Dreaming of escaping to the beach on points? World of Hyatt's newest member promises to make your Caribbean dreams come true — whether that means an active vacation, restorative retreat or something in between.

And because Hyatt Vivid Cancun is an all-inclusive property, you can use World of Hyatt points to cover not just your lodging, but most food, drinks and activities during your stay.

Related: 25 best all-inclusive resorts in the world

Hyatt Vivid Cancun is now open

The hotel, formerly the family-friendly Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort, recently transitioned to the adults-only, all-inclusive Hyatt Vivid portfolio.

"The Hyatt Vivid brand was created for travelers who want an all-inclusive experience that feels more flexible, more locally connected and more reflective of how they travel today," Ana Tomicevic, Vice President of Global Brand for Hyatt Inclusive Collection, said in a press release. "Hyatt Vivid Cancun builds on that vision by blending destination-inspired experiences, effortless hospitality and a unique location that encourage guests to be fully present."

The experience starts with Hyatt Vivid Cancun's 416 rooms and suites, each of which features ocean views. For a more personalized stay, guests can upgrade to Vantage Club room types, offering premium accommodations, Vantage Club lounge access, dedicated concierge service and more.

Guests can tailor their experience with dining and activities, as well.

The resort boasts seven restaurants, ranging from Mediterranean fusion to contemporary pan-Asian to Italian classics, as well as seven bars. In keeping with the brand's focus on flexibility over formality, every stay includes unlimited a la carte dining with no reservations required plus 24-hour dining options. Unlimited natural fruit juices, soft drinks and international and domestic top-shelf spirits are also included.

According to the press release, Hyatt Vivid Cancun is "designed to balance movement, restoration, and social connection" and "invites guests to embrace wellbeing on their own terms."

That could mean staying active with a game of padel or pickleball, catching a wave in one of two surf pools or teeing off at the 18-hole golf course. On the other hand, guests may prefer to unwind at one of the hotel's three pools or ocean-view spa. The spa menu includes massages, facials, hydrotherapy and locally inspired treatments like a cacao ritual body wrap.

To help guests connect with the destination on a deeper level, Hyatt Vivid Cancun offers cooking classes, tequila tastings and art workshops inspired by local culture.

The resort's location within the gated Puerta del Mar community, overlooking the Caribbean Sea and Puerto Cancun marina, promises a tranquil beach setting just minutes from Cancun International Airport (CUN) and the Hotel Zone tourist district.

Bottom line

For travelers seeking a simplified vacation where most, if not all, costs are paid upfront, Hyatt Vivid Cancun is an option worth considering. The resort is now open, with nightly rates starting around $280 or 20,000 World of Hyatt points based on double occupancy.

While there's no shortage of business cards on the market, there are limited options for premium cards that provide value year after year.

Chase entered the premium business card market last year with the introduction of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees).

The popular Capital One Venture X Business and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express have been pillars of the premium business card market for years now.

All these cards have annual fees higher than $395, but they have perks and benefits that can easily help offset the annual fees.

Let's jump into which card is right for your business.

Interested in personal credit cards instead? Check out our review for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, review for the American Express Platinum Card® and review for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Comparison of the Venture X Business vs. Amex Business Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

***Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

****Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

^Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details.

Related: Your complete guide to travel protections on American Express cards

Venture X Business vs. Amex Business Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business welcome offer

All three cards have welcome offers worth at least triple their annual fee costs.

New applicants for the Venture X Business can earn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. TPG's August 2026 valuations peg Capital One miles at 1.85 cents apiece, making this welcome offer worth $2,775.

Meanwhile, with the Amex Business Platinum, new cardmembers can find out their offer and see if they're eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and they may not be eligible for an offer. TPG's August 2026 valuations peg Amex Membership Rewards points at 2 cents apiece, making this welcome offer worth up to $6,000.

Lastly, new applicants for the Sapphire Reserve for Business can earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. TPG's August 2026 valuations peg Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents apiece, making this welcome offer worth $4,100.

For more information, please see our welcome offer histories for American Express cards, Chase cards and Capital One cards.

Winner: Amex Business Platinum.

Venture X Business vs. Amex Business Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business Benefits

Here's a look at the benefits of each card at first glance:

^*We've excluded the Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck credits in this calcuation since they're only usable once every four years

*****Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

******Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

*******Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

********Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

^^Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details.

^^^Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply

Each card's standout benefit is lounge access. The Amex Business Platinum takes the cake, as it has unrivaled lounge access with the Global Lounge Collection. However, the Venture X Business and the Sapphire Reserve for Business offer excellent lounge access with their own ever-expanding lounge networks of Capital One lounges and Sapphire Lounges. And all the cards include a Priority Pass membership (enrollment required).

Additionally, the Sapphire Reserve for Business offers the best guest lounge access, hands down. Cardholders can bring two complimentary guests with them into Sapphire lounges. Amex Business Platinum Card members can unlock Centurion Lounge guest access by spending $75,000 or more on their card in a calendar year. Lastly, Venture X Business cardholders will have to spend $75,000 or more per year to unlock guest access, which mirrors the Amex Business Platinum's lounge guest access policy. Regardless of spending, with either of the cards, you'll receive two complimentary guests when visiting Priority Pass lounges.

Additionally, each card has some variation of an annual travel credit. The Amex Business Platinum is the most restrictive, as it is an airline incidentals credit, and you have to designate one airline to use it on. It covers things like checked bags and seat assignments, but it generally won't cover ticket purchases. The Venture X Business annual travel credit is very straightforward to use, with the only caveat being that you have to book travel via the Capital One Business Travel portal. Lastly, the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business has the easiest credit to use, as it will cover anything that Chase broadly defines as travel, including parking, tolls and ferries. This credit is automatic, and you don't have to book through a travel portal.

All these cards also have numerous hotel perks, with two including automatic elite status and all of them having access to luxury hotel booking platforms like Capital One's Premier Collection and Lifestyle Collection, Chase's The Edit and American Express' Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection. When booking through these platforms, you'll receive elitelike benefits and on-property credits.

Lastly, all three cards have excellent travel and purchase protections. The Amex Business Platinum and the Sapphire Reserve for Business offer slightly more protections than the Venture X Business in case your travel plans go awry. However, the Sapphire Reserve for Business takes the cake out of the three, as it offers the most robust protections.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business. It slightly beats the Amex Business Platinum in the total value of its statement credits. It also has slightly better travel protections.

Earning on the Venture X Business vs. Amex Business Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business

All these business cards are great for earning flexible currencies. The Venture X Business earns:

• 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel (18.5% return)
• 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel (9.25% return)
• 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases (3.7% return)

The Amex Business Platinum earns:

• 5 points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked with amextravel.com (10% return)
• 2 points per dollar spent on purchases of $5,000 or more and in select business categories in the U.S. — construction material and hardware suppliers, electronics goods retailers, software and cloud system providers, and shipping providers — on up to $2 million of purchases in a calendar year, then 1 point per dollar (4% return)
• 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases (2% return)

The Sapphire Reserve for Business has the most bonus categories earning:

• 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel purchases (16.4% return)
• 5 points per dollar spent on eligible Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027 (10.25% return)
• 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly (8.2% return)
• 3 points per dollar spent on advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines (6.15% return)
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases (2.05% return)

The Venture X Business offers the simplest earnings with miles, and you'll earn at least 2 miles on every purchase. The Amex Business Platinum earning rates are not the strongest, as they only offer bonus earnings of more than 1 point per dollar spent on purchases over $5,000 and flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel. These earning rates can be limiting for businesses if you don't routinely have large purchases or like to book travel through an online travel agency.

The Sapphire Reserve for Business offers the most bonus-earning categories and can be a great option for businesses with high advertising spending, as there is no spending cap on the advertising bonus category. Additionally, the Reserve for Business offers businesses the flexibility to book hotels and flights directly and earn the most bonus rewards out of the three cards.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business. It offers the most bonus categories and is the only card with elevated earnings on advertising and direct hotel and flight purchases.

Related: Best credit cards for advertising

Redeeming rewards on the Venture X Business vs. Amex Business Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business

With all three cards, you can redeem your rewards earned for cash back, Amazon purchases, gift cards and travel booked through each issuer's respective travel portal. However, with these options, redemption rates aren't favorable. They're much lower than TPG's August 2026 valuations and, in some cases, even lower than 1 cent per point or mile.

All three cards have transfer partners in each of the three major airline alliances: Oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance. Additionally, every card has at least one domestic airline transfer partner.

The Venture X Business allows you to redeem miles at 1 cent per mile for travel booked via the Capital One Business Travel portal. You can also redeem miles to cover recent travel purchases at 1 cent per mile.

With the Amex Business Platinum, you can redeem points to cover purchases at 0.60 cents per point, or you can use them to book travel via Amex Travel at a rate of 0.70 cents per point for prepaid hotels and 1 cent per point for flights. You also have the Pay with Points perk via Amex Travel that gives you 35% of your points back (up to 1 million per year; enrollment required) on your designated airline, regardless of cabin class.

With the Sapphire Reserve for Business, points can be used to book travel directly through Chase Travel at a value of up to 2 cents per point, depending on the specific redemption, with the new Points Boost redemption feature. Points Boost offers elevated redemption rates of more than 1 cent per point on select Chase Travel redemptions. Select flight and hotel redemptions can be made at a rate between 1.5 to 2 cents per point.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business. Your points with Chase are potentially worth the most when redeeming through a travel portal.

Related: Cashing in Capital One miles? How to get the maximum value when redeeming miles

Transferring rewards on the Venture X Business vs. Amex Business Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business

With any of these cards, your best bet for the highest redemption value is to transfer your rewards to partners.

Venture X Business cardholders have access to Capital One's roster of 15-plus transfer partners. Popular partners include Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles and Singapore KrisFlyer.

Amex Business Platinum Card members have access to Amex's roster of 16 airlines and four hotel partners. Popular partners include Air Canada Aeroplan, Delta SkyMiles and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

I tend to transfer points earned with my Business Platinum Card to Delta SkyMiles to take advantage of that program's frequent award flash sales.

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, you'll have access to Chase's 14 transfer partners. Popular partners include British Airways Club, Southwest Rapid Rewards and World of Hyatt.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business. The Chase business card takes the edge, as it offers outstanding value with hotel partners and is the only card to have World of Hyatt as a partner.

Related: Credit card transfer partners: Guide to transferring points and miles to airlines and hotels

Should I get the Venture X Business, Amex Business Platinum or Sapphire Reserve for Business?

Just because the Venture X Business has the lowest annual fee doesn't mean it's the worst card out of the three. For business owners looking for simplicity with earnings, lounge access and an annual travel credit, the Venture X Business is a solid option.

However, if you want more perks like statement credits, automatic elite status and the best lounge access, the Amex Business Platinum is your pick.

If you want lounge access with the best guest access and the most bonus earnings categories, you should opt for the Sapphire Reserve for Business.

Bottom line

If you're looking for a business rewards card, these options are all great. Any of them would be a solid addition to your wallet. The Venture X Business has a much lower annual fee and comes loaded with perks; however, the Amex Business Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business simply offer more value with more statement credits and elite status. If you're really looking to maximize points and miles earning potential, you could add two or even all three cards to your wallet.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Amex Business Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business and Capital One Venture X Business.

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Both the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees) and the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees) are strong small-business options, with flat-rate or bonus-category earning structures that can add up quickly.

And new applicants of either card can currently earn $1,000 in bonus cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. That's the highest welcome offer we've seen on these cards.

Keep in mind that these are business credit cards. You don't need a large company with employees to qualify — even freelancers, sole proprietors and those with side gigs may be eligible. However, you will need a legitimate business to apply.

Turn cash back into Chase points

While the Ink Business Unlimited and Ink Business Cash technically earn cash back, you can convert that cash back into Chase Ultimate Rewards points if you also hold a premium card such as a Sapphire card or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees).

Doing so can dramatically boost value, since points can be redeemed for travel at elevated rates or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

(Note that while the Chase Ink Business Premier® Credit Card (see rates and fees) is also a cash-back card, its cash back cannot be converted into points.)

Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Welcome bonus: Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

This is the highest offer we've seen on this card.

Annual fee: $0

Earning rate: 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Who should apply: The Ink Business Unlimited is a great option for small businesses and sole proprietors who don't have spending concentrated in specific spending categories. Regardless of category, you'll get a flat 1.5% on purchases.

While it's not the best flat-rate option for business owners, it does come in handy if you have Chase Ultimate Rewards points-earning credit cards to turn that 1.5% cash back into 1.5 points per dollar (a 3.1% return, based on TPG's August 2026 valuations).

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.

Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Welcome bonus: Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

This is the best offer we've seen on this card.

Annual fee: $0

Earning rates:

• 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services (on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year)
• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Who should apply: The Ink Business Cash is great for anyone who spends a lot at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services. These are common expenses for many small businesses, so most business owners should be able to maximize rewards with this card.

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

Apply here: Ink Business Cash

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

According to TPG's valuations, this welcome bonus is worth $2,050 when you take advantage of Chase's transfer partners. Other redemption options include redeeming your points through Chase Travel℠ and for cash back, but these options offer less value: up to $1,750 (depending on your booking) and $1,000, respectively.

This bonus is one of the better offers we've seen for the card, so any time it's offering at least 100,000 points (as is currently the case) is considered a good time to apply.

Annual fee: $95

Earning rates:

• 3 points per dollar on shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, travel, and advertising purchases with social media and search engines (on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases across these categories each year, then 1 point per dollar)
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

Who should apply: Small-business owners with significant spending in the above bonus categories will be happy to earn up to 450,000 points per year on those purchases. This card also provides access to Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners, so it can provide value even without pairing it with another Chase card.

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.

Apply here: Ink Business Preferred

Ink Business Premier Credit Card

Welcome bonus: Earn $1,000 in bonus cash back after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

This has been the standard bonus on this card since it launched in late 2021; we have not seen any elevated offers, so now is a good time to apply.

Annual fee: $195

Earning rates:

• 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more
• 2% cash back on all other purchases

Who should apply: This card is ideal for small-business owners looking for a card with a flexible spending limit. That means you must pay the bill in full each month and cannot carry a balance. If you can pay your balance in full each month, you'll enjoy the unlimited earning potential on this card.

It's worth noting, however, that the rewards from this card cannot be combined with Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning cards.

