Month: January 2025

Editor’s note: Citi is a TPG advertising partner.

The new year brings new resolutions and the chance to plan my travel and loyalty goals.

In addition to locking in my elite status goals and planning some fun travel (I’ve already redeemed British Airways Avios and Flying Blue miles to take my partner to Japan for his first time this April), I’m thinking about how I will earn points and miles this year.

I hold several different credit cards, some of which earn transferable currencies and some of which earn directly with an airline or hotel loyalty program. So, I’m always thinking about the best ways to maximize my points and miles earnings in the ever-changing world of travel loyalty.

I value the flexibility of transferable currencies, so here is my points-earning strategy for 2025 — and some tips for developing your own plan.

Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card points in 2025

Protecting myself from devaluations

Devaluations are an unfortunate reality of collecting points and miles.

Just weeks into 2025, we have already seen an increase in the cost of Air France and KLM seats to Europe and beyond through the Flying Blue program. To compensate for this, the program promises additional availability at the lowest Saver rates, and the increased Saver rates are still reasonable.

Earning transferable currencies is an easy way to protect yourself from devaluations, which often happen without notice to members. While I’m often tempted to transfer all of my transferable points to an airline or hotel program during a lucrative transfer bonus, these transfers are irreversible. As a result, transferring points — even during a transfer bonus — isn’t wise unless I have a fairly immediate use for the points.

You can protect yourself from devaluations by “warehousing” your points and miles in your credit card account until you’re ready to redeem them. This way, you don’t have all your eggs in one basket if an airline or hotel program devalues its miles overnight.

Preparing for elevated welcome offers

I always look for increased welcome bonuses, which regularly come and go. I make sure I’m below Chase’s 5/24 rule and have even downgraded my beloved Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card in preparation for the next increased welcome offer. In doing this, I can apply for the card again (having not received the welcome bonus in well over 48 months) when an increased offer is available. A new bonus has not been announced, but I hope it will be sooner rather than later.

I’ll also monitor my credit score to increase my approval likelihood.

Suppose you’ve been pondering applying for a particular card. In that case, it’s worth knowing what the regular welcome bonus is. Then, you’re ready if the bonus increases or if new perks or benefits are announced that can make a good card even more tempting.

Subscribing to TPG’s daily newsletter is a great way to be informed of increased welcome offers in 2025.

Related: These are the best credit card welcome bonuses

Knowing my transfer options

One great thing about transferable points is their wide range of transfer partner options. While you may see some of the same programs featured on almost every transfer partner list, transfer partners differ slightly from one transferable currency to another.

For example, World of Hyatt points are among the most valuable hotel currencies you can earn. However, only Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards points can be transferred to Hyatt. Therefore, if you’re set on building up your Hyatt balance, focus on earning Chase and Bilt points.

Transfer partners can change over time, but thankfully, none of the major transferable points programs have lost big enough partners to make me lose interest in them. Still, I certainly have my favorite programs.

As I select which card to use for each purchase, it’s sensible to have at least a vague idea of how I might use the points I earn.

The Wells Fargo Rewards program added a handful of new transfer partners in 2024. However, with only seven partners in total (three of which are Avios partners, so I can easily transfer Avios between the different programs that use it), it doesn’t yet excite me enough to focus my spending on their cards in 2025.

You don’t need to have a photographic memory of every transfer partner for every program (bookmark our cheatsheet here instead). Still, it’s a good idea to not focus too much on earning a transferable currency if you don’t value its transfer partners and won’t easily be able to redeem the points.

Knowing which cards pair well together

Given the different earning rates and other perks, you might assume that the best way to maximize points earning is to have one of “the best” cards from each issuer. This isn’t necessarily true, though. There are excellent card combinations available from the same issuers. I might consider adding a new card from an issuer I already use, or I could acquire two new cards from a new issuer in 2025, provided they work well together.

For example, I previously mentioned that I’d like to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card again, as I should be eligible for the welcome bonus. I had previously downgraded my Chase Sapphire Preferred to the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited® card (though this was to retain my credit line and history as my Preferred was one of my oldest cards). I haven’t used the Chase Freedom Unlimited card much since downgrading to it.

However, this would be a powerful combination if I were approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred again (and kept my Chase Freedom Unlimited card). With an active Sapphire card, the 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% back earned on all other purchases charged to the Chase Freedom Unlimited can convert into Ultimate Rewards points. I can then transfer these points to the Sapphire transfer partners, including the fantastic World of Hyatt option.

For small purchases, I could also consider pairing the Citi Rewards+® Card (see rates and fees) with my Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees). While the Strata Premier earns plenty of ThankYou® Rewards points for large purchases (as I’ll explain below), small purchases on the Citi Rewards+ Card automatically round up to the nearest 10. This means a $1 purchase earns 10 points — much more than I earn with the Strata Premier.

If you’re considering applying for a new card in 2025, check out our guide to the best credit card combinations. Pairing a new card from your existing go-to card’s issuer could be a savvy way to maximize earnings on every purchase.

Restarting my Membership Rewards journey

Before the coronavirus pandemic, I was an active American Express Membership Rewards member, enjoying the benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express and its long list of travel perks. However, despite only having two Amex cards in the past (the other being a Delta SkyMiles card), Amex’s welcome bonus tool continually delivers the unfortunate news that I am no longer eligible to earn a welcome bonus on any of the cards I’ve applied for.

This has led me to favor cards from other issuers that consistently approve me for welcome bonuses. However, I miss the opportunity to earn great multipliers on my regular purchases. For example, I could earn four points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) with the American Express® Gold Card and five points per dollar spent on flights with the Amex Platinum (up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

I hesitate to apply for an Amex card with a substantial annual fee if I don’t receive an introductory bonus. Instead, I’m planning to apply for a card with no welcome bonus (or a smaller bonus) and make regular purchases through that card this year. This will let me earn some Membership Rewards and hopefully show Amex that I am a genuine customer worthy of a welcome bonus in the future.

If you have received the unwelcome pop-up from Amex when applying for a new card, you may wish to try this strategy, too.

Related: The 11 best American Express credit cards

Prioritizing Capital One miles over Citi ThankYou points

I’m a big fan of my Citi Strata Premier Card, primarily because it earns 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel portal; it also earns 3 points per $1 spent on other travel, restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations. With many bonus categories included here, I earn at least three points per dollar on most purchases.

