Tag: Card Benefits

Credit cards

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve’s The Edit Credits Will Soon Work on Vacation Rentals

    Chase Sapphire Reserve’s The Edit Credits Will Soon Work on Vacation Rentals

    Chase is giving Sapphire Reserve cardholders another way to use their annual The Edit statement credits. Starting January 1, 2027, those credits will also work toward qualifying vacation home bookings, rather than just stays at luxury hotels and resorts.

    The expansion will bring more than 10,000 vacation homes to The Edit, Chase Travel’s collection of luxury accommodations. Eligible cardholders will be able to book these properties through Chase Travel and receive additional benefits, including a $150 in-stay credit.

    It’s a potentially useful addition for travelers who prefer the space and flexibility of a private home, particularly when traveling with family or a group.

    The Edit Is Expanding Beyond Hotels

    The Edit currently includes more than 1,500 luxury hotels and resorts. Starting in January, it’ll also feature over 10,000 vacation homes curated in partnership with Plum Guide.

    Plum Guide specializes in vacation rentals and evaluates properties against more than 150 criteria covering comfort, design, and location.

    The homes will be bookable directly through Chase Travel, with the option to pay using cash or Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

    And (perhaps most importantly), qualifying bookings will be eligible for the annual The Edit statement credits offered by select Chase cards.

    More on This: Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners: Airlines, Hotels, and Ratios

    What Benefits Will You Get at The Edit Vacation Homes?

    Eligible cardholders booking a vacation home through The Edit are eligible for a few useful benefits, including:

    • A $150 in-stay credit for services such as airport transfers, private chefs, massages, mid-stay cleaning, or a stocked refrigerator.
    • Early check-in and late checkout, when available.
    • Annual The Edit statement credits toward qualifying prepaid bookings.

    There’s one important catch, though: Vacation home bookings must be at least four nights to receive The Edit’s additional benefits.

    The annual statement credits offered by eligible Chase cards have a different requirement. These credits apply to qualifying prepaid bookings of at least two nights.

    In other words, you could book a two- or three-night stay and qualify for your card’s statement credit without receiving the additional $150 in-stay credit or other vacation home benefits.

    The $150 in-stay credit is separate from the card’s statement credit, and the services it covers may vary by property.

    Which Chase Cards Get These Benefits?

    The new vacation home collection will be available to Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Sapphire Reserve Business®, and J.P. Morgan Reserve cardholders.

    Here’s how their annual The Edit statement credits compare:

    CardAnnual The Edit Statement Credit
    Chase Sapphire ReserveUp to $500 (two $250 credits)
    J.P. Morgan ReserveUp to $500 (two $250 credits)
    Sapphire Reserve for BusinessUp to $1,000 beginning Jan. 1, 2027 (four $250 credits)

    For personal Sapphire Reserve and J.P. Morgan Reserve cardholders, the $500 annual credit is available as two $250 credits during the calendar year. Qualifying bookings must be prepaid through Chase Travel for stays of at least two nights.

    {{ credit-card-widget uri=”chasesapphirereserve” }}

    On the business side, beginning January 1, Sapphire Reserve for Business cardholders will be eligible for up to $1,000 in annual The Edit statement credits, capped at $250 per stay.

    That’s double the card’s current $500 annual benefit.

    {{ credit-card-widget uri=”csrbiz” }}

    Taking full advantage of the business card’s credit would therefore require at least four qualifying stays.

    What to Know Before Booking

    The expansion gives eligible cardholders more options for using their annual The Edit credits, especially if they’re traveling with family or friends and would rather stay in a house than book multiple hotel rooms.

    There are a few things to keep front of mind, though. The $150 in-stay credit and early check-in or late checkout benefits require a stay of at least four nights, while the annual statement credits apply to qualifying prepaid stays of two nights or more.

    It’s also worth comparing the total cost of a property through The Edit with other booking options. The statement credits and additional benefits can help offset the price, but nightly rates, fees, and available services will vary.

    Chase hasn’t yet shared the full collection of participating homes or their pricing. Once the expanded program launches on January 1, 2027, we’ll have a better picture of the available properties and how they compare with other vacation rental options.

  • Two Citi AAdvantage Cards Are Getting More Expensive (and More Benefits)

    Two Citi AAdvantage Cards Are Getting More Expensive (and More Benefits)

    Citi and American Airlines are refreshing two cards in the AAdvantage portfolio. And starting January 24, 2027, both will cost more to keep.

    The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard will each see their annual fees increase from $99 to $150 on that date.

    Along with the fee increases, both cards are getting expanded earning rates and a handful of new travel and lifestyle benefits. But the perks that make these cards attractive in the first place (like free checked bags, preferred boarding, and their core American Airlines earning rates) aren’t going anywhere.

    What’s New on the Platinum Select Card

    The Platinum Select is American Airlines’ card designed for occasional travelers, and the refresh leans into everyday spending and a few lifestyle perks.