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Premier.

Apply here: Ink Business Premier

Are these bonuses worth it?

One of these cards could be worth considering if you have a major purchase coming up that you want to use to earn one of these welcome bonuses, or if you want to take advantage of their earning rates sooner rather than later.

While these cards won't add to your Chase 5/24 total, you need to be under that number to apply for any cards with Chase. If you've opened five or more credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months, you will likely be declined when applying.

Business credit cards — or cards with significant welcome bonuses — tend to have higher spending requirements to achieve the bonus. If you can meet that requirement, the welcome bonus is almost always worth the effort.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Are you eligible for a Chase Ink welcome bonus?

If you currently have or previously had a specific Ink card, you may not be eligible for that same card's welcome bonus. However, having one Ink card doesn't necessarily prevent you from earning a welcome bonus on a different Ink card.

For example, if you previously held the Ink Business Preferred, you may not be able to earn a welcome bonus on that card. But, you should still be eligible for a welcome offer on another Ink card, such as the Ink Business Unlimited or Ink Business Cash.

You'll also need to be under 5/24, meaning you've opened fewer than five new credit cards across issuers in the past 24 months. While Chase has never publicly acknowledged this rule, they do enforce it.

Finally, you must have some type of business to qualify for an Ink card, since they are business credit cards. You don't need to own a fully-fledged corporation; freelancing, gig work and sole proprietorships may qualify.

Bottom line

If you can combine your rewards with an existing Ultimate Rewards account, these bonus offers are even more valuable. While you do have to consider 5/24 when applying, it's certainly worth looking at these current offers.

Most small businesses should be able to hit the spending threshold to take advantage of any of the bonuses. One of the Ink Business cards could be a good fit depending on your spending patterns and business needs.

Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited
Apply here: Ink Business Cash
Apply here: Ink Business Preferred
Apply here: Ink Business Premier

There's an outstanding deal available on many of the rewards-earning credit cards that lots of us already have in our wallets, and it has already saved me close to $400 in the last few weeks alone, with more savings still to come.

Before I tell you what this deal is, I want to share a caveat. Even I ignored this deal at first, as it sounded like a complication I didn't need in my life at that time.

So if that's your first reaction, try not to let it be your last if saving a few hundred dollars on everyday spending over the next few weeks would help your budget.

The deal comes from a new mobile wallet called Paze. Think of Paze as sort of a new version of PayPal, Venmo or Apple Pay. It's a middleman between your money and some of the retailers you visit.

Likely to build more name recognition, buzz and traction around the new service, Paze has a really interesting promotion you can take advantage of until Sept. 10.

You can get a $10 statement credit back on $10+ transactions per card when you check out using Paze at the short but growing list of Paze-enabled retailers, such as Domino's, Sephora, Whataburger and Wendy's.

And here's the best part: You can trigger the $10 statement credit up to 10 times per card. That translates to up to $100 in savings per eligible card on rewards cards issued from banks such as Chase, Citi, Capital One, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank and Bank of America, which is a pretty outstanding lineup.

So for the past few weeks, my family has been getting $10 off each transaction on $6.99 one-topping pizzas at Domino's, on grilled chicken sandwich meals at Whataburger, on chili and potatoes at Wendy's, on $10 e-gift cards in the Dunkin app and on face masks at Sephora, to name a few.

With two kids at home this summer, we hit this deal hard and may or may not have done things like order our family's lunch at Whataburger in multiple $10-$12 transactions to maximize the statement credits. In reverse 'Price is Right' rules, you need to go over the $10 mark, but if you want the credit to be as impactful as possible, you don't go too far over.

In total, we've had at least $360 in credits posted to a cross-section of cards so far. We'll likely have $100-$200 more we may use before the deal ends on Sept. 10. So yes, that likely means more Dunkin' coffee, and I'm not mad at that one bit.

A few eligible Paze retailers include:

• Domino's
• Dunkin'
• Whataburger
• Wendy's
• Little Caesars
• Macy's
• Newegg
• Sephora
• StubHub
• United Airlines
• ShopRite

Note that there are some restrictions on what is and isn't eligible. For example, third-party gift cards sold via Newegg are not eligible, but mostly it's been eligible for use on everyday things I've bought from other retailers.

Tips for using Paze to earn $10 statement credits

To get Paze set up, you may need to verify some of the cards by entering the three-digit CVV code on the back of each card at checkout. You likely won't have to set up the cards from scratch, though, since Paze may already have many of your cards linked through its bank integrations.

When you check out at an eligible retailer, be sure to use the Paze option and pay with a card in your Paze wallet that hasn't already hit the 10-transaction cap for the $10 statement credits.

Here's what that looks like on the Sephora website.

With some retailers, Paze is only available as a payment option on their website or in their app, not both.

You also sometimes need to expand the list of payment options to see Paze. You'll also want to ensure the $10 statement credit banner appears at checkout, as shown below.

TPG tip: As a nice bonus, on top of the $10 statement credits, you can also earn 10 points per dollar on Paze transactions if you're using an eligible Chase card (on up to $1,500 per month) through the end of the year.

Here are the details on how that promo works.

Is this too much hassle for saving $10 at a time, or a kind of fun way to keep expenses low this summer? Maybe a little of both.

Once I got Paze set up and got the hang of it, it's actually been mostly fun. I'll tell the kids things like, "You can have anything you want for dinner, as long as it's kind of free!" And they know exactly what that means.

And as an added perk, I've racked up a fair number of rewards in the respective Sephora, Whataburger, Domino's, Wendy's and Dunkin' loyalty programs over the last few weeks. So I'm often not just getting the $10 statement credit back via Paze, but earning or using more deals and rewards at the same time.

Bottom line

With the price of ... almost everything ... being what it is, I'll happily use up $10 statement credits available via Paze on some easy meals on the go, under-eye face masks, etc., this summer.

My cholesterol may be ready for a break once this deal ends on Sept. 10, but in the meantime, I'll keep using the available $10 statement credits on as many of my rewards cards as I can.

Alaska Airlines is adding two more European destinations to its route map as the carrier's global expansion picks up speed.

Nonstop flights from Seattle to Athens, Greece, and Paris will begin in May, giving the carrier a total of five destinations in Europe.

Until 2025, Alaska Airlines had never flown beyond North America and Hawaii. Now, with the addition of Athens and Paris, it will serve a total of seven intercontinental destinations — two in Asia (Tokyo and Seoul, South Korea) and five in Europe (London, Rome and Reykjavik are the others).

But Alaska's 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines set the stage for its overseas expansion. Using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners originally ordered by Hawaiian, Alaska set out to become the nation's fourth major global airline, using its Seattle hub as a launch pad for its new intercontinental service.

As for the addition of Athens and Paris, Alaska described the cities as "two of the world's most iconic destinations that rank among the most requested by Atmos Rewards members" — the latter underscoring how frequent flyer sentiment is increasingly driving airline decisions on where to fly.

New airline math: How your points and miles are shaping where your favorite carrier flies

"We fly where our guests aspire to go, and Athens and Paris have been high on that list for years," Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said in a statement. "As we build to more than 12 international long-haul routes from Seattle in the coming years, we're giving travelers more ways to connect to the world and more opportunities to use Atmos Rewards."

Alaska Airlines' new service to Athens

With its Athens service, Alaska will become the first airline ever to offer regularly scheduled service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Athens International Airport (ATH). Alaska adds that it will become the only carrier to fly to the Greek capital from the West Coast.

The service will be seasonal, beginning May 12 and operating three times a week into October. Alaska says the 6,196-mile route will be the longest one ever flown by the airline.

Flight details are as follows:

Lie-flat upgrades, valuable points: Why the newest US airline loyalty program won a TPG Award in 2026

Alaska Airlines' new service to Paris

Alaska Airlines will fly to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), where it will go head-to-head with both Air France and Delta Air Lines.

Alaska notes that the city is "one of the most searched destinations on alaskaair.com." Seasonal service will begin May 25, with five weekly flights running until the service ends in October.

The route is timed to allow for same-day connections between Paris and Honolulu, the main base for the Hawaiian Airlines brand and Alaska Air Group's second-busiest hub.

Beyond 'visual expression': Alaska's plans for the Hawaiian Airlines brand

Related reading:

• The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
• Best airline credit cards
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• The 8 best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations

With an American Express card that earns Amex Membership Rewards points, cardholders can redeem points through American Express Travel for hotels (including vacation rentals), car rentals, cruises and flights, or opt to use their points for statement credits, gift cards and more.

Whether you're a points expert or not, you can also maximize your Amex Membership Rewards points by transferring them to Amex's airline and hotel partners. With many options to redeem and maximize your hard-earned points, your Amex rewards are extremely valuable.

Here's how to redeem points, maximize Amex benefits and find the best Amex cards for earning Membership Rewards points.

What are Amex Membership Rewards points?

Membership Rewards points are the rewards currency of American Express. If you have an Amex card that earns Membership Rewards points, you will earn them for everyday spending, just as you would earn airline miles with an airline-branded card or hotel points with a hotel-branded card. Plus, depending on your Amex card, you can also earn bonus points in certain spending categories.

How much are Amex Membership Rewards points worth?

In the world of points and miles, American Express Membership Rewards points are considered some of the most valuable and useful points you can earn because of their flexibility. Per TPG's August 2026 valuations, Amex points are worth 2 cents apiece.

However, that doesn't mean you'll always get exactly 2 cents of value per point. The value you receive depends on how you redeem your Membership Rewards points. Transferring them to Amex's airline and hotel partners can provide the best opportunity to meet or exceed TPG's valuation, especially when booking high-value award travel.

Other redemption options typically provide less value. For example, you'll generally get 1 cent per point when redeeming Membership Rewards points for flights through Amex Travel, while some hotel and non-travel redemptions can provide less than 1 cent per point.

Ultimately, TPG's 2-cent valuation serves as a benchmark to help you determine whether you're getting good value from your Membership Rewards points.

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

How do I earn Amex Membership Rewards points?

The easiest way to earn many Membership Rewards points is to apply for a Membership Rewards-earning American Express card.

Earning Membership Rewards points from cards

Here's a look at the welcome offer, bonus-category structure and annual fee for each of the six most valuable Membership Rewards cards to help you choose the best Amex card.

The information for the American Express Classic 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.

Can I get a Membership Rewards welcome bonus if I've had the card before?

Generally, no. American Express typically limits cardmembers to one welcome bonus per card per lifetime. So, if you've previously had a particular Amex card, you generally won't be eligible to earn its welcome bonus again.

There are also family restrictions on the personal Membership Rewards cards. If you have or previously had the Amex Platinum, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer on the Amex Gold. Because of this restriction, if you want to earn the welcome offers on both the Amex Platinum and Amex Gold (not the Amex Classic Green since it is no longer accepting applications), it's generally best to apply for the Amex Gold and then the Amex Platinum.

There can be exceptions, including targeted offers without lifetime language. Amex will also generally notify you during the application process if you're not eligible for the welcome offer, giving you the option to withdraw your application before proceeding.

Other ways to earn Membership Rewards points

Once you have one (or more) of the above cards, there are additional options for earning Amex points. The first is leveraging Rakuten, one of TPG's favorite online shopping portals. Through Rakuten, you can opt to earn cash back or Membership Rewards points.

If you don't have an account, you can sign up and enjoy a standard one-time bonus of $30 when you spend at least $30 within 90 days of becoming a member.

You can also earn Amex Membership Rewards points through referral bonuses. You'll receive a set number of points when someone uses your referral link and is approved. Keep in mind that rewards earned through referral bonuses are taxable.

Amex Membership Rewards transfer partners

Since you can transfer Membership Rewards points to 16 airline and four hotel transfer partners, you can search for award travel on almost every major route and city worldwide.

Thus, earning Membership Rewards points is usually more lucrative than earning miles or points in a single airline or hotel loyalty program. Remember, you are not locked into one transfer partner — you can send some points to one program and then some to another.

Below, we've listed all those partners, the transfer ratios and the transfer times discovered in our testing.

If you haven't done so, link your transfer partner accounts to your Membership Rewards account now. This will prevent future delays when you need to make a quick transfer.

The best ways to redeem Amex Membership Rewards points

To get the most value from your points, you will want to transfer them to partners.

Here are just a few of our favorite redemptions:

• Fly to Hawaii on points and miles: Transfer your Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles, and you'll pay as little as 18,200 SkyMiles for a one-way flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).
• Save on business-class award flights: Singapore Airlines operates two of the world's longest flights, one from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and another from SIN to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). You won't want to spend 18 hours in an uncomfortable seat, so transfer your Membership Rewards points to the Singapore KrisFlyer program to book business-class flights. Both routes cost 117,000 KrisFlyer miles one-way (plus taxes and fees), a small price for comfort on such a long flight.
• Transfer to Iberia Club: On off-peak dates, you can fly from JFK and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Spain's Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) for just 16,000 Avios in economy, 29,500 Avios in premium economy and 40,500 Avios in business class each way.
• Transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue: Book business-class flights from North America to Europe starting at just 60,000 Flying Blue miles each way.

Just remember that transfers are irreversible, so you should transfer your Amex points only after you've confirmed the award space for the flight or hotel you want.

For more information on maximizing your Amex points for travel, check out our guide to sweet spots and more with Membership Rewards points.

Additionally, you can use your points to book virtually any travel through the Amex Travel platform. You usually receive 1 cent per Amex point. This is an OK value, but not a spectacular way to redeem your points. It's still better than the redemptions we're about to get into, however.

Poor-value ways to redeem Membership Rewards points

Unfortunately, several options for redeeming your points represent less-than-stellar value and should typically be avoided if you want to maximize your hard-earned Amex Membership Rewards.

Some of these options include:

• Using points for charges: This is like a cash-back option covering eligible charges on your billing statement. You can view the list of eligible charges on your current online statement. With this option, you'll only receive 0.6 cents per point.
• Using Pay with Points at checkout: After linking your Membership Rewards account with online merchants like Amazon, Best Buy and Grubhub, you can pay for your purchases at a slightly better (but still poor) value of 0.7 cents per point. Although this option can sometimes be useful for promotions, you may want to turn this off to prevent accidental use of your points.
• Redeeming for taxi rides in New York City: You can redeem points for certain New York City taxi fares at a value of 1 cent per point.
• Redeeming for gift cards: Depending on the merchant, these redemptions range from 0.5 cents to 1 cent per point.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions we've seen about Amex Membership Rewards.