Combined with its generous welcome bonus of 75,000 ThankYou points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening, I earned over 200,000 ThankYou points on the card last year. I did so simply charging most of my everyday purchases to the card.

Some months, I earn more points than I can spend, which is a nice problem to have.

Citi’s ThankYou Rewards program transfer partner list is acceptable. However, there’s one notable exception that I’ve been struggling with lately: Aeroplan is my favorite Star Alliance loyalty program, if not my favorite airline loyalty program altogether. Unfortunately, Aeroplan is not a Citi transfer partner. I hope that changes soon, though.

Until then, given how many points I redeemed with Aeroplan last year and plan to redeem again this year, I stopped using my Strata Premier card for most of my everyday spending. Instead, I’ve moved that spending to my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. This is because I earn a generous two points per dollar on every purchase and because Capital One miles transfer to Aeroplan. Plus, the card earns 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through said portal.

While the Venture X’s $395 annual fee (see rates and fees) is higher than the the Strata Premier’s $95 annual fee, Venture X cardholders receive a $300 annual credit to redeem through the Capital One Travel portal and 10,000-anniversary miles. I would argue this compensates for most, if not all, of the Venture X’s high annual fee.

Overall, I won’t earn as many transferable points with my Venture X as I would with my Strata Premier. Still, if you strongly prefer the transfer partners of one currency over another, you may be willing to take a minor hit on your points earning to access your preferred partners.

Bottom line

The world of points and miles is ever-changing, with a regular cycle of good and bad news. New transfer partners are added, sweet spots come and go, and elevated welcome offers pop up.

There is no card, transferable points currency or transfer partner that’s a perfect fit for my spending and travel habits. As a result, I like to diversify my points and miles to protect myself from devaluations and increase flexibility. And since points and miles aren’t a great long-term investment, I’ll try to redeem most of the points I earn this year by the end of the year.

Implementing your own transferable points plan can help you earn more points and miles and redeem them for the best possible rewards.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card overview

Even if you aren’t a Wyndham loyalist, the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is worth considering. It comes with perks like automatic elite status, an anniversary points bonus and a generous earnings rate while having a modest annual fee. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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In the competitive hotel landscape, Wyndham may not be the first name you think of, but they have some excellent hotel offerings and a family of cobranded credit cards to match.

With an annual fee of $75, the Earner Plus card lands just above the entry-level Wyndham Rewards Earner card. Even if you don’t frequently stay at Wyndham properties, you can still benefit from the card’s automatic elite status and award redemption discounts.

The recommended credit score for this card is at least 670. However, it is possible to get approved with a lower score.

Let’s examine whether the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus card deserves a spot in your wallet.

The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Great earnings rate on Wyndham stays and gas Anniversary points bonus Discount on award stays	Has an annual fee No free night certificate

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card welcome offer

New Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus applicants can earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. This is enough points for up to 6 nights.

Based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations, this bonus offer is worth $495. Given how low the spending requirement is, this is a fantastic value for the number of points you’ll earn.

We’ve previously seen an offer on this card for 75,000 points, so it may be worth waiting for a higher offer if you don’t have a planned Wyndham stay any time soon.

It’s important to note that Barclays can be inquiry-sensitive, so I recommend being under 6/24 before applying for this card. In other words, you should have five or fewer hard inquiries on your credit report in the past 24 months before applying for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus.

Related: Book low-end or luxury hotels to get the best value from your points

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card benefits

The Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus comes with automatic Wyndham Platinum status. This status level grants perks like free Wi-Fi, early check-in and late checkout, preferred room selection, bonus points on stays and car rental upgrades at Avis and Budget.

Wyndham Rewards Platinum status alone could easily be worth the $75 annual fee the card holds. In addition to the automatic Platinum status, the card offers:

• Anniversary bonus points: Earn 7,500 bonus points each anniversary after you pay the annual fee, worth $83 according to TPG’s January 2025 valuations
• Discount on paid and award stays: Earner Plus cardmembers receive access to a special cardmember rate on stays paid with cash and a 10% discount on Go Free award stays
• No foreign transaction fees

Related: The ultimate guide to earning and redeeming Wyndham Rewards

Earning points on the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card

The Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus earns:

• 6 points per dollar on Wyndham hotels and gas
• 4 points per dollar on dining and at grocery stores (excludes Walmart and Target)
• 1 point on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Vacation Club down payments)

Based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations, these rates equate to a 6.6% return on Wyndham and gas purchases, 4.4% on dining and grocery purchases and 1.1% on all other purchases.

These are great earnings for Wyndham stays and gas; however, some cards earn better in everyday categories, such as dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, like the American Express® Gold Card (subject to spending caps).

Redeeming points on the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card

With the Wyndham Earner Plus card, you can redeem your points for stays, gas, airline tickets, tickets and experiences, gift cards, merchandise, charitable donations, tours and activities and AARP membership.

The most valuable way to redeem points is for Wyndham hotel stays.

Wyndham is one of the few hotel brands that still utilizes a fixed award chart and not dynamic pricing, meaning you can still get outsize value. There are no blackout dates for Wyndham properties.

Wyndham offers two types of redemptions: Go Fast and Go Free. Go Free uses points to book the total cost of the room, and Go Fast uses a combination of points and cash. Cardholders will receive a 10% discount on all Wyndham Go Free hotel redemptions.

Go Free award nights are priced in three tiers: 7,500, 15,000, and 30,000 points per night. Higher-end properties and properties booked during peak-season travel will typically cost 30,000 points per night.

Go Fast award nights are priced in three tiers, starting at 1,500, 3,000 and 6,000 points per night plus cash.

TPG senior points and miles writer Katie Genter says, “[I’ve] used Wyndham points for 15,000-point nights in Hawaii and 7,500-point nights in South Korea, including on the beautiful island of Jeju. I’ve also gotten excellent value redeeming for Vacasa stays, although this is more difficult to do now with the lower cap on the average cost per bedroom for 15,000-point nights.”

You can also use your points to book a Wyndham Vacation Club stay starting at 7,500 points per bedroom per night. As a cardholder, your points can also be used to book Caesars Rewards properties, Vacasa vacation rentals, Landal GreenParks and reservations on Cottages.com.