    Cardholders will earn 3X AAdvantage miles on eligible bookings through AAdvantage Hotels and AAdvantage Cars. The existing 2X gas station category will also expand to include EV charging stations.

    New 2X categories include select streaming services and eligible Rides and Rails purchases (including ferries, commuter railways, subways, taxis, limousines, car services, rideshare services, passenger railways, tolls, parking, and bus lines).

    The American Airlines flight discount earned after spending $20,000 in a cardmember year and renewing the card will also increase from $125 to $150.

    Citi is adding up to $120 toward a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four years, plus up to $100 annually in statement credits for inflight purchases. Primary cardmembers will also receive a complimentary annual Walmart+ membership and a 50% discount on an annual FOX One subscription.

    New travel protections include trip delay, trip cancellation and interruption, car rental coverage, and lost baggage protection.

    What Stays the Same on Platinum Select

    Several staple benefits aren’t changing.

    Cardholders will continue earning 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and at restaurants, 1X on everything else, and one Loyalty Point for every $1 spent on eligible purchases.

    The card also retains up to $180 annually in Turo credits (up to $30 per eligible trip), 10% savings on eligible American Airlines Vacations packages, preferred boarding for the cardmember and up to four companions on the same reservation, and a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries for the cardmember and up to four companions.

    Overhead shot of two American Airlines / Citi credit cards.
    CITIBANK

    What’s New on the Business Card

    The Business card’s refresh focuses more on earning flexibility rather than lifestyle perks.

    Cardholders will earn 3X miles on eligible AAdvantage Hotels and AAdvantage Cars bookings. They’ll also be able to select one category for 2X miles: U.S. shipping providers, office supply stores, or U.S. advertising services.

    Citi is also adding up to $120 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, up to $100 annually in inflight statement credits, 25% off a Melio subscription plan (bill paying software for businesses), and travel protections covering trip cancellation and interruption, lost or damaged baggage, car rentals, and trip delays.

    What Stays the Same on the Business Card

    The card’s core earning rates aren’t changing. Cardholders will continue earning 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, car rental merchants, gas stations, and telecommunications, cable, and satellite providers, plus 1X on everything else.

    Businesses will continue earning one Loyalty Point per dollar of eligible card spending for each cardmember. Primary cardmembers will also keep earning one additional Loyalty Point per dollar spent by authorized users through December 31, 2028.

    After spending $30,000 in a cardmember year and renewing the card, cardholders will still receive a $99 American Airlines Companion Certificate for a qualifying domestic round-trip Main Cabin flight.

    Preferred boarding for the cardmember and up to four companions on the same reservation, a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries (for the cardmember and up to four companions), and 10% savings on eligible American Airlines Vacations packages are all staying on board, too.

    What to Do Before January 24, 2027

    Nothing is changing with how either card works today.

    Cardmembers will get access to the new benefits on January 24, 2027, when the higher annual fees also take effect. Existing cardholders will pay the new fee when their cards renew on or after that date.

    That gives you time to try the new benefits and decide whether they’re worth the additional $51 per year.

    On the personal side, there are other AAdvantage cards worth considering if the refreshed Platinum Select no longer makes sense. Two sit above it with more benefits and higher annual fees, while the no-annual-fee AAdvantage MileUp offers a cheaper alternative with fewer perks.

    On the business side, options are more limited. The Citi / AAdvantage Business card is currently the only AAdvantage business credit card available to new applicants, so there isn’t another Citi AAdvantage business product to move to if the refresh doesn’t appeal to you.

    That said, the expanded earning categories are a welcome improvement. Earning flexibility has long been one of the Business card’s weaker points, and these changes help address that, even with the higher annual fee.

    Ultimately, refresh or not, it’s worth periodically reviewing the cards in your wallet to make sure you’re getting enough value from their benefits to justify keeping them.

  • Citi Adds $200 in Dining Credits to Its Recently Refreshed AAdvantage Executive Card

    Citi Adds $200 in Dining Credits to Its Recently Refreshed AAdvantage Executive Card

    Citi just added another perk to its top American Airlines credit card. And this one has nothing to do with flying.

    As of October 25, 2026, Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard cardholders can get up to $200 annually in dining credits through the inKind app.

    The credit is split into two $100 semiannual allotments — one from January through June and another from July through December. And the good news for existing cardholders (or prospective cardholders who apply by the end of the year) is that the current $100 credit is already available through the end of 2026.

    How the Credit Works

    inKind is a dining platform with several thousand restaurants, bars, and cafes in its U.S. network. The new credit works a bit like a gift card you can use at participating establishments.

    To use the benefit, download the inKind app and add your eligible AAdvantage Executive card. The credit will then apply automatically to qualifying purchases.

    Note that primary cardmembers and authorized users share the same $100 semiannual credit, and unused credits don’t roll over to the next six-month period.

    So it’s a use-it-or-lose-it type of benefit.