How do I transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to airlines?

To transfer Membership Rewards points, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Amex account.
2. Go to the rewards section.
3. Go to the transfer section under rewards.
4. Ensure the loyalty program you want to transfer your points to is linked.
5. Select the partner you want to transfer to and initiate the transfer.

It's important to note that once you make a transfer, you cannot reverse it.

Are there fees or taxes when I use Amex Membership Rewards points?

While there are no fees to use Amex Membership Rewards points, there is an excise tax offset fee of $0.0006 per point, with a maximum of $99. This fee applies only when transferring points to one of Amex's U.S.-based airline partners, such as Delta SkyMiles or JetBlue TrueBlue.

Can you pool or share Amex points?

If you have multiple Membership Rewards points-earning cards, the points will all be pooled in your Amex account. However, Amex doesn't allow you to transfer points between accounts, even if it's between family members. Amex also doesn't allow you to transfer your points to a partner program in someone else's name, except for an authorized user on your Membership Rewards account who has been on the account for at least 90 days.

Do Membership Rewards points expire?

Membership Rewards points do not expire, provided you keep at least one card open that earns them. If you cancel all of your Amex Membership Rewards cards, you must redeem or transfer your points before closing the last card. Otherwise, you will forfeit the points.

Can you buy Amex Membership Rewards points?

You generally can't purchase Membership Rewards points outright. However, if you're short on points for an eligible redemption, Amex may give you the option to purchase additional points to top up your balance.

This typically isn't the most cost-effective way to acquire Membership Rewards points, since the purchase price exceeds TPG's current valuation of Amex points. Still, it could make sense if you only need a small number of points to complete a valuable redemption.

Bottom line

Thanks to Amex's generous card offers, Membership Rewards points are easy to earn and redeem. They're also easy to use with a variety of transfer partners.

Whether you choose to splurge on a European getaway or use your points to visit family in another state, having Membership Rewards points at your disposal can help you save money.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus Card, click here.

Who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me? We all know the response to that oft-repeated refrain is "Mickey Mouse," but "The Mickey Mouse Club" isn't the only fan club Mickey heads up.

Disney's most devoted fans belong to D23, the official Disney fan club. The "D" should be self-explanatory, and the "23" represents 1923, the year The Walt Disney Company was founded.

D23 serves many purposes, but one of the most important is keeping fans connected to what they love most about Disney — even from afar. Whether you visit Disney theme parks every week or only once a year, a D23 membership is your key to Disney's magical kingdom.

What is D23?

Launched in 2009 under former Disney president and CEO Bob Iger, D23 celebrates Disney's beloved characters, stories and experiences while also providing a new way for fans to connect over their shared love of Disney parks, movies, TV shows, characters, style, books, music, history or all of the above.

Today, D23 has more than 1.8 million members worldwide who receive perks like access to studio tours, movie screenings and other events, dining, merchandise and theme park discounts, exclusive sweepstakes, a newsletter with the latest news and behind-the-scenes details and the chance to extend their fandom beyond their park visits.

D23 members can also attend "D23: The Ultimate Fan Event," held every two years in Anaheim, California. Officially, the biannual event is where Disney announces all the new lands and attractions coming to its global theme parks. But for those who attend, the three-day event is much more than that.

Related: Every new land and attraction just announced for Disneyland and Disney World in 2027 and beyond

I should know because I count myself among them. I just returned from this year's D23 fan event, which took place Aug. 14-16, 2026. I learned firsthand from Walt Disney Imaginers about the projects they are working on, stood in an hourlong line to procure exclusive merchandise, and, yes, listened attentively as Thomas Mazloum, chairman of Disney Experiences, dropped announcement after announcement about what's being planned and built at Disney's theme parks.

If all of this sounds like the Dole Whip on top of your POG juice float, it might be time to become a card-carrying member of the D23 fan club.

How to join D23

Becoming a member is easy and (potentially) free. You can join online, and there are two basic membership types to choose from: General and Gold. There are three levels within Gold with slightly different offerings, but we'll get into that in a moment.

Read through the options before you join, because you may be eligible for a free Gold membership if you have a Disney+ account.

D23 Membership benefits

A D23 General Membership is free and comes with select discounts and events, sweepstakes and a weekly email newsletter.

The various Gold Memberships include additional discounts, special event access and a welcome gift. That is really the only area where the Gold membership levels differ.

How to get a free D23 Gold Membership

There is one additional Gold Membership level I have yet to mention, available exclusively to Disney+ members — the D23 Gold Member Monthly Plan. This comes with most of the perks of a D23 Gold Membership, and you can sign up through the "Perks" section of your Disney+ account.

The only benefits you won't have access to are the physical pins, magnets and other gifts and events that are open only to Gold Members.

Related: The best credit cards for your Disney vacation

Regular Disney+ subscription prices range between $11.99 and $29.99 per month. Here are a few credit cards that can help you eliminate or reduce the out-of-pocket cost for a Disney+ subscription, thereby lessening the cost of a D23 Gold Membership:

• The Disney® Inspire Visa® Card (see rates and fees) gives you up to $120 annual credit on Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ purchases (up to $10 in statement credits per month after spending $10 or more on qualifying subscriptions).
• The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers up to $120 annually (up to $10 monthly) as a statement credit for Disney streaming purchases at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Enrollment is required.
• The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express from American Express offers a similar benefit of up to $84 annually (up to $7 monthly) as a statement credit for Disney streaming purchases at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Enrollment is required.
• The American Express Platinum Card® provides a more broad perk of up to $300 annually (up to $25 per month) in digital entertainment statement credits that you can use toward Disney+, among other eligible services. Enrollment is required.

This is just one of many perks available to Disney+ subscribers. Available benefits are updated regularly, and another current perk gives subscribers a 20% discount when they upgrade their free Gold Member Monthly Plan to a higher-tier Gold Membership.

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event launched in 2009, the same year the fan club was introduced. Tickets to the biannual event are typically open to D23 members at any level, but this year, for the first time ever, only Gold members were eligible to purchase tickets (though they could purchase tickets for guests regardless of their D23 affiliation).

Ticket prices range from $49 for a one-day afternoon-only pass to $2,600 for a three-day pass that includes access to the Anaheim Convention Center and events at the Honda Center. Disney makes tickets available first to D23 Gold Charter Members who have had an active membership since 2009, then to D23 Gold Essential, Choice and Complete members and then, finally, to all other Gold members.

Most of the event is held at the Anaheim Convention Center, but the three nighttime showcases where Disney announces new movies and TV shows, theme park lands and attractions and honors Disney legends take place at the nearby Honda Center.

This year's show floor was the largest in event history, spanning nearly 1,000,000 square feet and welcoming guests from 38 countries and all 50 states. Offerings included everything from panels with authors, filmmakers, Imagineers, composers and some of the biggest stars from Disney entertainment, interactive photo ops, opportunities to trade Disney pins, cosplay meetups and more.

As a huge fan of Disney parks, I spent most of my time browsing memorabilia or strolling through the Imagineering Pavilion. Not only were there models and concept art from the various projects Disney is working on right now at its parks around the world, but we also had the opportunity to speak with the Imagineers involved in their development.

Bottom line

More than any educational panel or immersive photo op, D23 is a place — both physical and digital — where people can celebrate, connect and come together to honor Disney's wide-reaching, imagination-fostering, creativity-inspiring legacy.

Related reading:

• Disney Visa card offers: Earn up to $500 toward your next vacation
• A magical guide for how to plan a trip to Disney World in 2026
• Sun, fun and savings: Tips for visiting Disney World this summer

Thrifty Traveler is one of our favorite ways to find deal alerts — and it's currently on sale.

For a limited time, new subscribers can get 30% off a premium membership using our special TPG code and link. The sale ends soon.

The best part of membership is you'll receive emails about cheap cash deals — and some incredible points and miles bargains — on airline tickets and/or hotel stays. This sale reduces the $129.99 price to $90.99 for the first year for flight deals, or from $189.99 to $132.99 for flight and hotel deals.

To take advantage of this deal, just enter "THEPOINTSGUY" in the promotional box or use our link to skip entering promo codes altogether.

"From dirt-cheap cash fares to ultra-rare award availability to fly first and business class with points and miles, Thrifty Traveler Premium finds deals from more than 200 airports in the U.S. and Canada — more than any other service," the company said in a statement to TPG. "Members can tailor their alerts to get deals only from their home airport, all 200-plus cities, or anything in between."

The service even lets you opt into instant text alerts for mistake fares and the rarest "Unicorn" deals.

Current Premium subscribers can also add hotel deals to their subscription for 30% off the rest of their current subscription year (plus the entire following year).

I've personally used Thrifty Traveler Premium for years. In fact, it's how I scored one of the best points redemptions of my life: a lie-flat Delta One seat from Los Angeles to Brisbane, Australia, for just 73,100 Delta SkyMiles plus $120 in taxes and fees.

The only reason I knew about that rare Delta SkyMiles availability was because of a flight deal subscription email I got early one Saturday.

According to Thrifty Traveler, here are a few of the deals it has sent to subscribers:

• Cheap economy fares to locations like Las Vegas from $57 round-trip, Italy from $347 round-trip and Tokyo from $377 round-trip
• More than 40 award deals with step-by-step instructions to help members redeem their points and miles, like a Delta SkyMiles deal to Cancun or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for less than 8,000 SkyMiles; a flight on Delta Air Lines' new route to Marrakech, Morocco, for 25,000 SkyMiles round-trip; and a deeply discounted American Airlines flight to New Zealand for just 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles
• Incredibly rare Qatar Airways Qsuite award space bookable from 54,000 Avios each way and a trio of American Airlines business-class deals to Australia and New Zealand, including the airline's new Flagship Suites
• A business-class mistake fare to London next year from $1,281 round-trip — a third of the normal price
• An unprecedented amount of business-class award space to Europe in lie-flat seats, such as wide-open Air France and KLM award seats bookable at just 60,000 Flying Blue miles, seats in United Airlines' Polaris cabin for 53,000 United MileagePlus miles and seats in American Airlines' business class for 62,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles
• Rare and fun award deals, including some of the cheapest SkyMiles rates we've seen in years to fly in Delta One to Seoul, South Korea; Taipei, Taiwan; and Barcelona

Here's another example of a deal alert from Thrifty Traveler that alerted members to a wide-open Air France-KLM Flying Blue deal for just 60,000 miles each way:

Again, this 30% off deal is a limited-time offer that's ending soon. After that, using our "THEPOINTSGUY" code will continue to net you $20 off your purchase — but you should take the steeper discount while it's available.

Bottom line

This is a great time to sign up for the very useful deal-finding website Thrifty Traveler. Its Premium subscription is currently available for just $90.99 instead of $129.99 — or only $132.99 for a full year of flight and hotel deals (down from $189.99). But this huge sale won't last long, so act soon.

Simply visit this link or use our promo code "THEPOINTSGUY" at checkout to sign up. If you use our link, the discount will automatically be applied at checkout.

Related reading:

• The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
• Best airline credit cards
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• The 8 best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status

Business travel is often one of the largest expenses for growing companies. Between flights, hotels, rental cars and everyday purchases made on the road, those costs can add up quickly.

While many businesses already use travel rewards credit cards to earn points on that spending, Engine X* takes a different approach, combining travel booking, expense management and rewards into one platform.

Engine X is a business charge card built into Engine's travel platform. More than 30,000 businesses use Engine to book and manage business travel, and Engine X is designed to help those companies earn additional rewards while simplifying travel spending.

The card has no annual fee,** earns up to 10% back in points on eligible Engine travel bookings and 1.5% back on everyday purchases,*** and doesn't require a personal credit check or personal guarantee.****

And right now, new Engine X cardholders can earn 20,000 Engine points after activating their card and spending $2,000 in qualifying off-platform purchases within 30 days of approval.

Earn more from the travel you're already booking

For businesses that regularly book hotels and rental cars, Engine X offers its highest rewards through the Engine travel platform.

Cardholders earn 6% back in points on hotel and rental car bookings made through Engine. As annual spending increases, the earning rate can climb to 7%, 8% and ultimately 10% (or the Roman numeral "X", like Engine X).***

Beyond travel booked through the platform, the card earns 1.5% back on flights and most other eligible business purchases***, all without annual fees or rewards caps.**

The elevated earning rates are possible because Engine combines several business travel functions into a single platform. Engine allows businesses to book travel, manage company spending and track expenses in one place.

Engine Rewards is the platform's loyalty program. Companies earn points when booking travel through Engine, while Engine X boosts those rewards by providing additional points on eligible purchases.

Those points can be used in several ways, including:

• Pay down a company's Engine balance
• Book future travel through Engine
• Gift rewards to individual employees or teams
• Redeem for gift cards to grant to employees

For companies already managing significant travel spending, it can be an easy way to generate additional value from expenses they're already making.

Triple-dip on business travel bookings

One of Engine X's more distinctive features is the ability to stack several travel benefits on the same hotel reservation.

When booking eligible hotels through Engine, businesses may be able to:

• Access discounted Engine hotel rates (up to 60% lower than publicly available prices).
• Earn hotel loyalty points and elite-night credit (where eligible).
• Earn Engine Rewards points on the booking.

Many third-party booking platforms require travelers to give up hotel loyalty benefits in exchange for lower prices. Engine's model is designed to preserve those benefits, giving businesses the opportunity to combine discounted rates with hotel rewards and Engine Rewards on the same reservation (where participating hotel programs allow).

Engine Rewards can be redeemed toward future travel booked through Engine or as a statement credit. However, a statement credit will be at 50% value compared to 100% value on bookings.

Businesses also have flexibility in how rewards are distributed. Administrators can choose to keep rewards with the company or allow employees to earn rewards directly for personal travel. Companies can also gift points to individual employees or groups as an incentive or recognition program.

For organizations with frequent travelers or field-based employees, that flexibility may help improve employee engagement while still maintaining centralized travel management.

Give employees flexibility while maintaining control

Managing business travel often involves balancing employee flexibility with company oversight. Engine X offers several tools designed to make that process easier.

Businesses can issue virtual cards immediately for online purchases or provide physical cards when needed. Administrators can also establish spending controls based on individual employees, merchants, spending categories or transaction limits.