Wyndham timeshare owners can use points to cover maintenance fees by converting them to Maintenance Dollars. Caesars properties cost 15,000 to 30,000 Wyndham points per bedroom per night. Certain blackout dates apply.

Vacasa vacation rentals can only be booked with Wyndham points if the average nightly cost, inclusive of all fees, is under $500. You’ll pay 15,000 points per bedroom per night for rentals with an average nightly rate under $250 and 30,000 points per bedroom per night for rentals with an average nightly rate between $250.01 and $500.

Transferring points on the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card

Wyndham has a solid list of airline transfer partners. However, you generally receive better value when you redeem your points for Wyndham stays than when you transfer them to partners.

Wyndham has nine total airline transfer partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan miles, Avianca LifeMiles, Frontier Airlines Frontier Miles, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles and United MileagePlus miles.

All points are transferred at a 5:1 ratio; you must transfer at least 6,000 points. This means 6,000 Wyndham points are equivalent to 1,200 partner points. Given this transfer ratio, I strongly recommend avoiding this as a redemption method.

Related: Should you transfer hotel points to airline partners?

Which cards compete with the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card?

If you want more Wyndham Rewards perks or prefer a different type of reward, you may want to choose one of these cards instead:

• If you prefer no annual fee: The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card is the little brother of the Earner Plus and has no annual fee. It offers perks like automatic Wyndham Gold status and earns 5 points per dollar on Wyndham stays and gas. You’ll still receive discounts on award and cash stays. To learn more, check out our full review of the Wyndham Rewards Earner card.
• If you prefer to earn flexible currency: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, comes with a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit and has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees). Capital One miles can be transferred to Wyndham. To learn more, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
• If you prefer a business card and higher status: The Wyndham Rewards Business Earner® Card comes with complimentary Wyndham Diamond status. The card also earns 15,000 bonus points after each cardmember anniversary and comes with discounts for award and cash stays. To learn more, check out our full review of the Wyndham Business Earner.

For additional options, check out our full list of the best hotel credit cards.

The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner card and Wyndham Rewards Business Earner card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: How to choose a hotel credit card

Is the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card worth it?

This card is easily justifiable and worth getting if you frequently stay at Wyndham properties. It offers automatic Wyndham Platinum status, a great earnings rate on Wyndham stays and gas and a 10% discount on all award redemptions. If you stay less frequently, you may be better suited for the no-annual-fee Wyndham Rewards Earner card.

Bottom line

The Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus is a solid offering that makes sense for most Wyndham travelers. With a great earnings rate and automatic elite status, this card is definitely worth considering adding to your wallet.

Plus, a solid welcome bonus can help boost your Wyndham Rewards account balance.

Related: Best hotel rewards programs in the world: Which one is right for you?

Maud Bailly is entering her third year as the CEO of the high-end collection of Accor brands like Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems.

Some might say she was given one of the more difficult tasks at hand when the French-based hotel giant underwent yet another one of its notable corporate restructures a little more than two years ago. Sofitel, which turned 60 last year, was a French luxury brand that had lost its way and needed a face-lift — akin to Chanel before Karl Lagerfeld.

With M Gallery, Bailly inherited a lesser-known collection of hotels that faced off head-to-head with competitors like Marriott’s Autograph Collection, and Emblems was a luxury collection brand on paper with no open hotels to point toward.

Bailly, who previously served as Accor’s CEO of southern Europe and as the company’s chief digital and commercial officer, took the challenge before her — and catapulted the brands she oversees into new (and revived) beacons of French hospitality around the world.

What ethos drives the growth and rejuvenation initiatives at the brands Bailly oversees?

TPG learned more in two exclusive interviews with the hotel executive at the recent International Luxury Travel Market conference in Cannes, France, and, more recently, this week over a transatlantic video chat.

“People may lose some appetite for luxury goods, but they’re never going to lose any appetite for luxury experiences, and good hospitality is about luxury experiences,” she said.

The numbers speak for themselves. Sixty-year-old Sofitel, currently operating with about 120 hotels around the world, has a pipeline of 32 new hotels slated to open in markets like Ireland, Vietnam, Portugal, India and Mexico over the next few years.

At a time when a new hotel brand gets announced almost weekly, it’s a strong signal that a sexagenarian hotel brand has so much interest and so many new properties in the works. Twelve of those new hotel deals were signed in the last year alone, but it’s not just about the new properties.

Part of Bailly’s leadership initiative has been elevating existing hotels and bringing a consistent feel to the luxury Sofitel brand. Twenty-six percent of the existing Sofitel network is currently under renovation. Properties like Sofitel New York — an important refresh, as Sofitel is one of Accor’s best-known brands in the U.S. — and Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile are part of that effort.

The brand leans into its French heritage at properties around the world and often includes nods to its home country, such as a “Bonjour” at the front door or French chefs curating menus at the hotel restaurants. The first Sofitel in the U.S. made a splash with its extensive French wine collection and baguettes baked fresh daily in 1975.

“There are so many brands, so why should you pick this one?” Bailly said. “Sofitel is clearly not pretending to be an eight-star hotel, but it has a very clear, unique, distinctive identity and a very strong culture. It’s French zest with heart, authenticity and generosity.”

Further, the Sofitel Legend brand of heritage properties — including TPG favorite Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama City — is also picking up steam on the growth front. Three new Sofitel Legend hotels are slated for the Czech Republic, India and Egypt in front of the pyramids of Giza — delivering 50% growth for the current six-hotel offshoot brand of Sofitel.

“People also had some questions about Sofitel Legend because it’s such a small network. These are beautiful properties, but if a brand doesn’t grow up, doesn’t develop itself, people start having questions,” Bailly said before emphasizing the brand will remain highly selective about future growth: “Development is a good thing, but developing well is even more important because you are protecting the brand consistency.”

Similarly, strong growth is underway at MGallery, which has 48 hotels in the development pipeline, and Emblems, the new luxury collections brand that has seven hotels slated for its debut. The first MGallery hotel slated for the Caribbean, The Whimsy Hotel & Spa Saint-Martin—MGallery Collection, will be a luxury transformation of the former Beach Plaza Hotel on the French side of St. Maarten.

Additional properties are planned for markets like Mexico, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Egypt and India. MGallery also has 8% of its portfolio under renovation.