    How We Got Here

    The new dining credit comes just two months after Citi refreshed the AAdvantage Executive card in August. Those changes included renaming it a World Legend Mastercard (an upgrade from its previous World Elite Mastercard designation) and increasing its annual fee from $595 to $695.

    That refresh also introduced several new benefits, including up to $500 in American Airlines Vacations credits, up to $100 in statement credits for inflight and eligible Admirals Club purchases, and an increase in annual Lyft credits from $120 to $180.

    It also added 12X miles on eligible AAdvantage Hotels and AAdvantage Cars bookings, the ability to earn up to 40,000 bonus Loyalty Points, Omni Hotels Champion status with an annual free night after a qualifying stay, and complimentary Avis President’s Club status.

    Unlike the August refresh, though, the new inKind benefit doesn’t come with another annual fee increase. It’s simply an additional perk for AAdvantage Executive cardholders.

  • Amex Platinum’s Hotel Credit Will Require 2 Nights at Fine Hotels + Resorts in 2027

    Amex Platinum’s Hotel Credit Will Require 2 Nights at Fine Hotels + Resorts in 2027

    Starting January 1, 2027, you’ll need to book at least two nights at a Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) property to use the up to $300 semiannual hotel credit on the American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cards.

    Amex has also given the benefit a new name. What cardholders previously knew as the $600 Hotel Credit is now the $600 Lodging Credit (to reflect the addition of eligible Airbnb Luxe stays).

    The new restriction brings FHR in line with The Hotel Collection (Amex’s other hotel program), which already requires a minimum two-night stay.

    What the Change Means for Your Remaining 2026 Hotel Credit

    If you haven’t used your July-to-December hotel credit yet, there’s still time to book a one-night FHR stay under the existing rules.

    According to Amex’s terms, eligible bookings must be processed by December 31 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time to count toward the second half of 2026.

    And you don’t actually need to stay at the hotel before then. Amex’s FAQ confirms that travel can take place after the credit period ends.

    More on This: How to Search Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts with PointsYeah

    How the Amex Platinum’s $600 Lodging Credit Works

    The newly renamed Lodging Credit still provides up to $600 per calendar year, split into two $300 credits. One is available from January through June, and the other from July through December.

    To use it, you’ll need to make an eligible prepaid (“Pay Now”) booking through Amex Travel. That includes Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection reservations made through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or the number on the back of your card. Eligible prepaid Airbnb Luxe stays also qualify, although those have their own booking requirements.

    Now, that two-night minimum might not sound like a particularly big deal, but it makes the credit considerably less useful for shorter stays, especially at more affordable FHR properties.

    Take a hotel charging $300 per night. Today, you could book a single night and have the entire room rate covered by the credit. In 2027, you’d need to book two nights for $600, leaving you with $300 to pay out of pocket.

    At a $700-per-night property, the credit currently covers about 43% of a one-night stay. With a two-night minimum, it would cover just 21% of the $1,400 total.

    Granted, you’re getting another night in both examples. But if you only need somewhere to stay for one night, that doesn’t necessarily do you much good.

    Airbnb Luxe Is Another Way to Use the Credit

    Amex and Airbnb have announced a new partnership that brings more than one million Airbnb listings to Amex Travel.

    Eligible cardholders can now book these properties through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and earn Membership Rewards points on prepaid reservations. Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders earn 5X points, while most other Membership Rewards-earning cards earn 2X.

    But there’s an important distinction. While more than one million Airbnb listings are available through Amex Travel, only eligible Airbnb Luxe properties qualify for the $600 Lodging Credit.

    Interior of the Phoenix Mountain Cabin & Spa.
    Phoenix Mountain Cabin & Spa. AIRBNB LUXE

    Airbnb Luxe is a collection of high-end homes available through Airbnb. According to the company, Luxe properties account for less than 1% of its listings globally, and each undergoes an in-person walkthrough before receiving the designation.

    There’s another new perk, too. Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders who book a qualifying prepaid Airbnb Luxe stay through Amex Travel can unlock up to $250 in statement credits annually toward eligible Airbnb Experiences.

    Once the Luxe booking is confirmed, cardholders can use their Platinum card to purchase eligible Experiences directly through Airbnb and receive statement credits through the end of that calendar year. Experiences that redirect you to certain third-party platforms for payment aren’t eligible.

    Unlike the Lodging Credit, the Experiences credit isn’t split into two semiannual periods.

    Fine Hotels + Resorts Benefits Aren’t Changing

    Something to keep in mind is that the new two-night requirement applies to the Lodging Credit, not necessarily to Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in general.

    Amex’s separate FHR program terms, which offers benefits such as daily breakfast for two, a $100 credit toward eligible charges, and guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout, don’t specify a minimum stay.

    Put differently, you can still book a one-night FHR stay and receive the usual program benefits. You just won’t be able to use your Platinum card’s Lodging Credit toward it beginning in 2027.