The platform also provides real-time visibility into company travel spending, enabling finance teams to monitor expenses as they occur rather than waiting until the end of a billing cycle.

These features may be particularly useful for businesses with employees who regularly travel or make company purchases, helping reduce manual expense tracking while maintaining spending controls.

Built for growing businesses

Unlike many business cards, Engine X doesn't require applicants to undergo a personal credit check or sign a personal guarantee.****

The application typically takes about 15 minutes to complete, and most eligible businesses receive a decision within 24 hours.

While businesses of many sizes can apply, Engine X is likely to be the best fit for small and midsize businesses that have:

• Meaningful travel spending
• Recurring hotel bookings
• A need for centralized visibility into company expenses
• Companies that rarely book business travel may find fewer opportunities to maximize the platform's travel-focused rewards.

Bottom line

Engine X combines business travel booking, rewards and spend management into a single platform.

For businesses with frequent employee travel, Engine X offers several potential advantages. The ability to earn elevated rewards on Engine bookings, stack those rewards with hotel loyalty benefits and manage company spending from one dashboard makes it an attractive alternative to a traditional business rewards card.

If your business regularly books hotels, rental cars and flights, Engine X is a strong fit for a travel management strategy.

And for a limited time, new Engine X cardholders can get 20,000 Engine points after activating their card and spending $2,000 in qualifying purchases within 30 days of accepting their approved credit limit. Points can be used toward flights, hotels, cars, statement credits and more. See terms.

Learn more about Engine X.

*Engine X Visa® Commercial cards issued by Fifth Third Bank N.A., Member FDIC. Terms and conditions apply. All applications subject to credit approval.

**See cardholder agreement/terms and conditions for details: https://engine.com/x/program-terms.

***Earn up to 10% back in points on qualifying Engine travel purchases. Actual reward rates vary by purchase category and may change. Points have no cash value and are redeemable for rewards through our program. See full rewards terms for details.

****Subject to review of company's application including but not limited to requested financial information.

Looking for a no-annual-fee business credit card that'll help you earn valuable rewards? You're in the right place — and you've got some solid options.

These cards are especially useful for freelancers, side hustlers and small-business owners who want to earn points or cash back without adding another fixed cost to their monthly expenses. While no-annual-fee cards typically include fewer premium perks than their high-fee counterparts, many still offer strong welcome bonuses and competitive rewards earning rates.

Here are our top seven picks.

At a glance: The best no-annual-fee business credit cards

Related: The best business cash-back credit cards

Blue Business Plus: Best for transferable points

Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership.

TPG's August 2026 valuations peg Amex points at 2 cents apiece, making this offer worth $300.

Why it's worth it: The Blue Business Plus earns a flat rate of 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on all eligible purchases (on the first $50,000 you spend each calendar year; 1 point per dollar thereafter). This means there are no bonus categories to keep track of or activate — you'll earn the same reward rate across every purchase you make with this card.

Spend the full $50,000 in a calendar year and you'd earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points — worth $2,000 at TPG's valuations — before purchases begin earning 1 point per dollar. Plus, there's no additional fee to add employee cards (see rates and fees).

Keep in mind: Amex generally limits cardmembers to one welcome bonus on each card per lifetime, so this offer may not be available if you've held the card before.

To learn more, read our full review of the Blue Business Plus.

Apply here: Blue Business Plus

Ink Business Cash: Best for office and telecom expenses

Welcome offer: Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

Why it's worth it: The Ink Business Cash earns 5% cash back at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet and cable TV service (on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each year), plus 2% back at gas stations and restaurants (on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each year). You'll earn an uncapped 1% cash back on everything else.

This Chase business card is unique in that it allows you to redeem rewards as cash back (with each point earned equal to 1 cent), but if you have an Ultimate Rewards-earning card — such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees) — you can choose to convert your cash-back earnings to Ultimate Rewards points that are transferable to Chase's airline and hotel partners.

That flexibility, coupled with the Ink Business Cash's bonus categories, can lead to a healthy return on spending.

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

Apply here: Ink Business Cash

Ink Business Unlimited: Best for pairing with a premium Ultimate Rewards card

Welcome offer: Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

Why it's worth it: The Ink Business Unlimited is essentially the business version of the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) (minus the bonus categories on the Freedom Unlimited).

It earns at least 1.5% back on all purchases, uncapped. On its own, that's a lower baseline return than the Blue Business Cash or Blue Business Plus, so this card's case rests almost entirely on what you do with the rewards next.

The 1.5% cash back you earn can be boosted with a card that earns Ultimate Rewards, since you can transfer your cash back to redeem it as points, getting you an approximate 3.1% return on spending based on TPG's August 2026 valuations. Without an Ultimate-Rewards-earning card in your wallet, there's little reason to pick this over the Blue Business Cash.

The Ink Business Unlimited offers higher purchase protection limits than the Freedom Unlimited, plus primary car rental insurance when renting for business purposes.

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.

Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited

Blue Business Cash: Best for straightforward cash back

Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases on your card in your first three months of card membership.

Why it's worth it: If you want a simple business card that earns cash back, the Amex Blue Business Cash is a terrific option, as there are no bonus categories.

You'll earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 spent each year (then 1%; cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement).

You can also access expanded buying power when your business has to spend beyond your credit limit. Additional employee cards are free (see rates and fees).

To learn more, read our full review of the Blue Business Cash Card.

Apply here: Blue Business Cash

Spark Cash Select: Best for international expenses

Welcome offer: Earn a $750 bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Why it's worth it: The Capital One Spark Cash Select doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice if your business requires you to travel abroad. On $10,000 in overseas purchases (or purchases with foreign merchants), avoiding a typical 3% foreign transaction fee alone is worth $300 — on top of the cash back you earn on your spending.

You'll earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel and an unlimited 1.5% back on everything else. This makes the Spark Cash Select an excellent choice for business owners who don't want to worry about bonus categories and just want simplicity.

To learn more, read our full review of the Spark Cash Select.

Learn more: Capital One Spark Cash Select

BofA Business Advantage Travel Rewards card: Best for BofA Rewards members who travel

Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 online bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening, which can be redeemed for a $500 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.

Why it's worth it: The Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards earns an uncapped 1.5 points per dollar spent on every purchase, making it a great choice if you're looking for a flat-rate earner.

BofA Rewards members can earn as much as 75% more per purchase with this no-annual-fee card. When it's time to redeem, you can use points toward statement credits for travel purchases at a rate of 1 cent per point or for cash back or gift cards.

To learn more, read our full review of the BofA Business Advantage Travel Rewards.

Apply here: Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards card

BofA Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards: Best for customized bonus categories

Welcome offer: Earn a $500 online cash rewards bonus after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.

Why it's worth it: The Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards can be a great option if you want to customize your earnings. Each month, you can designate one of the following categories and receive 3% cash back on those purchases:

• Business consulting services
• Computer services
• Gas stations and EV charging stations
• Office supply stores
• Travel
• TV/telecom and wireless services

Also, you'll earn 2% back on dining and 1% back on all other purchases, though your heightened cash-back rates are capped at $50,000 in combined purchases each calendar year (then 1%). Couple your custom category with the earning power of Bank of America's Preferred Rewards to maximize your rewards.

To learn more, read our full review of the BofA Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards.

Apply here: Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards card

How to choose a no-annual-fee business credit card

The best no-annual-fee business credit card for you depends on your spending habits and how you want to use your rewards.

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a card:

• Decide between cash back and travel rewards. Cash back is generally simpler and can help offset everyday business expenses, while travel rewards may offer more value if you're willing to learn how to maximize points and transfer partners.
• Consider flat-rate rewards vs. bonus categories. If your business spending varies from month to month, a flat-rate card can make earning rewards effortless. If you consistently spend heavily in categories like office supplies, internet service, gas or travel, a card with bonus categories could be more rewarding.
• Think about how you want to redeem your rewards. Some cards offer straightforward statement credits or cash back, while others earn points that can be redeemed for travel or, in some cases, transferred to airline and hotel partners. If you already use a rewards program like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards, choosing a card that complements that ecosystem can make your rewards more useful.

Related: The key differences between personal cards and business cards

When a business card with an annual fee may be better

A no-annual-fee business credit card can be a great choice if you want to keep costs down, but paying an annual fee can make sense if the card's benefits provide enough value to offset that cost.

Cards with annual fees may offer higher earning rates, more valuable welcome offers and additional perks such as travel credits, airport lounge access or enhanced travel protections. If your business spends heavily in a card's bonus categories or you can regularly use its statement credits and other benefits, you could come out ahead even after paying an annual fee.

Before deciding, consider whether the value you expect to get from a card's rewards, credits and other perks will outweigh its annual fee. Our guide to the best business credit cards includes both no-annual-fee and premium options to help you find the right fit.

Related: How to decide if a credit card's annual fee is worth paying

Bottom line

No-annual-fee business credit cards can be a smart way to earn rewards while keeping overhead low. Whether you're launching a side hustle, running an established small business or simply looking to separate personal and business expenses, these cards offer solid earning potential without an upfront cost.

While they may not include the premium perks of higher-fee options, many pair well with other rewards cards, making them a practical starting point or long-term keeper for cost-conscious business owners.

Related: Do I need a business to get a business credit card?

For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Business Cash Card, click here.

I've been lucky enough to experience all kinds of trips over the years, from a multigenerational holiday in Germany to an outdoorsy honeymoon in Madagascar. But until recently, I had never really taken a big solo trip.

Sure, I've done my fair share of solo travel around the U.S. — but most of my trips are to visit loved ones or attend work events, so I'm not really alone. The last and only time I flew internationally by myself was when I studied abroad in Ireland over a decade ago, and even then, I had no shortage of fellow students to pal around with.

I decided it was time to see what solo travel is all about, so I booked a weeklong trip to Lisbon, party of one. Here's what I learned, why I would absolutely do it again — and what I might do differently next time.

Travel is more draining

The first thing I noticed about solo travel is that the travel part is more demanding. You are 100% responsible for getting yourself to your destination — that includes keeping tabs on your flight status, reading signs (sometimes in foreign languages), navigating public transportation and more.

In other words, you must be constantly "on." You can't risk dozing off at your gate; you can't even go to the restroom without squeezing your luggage into the stall with you. And you might be surprised how scary it is walking up to a Portuguese metro ticket machine for the first time, especially after a long, sleepless transatlantic flight.

I'm used to divvying up these responsibilities when I travel with my husband, but on my solo trip to Lisbon, they all fell to me. As a result, I felt more drained by the time I reached my first Lisbon hotel — but I also felt empowered.

Traveling solo wasn't as difficult as I had imagined, and once I realized this, I began to see the possibilities.

It's not as hard for introverts as you may think

Once I arrived at my destination, a new concern began to sink in. I'm a fairly introverted person, and I don't have much of a track record of chatting with strangers. I worried I would feel awkward while dining alone or self-conscious about taking selfies near Lisbon landmarks.

But I forced myself to do it anyway. (For science, of course.)

And the results surprised me.

While navigating airports and metro stations was more draining as a solo traveler, I found everything else more relaxing. Rather than feeling awkward, dining alone felt calm and mindful. Sightseeing was less exhausting, too. Without companions to converse with, I was able to be more present and really soak in every new experience.

Plus, when I did meet other people, it was actually easier for me to talk to them one-on-one. Without my (much chattier) husband around, I found myself making small talk with servers at restaurants and bonding with my tuktuk tour guide, which helped me build confidence and stave off loneliness.

However, by the end of my week in Lisbon, my social battery was running low. I was ready for a break from the city's hustle and bustle, so I planned an urban hiking day in the huge Monsanto Forest Park. A day spent in the company of trees and birdsong was just what I needed.

That's the beauty of solo travel: You can design your trip according to what you want — and change plans on a dime if needed — without worrying about anyone else.

Related: The best places for a solo weekend getaway

It's easier to book with points and miles

For points and miles enthusiasts, it's easier to find epic award flight deals when you only need one ticket rather than two or more seats together. Plus, you don't need to amass as many points to book your dream trip.

When it comes to lodging, you may pay more in cash when traveling alone since you won't be splitting costs with anyone else — that's where points come in. I stayed at points properties, including Andaz Lisbon and The Vintage, to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

You can even book activities in your destination with points or other travel rewards.

After using most of my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card's annual $300 Capital One Travel credit on a previous trip, I had around $40 left over — just enough to snag a ticket for one to the world-famous Lisbon Oceanarium. I didn't pay anything out of pocket, which I would have if I had been traveling with a companion.

You can fly standby with ease

Because I wanted to test out TAP Air Portugal's new economy prime cabin on my way home from Lisbon, I needed a positioning flight from New York's Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Denver International Airport (DEN).

United had several direct options, but I didn't have MileagePlus miles at my disposal. Instead I had Amex points, which I could transfer at a 1:1 ratio to Air Canada Aeroplan, one of United's Star Alliance partners. On my date, Air Canada offered a nonstop United flight from EWR to DEN for just 15,000 Aeroplan points and 47 CAD (roughly $34) — a steal for a four-and-a-half-hour cross-country flight.

The catch? The flight departed at 9 p.m. and would land just shy of midnight.

I didn't mind having a day to kill in New York City, but I wasn't thrilled at the prospect of getting home in the middle of the night, especially when I was already jetlagged. So, at the last minute, I put myself on the standby list (United makes it easy to do this on the app) and showed up at EWR a few hours ahead in the hopes of catching an earlier flight.

It worked, and I managed to experience the best of both worlds: Spending my free day visiting family in New York City and returning home at a reasonable hour.

Some travelers may shudder at the uncertainty of flying standby, but I kind of enjoyed the thrill. When you travel solo, you have the freedom to play things by ear if you want. Plus, you have a much better chance of snagging one seat on your standby flight than two or more.

Everything takes less time

One of the unwritten rules of travel is the more people you travel with, the longer everything takes. More people means more time required to get ready, a higher chance of forgetting something, and a longer wait to get into popular restaurants or attractions.

As a result, I always build a little extra time into our schedule when I travel with my husband; I add even more when we travel with friends or relatives.

But on my solo trip to Lisbon, everything took less time than I expected. I left early for the Oceanarium because the website suggested allotting two to three hours, and as a self-identified fish nerd, I figured I would need a little extra time. Instead, I was in and out in just over an hour.

