The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Chris was a reporter at The Points Guy, where he covered the intersection of credit card rewards and travel. At TPG, he wrote a broad array of stories ranging from in-depth features and reports to trending travel news as it related to loyalty, card benefits and consumer behavior.
December 14, 2020 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
The credit card landscape in 2020 saw significant changes, with new products and permanent refreshes introduced despite a challenging economic environment.
Many updates focused on everyday spending rather than travel, reflecting shifting consumer priorities during the pandemic.
Notable launches included cards tailored for wireless service customers, peer-to-peer payment users and those seeking lounge access or enhanced rewards at specific merchants.
Reader feedback highlighted that new bonus categories on certain no-annual-fee cards were particularly appealing, especially for dining and drugstore purchases.
What to consider
Some offers mentioned in the article are no longer available, so current availability may differ.
Eligibility for certain benefits, such as hotel credits or lounge access, may require specific spending or booking channels and can exclude taxes and fees.
Changes to bonus categories may mean the loss of previous benefits, such as rewards for entertainment or broader travel purchases.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of the year's most significant new and refreshed card products, including reader perspectives on which features mattered most.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
We saw change after change (after change) in 2020.
The credit card industry as a whole also saw a variety of developments, from tightening of credit limits to shifting bonuses and benefits and even the launch of new and refreshed card products. Yes, even in an economic environment where fewer people were applying for cards, issuers still revealed new and updated products throughout the year.
Many of these launches were in the works before the pandemic took hold in 2020. And contrary to previous years, many of this year's card updates were focused on things that weren't just about traveling. After all, travel was lower on the priority list for many cardholders.
Let's take a look at some of the major card launches and permanent refreshes of 2020 -- and what TPG readers thought was the most significant of the bunch. Note that not all cards are included, only permanent refreshes or entirely new products from major issuers.
All-new Verizon Visa Card
Back in June, Verizon and Synchrony Bank unveiled the no-annual-fee Verizon credit card, a product that has proved to be an ideal complement to existing Verizon customers. The card includes an impressive array of bonus categories:
Earnings come in the form of "Verizon Dollars." For instance, you’ll get four cents back per dollar spent on gas and groceries, but those cents can only be redeemed towards Verizon purchases and bills. Cardholders also receive up to $100 in wireless bill credits over 24 consecutive months for monthly bill payments.
In early October, Venmo launched its own card in partnership with Synchrony Bank. Venmo, most usually recognized by its peer-to-peer payment platform, entered the cash-back credit card space for the first time.
(Photo courtesy of Venmo)
One of the most important elements of any cash-back card is its earning structure — and Venmo came out with a very competitive offering. You’ll earn 3% back on your highest spending category each month, 2% back on your second highest spending category and 1% back on everything else.
With the Venmo app, there is functionality to track activity in real-time organized by spending categories, split and share purchases, view cash back status and make payments.
Back in March, United and Chase revealed a new, premium travel card for United Club lounge access.
Instead of simply refreshing the previous United Club card, United decided to launch a new product that offered not only United Club access but also an impressive 4x miles per dollar spent on United purchases, 2x on all other travel and dining and 1x on everything else.
Unfortunately, the timing was not ideal for this travel card with its launch in March. Nevertheless, if United lounge access is what you're looking for, this is the card to get.
The perennial perk of the Infinite Card is a United Club membership, which typically costs $650 per year for a general United MileagePlus member. Chase Freedom Flex and refresh of Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase significantly overhauled its no-annual-fee card lineup in September with the launch of the new Chase Freedom Flex (replacing the Chase Freedom) and a refresh of the Chase Freedom Unlimited card.
Freedom Flex
First, with the Freedom Flex, Chase took the original Freedom’s rotating category rewards structure and added to it. Here’s a quick rundown of the bonus categories offered with the Chase Freedom Flex:
That’s an impressive lineup of earning categories for any card, nonetheless a no-annual-fee credit card. Additionally, the Chase Freedom Flex is a Mastercard, unlike most of Chase’s credit cards. As part of the Mastercard network, you have access to a solid cell phone protection plan. You’re covered for $800 per claim for theft or damage, with a maximum of two claims and $1,000 total in a 12 month period.
Freedom Unlimited
(Photo by John Gribben for The Points Guy)
The Freedom Unlimited's premier feature is a flat 1.5% back, making it a popular pick for beginners and experts alike. The refresh saw the addition of three new bonus categories, similar to the Freedom Flex:
5% back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards (new)
3% back on dining (new)
3% back at drugstores (new)
The best part of both of these cards listed above? You can unlock the full potential of Ultimate Rewards points if you also hold a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Ink Business Preferred Credit Card. With just one of these cards, you can pool your points into one Chase Ultimate Rewards account which allows you to transfer to lucrative travel partners.
In August, Citi overhauled the category bonuses that you’ll earn for new Citi Premier Card applicants. The good news is that Citi added two categories that will help you earn ThankYou points faster.
Cardholders also began receiving an annual $100 hotel credit each calendar year (eligible on single hotel stay $500+ purchases, excluding taxes and fees made through ThankYou.com). However, Citi did eliminate the bonus on entertainment purchases (previously 2x) and the broad category of travel (previously 3x).
Related: Citi Premier card review
The winner, according to TPG readers...
All-new Chase Freedom Flex and refresh of Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The addition of the new bonus categories on both the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited pushed this no-annual-fee dynamic duo over the edge to take the crown for the best new or refreshed card(s) in 2020.
In particular, the 3x bonus on dining was particularly impressive, matching the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve and the $95-per-year Chase Sapphire Preferred's. Interestingly, the perks on the Flex and Unlimited highlight how the Reserve and Preferred may need additional benefits to keep them competitive.
Here are a few comments from TPG readers:
Shana G.: I really liked the Chase Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited bonus categories of 3x points on dining (since I intend to downgrade my Chase Sapphire Reserve) & drugstores (I shop a lot at Walgreens)!
Sarah P.: The Chase Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Flex is really competing with my Chase Sapphire Reserve right now. Mine renews in April and I'm not sure I'll keep it considering the new bonuses on the no-annual-fee cards.
Chris M.: I have to say the Chase Freedom Unlimited with 3x on dining throws a lot of shade on my Chase Sapphire Reserve. I’m not a big Ultimate Rewards portal user (1.5x return with the Reserve) so truly the Freedom Unlimited combined with the Chase Sapphire Preferred would probably get the job done to unlock access to transfer partners.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
