How to Earn More Bonus Points on Your Next Store Visit
If you’ve ditched your bonus credit card for purchases made during the coronavirus era by reaching for your refund card instead, it might be time to re-evaluate.
Not because money back cards are bad – just because bonus cards are starting to adapt to our new norms. American Express announced today that it is offering cardholders new or expanded benefits with the ability to receive rewards for what we actually buy right now.
For example, you may be reimbursed for a portion of your mobile phone or streaming bill.
American Express Platinum Card: Get $ 320 in billing when you use the card to pay for streaming services (Hulu, Disney +, Spotify — all major) and wireless services from US providers. The loan will be issued in increments of $ 20 between May and December 2020.
American Express Green Card: You will receive an $ 80 statement when you use your card to pay for wireless services from a US carrier. From May to December 2020, you will receive $ 10 per month.
Other Amex cards offer different accommodations. If you have a travel bonus card, you can probably earn more points for in-store purchases and takeaways. Here is an abridged version of the details of the American Express announcement (emphasis added):
- Members with Reserve, Platinum, Gold, and Blue Delta SkyMiles Consumer Cards will now earn 4x the miles in U.S. supermarkets (May to July 2020).
- Marriott Bonvoy and Brilliant Consumer Card members will now earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy Points in US supermarkets on eligible purchases up to $ 7,500 (May through July 2020).
- Member’s eligible purchases of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Consumer Card in U.S. restaurants , including takeout and delivery, will now be eligible for the $ 300 Marriott Bonvoy Statement Credit (June through August 2020).
- Hilton Surpass and Aspire Consumer Card members will now earn 12x Hilton Honors Bonus Points in U.S. supermarkets (May to July 2020).
- Members’ eligible Hilton Aspire Consumer Card purchases at U.S. restaurants , including takeaway and delivery, will now qualify for the $ 250 Hilton Resort Credit (June to August 2020).
American Express isn’t the only card issuer to change the situation.
Chase announced today that most of its bonus cards will increase revenue potential for grocery purchases between May 1st and June 30th, 2020. For most cards, such as Sapphire cards or co-branded cards (United, Hyatt, etc.), you will receive 3 or 5 points per dollar spent at grocery stores; this multiplier expires after you have accumulated $ 1,500 in the eligible purchase criteria.
As always, before expecting to see any of these extended benefits, you should check your card benefits guide, including any coronavirus-related web pages or portals.
So if you are unhappy with your potential for earning points and miles, check with your card issuer before heading to the supermarket next time. You can dream of your next vacation as you travel the aisles.