But one of the more interesting and long-awaited developments at Accor has been a different collection brand: Emblems. The brand, first announced in late 2021 as the Emblems Collection, still doesn’t have an open hotel, but that is slated to change this year with the first property expected to open in Europe. More properties are planned or in advanced negotiation stages for Italy, Greece, China, Vietnam and North America.

Should one be concerned that there’s still no bed to lay one’s head at an Emblems-affiliated property more than three years after the brand was first launched? Probably not.

“There are so many brands that, if you rush, if you don’t do things the way they should be done, especially for a new brand — making sure the brand positioning is really different, making sure the new leads are good leads — you are just killing the brand before you have even a second to death,” Bailly said.

After all, it took Ian Schrager and Marriott roughly seven years to open the first Edition hotel after launching the brand in 2008, so it appears Accor is well ahead of the luxury development curve.

“It’s a balance between the rigor requested to make a difference and the time where you need to say, ‘Okay, it’s now or never,’” Bailly added.

“Build it, and they will come” went the line in “Field of Dreams.”

“Open it the right way, and the luxury guests will come” might go the line in successful hotel and loyalty development.

Related reading:

• Best hotel credit cards
• Get free breakfast, upgrades and more with the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program
• Best hotel rewards programs in the world: Which one is right for you?
• The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison

Southwest Airlines will launch its first international airline partnership next month, and expand its short list of international “gateways” to Denver and Nashville, the airline announced.

Baltimore had already been announced as its first such gateway, which set the stage for Southwest to officially ink an interline agreement with Icelandair at a ceremony in nearby Washington on Wednesday.

TPG was on hand as executives signed a pact cementing the tie-up between the two carriers, one that will eventually allow Southwest loyalists to redeem Rapid Rewards points on flights to Iceland, Europe and beyond.

The ceremony, held inside the residence of Iceland’s ambassador to the U.S., marked what Southwest is framing as the first tangible step in a series of massive changes the Dallas-based carrier outlined last year. That transformation will eventually bring the first assigned and extra legroom seats to Southwest’s Boeing 737s.

Up first, though, is this joining-of-forces with Icelandair.

“Interline partnerships are very common in the airline industry. But it’s our first one, so it’s very exciting for us,” Southwest chief operating officer Andrew Watterson said moments before the two carriers made their partnership official.

A softer launch to the partnership

As TPG reported in September, the Southwest-Icelandair tie-up will be more limited at first.

Starting in February, travelers will be able to book itineraries featuring seamless connections between the two carriers via Icelandair’s website.

From the outset, the partnership will concentrate on just one gateway on the U.S. side: Southwest’s Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) base.

However, the carriers plan to soon expand the setup to Denver International Airport (DEN) and Nashville International Airport (BNA), Southwest executives revealed Wednesday.

“We’ll continue to do this in phases,” Ryan Green, Southwest’s executive charged with overseeing the airline’s wholesale changes announced last year, told TPG Wednesday.

Deeper ties begin next year

Expect the two airlines’ ties to grow in 2026, after Southwest launches assigned seats; the logistics of evolving its tech systems to facilitate a partnership in its open seating era — and again after shifting to assigned seats — didn’t make sense, Green said.

Once assigned seating is live, though, Southwest plans to begin selling Icelandair seats through its booking channels. At that point, customers would be able to book flights to Keflavik Airport (KEF) and top European destinations through Southwest’s website.

“We’ll add components …  like earn and [redeem] with Rapid Rewards, and loyalty,” Green added. “And we’ll just kind of continue to layer on.”

Pomp and circumstance

The ceremonial launch of this partnership in D.C. was full of pomp and circumstance.

Southwest and Icelandair leaders exchanged gifts. The Reykjavik-based carrier offered up a piece of molten rock from a freshly-formed lava field in Iceland. Southwest came with a decorative version of its signature emblem.

Then, leaders from both carriers raised glasses for a toast (“Skál!”) of Brennivin, Iceland’s national drink.

“This will be a wonderful partnership,” Svanhildur Hólm Valsdóttir, Iceland’s ambassador to the U.S., said during the festivities.

Southwest vies for global reach

Southwest plans to announce at least one additional international airline partner in 2025, executives reiterated Wednesday. Beyond that, the carrier hopes a growing list of partners will give Rapid Rewards members more destinations to pick from.

“We’re having conversations with both additional transatlantic carriers as well as transpacific carriers,” Green acknowledged. “Ultimately, this is about giving customers choices, to expand the reach and breadth of the Southwest Airlines brand beyond the reach of the 737.”

Of course, not too long ago, none of this would have been possible.

In recent years, the airline has poured cash into modernizing its notoriously outdated technical infrastructure — investments meant to do everything from preventing another holiday 2022-esque meltdown to paving the way for changes like Southwest’s first redeye flights next month. Not to mention, of course, allowing for Southwest to kick off its most global foray yet — a once hard-to-imagine tie-up with an international partner.

“This is a new capability we have. And that’s what transformation is all about,” Watterson said. “And then we will make use of this as a normal course of business, we’ll add more gateways. A second partner. Third partner.”

Stay tuned …

Related reading:

• Your complete guide to maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards
• The best Southwest Airlines credit cards
• How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass
• What is Southwest Airlines elite status worth?
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• How to change or cancel a Southwest Airlines flight

Last year was a milestone year for Delta Air Lines’ portfolio of airport lounges. While the carrier technically only opened one new Sky Club — in late December, no less — it made waves with high-spending travelers by debuting its first-ever business class-only outposts at three of its biggest coastal hubs.

Delta plans to continue that expansion in 2025, the carrier said Tuesday, sharing new details about its fourth Delta One Lounge facility, along with seven additional new, expanded or refreshed traditional Sky Clubs across its network.

You’ll find all the information on the opening, growing and improving outposts below:

Fourth Delta One Lounge

Between mid-summer and early December last year, Delta cut the ribbon on its first three Delta One Lounge facilities.

Today, you’ll find those swanky lounges at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

Read more: Delta One private security opens at JFK, with direct link to high-end lounge

Later this spring, a fourth is on the way.

The Delta One Lounge planned for Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is slated to open in May, the carrier said Tuesday.

At just under 11,000 square feet, this Delta One facility will be far smaller than the flagship JFK lounge. Instead, it’ll be more comparable in size to the LAX one that opened in October.