    The $600 annual credit, its semiannual schedule, and the prepaid booking requirement aren’t changing, either.

    For cardholders who regularly use the credit on one-night FHR stays, though, this is a reduction in flexibility. And if you’ve still got a 2026 credit to use, it’s worth keeping the upcoming change in mind before making your next reservation.

  • 4 Reasons the Chase Sapphire Preferred Still Makes Sense

    4 Reasons the Chase Sapphire Preferred Still Makes Sense

    Credit cards have gotten increasingly complicated over the past few years. Annual fees are climbing, benefits are being divided into monthly or quarterly credits, and getting your money’s worth takes more time and attention than ever.

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (still) takes a somewhat different approach.

    With a $95 annual fee, useful earning categories, and a collection of travel benefits, it’s a relatively uncomplicated option for travelers who want to earn points without committing a small fortune to an expensive premium card.

    Here are four reasons the card is worth a closer look.

    A $100 Hotel Credit That Can Offset the Annual Fee

    One of the Sapphire Preferred’s most useful benefits is its $100 annual Chase Travel hotel credit.

    Cardholders receive up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year when booking hotels through Chase Travel. The credit is applied automatically, and there’s no enrollment required.

    That’s enough to offset the card’s $95 annual fee.

    There is a catch, though. You have to book through Chase Travel rather than directly with the hotel. Portal rates aren’t always the lowest, so it’s worth comparing prices before making a reservation.

    Also, the first $100 in eligible hotel purchases each year won’t earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

    But for someone who can make use of the credit (perhaps for a one-night airport hotel stay before an early flight or after a late arrival), it’s a relatively simple way to offset the annual fee.

    Aerial pool view of the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort.
    Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort. WYNDHAM

    A Good Card for Everyday Spending

    Some travel credit cards offer excellent benefits but aren’t particularly rewarding for everyday purchases.

    The Sapphire Preferred has a fairly broad set of bonus categories. Cardholders earn:

    • 5X points on purchases through Chase Travel.
    • 3X points on dining, including eligible takeout and delivery.
    • 3X points at gas stations, EV charging stations, and vacation homes at select brands.
    • 3X points on eligible online groceries and select streaming services.
    • 2X points on other travel purchases.
    • 1X points on everything else.

    Together, these categories cover a broad range of everyday purchases without requiring cardholders to track rotating categories or activate quarterly bonuses.

    Plus, Ultimate Rewards points don’t expire as long as you keep your credit card account open.

    More on This: I Want to Travel With Points. Where Do I Start?

    Travel Protections That Can Save You Money

    Travel insurance isn’t usually the first thing people consider when choosing a credit card, but it’s one of the Sapphire Preferred’s more valuable features.

    For starters, the card offers primary rental car coverage. It provides up to $60,000 in reimbursement for covered theft and collision damage to eligible rental vehicles. That generally means you don’t have to file a claim with your personal auto insurance first.

    The card also includes several protections for when travel plans go wrong:

    • Trip delay reimbursement: Up to $500 per covered traveler for eligible expenses when a trip is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: Up to $10,000 per covered traveler and $20,000 per trip for eligible prepaid, nonrefundable expenses.
    • Baggage delay insurance: Up to $100 per day for five days when baggage is delayed more than six hours.

    There’s also lost luggage reimbursement and a new emergency evacuation and transportation benefit offering up to $100,000 in coverage for qualifying situations.

    All of these protections have eligibility requirements and exclusions, but they’re useful benefits to have on a card with a $95 annual fee.

    Happy couple at home booking a trip online using their laptop computer.
    ANDRESR / ISTOCK

    You’re Not Tied to One Airline or Hotel Program

    One of the biggest advantages of earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points is the flexibility to decide where to use them.

    Unlike an airline credit card, which earns miles in a single loyalty program, the Sapphire Preferred earns points that can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners.

    That includes programs such as United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Club, and World of Hyatt.

    You might use Aeroplan to book a United flight, British Airways Avios for a short American Airlines flight, or transfer points to a hotel program for an upcoming stay.

    Keep in mind that transfer ratios can vary by partner and card. Chase’s recent changes to World of Hyatt transfers are one example.

    A Chance to Earn More Ultimate Rewards Points

    For those looking to build up their Chase Ultimate Rewards balance, the Sapphire Preferred also offers a welcome bonus for eligible new applicants.

    The welcome offer can provide a substantial boost to your points balance after meeting the required spending threshold.

    If you’re interested in learning more about the card, including its current welcome offer and terms (and all of its other benefits), click “Learn More” below.

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  • American Express Centurion Lounges: What to Know Before You Visit

    American Express Centurion Lounges: What to Know Before You Visit

    American Express has spent more than a decade building one of the largest credit card airport lounge networks in the world.

    The first Centurion Lounge opened in 2013. Since then, the network has expanded across the United States and into airports from London to Tokyo, with more locations on the way.

