Looking back at the things that didn’t exist when TPG started
Editor's Note
When TPG founder Brian Kelly published his first blog post June 7, 2010, Continental Airlines and the original Starwood Hotels were still around. But many other things we take for granted about traveling today didn’t exist 15 years ago.
Key developments in the loyalty and travel industries, like issuer-branded airport lounges and most premium credit cards, have all happened since Brian wrote his first-ever story. Let’s look at how the travel landscape has changed since TPG started.
6-figure card bonus offers become more common
When: March 2011
When TPG started, credit card bonuses were much smaller and generally fell within the 25,000- to 50,000-point range. That changed in March 2011, when Capital One launched a bonus of up to 110,000 points (it has since changed the currency to miles) on the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card as part of a "Match Your Miles" promotion (no longer available).
The following month, airline credit cards followed when Chase’s British Airways Visa Signature® Card launched a 100,000-mile bonus (no longer available). (That program has also changed its currency from miles to Avios.)
Airlines add spending requirements for elite status qualification
When: January 2013
At the beginning of 2013, Delta Air Lines was the first major airline to add a revenue component to qualify for elite status, in addition to miles or segments flown. (We now know this as Medallion Qualification Dollars.) United Airlines followed suit not long after in June 2013. The third major domestic airline, American Airlines, didn’t make this change until 2016.
American Express opens its first Centurion Lounge
When: March 2013
On March 19, 2013, American Express opened the first issuer-branded lounge in the U.S. at Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), which was then known as McCarran International Airport. Now, Amex operates Centurion Lounges in 26 airports across the U.S. and in countries like Australia, Mexico, India and Sweden. (There are also plans to expand to airports in Tokyo, Salt Lake City, Newark and Boston by 2027.)
In the 12 years since Amex launched Centurion Lounges, Chase and Capital One have followed suit with their proprietary lounges in airports, mainly in the U.S.
TSA PreCheck starts accepting applications
When: December 2013
Though the Transportation Security Administration has been overseeing security at U.S. airports since 2001, it wasn’t until December 2013 that TSA PreCheck formally opened for applications after years of testing. The expedited screening program allows low-risk travelers who pay a membership fee to go through a special, faster screening line at airports without taking off their shoes or removing liquids from carry-ons.
Related: 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
First legacy airline switches to dynamic award pricing
When: February 2015
JetBlue, Virgin America and Southwest Airlines had dynamic award pricing long before TPG existed. But on Feb. 6, 2015, Delta became the first major domestic airline to remove all published award charts from its website, marking a significant move toward dynamic award pricing across the travel industry.
“Travelers must now use Delta's online award search calendar with no frame of reference or other expectation of award travel prices. Apparently, the price is whatever Delta says it is,” TPG contributor Jason Steele wrote in March 2015.
Chase Sapphire Reserve joins the credit card landscape
When: August 2016
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) dates back to 2009. But Chase caused waves in the credit card industry when it launched a premium version, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Aug. 23, 2016. The 100,000-point bonus (no longer available), plus perks like a $300 annual travel credit, made the card so popular that Chase ran out of metal cards and saw a 35% increase in new accounts.
Currently, new Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months from account opening.
Marriott and Starwood officially merge
When: August 2018
Following a merger approved by shareholders in April 2016, Marriott and Starwood officially became one company Aug. 18, 2018, creating the world’s largest hotel company. A few months later, in early 2019, this integration of the Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest programs rebranded as Marriott Bonvoy. Today, 37 brands fall under the Marriott Bonvoy umbrella.
Capital One adds credit card transfer partners
When: December 2018
Chase and Amex had long allowed cardmembers to transfer their rewards to travel partners. But Capital One started doing the same Dec. 10, 2018, when it added the ability to transfer to 15 airlines, including JetBlue and Singapore Airlines, to its Venture and Spark credit cards. In early 2020, Capital One added hotel partners to its transfer program. Now, it has 19 transfer partners.
Related: Ultimate guide to Capital One airline and hotel transfer partners: How to maximize your miles
Bilt Rewards launches
When: June 2021
In mid-2021, the startup Bilt created an all-new transferable rewards currency, along with the Bilt Mastercard®, that allows people to earn points on rent (up to 100,000 points each calendar year; must use your card five times each statement period to earn points) without incurring transaction fees.
The information for the Bilt Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Capital One Venture X Credit Card is introduced
When: November 2021
Toward the end of 2021, Capital One debuted its first premium card, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, with perks like a $300 travel credit to use through Capital One Travel and access to Capital One lounges, the first of which opened at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) the same week.
The Capital One Venture X Business, a premium business card with perks for small-business owners, followed Sept. 12, 2023.
Cruise lines unveil megaships
When: January 2024
Royal Caribbean’s 7,600-passenger, 248,663-ton Icon of the Seas took its maiden voyage Jan. 27, 2024. It became the world’s largest cruise ship, launching a new era of megaships 6% larger than the previous biggest ships. Royal Caribbean will debut three more Icon Class ships of a similar size over the next three years.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
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.