Slated to open in conjunction with a new Sky Club at SEA, you’ll find the new Delta One Lounge near Gate 11 in Concourse A.

The facility will include an open-air terrace featuring views of Mount Rainier, the carrier said Tuesday.

Each of the three Delta One Lounges open so far have been highly distinct, boasting some of the most memorable food, beverage and amenity offerings of any airline-branded outposts in the U.S.

It’s a likely bet Delta will aim to maintain that standard as it opens its second premium club on the West Coast.

New Seattle Sky Club

As mentioned, it’s not just a Delta One Lounge coming to its Pacific Northwest hub.

Seattle will also get a second Sky Club, which will open as part of the same “complex” housing the Delta One facility.

The new 14,000 square foot Sky Club will be located directly beneath the business class-only outpost, Delta Sky Club operations director Tim Genovese told me in a recent interview.

“It’ll be stacked on top of one another. It will have an upper floor for our Delta One, and then the Sky Club will be on the lower level,” Genovese said.

Value check: Are airline credit cards worth it anymore?

Again, mark your calendars for May for that dual lounge opening.

This Sky Club will be the second for Delta in Seattle — meaning, the hub will have a total of three Delta-branded lounges once these two new outposts open.

Salt Lake City gets an even larger Sky Club

When Delta opened a 28,000 square foot Sky Club at its Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) hub in 2020, it was — at the time — the largest lounge in its network.

Now, the airline plans to top that Concourse A club with a new, even larger outpost on SLC’s Concourse B.

Later this year, Delta plans to debut a 34,000 square foot Sky Club that will likewise rank among the largest in its network today (This one will be slightly smaller than the expanded Sky Club at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, not to mention the 40,000 square foot JFK Delta One Lounge).

Delta is targeting a late-2025 opening for its new Salt Lake City facility — specifically, sometime between October and the end of the year.

1 new Atlanta Sky Club, 3 renovated ones

For the first time in nine years, Delta will debut a brand-new Sky Club at its Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) home base.

As part of a renovation of the airport’s Concourse D, Atlanta’s dominant airline will unveil a new, 23,000 square foot club near Gate D16. That’ll be the first entirely new Delta lounge at its home base since 2016.

This outpost is slated to debut sometime this spring.

Delta’s also planning to give a facelift to its Sky Clubs in the A and C concourses, the airline said.

Today, the carrier operates nine Sky Clubs in its home city.

Not seen in Delta’s 2025 lounge plans: any mention of a Delta One Lounge at its mega hub.

Executives have teased the possibility of a higher-end outpost there:  “We’re looking,” Delta lounge chief Claude Roussel told me in October.

But it appears, as of now, that no such plans are in the works for this year.

Philly expansion

Finally, Delta plans to expand its lounge footprint in prime competitor territory.

By the final three months of 2025, the carrier hopes to complete a 2,000 square foot expansion of its Sky Club near the Terminal D/E connector at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

With that announcement, it’s safe to say 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Philly on the lounge front. American Airlines, which operates a fortress hub at PHL, already announced plans to open a Flagship Lounge at the airport later this year.

Access rules tightening

For all the excitement about new and expanded lounges, it’s important to note that February will bring a far less welcome Sky Club change for many frequent Delta flyers.

SkyMiles members who get their lounge access via an American Express credit card will be limited to 10 or 15 visits per calendar year, depending on the card.

You can read more, here, about Sky Club access rules, and the upcoming changes that go live on Feb. 1. 

Editor’s note: This story’s headline was updated to reflect Delta’s plans to open, expand or upgrade a total of eight lounges across its network in 2025.

Related reading:

• The best credit cards for airport lounge access
• The ultimate guide to getting Delta Sky Club access
• The 7 do’s and don’ts in an airport lounge
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• 7 domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for
• Best Delta credit cards

If you thought a year’s worth of unlimited Virgin Voyages cruises in 2025 was epic, wait until you hear what the cruise line has cooked up for next year.

Virgin Voyages has amped up its Annual Pass, which allows travelers to hop on and hop off an unlimited number of sailings during a 12-month window. For 2026, the line will throw in a weeklong stay on Necker Island, Richard Branson’s private 74-acre retreat in the British Virgin Islands, complete with complimentary round-trip airfare and ferry transfers.

For reference, a weeklong Necker Island vacation for two typically starts at $43,610 ($6,230 per night for a Guest House room) — and that’s not accounting for airfare and transportation to the island.

However, that Annual Pass won’t come cheap. Cruisers (or Sailors, as the line calls them) will shell out a cool $199,000 per cabin for the unlimited cruise pass. (The cost for the 2025 pass was $120,000 per cabin.)

While $199,000 is a hefty sum, it does come with a slew of impressive perks, including a $10,000 onboard shopping spree and one privately hosted excursion each quarter (four per year), in addition to the Necker Island stay.

The cost for Annual Pass 2026 includes stays in Sea Terrace balcony cabins, which are a step up from inside and ocean-view cabins. The pass also includes a birthday upgrade to a RockStar Quarters suite (the line’s swankiest accommodations), personalized RockStar robes, and a beach, poolside or grove cabana at the line’s private beach club in Bimini (limited to 10 per year).

Expect other inclusive benefits like complimentary laundry services, premium Wi-Fi for two devices and a $100 Bar Tab credit (Virgin Voyages’ version of a beverage package) on each itinerary you sail. Also, when you book, you’ll immediately earn the line’s highest-tier loyalty status, Deep Blue Extras.

Virgin’s Annual Pass 2026 is valid for sailings on all of the line’s vessels, including Brilliant Lady, set to launch in September. It will be valid for booking through March 31, 2026. You can choose a start date of Jan. 1, Feb. 1, March 1 or April 1 for the 2026 pass, and it will be valid for 12 months from that date.

Note that taxes and port fees for each sailing aren’t included in the $199,000 price tag. You must pay those at the time of booking each voyage. Also, as mentioned above, the cost is per cabin. Therefore, solo passengers will still pay the full $199,000 (but need to pay only taxes and fees for one guest).

Looking for other ways to vacation on Necker Island for less? You can redeem 630,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points (plus pay $5,700) to score a three-night stay for two.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Back-to-school season is here, and it’s important for you (or your kids) to have the right supplies. That back-to-school list can sometimes run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars, from laptops to pencils and everything in between.