    Unlike airline lounges, access isn’t tied to flying a particular airline or sitting in a premium cabin. It comes primarily through a handful of premium American Express cards.

    Here’s where to find Centurion Lounges, who can get in, and what to know before your visit.

    Where Can You Find American Express Centurion Lounges?

    American Express operates Centurion Lounges across the United States and at several international airports.

    United States

    AirportLocation
    Atlanta (ATL)Concourse E
    Charlotte (CLT)Between concourses D and E
    Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)Terminal D
    Denver (DEN)Concourse C
    Houston (IAH)Terminal D
    Las Vegas (LAS)Concourse D
    Los Angeles (LAX)Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
    Miami (MIA)Concourse D
    New York Kennedy(JFK)Terminal 4
    New York LaGuardia (LGA)Terminal B
    Philadelphia (PHL)Terminal A, West
    Phoenix (PHX)Terminal 4
    Salt Lake City (SLC)Concourse B
    San Francisco (SFO)Terminal 2, Concourse D (temporary location)
    Seattle (SEA)Central Terminal
    Washington National (DCA)Terminal 2

    International

    AirportLocation
    Amsterdam (AMS)Between Concourses E and F
    Buenos Aires (EZE)Terminal B
    Delhi (DEL)Terminal 1D
    Hong Kong (HKG)Terminal 1
    London (LHR)Terminal 3
    Melbourne (MEL)Terminal 2
    Mexico City (MEX)Terminal 1 (International), Terminal 2, Terminal 1 (Domestic), and Terminal 1
    Monterrey (MTY)Terminal A and Terminal B
    Mumbai (BOM)Terminal 2, Domestic
    Stockholm (ARN)Terminal 5
    Sydney (SYD)Terminal 1 (International)
    Tokyo Haneda (HND)Terminal 3

    More Centurion Lounges are on the way

    The network is still growing, with additional Centurion Lounges already announced.

    AirportLocationExpected
    Newark (EWR)Terminal A2026
    London (LHR)Terminal 52028
    Boston (BOS)Terminal C2029

    Sidecar by the Centurion Lounge

    American Express is also experimenting with a smaller lounge concept called Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge.

    Sidecar is designed for shorter visits, with drinks and light bites rather than the broader dining and amenity experience found at a full Centurion Lounge. Visits are limited to 90 minutes before departure.

    The first Sidecar opened at Las Vegas (LAS) in 2025, and another is planned for Charlotte (CLT) in 2027.

    Who Can Access a Centurion Lounge?

    You can’t purchase a Centurion Lounge membership or simply pay for a day pass.

    Instead, complimentary access comes primarily through eligible American Express cards, including:

    • The Platinum Card® from American Express
    • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
    • Centurion® Card
    • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve cardmembers (when flying Delta)
    • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business cardmembers (when flying Delta)

    Guest access depends on which card you use.

    Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card members generally pay $50 per adult guest and $30 for children ages 2 through 17. Cardmembers who make $75,000 or more in eligible purchases during a calendar year can unlock complimentary access for up to two guests at eligible Centurion Lounge locations.

    You’ll also need a same-day boarding pass. Access is generally limited to within three hours of your scheduled departure. If you’re connecting, you can enter up to five hours before your next flight.

    What Can You Expect Inside a Centurion Lounge?

    Centurion Lounges share many of the same basics, but American Express doesn’t make every location identical.

    Food, drinks, artwork, and design often incorporate elements of the city or region surrounding the airport. Some locations take that further with amenities you won’t find elsewhere in the network.

    At New York (JFK), there’s a speakeasy called 1850. Seattle (SEA) has a full-service coffee bar inspired by the city’s coffee culture. At Tokyo Haneda (HND), chefs prepare nigiri from an open kitchen.

    The rest will feel familiar if you’ve spent time in airport lounges. Expect complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and places to work or relax. Depending on the location, you may also find showers, family rooms, outdoor spaces, or other amenities.

    A Few Things to Know Before You Go

    A few rules are worth checking before heading to a Centurion Lounge:

    • Bring a government-issued photo ID. You may be asked to show it at check-in.
    • Your boarding pass must be for a same-day departing flight.
    • Entry is subject to capacity, and popular lounges can have a wait during busy periods.
    • Amenities vary considerably between locations.
    • International locations can have different access and guest policies, so check the rules for the specific lounge you’re visiting.

    Because lounge access policies can change, confirm the latest rules with American Express before traveling if Centurion Lounge access is important to your plans.

  • Chase Is Changing Two Sapphire Reserve for Business Benefits

    Chase Is Changing Two Sapphire Reserve for Business Benefits

    Chase is making two changes to the Sapphire Reserve for Business, and one is considerably easier to call an upgrade than the other.

    The card’s annual statement credit for hotel stays through The Edit by Chase Travel will double from $500 to $1,000 beginning January 1, 2027. Meanwhile, Chase is adding a $1 million annual spending cap to the card’s 3-points-per-dollar earning rate on eligible social media and search engine advertising purchases beginning November 15, 2026.

