Buzz
If you’ve swapped your rewards credit card for a cash-back card during your pandemic shopping, now might be the time to reconsider your approach.
This isn’t because cash-back cards are ineffective—rather, rewards cards are evolving to match our current needs. American Express revealed today that they are expanding benefits for cardholders, offering more ways to earn rewards on purchases we’re making these days.
For example, you may qualify for reimbursements on parts of your cell phone or streaming service bills.
American Express Platinum Card: Enjoy $320 in statement credits when you use your card for streaming services (Hulu, Disney+, Spotify, and more) and wireless phone service from U.S. providers. The credits will be given in $20 increments from May through December 2020.
American Express Green Card: Get an $80 statement credit when you use your card to pay for wireless phone service from a U.S. provider. You’ll receive $10 each month from May to December 2020.
Other American Express cards offer different benefits. If you hold a travel-focused rewards card, you may be able to earn more points on grocery and takeout purchases. Below is a summary of key points from the American Express announcement (emphasis added):
Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Platinum, Gold, and Blue Consumer Card Members will now earn
4X miles at U.S. supermarkets
from May through July 2020.
Marriott Bonvoy and Brilliant Consumer Card Members will now earn
6X Marriott Bonvoy points at U.S. supermarkets
on eligible purchases up to $7,500 (from May to July 2020).
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Consumer Card Members can now use their eligible purchases at
U.S. restaurants
, including takeout and delivery, to qualify for the $300 Marriott Bonvoy Statement Credit benefit (valid from June to August 2020).
Hilton Surpass and Aspire Consumer Card Members will earn
12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at U.S. supermarkets
(from May to July 2020).
Hilton Aspire Consumer Card Members’
eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants
, including takeout and delivery, will now count toward the $250 Hilton resort credit benefit (from June to August 2020).
American Express isn’t the only issuer making changes.
Chase revealed today that most of its rewards cards will offer enhanced earning opportunities on grocery purchases between May 1 and June 30, 2020. For many cards like the Sapphire cards or co-branded cards (United, Hyatt, etc.), you’ll earn 3X or 5X points per dollar spent at grocery stores; this multiplier expires once you reach $1,500 in eligible purchases.
As always, it’s a good idea to review your card’s benefits guide, including any coronavirus-related pages or customer portals, before expecting these new perks to appear.
If you’re feeling disappointed by your points and miles potential, reach out to your card issuer before heading to the grocery store. You may find yourself imagining your next dream vacation as you stroll down the aisles.