If you are looking to earn more points and miles or hit a minimum spending bonus, back-to-school shopping can be a great way to do so. Here are some of the best cards for back-to-school supplies (with a bonus card below):

• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Best for office supply stores
• Prime Visa: Best for Amazon purchases
• American Express® Gold Card: Best for supplies at U.S. supermarkets (subject to a spending cap)
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for general back-to-school purchases
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for low-annual-fee return
• Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees): Best for no-annual-fee return

Comparing the best cards

	Best for	Bonus earning
Ink Business Cash Credit Card	Office supply stores	5% cash back on up to $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and internet, cable, and phone services
American Express Gold Card	U.S. supermarket purchases	4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on up to $25,000 in purchases each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar). Terms apply
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express	Low-annual-fee return	6% cash back on your first $6,000 of purchases made at U.S. supermarkets*
Prime Visa	Amazon purchases	5% cash back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card/Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	General back-to-school purchases	Unlimited 2 miles per dollar on all purchases
Citi Double Cash Card	No-annual-fee return	Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay)

*Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

A closer look at each card

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Even if you don’t own your own business, you may be eligible for a business card like the Ink Business Cash.

Welcome offer: Earn $350 in cash back after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Plus, earn an additional $400 in cash back after spending $6,000 in the first six months of account opening.

Earning: The Ink Business Cash Credit Card offers a generous 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and internet, cable and phone services. Whether you are buying simple supplies or a computer, 5% is a great amount of savings.

Annual fee: None.

Why we like it: If you’re purchasing a computer from an office supply store, consider using this card. Along with the cash back, you will also have purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

Many people do not believe they can apply for a business card when in fact, they can. You can apply for a business credit card even if you’re a freelancer or have a side business.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Ink Business Cash.

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Apply here: Chase Ink Business Cash

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Prime Visa

If your family has a Prime subscription, you should consider the Prime Visa card.

Welcome offer: Receive a $100 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval.

Earnings: This card offers 5% cash back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases.

Annual fee: None, but a Prime subscription is required for approval.

Why we like it: If you’re planning to make significant purchases on Amazon, consider applying for the Amazon Prime Visa. The store that sells nearly everything from A to Z is bound to have things on your back-to-school list.

Additionally, the card comes with purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Prime Visa.

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Apply here: Amazon Prime Visa

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American Express Gold Card

Whether it’s buying groceries for your kids’ lunches or dinner from a fast food place on a busy night, the Amex Gold can help you rack up valuable points on your purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of cardmembership. You may be targeted for a higher offer via CardMatch; not everyone will be targeted for the same offers and offers may change at any time.

Earnings: With the American Express Gold Card, you can earn 4 points per dollar spent when shopping at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) or eating at your favorite restaurants (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees).

Why we like it: If you are looking for simple school supplies such as pens, pencils or paper, consider using this card to earn valuable American Express Membership Rewards at your local supermarket.

You’ll earn up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at select restaurants each calendar year (up to $10 monthly) and up to $120 in Uber Cash per calendar year (up to $10 monthly credits; card must be added in an Uber account and you must use an eligible Amex card to pay to receive your Uber Cash benefit). The card’s various perks can easily make up for the annual fee. Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Gold.

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Apply here: American Express Gold Card

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Capital One Venture Rewards and Capital One Venture X Rewards

Both the Capital One Venture Rewards and Capital One Venture X offer great benefits; the decision comes down to how much you’re willing to pay in annual fees.

Welcome offers: Both the Venture Rewards and Venture X have identical welcome offers. New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Earnings: Earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase.

Annual fee: $95 (Venture Rewards); $395 (Venture X Rewards)

Why we like them: Both of these cards offer at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which comes out to a 3.7-cent return on every dollar spent per TPG’s January 2025 valuations. Either card, if already in your wallet, is a great option for filling in the gaps on your back-to-school purchases.

To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Venture Rewards and Venture X.

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Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards
Learn more: Capital One Venture X

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Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

If you prefer earning cash back instead of points, consider the Blue Cash Preferred.

Welcome offer: Receive $250 back as a statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first six months of card membership.

Earnings: Earn 6% cash back on your first $6,000 of purchases made at U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 1%).

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees)

Why we like it: This card offers a whopping 6% cash back on your first $6,000 of purchases made at U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 1%), among other bonus categories. While you probably won’t be dropping six grand on pens and pencils this year, this card is a solid low-annual-fee alternative that’ll put cash right back into your wallet.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred.

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Apply here: Blue Cash Preferred

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Citi Double Cash Card

Sometimes, keeping it simple is best. If that’s what you want to do, the Citi Double Cash may just be for you.

Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on the card in the first three months of account opening.

Earnings: Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay.

Annual fee: $0

Why we like it: The Citi Double Cash is one of the best no-annual-fee cards on the market, essentially offering 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay). If you’re looking to add a card for cheap to bolster your back-to-school savings, this is the pick for you.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Citi Double Cash.

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Apply here: Citi Double Cash

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Using the Dell statement credit on The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Lastly, if you have The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll get a statement credit to use on eligible U.S. purchases from Dell.

You’ll get an up-to-$400 annual statement credit toward eligible U.S. Dell purchases each calendar year. That’s split up as a statement credit for up to $200 on U.S. Dell purchases between January and June and another credit for up to $200 on U.S. Dell purchases between July and December. Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.

This benefit has a current end date of June 30, 2025, so make sure to take that into account before applying for this card.

Related: 10 items you can buy with the Amex Business Platinum’s $400 Dell statement credit

Bottom line

The back-to-school season is already here. With supplies and essential expenses coming up for many people, now is the time to plan your strategy to help alleviate some of those costs.

In addition to using the best credit card, remember to maximize your rewards-earning on school supplies by taking advantage of other programs like shopping portals, Amex Offers, Chase Offers and discount codes.

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, click here

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

If you’re a young professional, you might be in search of a credit card that suits your current needs. Maybe you’re settling into your first big post-grad job or are building your own business from the ground up.

Whatever the case, finding the right credit card to match your financial situation, spending habits and travel goals can help you become a pro at the points, miles and cash back card game. To help get you started, we’ve compiled a list of the best credit cards for young professionals.