    Here’s what’s changing.

    The Edit Credit Doubles, but Takes More Stays to Use

    Beginning January 1, the Sapphire Reserve for Business will offer up to $1,000 in annual statement credits for stays booked through The Edit by Chase Travel, up from the current $500.

    That’s a meaningful increase, but Chase isn’t handing cardmembers a single $1,000 hotel credit.

    Instead, the benefit will be divided into a minimum of four statement credits worth up to $250 per stay. Using the full $1,000 will therefore require at least four qualifying stays during the year.

    The Edit is Chase’s collection of higher-end hotels and resorts. Eligible stays also include benefits such as daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, and a room upgrade when available.

    For businesses already booking several stays through The Edit each year, the additional $500 could be valuable. Those making only one or two eligible stays will have a harder time using the full benefit.

    Advertising Spend Gets a $1 Million Cap

    The other change goes in the opposite direction.

    Beginning November 15, cardmembers will earn 3 points per dollar on the first $1 million spent on eligible social media and search engine advertising each account anniversary year. Spending beyond that threshold will earn the card’s standard 1 point per dollar.

    A $1 million annual cap won’t affect most small businesses. But it is still a restriction on one of the card’s business-focused bonus categories, and it could matter for companies with particularly large advertising budgets.

    The unusual timing is worth noting, too. For this benefit, Chase defines the first account anniversary year as beginning November 15, 2026, and running through the monthly statement on which the next annual fee appears. Subsequent periods will run for 12 months.

    Neither change alters the Sapphire Reserve for Business’s other benefits. But together they make for a mixed update. There’s potentially another $500 a year available through The Edit, provided there are enough qualifying stays to use it, while the advertising category becomes less rewarding after $1 million in annual spending.

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  • Amex and Aspire Expand Canadian Lounge Partnership to Calgary and Montréal

    Amex and Aspire Expand Canadian Lounge Partnership to Calgary and Montréal

    American Express is expanding its partnership with airport lounge operator Aspire in Canada. A new co-branded lounge is now open in Calgary and another is coming to Montréal.

    The Aspire Amex Lounge at Calgary International Airport (YYC) opened September 16 in the domestic departures area. Another location will open in Montréal-Trudeau International Airport’s (YUL) transborder area by early 2027, serving passengers departing for the U.S.

    The expansion follows the first Aspire Amex Lounge, which opened in Montréal’s domestic departures area in September 2025. Amex says that location has recorded more than 50,000 cardmember visits since opening.

    Once the new Montréal location opens, the Aspire Amex network in Canada will include three lounges across two airports.

    These Lounges Aren’t Just for Canadian Amex Cardmembers

    These aren’t Centurion Lounges. They’re Aspire lounges operated by Swissport, with Amex partnering with Aspire to provide additional benefits for eligible cardmembers.

    But access isn’t limited to Canadian Amex cards. Aspire lounges also participate in Priority Pass, which is a benefit of several U.S. credit cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express.

    U.S. Platinum Card members need to enroll in Priority Pass before using the benefit. Access requires a Priority Pass membership card and same-day boarding pass.

    Eligible Amex cardmembers receive priority lounge and waitlist access at Aspire Amex Lounges. The lounges also offer a mix of buffet options and tableside ordering.

    The upcoming Montréal location could be especially useful for U.S.-bound passengers. It will sit in the airport’s transborder area, while the existing Aspire Amex Lounge serves domestic departures.

    With Calgary now open and a second Montréal location coming, the partnership is expanding from one lounge last year to three across two Canadian airports.

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve Adds Limited-Time Travel Offers and a Bigger DoorDash Credit

    Chase Sapphire Reserve Adds Limited-Time Travel Offers and a Bigger DoorDash Credit

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve is turning 10, and Chase is marking the occasion with several limited-time travel offers and an upgrade to one of the card’s existing benefits.

    The most lasting change is coming to its DoorDash perk. Beginning October 1, 2026, the current $5 monthly restaurant credit will increase to $15 and become usable on all eligible DoorDash orders.

    Chase is also rolling out limited-time statement credit offers with IHG, Hyatt, JSX, Wander, and SIXT.

    Here’s what’s new and what’s on offer.

    The DoorDash Credit Is Getting More Useful

    Beginning October 1, Sapphire Reserve cardmembers with an eligible DashPass membership will receive a $15 monthly DoorDash credit that can be used on eligible DoorDash orders.

    That’s an increase from the current $5 monthly restaurant credit, and the restriction to restaurant orders is going away.

    The card’s two existing $10 monthly non-restaurant DoorDash promotions aren’t changing. Combined, that means eligible cardmembers can receive up to $35 in DoorDash value each month.

    Chase says the updated benefits will be available through December 31, 2029.

    Getting the full $35 in value still means using DoorDash multiple times each month. But the larger and more flexible $15 credit should be easier to use than the benefit it replaces.