I spent the extra time exploring colorful street art in the surrounding neighborhood and browsing used books in the nearby metro station, then found my way back to my hotel without feeling rushed.

For travelers seeking a relaxing getaway, a solo trip can provide a gentle pace and plenty of time to discover hidden gems. On the other hand, if you want to pack in as much as possible, flying solo allows you to fill your schedule with much less buffer time between activities.

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Decisions can be tough

The one area that didn't take less time on my solo trip was decision making.

In my pursuit of a relaxing solo retreat, I deliberately didn't plan much ahead of time. I thought choosing what to do or where to eat would be easy with just one of me.

As it turns out, I am a very indecisive person when left to my own devices. Without anyone else to help narrow down my options, I often felt overwhelmed. The most stressful part of my trip was spending the evening in my hotel room, agonizing over a plan for the next day.

I hope this will get easier as I take more solo trips, and I will probably plan more activities in advance next time to avoid falling into this trap.

European cities are great candidates for solo trips

Ultimately, I was glad I had chosen Lisbon for my first solo trip. If you want to dip your toe into international solo travel, most European cities are good options.

English is widely spoken, there are plenty of award flights and points hotels, and there is no shortage of things to do to keep you busy (or not). Plus, the public transportation and rideshare services make it easy to explore farther afield without the cost and hassle of renting a car.

When planning a solo trip, you can choose the destination based on your interests without having to factor in anyone else. Love art and museums? Head to Paris or Amsterdam. Hungry for a fabulous dining scene? Try Athens or Berlin. Looking for a lively pub scene with friendly locals? You can't beat London or Dublin.

Related: The best places to travel solo in 2026

Bottom line

My favorite trips are still the ones I get to share with loved ones. But friends and family may not always be able (or willing) to go on some trips, and that's no reason to pass up an opportunity to see the world.

It may seem daunting to plan your first international solo trip and tackle new challenges on your own — whether that means navigating a foreign airport or deciding where to eat dinner. But I think you'll find solo travel is incredibly empowering and rewarding.

One trip was all it took for me to get over my nerves and discover the many joys of solo travel. I'm already thinking about where to go next — and no metro ticket machine can stop me.

One of the best reasons to apply for a travel rewards card is the welcome offer. By hitting certain minimum spending requirements, you can often earn tens of thousands of points or miles within the first few months of opening a new card.

Welcome offers change frequently, and part of any successful travel rewards strategy is knowing when it's the right time to apply for a specific card. After all, you wouldn't want to miss out on a haul of bonus points by applying too early — or too late.

However, without tracking the welcome offers on specific cards over time, you may not have the necessary context to determine whether a particular offer is worth applying for at any given moment.

Luckily, we've done that work for you and compiled all of the information you'll need into one handy guide. You can also check our frequently updated list of the best increased card offers to apply for.

In this article, we'll focus on American Express, which offers some of the best cobranded and proprietary rewards cards available from any issuer.

Best American Express welcome offers

Here are some of the most popular Amex cards, with guidance on when you should apply for each.

Just note that we're only discussing publicly available welcome offers. Some folks may receive targeted offers with more bonus points or cash back. Additionally, offers may change at any time, and some of the offers mentioned below may not be available at this time.

Keep in mind that American Express only allows you to earn one bonus per lifetime on each of its cards, so make sure to wait for the best time to apply. In addition, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer if you've already held a higher-tier card in the same family. For example, if you have or had the American Express Platinum Card®, you may not be eligible for a welcome offer on the American Express® Gold Card.

American Express Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum has long been one of the most popular premium cards on the market, despite its steep $895 annual fee (see rates and fees).

It offers a slew of luxury-skewing, value-added benefits that can save cardmembers money on everything from airline fees to hotel stays.

Here are the offers we have seen on the Amex Platinum:

Welcome offer history

*Valuations are based on TPG's August 2026 valuations and are not from the issuer.

Highest welcome offer

When the Amex Platinum ran its highest-ever offer, applicants could earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Plus, they could earn an additional 10 points per dollar spent on Shop Small purchases in the U.S. and at restaurants worldwide (on up to $25,000 in combined purchases) in the first six months of card membership. (for a total of up to 250,000 additional points). In all, this bonus offered up to 350,000 points when maximized.

Historically, the Amex Platinum's welcome offer has typically ranged from as low as 60,000 points to as high as 175,000 points (not including welcome offers with multiple spending requirements), although we've heard of prospective applicants being targeted for as few as 50,000 bonus points.

When to apply

Generally, aim to apply for this card only if you can secure a welcome offer of 150,000 points or more, whether through a targeted offer or a limited-time offer.

Learn more: Amex Platinum

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

The Amex Business Platinum often extends even more lucrative welcome offers than its personal counterpart and offers many of the same luxury perks, though some of its statement credits are focused on typical business expenditures.

Cardmembers pay the same $895 annual fee for the Business Platinum (see rates and fees) as the consumer Platinum.

Here are the offers we have seen on the Amex Business Platinum:

Welcome offer history

*Valuations are based on TPG's valuations and are not from the issuer.

Highest welcome offer

With the current welcome offer on the Amex Business Platinum, you may be eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. If you receive an offer for the full 300,000 points, that's by far the best we've seen.

Over its history, the Amex Business Platinum's welcome offer has ranged between 75,000 bonus points and 300,000 bonus points.

When to apply

Any time this card's welcome offer equals or tops 200,000 points, it's worth considering.

Learn more: Amex Business Platinum

American Express Gold Card

The Amex Gold is an excellent everyday choice for foodies since it earns 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide on up to $50,000 per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter) and on up to $25,000 per calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar spent). These are solid earning rates for a card with a $325 annual fee (see rates and fees).

It has also fielded some valuable welcome offers.

Here are the offers we have seen on the Amex Gold:

Welcome offer history

*Valuations are based on TPG's valuations and are not from the issuer.

Highest welcome offer

The best public welcome offer we've seen on this card was short-lived. In June 2022, the Amex Gold upped its welcome offer for new applicants to 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership — but it only lasted a few days.

However, now you can find out your offer to see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

Over the course of its history, the Amex Gold's welcome offer has ranged from as low as 25,000 points to as high as 100,000 points.

When to apply

If you're able to get at least 60,000 points in your offer, it's worth considering an application.

Learn more: Amex Gold

American Express Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold card is great for small businesses thanks to its strong earning structure. It earns 4 points per dollar spent on your top two eligible spending categories each billing cycle (up to $150,000 per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent). Cardmembers pay $375 each year to hold this card (see rates and fees).

It has also provided some tremendous welcome offers in the past.

Here are the offers we've seen on the Amex Business Gold:

Welcome offer history

*Valuations are based on TPG's valuations and are not from the issuer.

Highest welcome offer

With the current welcome offer, new cardmembers may be eligible for as high as 200,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.) If you receive an offer for 200,000 bonus points, that's by far the best offer we've heard of for this card.

The lowest welcome offer we've seen for this card is just 35,000 points, while the highest is 200,000 points.

When to apply

If you see an offer for this card with 100,000 points or more and a spending requirement that you and your small business can easily meet, it's worth applying.

Learn more: Amex Business Gold

American Express Graphite Card

The American Express Graphite Card is Amex's newest card. With a $295 annual fee (see rates and fees), it's aimed at high-spending businesses that want to earn cash back with American Express.

Welcome offer history

Since this card hasn't been around for too long, its current welcome offer is the only one we've seen. Currently, new cardmembers can earn $1,500 cash back in the form of Reward Dollars after spending $50,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Reward Dollars can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.)

When to apply

While we can't say for certain what future offers on the Amex Graphite Card will look like, we encourage you to apply for the current offer if you're interested in the card.

Learn more: Amex Graphite Card

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred is one of the best cash-back cards currently available, with high 6% cash back earning rates on U.S. streaming subscriptions and U.S. supermarkets (U.S. supermarkets are subject to a $6,000 spending cap per calendar year, then 1%; users receive cash back in the form of Reward Dollars that they can redeem as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.)

These earning rates help justify its $95 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year; see rates and fees).

Here are the offers we have seen on the Amex Blue Cash Preferred:

Welcome offer history

Highest welcome offer

This card's welcome offer doesn't vary much, but it has offered up to $350 cash back (as a statement credit) after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

This welcome offer hasn't changed too much over time, ranging between $150 and $350 back.

When to apply

If you are eligible for at least $250 cash back.

Learn more: Blue Cash Preferred

Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

Though its earnings aren't as solid as the Blue Cash Preferred, the Blue Cash Everyday still racks up cash back at a steady clip. This card's lower earning rates are understandable, given that it lacks an annual fee (see rates and fees).

(Users receive cash back in the form of Reward Dollars that they can redeem as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.)

Here are the offers we have seen on the Amex Blue Cash Everyday:

Welcome offer history

Highest welcome offer

With this card's best-ever welcome offer, in the past, new cardmembers could earn up to $250 cash back: First, they could earn 20% back as a statement credit on purchases (up to $150 back) when using the card to check out with PayPal at merchants in the first six months of card membership. Plus, they could earn $100 back as a statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

This card's welcome offer has seen little disparity over time, ranging from $100 to $200 back.

When to apply

Go for the easiest offer with at least $200 bonus cash back.

Learn more: Blue Cash Everyday

Delta American Express cards

American Express is the sole issuer of Delta's cobranded consumer and business cards. Amex's Delta cards feature elevated offers more commonly than most of their proprietary cards, so it's very important to know when it's the right time to apply.

If you're interested in one of Amex's Delta cards, check out our guide on Delta's cards' offer history to help you decide when it's the best time to apply.

Hilton American Express cards

American Express offers a range of cobranded Hilton cards to suit every traveler, from beginners to hardcore Hilton loyalists. Like Amex's Delta cards, the Hilton cards receive elevated welcome offers more frequently than the cards we've featured in this guide.

If you're interested in one of Amex's Hilton cards, we have a guide on when it's the best time to apply, based on the offer history of all the Hilton cards.

Marriott American Express cards

Marriott's portfolio of cards can be more challenging to track, since they have cards issued by Chase and American Express. American Express and Chase don't necessarily put elevated offers on their Marriott cards at the same time. Plus, both issuers have their own application rules and restrictions.

If you're interested in one of Amex's Marriott cards, we have a guide on all of the Marriott cards' offer histories to help you know when it's the right time to apply.

Bottom line

Pay attention to the welcome offers of any travel rewards cards you may be interested in, as offers can change frequently. Applying at the wrong time could mean missing out on thousands of bonus points or hundreds of dollars in cash back.

Before applying for any new card, look at the range of its previous welcome offers. Then, when an offer hits the higher end of that range, you can feel sure you're getting a great deal and making the right choice for your rewards strategy.

To learn more about credit card bonus offers over time, see the following:

• The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards based on offer history
• The best time to apply for these popular Chase credit cards based on offer history
• The best time to apply for these popular Citi cards based on offer history
• The best time to apply for these 10 popular travel credit cards based on offer history

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

Panera Bread has overhauled its MyPanera loyalty program, replacing its previous personalized rewards system with a more straightforward points program.

As of Aug. 19, MyPanera members earn points on eligible purchases that they can redeem from a set rewards menu. Frequent customers can also unlock a new MyPanera+ status tier after spending $300 in a calendar year.

But the changes aren't all positive for loyal Panera customers: Sip Club members are now limited to 30 drink redemptions each month.

Here's what to know about the revamped MyPanera program and the changes to Sip Club subscriptions.

Earning and redeeming with the refreshed MyPanera program

MyPanera members now earn 10 points per dollar spent on eligible food and beverage purchases. Specifically, points-eligible spending is calculated after discounts and rewards and excludes taxes, fees, tips, catering orders, gift cards, Panera at Home products and Sip Club subscription fees.

In the refreshed MyPanera program, rewards start at 250 points. However, if you want to use points to cover a whole entree, you'll need to have at least 2,000 points in your account. And you won't want to hoard your points for a meal and a drink, as you can only redeem one reward per transaction and points balances are capped at 50,000 points.

The graphic above shows some example redemptions, but the exact redemption options available in my MyPanera account are as follows:

• 250 points: Free bagel, extra side or mini bakery treat
• 500 points: Free energy refresher, fresca, bakery treat, self-serve beverage or fruit cup
• 1,000 points: Free cup of soup, breakfast entree, oatmeal, yogurt parfait or barista beverage
• 1,500 points: Free half sandwich, half salad, half market bowl, cup of macaroni and cheese or kids meal
• 2,000 points: Free whole sandwich, whole salad, whole market bowl, bowl of soup or bowl of macaroni and cheese

That means the entry-level reward requires $25 in ordinary spending, while a 2,000-point redemption requires $200. However, you may earn points more quickly if you earn bonuses. For example, existing MyPanera members can earn 500 bonus points after a qualifying purchase made by Sept. 1, while new members can earn 500 points after a qualifying purchase within 14 days of enrolling.

Here's how a few sample redemptions would work, based on pricing at my local Panera Bread location near Jacksonville, Florida:

As you can see, the redemption rates vary. But, while it's worth avoiding any extremely low-value redemptions, it's likely best to simply redeem rewards for things you'd purchase anyway once you accrue enough points to do so.

MyPanera+ status

If you frequently make Panera Bread purchases, you can now earn MyPanera+ status. Specifically, you'll unlock MyPanera+ status by spending $300 in a calendar year.

Once you earn MyPanera+ status, you'll keep it for the rest of the calendar year in which you earned it, plus the following calendar year. So if you qualify for MyPanera+ status on Nov. 1, 2026, you'll keep it through Dec. 31, 2027.

MyPanera+ status offers perks such as a free You Pick Two combo instead of a bakery treat as your birthday reward and 12 points per dollar spent on qualifying Panera delivery orders.

When do MyPanera points expire?

MyPanera points expire after 180 days of inactivity. However, as long as you use your MyPanera account to make an eligible purchase, redeem points or redeem a Sip Club beverage at least every 180 days, your points won't expire.

Changes to Panera Sip Club

Panera Sip Club subscriptions already had a one-drink-per-two-hour rule. But along with the Aug. 19 changes, Panera added a 30-drink redemption cap each month.

