Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve still worth its keep? And other top news this week
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Each Saturday, we round up the top miles, points and travel news that you might have missed on TPG this week. Here’s what you need to know:
Chase increases Sapphire Reserve annual fee, adds bonus perks
Chase announced significant changes to its popular Sapphire Reserve premium credit card this week, including a $100 annual fee increase. Here’s everything you need to know about upgrading from the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card; the new Lyft Pink membership included for CSR card holders; and up to $120 in food delivery credits.
If you’re looking for a replacement card, the $695 The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates and fees) is our top pick for a premium card, while the $95 Chase Sapphire Preferred is the perfect downgrade alternative.
BREAKING: IRAN SAYS IT SHOT DOWN UKRAINIAN JET
The Iranian government announced Saturday that its military was responsible for accidentally shooting down a Ukrainian commercial plane Wednesday.
Earn up to 75,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards with this limited-time offer
This is the highest offer we’ve ever seen on a Southwest personal credit card sign up, and it’s available for all three personal credit cards. Furthermore, the sign-up bonus is really easy to attain: Earn 40,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of credit card ownership, and an additional 35,000 points after spending a total of $5,000 within the first six months of card ownership.
It’s also worth seeing if you may have also been targeted for complimentary Southwest elite status.
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How an Aspen ski trip ended up with my kids in the police station
Everything went askew for TPG’s Summer Hull and family, right as their winter vacation came to an end.
Here’s how you can earn Delta elite status with a single flight
And existing Delta Medallions, rejoice: Your 2019 MQMs roll over. But some of you may have had a tough week with sudden elite status that was taken away as quickly as it came.
AA and Citi remind us all to play by the rules when it comes to points and miles
Some card holders who exploited a sign-up bonus loophole have gotten a slap on the wrist. Here’s what the punishment means. (It’s also a good time to remind everyone not to hoard points and miles.)
Now’s the time to change your Amex airline selection for the year — if you want to.
In case you missed the memo, Amex airline credits no longer work for gift cards with any airline.
Boeing 737 MAX Update: Lion Air initially considered simulator training for its pilots
The revelation is just one of a number of damning statements buried within internal Boeing communications which were handed over to Congress in December 2019. One document included an employee confession: “I still haven’t been forgiven by god for the covering up I did last year.”
Related: Here’s the latest on the Boeing 737 MAX
Here’s what you need to know about traveling to the Middle East right now
Despite this week’s volatile international headlines, most tourist destinations are perfectly safe to visit.
The 6 best airline award chart sweet spots
Learn how you can fly the last reasonably-priced Emirates first class using JAL points, and discover five other hidden gems that won’t cost you your entire points stash.
Related: Here’s why you shouldn’t hoard points and miles
Talking Points: Everything you need to know about getting into the points and miles game
Benét Wilson, TPG’s credit cards editor, sat down with the Talking Points team to discuss Credit Cards 101. Learn all about how to understand your credit score, about sign-up bonuses and about how you can book yourself one of those gold-studded first class thrones in the sky with little to no cash out of pocket.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
Featured photo by The Points Guy.
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Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first three months of card membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.