    Sapphire Reserve Adds Limited-Time Travel Credits

    The anniversary also brings several travel offers for existing Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. Activation is required, and each comes with its own spending requirement.

    • $125 back at IHG Hotels & Resorts after spending at least $500 on an eligible U.S. stay. Payment must be completed by October 16, 2026.
    • $250 back at Miraval and Alila after spending $1,000 at participating U.S. properties that are part of World of Hyatt. Payment must be completed by December 14, 2026.
    • $200 back with JSX after spending $200 on a semi-private flight by December 14, 2026.
    • $350 back with Wander after spending $1,500 on a vacation home by December 14, 2026.
    • $125 back with SIXT after spending $500 on a premium car rental by December 14, 2026. Chase says this offer is available to eligible cardmembers as of August 25, 2026.

    There’s one additional detail to know before booking. These anniversary offers apply when booking or paying directly with the participating partner, not through Chase Travel.

    And some of the discounts are sizable if an eligible purchase was already in the plans. The JSX offer covers a $200 purchase entirely, while the IHG and SIXT offers amount to 25% back when spending exactly the required amount.

    Chase Is Also Giving Away Ultimate Rewards Points

    Chase is also running an anniversary contest from September 16 through November 6.

    Cardmembers can share a favorite trip taken since 2016 for a chance to be one of 10 finalists. The grand-prize winner will receive 5.5 million Ultimate Rewards points, while the other nine finalists will each receive 500,000 points.

    The contest comes with the biggest number, but the DoorDash change and anniversary travel offers are likely to matter more for most existing cardmembers. The travel offers are temporary and require activation, while the expanded DoorDash benefit begins October 1 and is slated to stick around through the end of 2029.

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  • Amex’s Newest Centurion Lounge Takes Its Cues From Amsterdam

    Amex’s Newest Centurion Lounge Takes Its Cues From Amsterdam

    American Express is bringing a Centurion Lounge to continental Europe for the first time.

    The 33rd Centurion Lounge opens Thursday, September 17, at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). It’s in the airport’s non-Schengen zone between Concourses E and F. And the entryway is just up the stairs near the Lounge No. 50 sign.

    At nearly 6,000 square feet, Amsterdam is far from the largest Centurion Lounge in the issuer’s network. But after walking through the space ahead of its opening, it doesn’t feel quite as small as that number suggests.

    Tall ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows bring plenty of natural light into the lounge, while the layout breaks the space into several distinct areas. There’s a dedicated coffee bar, dining area, full-service bar, and different types of seating across the lounge.

    Hallway at the Amex Centurion Lounge AMS.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Amex also packed quite a bit of the Netherlands into the space.

    There are deep greens and blues inspired by Amsterdam’s canals, Dutch florals, locally sourced coffee and tea, work from local artists, and a Delft-style version of Amex’s bulldog mascot.

    The goal, according to Vince Carbone, Amex’s director of global lounge design strategy, was to make the lounge distinctly Amsterdam without making the references too “on the nose.”

    That’s a pretty good description of what Amex built. It still looks and feels like a Centurion Lounge, but the Amsterdam influence is impossible to miss.

    Bringing Amsterdam Into a Centurion Lounge

    No two Centurion Lounges are designed to be exactly alike, and much of what distinguishes Amsterdam comes down to the details.

    The local references start near the entrance. A painting featuring Sir Charles Frosty Blue (Amex’s mascot, not Dutch royalty) incorporates Delftware and Dutch florals. Work from local artists lines the walls, while flowers and other references to the Dutch landscape decorate tables and shelves.

    Seating and foliage at the Amex Centurion Lounge AMS.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Color plays an even bigger role.

    Deep greens and blues run throughout the space, inspired in large part by Amsterdam’s maze of waterways. Color blocking (which, I learned, is the practice of using distinct areas of color to define a space) also helps separate one part of the lounge from another without making each area feel disconnected.

    The ceiling is another integral part of the space, although it isn’t entirely an Amex creation. The lounge was built out of former office space, and the tall, angular ceilings were already there.

    Amex incorporated that existing architecture into the design. The triangular forms overhead add dimension, while the ceiling height and floor-to-ceiling windows help make the relatively compact lounge feel a lot more open.

    And perhaps a little more upscale.

    Seating at the Amex Centurion Lounge AMS.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Moving through the space takes you from general seating to the Blue Roast Coffee Bar, dining area, and eventually the main bar. Additional seating runs along the perimeter beside the windows.

    Then there are details that are easier to miss.

    For instance, Amex has made a habit of hiding a bulldog statue in its Centurion Lounges. Amsterdam’s version sits above the bar, rendered appropriately in Delft style.

    Bar at the Amex Centurion Lounge AMS.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Coffee Is Getting More Attention

    One of the most prominent parts of the lounge isn’t the traditional Centurion bar.

    It’s the coffee bar.