Sip Club subscribers must now adhere to both the 30-drinks-per-month and one-drink-per-two-hours rules. While 30 drink redemptions each month is likely enough for most subscribers, it will limit those who tend to stop by Panera Bread twice a day or who frequently work or socialize at Panera Bread locations.

Although Panera lists 30 drinks per month in most marketing materials, note that the Sip Club terms and conditions state that monthly subscribers receive up to 30 redemptions per billing cycle, and annual subscribers receive up to 30 redemptions per rolling 30-day period from the annual subscription start date.

Bottom line

The revamped MyPanera program makes earning and redeeming rewards much more transparent. Members now know exactly how many points they're earning and can choose when and how to redeem them, with the sample rewards I priced providing roughly a 7% to 9% return on spending.

Frequent Panera customers can get even more value by qualifying for MyPanera+ status, though its benefits are relatively modest. Meanwhile, the new 30-drink limit makes the Sip Club subscription less generous for its heaviest users.

Overall, the changes should make MyPanera easier to understand and use. Just don't assume every redemption offers the same value.

The both loved and hated jet-age mobile lounges at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) have a bit more life left in them yet.

The vehicles that ferry travelers to and from several of IAD's concourses and the international arrivals facility cannot be retired until the mid-2030s when several critical pieces of the airport's $19.9 billion redevelopment are complete, a timeline presented Wednesday by airport operator the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) shows.

The authority must build a new connector building between the historic Eero Saarinen-designed main terminal and Concourse A-B and extend the underground AeroTrain before the lounges can be parked for good.

Major overhaul: United is getting the terminal of its dreams at Washington Dulles. How will it change?

Those projects are not scheduled for completion until 2034, said Keith Autry, the vice-president of engineering and Dulles Capital Programs at MWAA, at a board meeting on Wednesday.

The mobile lounges, and their sister vehicles "plane mates," were part of Saarinen's original vision for IAD. That plan included a single terminal building where travelers could check in, walk across the building and board a lounge that would take them directly to their plane. No long walks or jetways required.

The lounges, however, proved ill prepared for the boom in air travel in the coming decades. Many major airports, IAD included, moved to layouts that facilitated large numbers of connecting fliers — leaving the mobile lounges an anachronism of another era.

Today, the lounges remain in service at IAD mostly to the ire of travelers arriving on long-haul international flights who must wait for the shuttles to take them to customs.

"It's an impossible airport: You go off a bus, you get into a train. You get off of a train, you get into another bus," as President Trump said of the lounges in June.

Dulles redevelopment is a go

"The project expedites the modernization of Dulles International to make it a world-class gateway to the nation's capital, improving safety and efficiency, enhancing gate capabilities and the overall improved passenger experience," said Andy Rountree, the chief financial officer of MWAA, at the meeting.

The airport authority's board unanimously approved the capital program on Wednesday.

Work on the massive build out of IAD is already underway. The first piece, a 14-gate section of Concourse E situated above the current AeroTrain station for Concourse C, is on track for completion in September and will open before the end of the year.

Concourse E will be used by United Airlines and includes a new 40,000 square-foot United Club with a design inspired by Washington, D.C.'s original city plan by Pierre L'Enfant.

The authority is also due to receive on Wednesday the first responses from firms interested in the up to $6.5 billion contract to redevelop and expand the Saarinen terminal, build the connector to Concourse A-B, renovate and expand Concourse A-B and other enabling works. Work on the critical package of the IAD redevelopment is scheduled to begin next year, Autry said.

Other aspects of the IAD redevelopment will begin in the coming months. Work on the AeroTrain extension and a new underground central spine is set to begin in 2029; later phases of Concourse E-F that will make it a 50-plus gate concourse for United in 2027; and the first phase of Concourse G in 2028. A planned regional Concourse B and later phases of Concourse G-H are postponed until the end of the 2030s.

Concourse E-F is due for completion by 2032 and the first phase of Concourse G by 2031, Autry said.

Importantly for any United flier who has used IAD, the opening of the new concourses will allow the authority to demolish the "temporary" Concourse C-D in 2031.

The IAD redevelopment "will put us in a good posture in terms of our ability as an airport to compete with others, to garner the service that we seek to have [and] as many airlines as we possibly can at Dulles airport," said Jack Potter, president of MWAA, at the meeting.

Related reading:

• Best credit cards for airport lounge access
• The do's and don'ts of visiting an airport lounge
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• 9 domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for

Bilt's credit card lineup gives renters and homeowners a way to earn rewards on housing payments — but the cards' welcome offers could provide an even faster way to earn Bilt Cash or build a stash of valuable Bilt Points.

The Bilt Blue Card (see rates and fees), Bilt Obsidian Card (see rates and fees) and Bilt Palladium Card (see rates and fees) cards each offer something different for new cardholders, with the Palladium standing out for its sizable welcome offer that gives new cardholders the chance to earn transferable points.

And those points can get you far. Bilt points are among the most valuable transferable rewards currencies, thanks to a strong roster of airline and hotel partners and consistently high-value redemption opportunities.

Not a member? Join Bilt now to start earning and redeeming Bilt Points.

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Below, we break down the current welcome offers on all three Bilt credit cards, what they're worth and which one might make the most sense for you.

Bilt Palladium Card: First bonus ever for a Bilt credit card

The Bilt Palladium Card is Bilt's most premium offering and the most compelling card in the lineup for anyone looking to earn a large number of valuable transferable points in a hurry.

Apply here to earn 50,000 bonus points: Bilt Palladium Card

With the current offer, new Bilt Palladium cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points and Bilt Gold status (through the rest of the calendar year in which it was earned and the following calendar year) after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

Additionally, cardholders receive $300 in Bilt Cash upon approval. Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year.

According to TPG's August 2026 valuations, 50,000 Bilt points are worth up to $1,100 on their own. When you add in the $300 in Bilt Cash, which can be used within the Bilt ecosystem, the total value of this offer comes in at up to $1,400.

That does not even factor in the added value of Bilt Gold status.

At more than $1,400 in total value, this welcome bonus easily lands among the most valuable card offers currently available.

Related: Best welcome offers of the month

In addition to the welcome bonus, the card also offers the following key benefits:

• $495 annual fee (see rates and fees)
• $400 annual Bilt Travel hotel credit (issued as $200 biannually)
• $200 Bilt Cash as an annual credit
• Priority Pass lounge membership*
• Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year

*A maximum benefit amount and certain restrictions and limitations apply. Please review the Mastercard Guide to Benefits for more details.

And the card earns:

• 2 points per dollar spent on everyday spending
• Up to 1.25 points per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments with the tiered spending system option, based on the amount of everyday spending you put on the card
• Option to earn 4% Bilt Cash earned on everyday spending if you don't go the tiered spending route (every $30 of Bilt Cash used on a housing payment earns 1,000 points)

Obsidian and Palladium cardholders who choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spending can also use $200 in Bilt Cash to activate a points accelerator, earning an additional 1 point per dollar spent on their next $5,000 in everyday purchases for the remainder of the calendar year, up to five activations per year.

Why you should apply for the Bilt Palladium

Two words explain the appeal of this card better than anything else: transfer partners.

The ability to earn up to 1.25 points per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments is exciting, but even without the tie-in to rent and mortgage payments, the Bilt Palladium would still be a standout premium card.

That is because Bilt has 25 airline and hotel transfer partners, including programs like Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards, United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt, where points transfer at a 1:1 ratio. These partners consistently offer high-value redemptions, which is why Bilt points are currently valued at 2.2 cents each (per our valuations).

Related: Don't make a mistake: You could pay 7,500 miles or 50,000 points for the same flight

The closest everyday earning comparison among premium cards is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which earns at least 2 points per dollar spent on all purchases. However, Capital One miles are currently valued at 1.85 cents each (per our August 2026 valuations), giving the Bilt Palladium a clear edge on everyday spending.

To put that difference into real-world terms, transferring Bilt points to World of Hyatt can unlock substantial value. On some dates, as few as 63,000 points are enough for a three-night stay at the beachfront Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. Most of those points could come directly from the welcome bonus alone.

Whether you are focused on maximizing everyday spending, earning points on rent or mortgage payments, or building a stash of transferable points for premium travel, the Bilt Palladium Card has the potential to become a long-term staple in many wallets.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Bilt Palladium Card.

Apply here: Bilt Palladium Card

There are two other Bilt cards available, in case the Palladium isn't the right fit for you.

Bilt Obsidian Card

If you want a lower annual fee, the Bilt Obsidian Card (see rates and fees) sits squarely in the middle of the lineup, offering stronger bonus categories than the no-annual-fee Bilt Blue Card (see rates and fees) while keeping costs well below the Palladium Card.

Welcome offer: Receive $200 in Bilt Cash when you apply and are approved.

Key benefits include:

• $95 annual fee (see rates and fees)
• $100 annual Bilt Travel hotel credit (issued as $50 in statement credits biannually)
• Cellular Wireless Telephone Protection*
• Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year

*A maximum benefit amount and certain restrictions and limitations apply. Please review the Mastercard Guide to Benefits for more details.

As for the earning rates, the card earns you:

• 3 points per dollar spent on groceries (up to $25,000 each year, then 1 point per dollar) or dining
• 2 points per dollar spent on travel
• Up to 1.25 points per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments with the tiered spending system option, based on the amount of everyday spending you put on the card
• Option to earn 4% Bilt Cash earned on everyday spending if you don't go the tiered spending route (every $30 of Bilt Cash used on a housing payment earns 1,000 points)
• 1 point per dollar spent on everyday purchases

The Obsidian Card is a solid choice for those who spend heavily on dining or groceries and want access to Bilt's transfer partners without a high annual fee. Its high earning rates in key categories add up quickly, and it works well for renters or homeowners who want to earn points on housing payments without paying for premium perks.

Apply here: Bilt Obsidian Card

Bilt Blue Card

The Bilt Blue Card is the entry-level option in the lineup and the only card with no annual fee (see rates and fees).

Welcome offer: Receive $100 in Bilt Cash when you apply and are approved.

Key benefits include:

• No annual fee (see rates and fees)
• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
• Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year

And the card earns:

• Up to 1.25 points per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments with the tiered spending system option, based on the amount of everyday spending you put on the card
• Option to earn 4% Bilt Cash earned on everyday spending if you don't go the tiered spending route (every $30 of Bilt Cash used on a housing payment earns 1,000 points)
• 1 point per dollar spent on everyday spending

The Blue Card is the easiest way to access Bilt with no annual fee (see rates and fees), letting you earn transferable points on rent or mortgage payments and take part in Rent Day promotions.

It can also work well as a long-term companion card for a primary travel rewards card. However, if you plan to use your Bilt card frequently and heavily for rent and everyday spending, you may come out further ahead with one of the higher-tier cards.

Apply here: Bilt Blue Card

Comparison of Bilt credit card welcome offers

Bottom line

In a world of 100,000- and 200,000-point welcome bonuses, it would be easy to overlook just how meaningful a 50,000-point Bilt bonus really is.

But Bilt points are different. They are harder to earn at scale, they transfer to some of the most valuable loyalty programs available, and they are consistently worth more than 2 cents each when used with transfer partners.

When you combine that with the ability to earn points on rent and mortgage payments, this new lineup becomes genuinely compelling.

I am absolutely applying for the Bilt Palladium Card. Between the welcome bonus, the everyday spending earning rate and the ability to put my mortgage on the card for even more points, adding the card to my wallet is a no-brainer. The welcome bonus, plus other points-earning opportunities from the card, will bring me much closer to my next Hyatt stay, business-class flight or whatever tempting Rent Day transfer bonus Bilt rolls out next.

To learn more, check out our reviews for the Bilt Palladium, Bilt Obsidian and Bilt Blue cards.

Apply here: Bilt Palladium Card
Apply here: Bilt Obsidian Card
Apply here: Bilt Blue Card

After more than a decade of nonstop travel, I recently hit a point in my life where, all of a sudden, I was spending more on baby supplies than on plane tickets.

That's not to say I'm not traveling, or not traveling with my daughter. I am! But that baby stuff isn't cheap, and the things you need change and multiply constantly over the first couple of years.

Case in point: Clothes, which need to be swapped out every few months until your child turns 2. (Nobody mentions that hand-me-downs are essentially useless if your child isn't the same age in the same season or climate as the original wearer.)

Luckily, I've found a loyalty program that helps ease the sting of buying new clothes all the time: Rylee + Cru Collective.

Before I had my daughter, I used to make a mental note for "someday" when I saw children's clothing I really liked: well-made, fashion-forward but not over the top, and in a muted color palette that didn't make me feel overstimulated.

Turns out, 95% of it was from the same place: Rylee + Cru. The brand sells whimsical yet understated clothing pieces for kids of all ages, ranging from swimsuits to outerwear to pajamas and beyond — not to mention accessories, a handful of home and school items, and some adult clothing. Its parent company, the Rylee + Cru Collective, also encompasses baby basics brand Quincy Mae and occasionwear brand Noralee, and the three share a loyalty program.

Let's quickly address the elephant in the room: This stuff is expensive. The products are ethically made, the fabrics are premium quality, and the company operates on a giving-back principle it calls philanthro-capitalism. In other words, it's catnip to this Millennial shopaholic.

But that's exactly the reason I'm obsessed with Rylee + Cru's rewards program. It offers many ways to earn points that add up to meaningful discounts. Plus, the company runs a platform that allows you to sell your used items or trade them in for store credit, bringing costs down for both sellers and secondhand shoppers — and reducing their environmental impact, too.

Here's how it all works together.

How the Rylee + Cru loyalty program actually works

Rylee + Cru uses a points system for its rewards, and one thing I love about it is how many different ways it offers customers to earn. You can earn points for taking actions like following the brand on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (30 points each), posting a product review (100 points, with a 50-point bonus for adding a photo and a 75-point bonus for adding a video), referring a friend (3,000 points) and more. Considering redemptions start at just 500 points, it doesn't take long for these actions to add up to real value.

Of course, you also earn points for spending money with the collective's three brands, and the rate at which you earn depends on your status tier. Base-level Enthusiasts earn 5 points per dollar spent, mid-tier Trendsetters and Icons earn 6 and 7 points per dollar, respectively, and top-level Insiders earn a whopping 10.

In addition to earning more points with higher status, you also gain access to new benefits, including upgrade bonuses, exclusive product drops and free shipping and returns. But as you can see in the chart below, even joining for free as an Enthusiast is lucrative.

