programs: Radisson Rewards and Radisson Rewards Americas. And now, the time has come for this change to go into effect. Today is the day Radisson Rewards Americas launches.
The former Radisson Rewards will cater to customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific. These members can earn and redeem points at properties in these regions.
On the other hand, stays in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean will be routed through the new Radisson Rewards Americas. You'll have to create an account with this new program and use it to earn and redeem points in these regions.
What's going to happen
Members will be able to transfer points for free between Radisson Rewards and Radisson Rewards Americas. Points will transfer 1:1 between the programs using the "Global Points Transfer process."
Likewise, Radisson Rewards elite status will be honored in both programs, but you'll have to call Radisson member services to request a status match.
All current Radisson Rewards members will have to create Radisson Rewards Americas accounts to participate in the program. Radisson will not automatically generate Radisson Rewards Americas accounts.
Related: Your complete guide to earning Radisson Rewards points
What's the reason for this change?
Radisson stated that it's splitting its program to "deliver a more localized experience" to ensure "Radisson Rewards members will continue to enjoy great regional offers."
That said, I don't see why splitting the program in two is necessary for this. If you have a phone number or address attached to your Radisson Rewards account, it should be easy to localize offers based on existing information.
Plus, the Americas are a big place. The hotel market in the U.S. is much different than in Chile or even Mexico. I'm not sure how much localization can occur among so many North, Central and South American countries that warrant a separate loyalty program.
As noted by One Mile at a Time, the real reason for this split could be changing data regulations in the U.S.
Radisson was acquired by HNA Group and later sold to Jin Jiang International — the latter controlled by the Chinese government. The U.S. now requires that the Chinese government no longer have access to certain types of information for U.S. customers. So, splitting the loyalty program in two could be Radisson's way to become compliant with these new data laws.
Regardless of the reason, in my eyes, this will lead to mass confusion among Radisson Rewards members — especially once travel resumes. Being forced to manage two points balances and accounts isn't ideal, especially given no other major hotel chains do this.
It's unclear if members will earn elite status in Radisson Rewards and Radisson Rewards Americas separately in the future. If separate, this is a huge blow to customers who split their travel between the Americas and the rest of the world.
It will also be interesting to see how Radisson's cobranded credit card changes in response to this split. For example, will we see a separate card for Radisson Rewards Americas? Only time will tell.
Related: How to pick the right hotel chain for you
Bottom line
Radisson Rewards Americas will go into effect tomorrow. This new program will handle loyalty for all hotel stays in North, South and Central America, while all other regions will continue to use Radisson Rewards.
It will be interesting to see how this rollout happens and how it affects existing Radisson Rewards members. We'll keep you updated when we get more information from Radisson.
Additional reporting by Benji Stawski.
Photo by Tupungato/Shutterstock
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- 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.