    Amsterdam is the fourth Centurion Lounge to feature Amex’s Blue Roast Coffee Bar, following Seattle, New York-JFK, and Salt Lake City. The branding carries over, but the coffee and tea are sourced locally and brewed fresh by a barista behind the counter.

    Coffee bar at the Amex Centurion Lounge AMS.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    There’s also another reason Amex is putting more emphasis on coffee.

    The Global Lounge team said it’s seeing customers drink less alcohol and show more interest in coffee and nonalcoholic beverages. That’s beginning to influence what Amex prioritizes inside its lounges.

    The full-service bar isn’t going anywhere, and Amsterdam has one of those, too. But Blue Roast gets its own dedicated space rather than feeling like an extension of the dining area.

    Bar at the Amex Centurion Lounge AMS.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Food is another important part of the Centurion Lounge experience. Amex even went so far as to call it a main draw.

    The Amsterdam menu mixes global and European flavors with Dutch staples, like bitterballen. Amex also mentioned herring and eel as examples of regional European dishes that will be served, although it wasn’t clear when or how often those will appear once the lounge opens.

    Some dishes are expected to rotate roughly every three weeks, while other staples will stay.

    Like the design itself, the food gives Amex another way to make the lounge feel connected to Amsterdam without changing the basic Centurion Lounge formula.

    Buffet at the Amex Centurion Lounge AMS.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Making the Most of 6,000 Square Feet

    The Amsterdam lounge is noticeably smaller than some of the newer Centurion Lounges Amex has opened in the U.S.

    There’s a fairly simple reason for that. Airport real estate doesn’t grow on trees. And Amex’s team isn’t shy about saying that lounge development often comes down to what space an airport can make available.

    Seating and foliage at the Amex Centurion Lounge AMS.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    At Schiphol, space is particularly hard to come by.

    The existing architecture ended up working in Amex’s favor. Instead of one large seating area, the lounge progresses through smaller spaces for seating, coffee, dining, and the main bar. Combined with the tall ceilings and natural light, the layout keeps the footprint from feeling compressed.

    Patrick McGinley, Amex’s director and design and construction program manager for Centurion Lounges, said the finished product turned out better than he originally expected.

    Seating and foliage at the Amex Centurion Lounge AMS.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Amex worked closely with Schiphol and Dutch partners to get the lounge built, and indicated that it expects to stay in touch with the airport if opportunities for additional space come along later.

    There’s nothing more concrete than that for now. But even ahead of the official opening, Amex isn’t ready to close the loop on what the lounge could eventually become.

    Why Amsterdam Makes Sense for Amex

    The opening is also another step in taking a Centurion Lounge network that has historically been concentrated in the U.S. farther abroad.

    Members of Amex’s Global Lounge team pointed to growth in the company’s international business and demand for lounges in more parts of the world.

    Schiphol is important both for people beginning trips in the Netherlands and for those passing through one of Europe’s biggest connecting hubs. Amex expects the lounge to draw a mix of U.S. and international Platinum Card Members, without a necessarily particular tilt toward either group.

    Seating at the Amex Centurion Lounge AMS.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    There’s also a notable network effect from the U.S.

    Several major U.S. gateways with nonstop service to Amsterdam already have Centurion Lounges. Platinum Card Members have access to a much broader collection of lounges around the world through the American Express Global Lounge Collection, but Amsterdam extends Amex’s own Centurion brand farther along those trips.

    Someone leaving a U.S. gateway with a Centurion Lounge, such as Atlanta or New York-JFK, can now see that same Centurion logo again while passing through Schiphol, just as they can in London, Tokyo, and elsewhere.

    And at 33 locations, the network is pretty substantial in its own right. The Centurion Lounge footprint rivals or even exceeds the proprietary lounge networks of some airlines.

    But that doesn’t mean Amex is about to start opening lounges across Europe or the rest of the world at the same pace it has in the U.S.

    Seating at the Amex Centurion Lounge AMS.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    The Global Lounge team was pretty careful on that point. International growth has made additional markets attractive, and there’s demand to put lounges in more places. Over the long term, some additional balance between the domestic and international network makes sense, but Amex isn’t looking to swing too far in either direction.

    Expansion isn’t the only focus, either. Lounges in Boston, Newark, and a Sidecar location in Charlotte are on the way, but Amex is also reinvesting in existing locations. Dallas Fort Worth, one of the older outposts in the Centurion network, is getting a revamped and larger lounge as part of that effort.

    That mix of new locations and updates to existing ones is shaping the network as it grows. And Amsterdam just happens to be the newest piece and the first in continental Europe.

    Foliage at the Amex Centurion Lounge AMS.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    But for all the significance Amex places on the opening, the lounge itself isn’t trying particularly hard to make a statement about it. It’s still recognizably a Centurion Lounge. The Amsterdam part comes through in the colors, artwork, coffee, food, and little details scattered around the space.

    It’s distinctly Amsterdam, without being too on the nose.