Best cards for young adults

• American Express® Gold Card: Best for foodies
• American Express® Green Card: Best for those who travel for work, leisure or “bleisure” (a combination of both)
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for frequent and casual travelers
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees): Best for a low annual fee and valuable transfer points
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for simple rewards and redemptions

The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

American Express Gold Card

Groceries and dining are generally two of a person’s biggest spending categories each month. If that sounds like you, consider the Amex Gold Card.

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of cardmembership. This welcome offer is worth $1,200 based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations.

You may be targeted for a higher offer through the CardMatch tool. Not everyone will be targeted for the same offers, and offers may change at any time.

Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)

Rewards:

• 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants (on up to $50,000 spent each calendar year; 1 point per dollar after that) and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent each calendar year; 1 point per dollar after that)
• 3 points per dollar spent on airfare, either booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com
• 2 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases through amextravel.com
• 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

Whether you’re going out with friends or learning to cook at home, you’re probably spending a decent portion of your money on food — and this card rewards you for it. It also offers 3 points per dollar spent on airfare, either purchased directly from an airline’s website or via American Express Travel, so you’ll earn solid rewards when you book your dream vacation or go home for the holidays.

If you aren’t sure where to start redeeming all those points, we have some suggestions.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Gold.

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Apply here: American Express Gold Card

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American Express Green Card

If you spend a lot on commuting and various travel expenses, consider the Amex Green.

Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of cardmembership. TPG’s January 2025 valuations peg these 40,000 points at $800.

Annual fee: $150

Rewards: 

• 3 points per dollar spent on travel, including hotels, flights, transit, tours, taxis and ride-hailing services
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

If you find yourself traveling more than you used to, this card deserves a spot in your wallet. It earns bonus points on travel, transit and dining at restaurants, so you’ll earn when you book a trip but also as you get around and explore all the great food while you’re there.

This card also makes your travel experience easier with perks like an up to $199 statement credit each calendar year to cover your Clear Plus membership and travel protections. Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.

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Learn more: American Express Green Card

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best mid-tier cards out there. If you’re serious about traveling with points and miles, you should strongly consider this card.

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. As of January 2025, TPG values this bonus at up to $1,230.

Annual fee: $95

Rewards:

• 5 points per dollar spent on all travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
• 3 points per dollar spent on select streaming services
• 3 points per dollar spent on online grocery purchases (excluding Target®, Walmart® and wholesale clubs)
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

If you’ve been paying attention, you probably know someone with this card. You’ve probably also seen us tell you how much you need to get it. And for good reason — this card really lives up to the hype.

Its additional earning on travel purchases and benefits like trip cancellation insurance and no foreign transaction fees earn it a label as a travel card, but it also works hard for you in your everyday spending.

Whether you’re dining out, streaming or traveling, you can count on this card to earn you some serious rewards.

There’s a $95 annual fee, but we happily pay that for the benefits this card carries.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

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Citi Strata Premier Card

If you want a card that covers a multitude of common spending categories, consider the Citi Strata Premier.

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. As of January 2025, TPG values this bonus at $1,350.

Annual fee: $95

Rewards:

• 3 points per dollar spent on air travel and hotels
• 3 points per dollar spent at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations
• 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants
• 3 points per dollar spent at supermarkets
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Citi Strata Premier is another excellent choice for earning bonus points for both travel and everyday spending. Citi ThankYou Points are versatile, allowing you to redeem them by transferring them to Citi’s airline or hotel transfer partners.

Between its welcome bonus and a wide variety of earning categories, this card will have you booking your next trip with points in no time.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Citi Strata Premier.

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Apply here: Citi Strata Premier Card

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

If you’re a Capital One fan looking for a solid mid-tier travel card, consider the Capital One Venture Rewards.

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. TPG’s January 2025 valuations peg this welcome offer at $1,388.

Annual fee: $95

Rewards:

• 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases

This card is great if you spend most of your paycheck on purchases that don’t generally fall under other bonus categories.

With the Venture Rewards card, you’ll earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend, whether that’s at the grocery store or to commission a portrait of your dog to hang in your new apartment.

You’ll love the option to redeem the miles you earn with this card by transferring them to any of Capital One’s 15-plus airline and hotel transfer partners. This card features bonus travel perks like a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit and no foreign transaction fees.

The card’s versatility and travel perks make it a great choice for young professionals.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.

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Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Bottom line

Committing to a credit card can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t been in the credit card game for very long. You know you have many options, but the key is to pick one that matches your travel goals and spending habits the best.

You really can’t go wrong with any one of these five cards. With everything from huge welcome bonuses to dining benefits, you’ll feel like a boss of credit in no time.

Related: Just got the Sapphire Preferred? Do this next

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Citi is a TPG advertising partner.

If you’re considering applying for a credit card, you’re probably wondering whether the current sign-up bonus is worth it.

Welcome offers can change frequently, and it can be hard to know whether the current offer on a card provides the value you’re looking for. There’s no easy answer to precisely when is the best time to apply for a card, but it does help to know what a card has offered in the past when evaluating the current offer.

We’ve rounded up the offer history on Citi’s most popular cards to help you find the best time to apply for each.

Best Citi credit card sign-up bonuses

Card	Best welcome offer we’ve seen	When to apply
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees)	Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening	When the bonus offer is 70,000 points or higher
Citi Custom Cash® Card	Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening	When the bonus offer is $200 cash back or higher
Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees)	Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months	If there is any cash-back welcome offer
Citi Rewards+® Card (see rates and fees)	Earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in purchases within three months of account opening. Plus, earn 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel Portal through June 30, 2024	When the bonus offer is 20,000 points or higher
Citi® /  AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening	When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)	Earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening	When the bonus offer is higher than 80,000 miles
Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,500 within the first three months of account opening	When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles

The information for the Citi Custom Cash and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite 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. 

Citi Strata Premier Card

The Citi Strata Premier card earns 3 points per dollar spent on gas purchases, dining, groceries, and air and hotel travel. With its simplified model and array of airline transfer partners, the Strata Premier makes earning points for travel hassle-free.

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
December 2024 to now	Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening	$1,350
April 2023 to November 2024	Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening A higher offer may be available at Citi.com	$1,260
January to April 2023	Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening	$1,080
July 2022 to January 2023	Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening	$1,440
December 2021 to July 2022	Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening	$1,080
October to December 2021	Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening	$1,440
March to October 2021	Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening	$1,080

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is 70,000 points or higher.

