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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.
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How TPG readers’ credit card strategies have shifted during the pandemic
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.
November 11, 2020 • 7 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 article reviews how cardholders have adjusted their strategies in response to new, limited-time benefits and credits introduced during the pandemic.
Many readers have prioritized using cards that offer temporary perks such as streaming, wireless, and food delivery credits.
Some individuals have shifted spending to cards that help earn or maintain elite status with airline and hotel loyalty programs, taking advantage of relaxed qualification requirements.
The dynamic environment has made it challenging to keep track of evolving benefits, but readers report that adapting has been worthwhile.
What to consider
Some offers and credits discussed are no longer available, so checking current terms is essential.
Eligibility for certain limited-time perks may depend on specific card types or enrollment requirements.
Earning elite status with travel loyalty programs may be easier due to temporary changes, but deadlines and qualification terms vary.
What you'll miss from the article
Firsthand insights from readers on which temporary perks and loyalty strategies have been most valuable during the pandemic.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
To that end, we've also been keeping tabs with readers in theTPG Lounge andTPG Women Facebook groups about how their credit card strategies have shifted during the pandemic -- and which limited-time benefits and bonuses have been the most helpful.
In fact, in the spring, many readers accurately predicted some of the latest announcements. Without further ado, here are how some of our readers' card strategies have changed during the sometimes-turbulent year that has been 2020.
Perks are driving how people are using cards differently
(Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Daniel K.: I've been using my free year of DashPass with the Chase Sapphire Reserve — I had never really done food delivery, but the timing was perfect with COVID-19.
Peggy S.: After every quarter, I've been reevaluating to see which cards offer the best limited-time perks. It's been a bit of a challenge to keep up with each card's benefits but it's worth it in the long run to earn the most number of points.
Throughout the last several months, Amex has announced a wide variety of limited-time promotions as part of changes to keep cardholders engaged during the coronavirus pandemic. Those have included various wireless and streaming credits on travel cards and additional Dell credits.
For instance, The Platinum Card® from American Express will give cardholders up to $20 per month each on streaming and wireless services through the end of the year.
(Photo by Wyatt Smith/The Points Guy)
Here's what TPG readers are saying how they use these credits instead of other cards:
Streaming, wireless and Dell credit
Angie S.:I'm using the streaming credit and wireless credit on my American Express cards. Previously, my streaming services like Netflix were on my Citi® Double Cash Card.
Chris D.:I'm actually using The Platinum Card® from American Express a lot more than I expected with the limited-time credits. Typically, I'd throw the streaming purchases on a card like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express which earns 6% cash back* on those [on select U.S. streaming services] services
Ken B.:I definitely think the streaming and wireless credit on The Platinum Card® from American Express is the most beneficial limited-time benefit. It hasn't increased my Amex Platinum's use though since I'm still primarily using the American Express® Gold Card for food and groceries [at U.S. supermarkets].
*Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits.
Using a different card to earn elite status from home
With the ongoing pandemic keeping many travelers grounded (and closer to home), select airlines and hotels have made it easier to earn elite status right from the comfort of home.
A Delta One Suite. (Photo by Ethan Steinberg/The Points Guy)
Michael D.:Since I have plenty of airline miles and Amex Membership Rewards points, I have been taking advantage of the Hilton bonus points counting toward lifetime Diamond status while trying to build up points for a second trip to the Maldives. I still use my Membership Rewards-earning cards for Grubhub takeout for the bonus points but most of my spending has moved from the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express to Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
Meg G.:I'm about 140,000 American AAdvantage miles away from getting Platinum status for life. So I'm really into using the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®. Anything I charge before Dec. 31, 2020, will count as 1 mile toward Million Miler status. I'm banking AA miles for a big family trip to Australia and New Zealand via Asia. Normally, I wouldn't be putting my spending on this card.
Gayl H.:I'm using my Delta Amex card to charge large purchases and get 500 Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) each time.
The information for the Amex Everyday Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
With so many changes in a constantly shifting environment, card issuers will struggle to satisfy every one of their cardholders. However, we've seen a chorus of support for some perks -- and how that has shaped how people are using their cards differently.
As the months roll on, all companies, including card issuers, will have to continue to adapt to consumer behavior changes. That likely means more unique perks and bonuses that cater to the times that we live in, right here and right now.
Comments
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.