What I love about Rylee + Cru's tiers is that with the exception of the top Insider status, which requires $3,500 in yearly spending to unlock, you're not required to requalify — and as someone who jumps through hoops every year to hit the annual spending threshold for United MileagePlus status, that's a relief. Instead, your status is based on lifetime spend, and if I'm being honest, I hit the $1,000 needed for Icon within a year of my daughter's birth (they grow quickly that first year, OK?!).

How much are Rylee + Cru points worth?

Once you've racked up some points, redemptions are pretty straightforward. As you can see in the table below, you can cash them out as coupons at a flat rate of 1 cent per point, provided your shopping basket hits the minimum, which is not difficult to do at a store like this one. With this flat rate, you're not incentivized to hang on to them to score a larger discount later, which is great, since I find myself trying to knock money off every receipt before I have to explain to my husband what I've done.

There's one key exception: The 3,000-point opportunity to snag 15% off. While 3,000 points would normally get you a $30 coupon, if your order total is more than $200, you'll come out ahead by applying the percentage discount instead. In the past, I've used it to save as much as $60.60 on a new-season haul, which is more than double the savings I would have gotten if I'd redeemed for the $30 coupon.

With this redemption structure in mind, let's go back and review the earnings rates one more time. As an Icon, I earn 7 points per dollar, which I can cash out for at least 1 cent per point for a baseline 7% return on spending. And each time I spend $428.57, I unlock 15% off my next order.

Related: From 'free' alterations to bonus Notes: How to maximize the Nordstrom Nordy Club

My favorite under-the-radar Rylee + Cru perk

But it gets better. Rylee + Cru lets you resell or trade in the items you've purchased from the site for store credit. Let that sink in. Those old, too-small clothes I'm getting rid of anyway? They're taking money off my next purchase.

You can consign your items through the company's sales platform, Treet, which takes a 20% cut from all cash payouts. But my personal favorite tactic is the trade-in. Treet integrates directly with your order history, so all you have to do is click the items you want to send in, answer a few quality questions, apply a prepaid shipping label and send the items on their way. As soon as they're approved, you'll get an electronic credit for 100% of the resale price (or more, during promos) that you can instantly apply toward new items.

I know what you're thinking. What are the chances of items actually getting approved after they've been used by a baby or toddler? Higher than you'd think. I've managed to trade in items that were stained, missing buttons — you name it. Those lower-quality items typically net me $5 in credit, but that's not nothing. And rest assured: Many of my payouts have been much higher. I'm often able to score 25% of my purchase price, and sometimes close to 30% on items I purchase on sale.

Treet credits can also stack with holiday and end-of-season sales, where discounts range from 20% to 40%.

My last trade-in looked like this: I sent back seven items, ranging from tights to sweaters to headbands, and, because of an April trade-in promo, received a $72.05 credit equal to 110% of their resale value. I applied it to an order during the Mother's Day sale in May, where I got eight items that made up the core of my daughter's summer wardrobe. Four of those items were on sale for 20% off, and I redeemed 2,500 points for another $25 off. Instead of the full retail price of $323, my total was $268.60, and with the trade-in credit, just $196.55 was charged to my credit card. I also earned 7 points per dollar for 1,880 points, worth a minimum of $18.80, and I can reasonably expect to trade most of those items back in for money off my next purchase. (And that doesn't even include the return I got from using a credit card that maximizes retail spending.)

Related: The best credit cards for online shopping

Of course, the loyalty program comes with some restrictions. Points expire after a year, which doesn't affect me as a parent who continually buys new items as my daughter grows. If you have viable hand-me-downs or shop less frequently for another reason, though, it's important to note.

Who should actually join Rylee + Cru's loyalty program 

As you can see, if you maximize the opportunities this loyalty program has to offer, you can bring Rylee + Cru prices down from the stratosphere to a level that feels much easier to justify for items with a short shelf life.

At the end of the day, though, it still won't be for everybody, especially if price is your primary lens. Despite all the discount opportunities, you'll still likely save more money by doing all your shopping at Carter's.

I encourage you to take a look at this loyalty program if you buy in bulk seasonally, constantly get rid of outgrown clothes, or simply find joy in having the tiniest fashionista at daycare. I know I do.

Bottom line

Rylee + Cru doesn't appear to participate in any shopping portals like Rakuten or AAdvantage eShopping, so you can't stack your rewards beyond the points you'll earn through its loyalty program and your credit card. However, the points I earn through Rylee + Cru Collective Rewards, alongside the VIP status perks and trade-in credits I receive, create meaningful savings for my family.

Related reading:

• From AirPods to Hokas: 6 back-to-school deals that are actually great for travel, too
• The best hotel loyalty programs for families in 2026
• The best new points hotels for families to visit in 2026
• Airlines that allow families to pool miles

Taco Bell Rewards is not your parents' sort of loyalty program.

It starts rewarding you almost immediately after you sign up and doesn't make you wait forever to unlock a free taco or burrito.

The program is fast, consistent and remarkably simple: Every standard reward costs the same 250 points. Then, Taco Bell layers on a packet of fun with mystery "Tuesday Drops," early access to limited-time menu items and other app-only deals.

My Generation Z teen has grown up seeing me chase points and miles in all sorts of programs, but Taco Bell Rewards is one of the first programs I've seen her genuinely click with — and even earn elite status in.

That made me curious about why the program resonates so well with her generation ... and whether I should also "Live Más" and lean a little harder into the quick rewards, affordable menu items and occasional $1 afternoon drinks.

What makes Taco Bell Rewards unique

There was a time when many loyalty programs worked almost like punch cards: Make enough purchases, fill the card and get a reward. The exact cash price of what you redeemed for didn't necessarily matter.

That simplicity has largely disappeared from major travel loyalty programs, replaced by increasingly variable award pricing and more complicated redemption systems.

But not at Taco Bell.

Every Taco Bell Rewards redemption costs the same 250 points. So, whether you're redeeming for a $1.29 Cheesy Roll Up or a $5.69 Seasoned beef Chalupa Supreme (available only to Fire members), you'll need just 250 points.

As for how you earn points, Taco Bell Rewards also makes that part of the program fairly straightforward.

Entry-level Hot members get 10 points per dollar spent on Taco Bell purchases. Earn 2,000 points in a calendar year — which equals $200 in spending in a year (or about $16.67 per month) — and you'll unlock Fire status for an additional point per dollar spent at Taco Bell, plus nine additional menu items for rewards.

Related: I use travel rewards for flights and hotels — and Domino's Rewards for campground pizza nights

Taco Bell Rewards points can actually be worth a lot

There are currently 11 rewards to choose from at the base-level Taco Bell Rewards Hot tier and nine additional rewards to choose from at the Fire tier. All redemption options cost 250 points each, no matter your program status and the listed cash price at your purchase location.

The following shows the redemption rates you can expect in Houston (where my family and I are based) and Charlotte (a city I visit often for work) for rewards available to all members:

The least valuable choices are the Cheesy Roll Up, the spicy potato soft taco and the cheesy bean-and-rice burrito, while the medium fountain drink and the chips and nacho cheese sauce offer the most value per point for all members.

That gives a 250-point Hot reward an average value of about $1.95 in Houston and $2.06 in Charlotte, or roughly 0.78 and 0.82 cents per point, respectively. Since Hot members earn 10 points per dollar spent, that works out to an average effective return of about 7.8% in Houston and 8.2% in Charlotte.

That's already pretty solid. But things get much more interesting once you reach Fire status, as you'll have nine more ways to redeem your points.

Here are the redemption rates for the Fire-exclusive rewards in the same two cities:

Among the Fire-only choices, the most valuable are the Cheesy Gordita Crunch and the seasoned beef Chalupa Supreme. The options offering the least value are the three-cheese chicken flatbread melt and the mini taco salad.

Looking only at these nine Fire-tier rewards, the average value per reward comes out to $3.60 in Houston and $3.76 in Charlotte, or about 1.44 and 1.50 cents per point, respectively. Because Fire members earn 11 points per dollar spent instead of 10, their average effective return jumps to approximately 15.8% in Houston and 16.5% in Charlotte.

For context, that's at least double the average return we've calculated for other dining programs, such as Chipotle Rewards.

Related: 'I'm lovin' it': MyMcDonald's Rewards is an easy way to save on a fast-food favorite

Other Taco Bell Rewards perks and drawbacks to keep in mind

Even if you follow my Baja Blast-loving teen's approach to loyalty by redeeming your Taco Bell Rewards points for whatever you're already planning on ordering instead of strategically using them on the priciest rewards items, there's still a ton of value available without much effort. And that's before you factor in special app-only deals and weekly mystery offers available to everyone, not just Fire members.

Now I get why Gen Z loves it.

So, what's the catch?

Taco Bell Rewards points expire six months after they're earned if you haven't cashed them in for a reward, and rewards are only valid for 31 days after redeeming your points. As a result, you won't want to let them sit for too long.

There's also a one-reward limit per order, so if there is, say, a $1 Baja Blast drop, you won't be able to use that reward and a standard 250-point reward on the same order. Nothing has stopped me and my teen from placing back-to-back orders to get around this, though.

Is Taco Bell Rewards worth it?

If you visit Taco Bell even just a handful of times a year — what Gen Zer doesn't? — it makes sense to have the app and a Taco Bell Rewards account, as you will get access to app-only special deals and promos and can redeem easy-to-accrue points without much effort.

Just be sure to keep tabs on your account so your points and rewards don't expire before you're ready to use them. Even if you have lower-tier Hot status, you'll only need to spend $25 within a six-month period to have enough points for a redemption.

Related: Why I got top-tier status with Starbucks and enjoy it — despite the reduced earnings for some

Bottom line

Taco Bell Rewards works because it keeps things fun and doesn't ask you to turn lunch into a spreadsheet. Join the program, spend just $25 (or less, if you have Fire status) and redeem 250 points for whatever sounds good from the rewards menu — it's as simple as that.

Even occasional customers at the Hot tier will net a respectable average return of about 8% — well above what you'll get from other quick-service chains — but you'll see it jump to around 16% if you qualify for Fire status. Combine that with the program's digital-first, immediate-gratification approach to loyalty, and it's no wonder Gen Zers are fans. I now am, too.

Now more than ever, travelers are seeking out airport lounges as soon as they make it through the security checkpoint.

Whether its finding a comfortable place to answer a few emails or eat lunch before a flight — or maybe starting a trip with a cocktail in an exclusive setting — lounges have increasingly become a part of travelers' routines.

In fact, lounges have become such a mainstay for a large subset of travelers that data and analytics firm JD Power has taken notice, looking at what exactly travelers are seeking in these airport oases and which spaces are doing the best job serving customers.

Like last year's inaugural study, JD Power's second-annual airport lounge benchmark study, released Wednesday, focuses on lounge networks rather than individual locations, taking a holistic look at everything a lounge network with general membership access offers.

Unlike last year, though, JD Power opted to include airlines' premium business-class lounges under the umbrella of their broader lounge network. For example, that means that unlike the inaugural study's focus on only United Clubs for the "United" category, this year's study included Polaris lounges in its scoring for the same category.

The study measured customer satisfaction across eight main criteria, weighted based on importance and plotted on a 1,000-point scale. Those criteria, in order of importance, were perceived value of experience, staff, food and beverage, cleanliness and upkeep, amenities, ease of accessing a lounge, ambience and Wi-Fi quality. Data collected from April through June came from surveys of 2,991 travelers who visited a U.S. airport lounge at least once in the past year.

According to JD Power, although the methodology is largely similar to last year's, a few tweaks to this year's study make direct comparisons to last year's scores difficult. One thing that can be compared year over year is the overall rankings.

The best lounge network is ...

Like last year, American Express' Centurion Lounge network topped the rankings overall, scoring 771 points out of a possible 1,000 under the new methodology. But unlike last year, American Express shared the top spot, with Capital One Lounges closing in for a draw.

Chase Sapphire Lounges came in third with 764 points, followed by Delta Sky Clubs (including Delta One lounges) with 763.

British Airways lounges were added this year, with the network of U.S. locations scoring 751 points, followed by American Airlines Admirals Clubs (including Flagship Lounges) at 749.

Air France's U.S. lounge network was another new addition, scoring 746 points, followed by Alaska Airlines' Alaska Lounges (737 points), United Clubs and Polaris Lounges (702) and another new addition, third-party The Club lounges (650). The average score was 732.

What travelers value in their lounges

Like last year, the study also brought insight into how travelers see lounges and choose to use them. More than a third (39%) of travelers use lounges primarily as a way to get better value on food and drink than they would paying airport terminal prices, while 45% see lounges first and foremost as an escape from the busy terminal.

But crowding has become a problem in lounges, as any frequent flyer can likely attest. Nearly half of surveyed travelers (46%) said that their most-visited lounge is usually "moderately or severely" crowded. Overall satisfaction scores were an average of 244 points higher for respondents who said their most frequently visited lounge is "not at all crowded" compared to those who answered that they're "severely crowded."

"The airport lounge has become an oasis for travelers, but that oasis can sometimes become a mirage when lounges are overcrowded and people need to wait in line to gain access," said Andrea Stokes, hospitality practice lead at JD Power.

Food-and-beverage options are a bright spot

The study found that food and beverage is an area where lounges are performing strongly, with 52% ranking food as "better than expected" and another 44% describing it as "in line" with expectations. Service was another strong area, with 77% saying they felt welcomed by staff.

Still, there was some room for improvement: Only 52% said staff seemed happy, and only 51% described staff as "knowledgeable."

"As this segment of the airport economy continues to grow, it will be critical for lounge operators and their partners to continue to find ways to delight guests with higher quality food and beverage, and happier staff," Stokes said.

Looking to add a lounge visit to your next flight? Be sure to check out TPG's comprehensive guides on how to access airport lounges and the best credit cards that include lounge access as a perk.

Related reading:

• The do's and don'ts of visiting an airport lounge
• 9 domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for
• The best airport lounges from the 2026 TPG Awards — and the top card for gaining access

One of the more beloved redemptions among points and miles enthusiasts is the 60,000-mile business-class award from the U.S. to Europe that is sometimes available through Air France and KLM's Flying Blue program. It's considered a redemption sweet spot because it is a favorable number of miles, and it's easy to transfer points from multiple U.S. credit card programs into Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio.