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Learn more: Citi Strata Premier

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Citi Custom Cash Card

With the Citi Custom Cash, you’ll earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% cash back after that. You’ll also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
June 2021 to now	Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.	$200

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is $200 cash back or higher.

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Learn more: Citi Custom Cash review

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Citi Double Cash Card

The Citi Double Cash Card takes all of the stress and complication out of credit card rewards. It offers a simple (yet lucrative) 2% on every purchase, unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases and straightforward cash-back redemption options.

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
November 2023 to now	Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.	$200
November 2022 to November 2023	No welcome offer	N/A
August to November 2022	Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.	$200
2014 to August 2022	No welcome offer	N/A

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

When to apply for this card: When there is any cash-back welcome offer.

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Learn more: Citi Double Cash Card

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Citi Rewards+ Card

Every purchase on the Citi Rewards+ Card rounds up to the nearest 10 points. Even a $2 coffee will earn 10 points, which can really stack up over time.

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
November 2024 to now	Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in purchases within three months of account opening. Plus, earn 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel Portal through December 31, 2025.	$360
July 2023 to November 2024	Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first three months of account opening.	$360
April to July 2023	Earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in purchases within three months of account opening. Plus, earn 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel Portal through June 30, 2024.	$450
October 2022 to April 2023	Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.	$360
April to September 2022	Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus 5 points per dollar on a bonus category (travel or restaurants) for $6,000 of spending in the first year.	$360
July 2021 to April 2022	Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.	$360
May to July 2021	Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.	$270

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is 20,000 points or higher.

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Learn more: Citi Rewards+ credit card

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Citi /  AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select‘s perks include access to preferred boarding, no foreign transaction fees and a free checked bag on domestic flights, making it an excellent choice for anyone who flies American Airlines regularly.

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
October 2024 to now	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$825
August 2024 to October 2024	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,238
April 2024 to August 2024	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$825
March 2024 to April 2024	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,238
February 2024 to March 2024	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$990
May 2023 to February 2024	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$825
April to May 2023	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases in the first four months of account opening.	$1,238
July 2022 to April 2023	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$825
June to July 2022	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,238
June 2019 to June 2022.	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$825
April to June 2019.	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$990
March to April 2019	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$825
November 2018 to March 2019	Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first three months and an extra 10,000 miles after spending a total of $6,000 in the first 12 months.	$825
May to November 2018	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$990
February to May 2018	Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$495
November 2017 to February 2018	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$990

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite 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.

When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles.

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Learn more: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select credit card

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Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is the elite card in the AAdvantage lineup. Recently, the card increased its perks as well as its annual fee. Cardholders enjoy a complimentary American Airlines Admirals Club membership, a value that alone more than makes up for the card’s $595 annual fee, as well as the addition of up to $240 in annual statement credits for Lyft and Grubhub.

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
July 2024 to now	Earn 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months of account opening.	$1,155
June 2024 to July 2024	Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$1,650
Sept. 2023 to June 2024	Earn 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months of account opening.	$1,155
July to Sept. 2023	Earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.	$1,650
December 2022 to July 2023	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$825
October to December 2022	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$1,320
October 2021 to October 2022	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$825
August to October 2021	Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 elite qualifying miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$885
July 2019 to August 2021	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$825

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is higher than 80,000 miles.

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Learn more: Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

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Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard

The Citi AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard is excellent for businesses with employees who frequently fly American Airlines. Its perks include a free checked bag on domestic flights, preferred boarding and the potential to earn a companion certificate.

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
October 2024 to now	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first five months of account opening.	$1,238
June to October 2024	Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening.	$1,072
April 2024 to June 2024	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first five months of account opening.	$1,238
August 2020 to April 2024	Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,072
May to August 2020	Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,155
March to May 2020	Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,072
October 2019 to March 2020	Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,155
July to October 2019	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$990
April to July 2019	Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,155

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles.

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Learn more: Citi AAdvantage Business credit card

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Bottom line

When you’re considering applying for a Citi card — or any card — you’ll want to determine whether its sign-up bonus provides substantial value.

Use our other offer history guides as a reference point as you evaluate the pros and cons of signing up for cards from the major issuers:

• The best time to apply for these popular travel credit cards
• The best time to apply for these popular American Express credit cards
• The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards
• The best time to apply for these popular Chase credit cards

While tens of thousands of Southern California residents grapple with this week’s unprecedented wildfires, the American Airlines AAdvantage program is encouraging frequent flyers to help by offering bonus AAdvantage miles on donations to the American Red Cross for a limited time.

Here’s what you need to know about this new offer.

Earn 10x AAdvantage miles on Red Cross donations

You can now earn 10 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on Red Cross donations when you give $25 or more through this page between now and Jan. 22. You can select where your donation goes: the California wildfires, general disaster relief, the Red Cross’ overall efforts (where it’s needed most) or local programs in your community.

Since TPG’s January 2025 valuations peg AAdvantage miles at 1.65 cents apiece, that’s an impressive 16.5% return — in addition to supporting a great cause.

AAdvantage miles are some of the hardest airline miles to earn — especially since AAdvantage ended its partnership with Bilt last year, meaning you can no longer transfer miles from any credit card programs.

The best credit cards for charitable donations

Don’t forget that, in addition to earning 10 AAdvantage miles per dollar, you can earn valuable rewards on the credit card you use to make your donation. We recommend paying with one of the best cards for donations, such as:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 2 Capital One miles per dollar on all purchases
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Earn 1.5% back on all purchases (or 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points if you also have a higher-end Chase card)
• Citi Double Cash® Card: Earn 2% cash back on purchases; 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay (see rates and fees)

If you’d like to cover your donation with points and miles, your points can currently go farther on charitable donations when you use Chase’s Pay Yourself Back feature. Instead of the usual 1 cent per point, you can get a value of 1.25 or 1.5 cents per point at select charities, including the American Red Cross, across many Chase cards through Mar. 31.

Bottom line

If you’re feeling helpless watching the California fires rage across news screens, donating is an easy way to help — and it’s even sweeter when you can maximize the rewards you earn. This is a great opportunity to earn more AAdvantage miles, which you can redeem for off-peak flights to Europe, luxurious business-class seats and more.

But don’t wait. This offer is only available through Jan. 22 — and the sooner you donate, the sooner those funds can start having an impact.