The good news: The ability to book that award from 60,000 miles via Flying Blue isn't going anywhere.

The bad news? At that price, it's about to come with more restrictions.

As of Sept. 8, Flying Blue will adopt the three fare types already used for Air France and KLM cash fares: Light, Standard and Flex.

And, as you've likely guessed by now, the lowest-priced mileage awards will fall into the Light bucket, bringing fewer perks and more restrictions once the new fare rules take effect.

Here's what you need to know about the coming changes to Flying Blue awards.

Light, Standard and Flex fares coming to Flying Blue awards

Currently, Flying Blue has a single set of fare rules for award tickets within each cabin of service. Business-class awards come with certain perks, while premium economy and economy awards each have their own, too.

The number of miles you'll pay can still fluctuate dramatically from day to day and flight to flight. That business-class award to Europe might cost 60,000 miles one day and 260,000 miles another. But regardless of mileage pricing, award tickets within the same cabin currently come with the same general rules for lounge access, changes and cancellations, baggage allowances and seat selection.

That will change Sept. 8.

At that point, Air France- or KLM-operated flights booked with Flying Blue miles will offer three fare options within each cabin: Light, Standard and Flex.

Some of the biggest changes come at the lowest-priced Light level. Light awards will not include changes, refunds or advance seat selection across economy, premium economy and business class. Economy Light and Premium Light awards will also come without a checked baggage allowance.

And notably for premium-cabin travelers, Business Light awards will no longer include lounge access.

There is one important caveat: Flying Blue elite benefits will continue to apply even when you book a fare that doesn't otherwise include them. So, if your Flying Blue status includes benefits such as advance seat selection, checked baggage or lounge access, you'll still receive those benefits when booking an eligible Light fare.

Additionally, bookings made before Sept. 8 will remain subject to the current rules and inclusions for all travelers using Flying Blue awards.

Light, Standard and Flex fare rules for Flying Blue awards

Here's a closer look at what will — and won't — be included with each fare type and cabin booked Sept. 8 and onward.

Economy cabin

Premium (Comfort) cabin

Business cabin

Note: Business Light is limited to O/Z fare classes.

New Flying Blue Light, Standard and Flex award prices

Since these changes aren't live yet, we can't search for the new award rates ourselves. However, Flying Blue provided TPG with several examples of how Light, Standard and Flex awards will be priced beginning Sept. 8.

Let's start with that ever-popular 60,000-mile business-class award from the U.S. to Europe.

Under the new structure, the 60,000-mile award (plus $608 in taxes and fees in the example provided) becomes a Business Light fare. A Business Standard award — the option most similar to what you get currently — costs 75,000 miles plus the same $608 in taxes and fees.

Business Flex jumps all the way to 110,000 miles, but includes changes and refunds without a penalty and comes with substantially lower taxes and fees — $302 in the example Flying Blue provided.

For premium economy awards between the U.S. and Europe, Flying Blue provided the following examples at the lowest award level:

• Light: 40,000 miles plus 323 euros
• Standard: 50,000 miles plus 323 euros
• Flex: 85,000 miles plus 153 euros

For economy awards between the U.S. and Europe, the examples are:

• Light: 25,000 miles plus 237 euros
• Standard: 30,000 miles plus 237 euros
• Flex: 50,000 miles plus 152 euros

Flying Blue also provided an intra-Europe example for a flight from Berlin to Barcelona. That flight would cost 10,000 miles in Economy Light, 13,000 miles in Economy Standard or 17,000 miles in Economy Flex. Taxes and fees would remain $70 across all three fare types in that example.

What this means for Flying Blue members

For Flying Blue members, these changes essentially introduce a new choice: Pay more miles to retain many of the benefits and flexibility that awards have now, or keep booking at the lowest mileage rates but give up some of those benefits and flexibility.

Take that 60,000-mile award, which will book into Business Light beginning on Sept. 8. That will mean no changes or refunds, no included advance seat selection and no included lounge access. In the example Flying Blue shared with TPG, moving up to Business Standard — which more closely resembles the current business-class award — costs 75,000 miles, a 25% increase to get the perks you are used to.

As mentioned previously, Flying Blue elite members will continue to receive any applicable benefits, even when booking a Light fare that doesn't otherwise include them.

TPG tip: You can use your Bilt status to activate 12 months of Flying Blue status or earn status via the Flying Blue credit card.

Bottom line

Flying Blue is not the first frequent flyer program to adjust perks downward and/or award pricing upward in the current shadow of increased fuel prices.

Of course, this announcement from Flying Blue isn't great news — and I especially don't love seeing a return to less flexible fares. One of the silver linings of the COVID-19 era in travel was more flexible airfare change and cancellation policies.

But as airlines increasingly divide cash and award tickets into different fare types with different inclusions, we're seeing some of that flexibility disappear again, particularly at the lowest price points. Flying Blue awards are now joining that trend. There is certainly still value in the program, but it'll cost you more miles to keep some of the perks and flexibility you enjoy now.

Many of the best travel cards confer valuable benefits. For example, some cards provide hotel elite status while others offer travel statement credits.

The American Express Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer perhaps the most comprehensive benefits of any premium travel rewards cards.

A key benefit is access to Amex Centurion Lounges for eligible cardmembers. What many Platinum Card and Business Platinum cardmembers don't realize, however, is that Centurion Lounges are just one type of lounge eligible cardmembers can visit within the broader American Express Global Lounge Collection.

Let's go through all the types of airport lounges that are part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection.

Which lounges can I access with the Amex Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card?

In addition to Centurion Lounges, both the Amex Platinum and the Amex Business Platinum provide members with access to Delta Sky Club lounges when they fly on a same-day, Delta-operated flight (limited to 10 annual visits unless a spending requirement is met; excluding basic economy) and Priority Pass Select lounges. (Enrollment is required.)

But that's just a portion of the lounges cardmembers can access. Other lounges around the world include:

• Aspire Lounges
• Escape Lounges
• Plaza Premium lounges
• Select Lufthansa lounges (access will be discontinued as of Oct. 1)
• Other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges

Using the Global Lounge Collection website, you can find participating airport lounges during your travels. American Express states that you'll have access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries.

As a cardmember of either the personal or business Platinum card, including authorized users with additional Platinum cards but not authorized users with companion Platinum cards, you'll get access to most eligible lounge networks by showing your eligible card and government-issued identification, plus a valid boarding pass.

However, each lounge network has different access requirements and guest policies, so let's look at each.

Related: How to maximize benefits with the Amex Platinum Card

American Express Centurion Lounges

Centurion Lounges are the most exclusive lounges available to Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card members. They offer a staffed bar, meals, ample nonalcoholic drinks, high-speed Wi-Fi and various seating options.

Some Centurion Lounges also provide complimentary amenities like family rooms.

Centurion Lounge locations in the US

There are currently 16 Centurion Lounges open in the U.S.:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO; under renovation until 2027; temporary lounge in Terminal 2)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport (DCA) near Washington, D.C.

Amex also plans to open Centurion Lounges at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) this year and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in 2029.

The issuer debuted a new dining concept called "Sidecar by Centurion Lounge" in Las Vegas this year, offering a quicker, more intimate dining experience to those with a flight departing within 90 minutes. American Express plans to expand the concept with another location at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in 2027.

This is similar to Capital One's Landing concept, and will offer free Wi-Fi and restrooms within the facility.

Centurion Lounge locations abroad

There are currently 15 Centurion Lounges open abroad, located at 11 airports:

• Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai, India
• Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi
• Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
• Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London
• Melbourne Airport (MEL) in Australia
• Mexico City International Airport (MEX) (four locations)
• Monterrey International Airport (MTY) in Mexico (two locations)
• Sydney Airport (SYD)

Amex plans to open a Centurion Lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) this year.

Access policy for Centurion Lounges

Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card members may only access the Centurion Lounge within three hours of their flight's scheduled departure. Access upon arrival isn't allowed unless you have a layover or connecting flight. For connections, cardmembers can access a Centurion Lounge up to five hours before their departing flight.

However, access policies may vary from country to country in international locations.

To gain access, you'll need to provide a same-day, confirmed boarding pass, your eligible Amex card, and your government-issued identification.

For U.S. Centurion Lounges, it's a good idea to check into a lounge when you're 10 minutes or less away from the entrance. If there is no wait, you'll get a QR code to expedite your entry; if there is a queue, you'll be placed on a waitlist.

Guest policy for Centurion Lounges

U.S. Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card members must pay $50 per guest age 18 or older and $30 per guest age two through 17 (guests under two years of age are complimentary with proof of age). Eligible guests must be traveling on the same flight as the cardmember.

However, U.S. Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card members can qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit after spending $75,000 on eligible purchases with their card within a calendar year.

In that case, you'll get complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit for the remainder of the calendar year, the following calendar year and until Jan. 31 of the next calendar year. So, if you earn complimentary guest access in 2026, it would be valid through Jan. 31, 2028.

Note, though, that guest policies may vary from country to country in international locations.

Access to other lounge networks

Centurion Lounges are great, but many airports don't have a Centurion Lounge.

So, most of the lounges you can visit with an Amex Platinum Card or Amex Business Platinum Card are in other lounge networks. You can use the lounge search function on Amex's website here to see the current operating hours and locations for lounges.

Delta Sky Club lounges

Amex Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card members get access to Delta Sky Club lounges when flying on a Delta-operated flight or a Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet. (You cannot access Sky Clubs on a basic economy ticket or an equivalent ticket with Delta or a partner airline.)

To find eligible lounges, head to Delta's website and select "Platinum Card and Centurion Members From American Express" as your membership type.

You can only access Delta Sky Club lounges up to three hours before the scheduled departure of a same-day Delta-operated flight or during a connection between two Delta-operated flights on the same ticket.

To gain access, show your Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card, your government-issued identification and your same-day boarding pass.

Delta grants Amex Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card members up to 10 Sky Club visits per program year; authorized users with additional Platinum cards get their own 10-visit allotment each program year. The program year is defined as Feb. 1 through Jan. 31 of the following year.

Here is a tool to track your annual Delta Sky Club visits.

After you have used all 10 visits, additional visits to a Delta Sky Club can be bought for $50 per visit, or $25 per visit for Delta Sky Club 'Grab and Go' locations. Delta's Sky Club terms and conditions state:

A visit is an entry to one or more Delta Sky Clubs or usage of the Delta Sky Club "Grab and Go" feature, at one or more airports, for a period of up to 24 hours starting upon the first Delta Sky Club entry or Grab and Go usage.

A single visit permits usage of Delta Sky Club(s) in multiple airports during the 24-hour period. For example, if you visit a Delta Sky Club in different airports on a trip, entry into one or more of these Clubs will be considered part of the same visit as long as these additional entries occur within 24 hours of the first Delta Sky Club entry.

Luckily, cardmembers with connecting itineraries or a brief layover during the same day won't have to worry about whether it's worth it to enter a Sky Club and burn a visit if they have already entered a Sky Club prior to their departure.

However, if you spend $75,000 or more on your Amex Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card during a calendar year (January through December), you can unlock unlimited Sky Club access through the end of the next program year (February through January).

Amex Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card members don't get any complimentary guests at Delta Sky Clubs, but they can purchase guest access for up to two traveling companions (or their spouse or domestic partner and children under 21) on a per-visit basis at $50 per guest or $25 per guest for Delta Sky Club's 'Grab and Go'.

Priority Pass Select lounges

Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card members are entitled to complimentary membership in Priority Pass Select. This membership provides access to more than 1,900 lounges worldwide but doesn't include Priority Pass restaurants.

The quality of each Priority Pass lounge varies, but there are some excellent ones. (Enrollment is required.)

To gain access, you must enroll in Priority Pass Select on Amex's website or by calling Platinum Travel Services.

Then, once your Priority Pass card arrives in the mail, hand it, your government-issued identification and your same-day boarding pass to the front desk attendant at Priority Pass lounges to gain access. Note that some lounges have limited hours for Priority Pass guests.

If the lounge accepts guests, you can bring up to two guests each visit. After two complimentary guests, additional guests are charged the applicable Priority Pass guest fee.

Related: 9 domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for

Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner

You can access U.S. Escape Lounges by showing your eligible Amex card, your government-issued identification and a confirmed same-day boarding pass. The name on the boarding pass must match the name on the card, and the eligible flight must be booked on a U.S.-issued American Express Card.

You may bring two guests with you for no additional cost, but any other guests must purchase a day pass.

Escape Lounges are available in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Plaza Premium lounges

With your Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card, you can access a selection of Plaza Premium lounge locations worldwide. (You can also access some Plaza Premium lounges through Priority Pass.)

You must show your eligible Amex card, your government-issued identification and a confirmed same-day boarding pass to enter. You may enter with up to two guests for no additional cost. Other guests can purchase a day pass, but the cost of a day pass will vary by location.

Lufthansa lounges

Note: Access to Lufthansa lounges will be discontinued effective Oct. 1, 2026.

Amex Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card members can access select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian Airlines; excludes Brussels Airlines). You may visit select Lufthansa Business Lounges regardless of your ticket class, but you can also visit participating Lufthansa Senator Lounges when flying business class on these airlines.

Not all Lufthansa lounges participate, so check Amex's lounge finder page. At participating locations, you must show your eligible Amex card, a government-issued ID and a boarding pass for a same-day Lufthansa Group flight. No guests are included, but some locations may allow guests for a fee.

Additional Global Lounge Collection partner lounges

Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card members also get access to other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges, as indicated by the lounge search function on Amex's website.

To access participating lounges, you must show your Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card, a government-issued ID and a same-day boarding pass for confirmed travel. However, guest access and guest fees will vary. Access is limited to eligible cardmembers.

Related: Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee?

Bottom line

The Amex Platinum and the Business Platinum provide access to more lounges than any other cards. It's why both cards routinely sit at the top of TPG's list of best cards for airport lounge access.

But it's not all about quantity; the quality of the lounges accessible with either card is also excellent. For example, we love the locally influenced dishes served at Centurion Lounges and the relaxing spaces in Escape Lounges.

However, we've seen lounge access limits as American Express and airlines look to reduce lounge crowding. You must spend a certain amount each year to get guest privileges to Centurion Lounges and additional visits to Delta Sky Clubs, for example.

To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Amex Platinum and the Amex Business Platinum.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express