In early December 2024, American Airlines and Citi announced an extension of their decades-long partnership, including a promise to go exclusive when it comes to credit cards. For years, American Airlines has offered co-branded AAdvantage credit cards from two different banks: Citi and Barclays. That unusual arrangement dates back to the 2013 merger of American Airlines with US Airways. Barclays was the issuer of US Airways’ cards, while Citi issued them for American Airlines. After the merger, both issuers retained a portion of the combined airlines’ credit card portfolio.But in its December announcement, Citi noted it will acquire Barclays’ suite…

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced today that it’s taking actions to protect consumers from credit card rewards programs that potentially violate federal law in several specific ways.This move follows a May 2024 CFPB report highlighting consumers’ frustrations with the terms of some credit card rewards programs, including complex and confusing rules, misleading promotions, difficulty redeeming rewards, rewards getting devalued, and rewards getting revoked without warning.How credit card companies could break the lawIn a circular sent to law enforcement agencies, the CFPB identified three ways that credit card companies could break the law:Lowering the value of earned rewards. Because consumers…

The average consumer plans to shell out $1,778 on holiday expenses this year, according to Deloitte’s 2024 holiday retail survey. However, the same survey also noted that “all income groups are showing signs of frugality,” indicating that households continue to feel pressure from inflation. While searching for the best deals, remember that strategic use of credit cards can rev up your rewards — rewards that can translate into meaningful savings. And here’s more good news: Saving with a credit card isn’t as hard as you think. Taking just one or two steps can give your holiday budget more breathing room.…

Fans of Hard Rock’s many venues — casinos, hotels and cafes filled with music memorabilia — can earn rewards with the Unity by Hard Rock Mastercard Credit Card. And you can redeem those rewards for more experiences at Hard Rock properties, further fueling your love of the brand. Image courtesy of issuer/brandThe $0-annual-fee Hard Rock credit card, issued by Comenity Capital Bank, also helps you reach higher membership tiers within the Hard Rock loyalty program, granting you access to even more perks.Here are five things to know about the Hard Rock credit card. 1. You must be a member of…

Mobile wallets that allow you to pay using your phone have been around for well more than a decade, and over those years they’ve grown in popularity, becoming a key part of consumers’ credit card usage. According to a “state of credit card report” for 2025 from credit bureau Experian, 53% of Americans in a survey say they use digital wallets more frequently than traditional payment methods.To further incentivize mobile wallet usage, some credit card issuers offer bonus rewards when you elect to pay that way. But those incentives can go beyond just higher reward rates. In fact, mobile wallets…

Ahead of 2025, Chase’s 15th year of offering rotating cash-back categories, the issuer has announced both familiar and unconventional bonus categories.From Jan. 1 through March 31, 2025, holders of the Chase Freedom Flex® and the Chase Freedom® can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined category spending for the following: Hair, nails and spa services.Keep in mind that all other non-bonus category spending earns 1% back. Plus, eligible cardholders must activate the bonus categories by March 14, 2025, to earn the elevated rate. (Rewards can be earned retroactively, which means you’ll earn 5% back for eligible spending…

If you’re sitting on a pile of travel or credit card rewards with no immediate travel plans, donating them to a charity is an easy way to have a positive impact. And it’s a popular way to give: In 2021, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members donated around 94 million miles to charities at an approximate cash value of $2.6 million, according to the airline. Beyond the social benefits, miles donations also qualify as activity on your loyalty account and can prevent the rest of your rewards from expiring.But if you’re in the habit of maximizing points and miles, you might…

The First National Bank of Omaha, or FNBO, has a sizable portfolio of co-branded credit cards with partners, but it issues only a few cards that directly bear its name, including the travel-focused FNBO Getaway card.The card has some noteworthy perks — but all of them, and more, can be found in other products. More importantly, you can only get the Getaway card if you live in a handful of states.Here’s what you need to know about the Getaway by FNBO credit card.1. Not everyone can applyTo qualify for the Getaway card, you must live in a state that has…

Alaska Airlines has shared some information about its new credit card, the Alaska Airlines Premium Credit Card, which is set to debut in summer 2025. According to the airline’s website, the Premium card will earn 3x miles on eligible foreign purchases and dining. Neither overlaps with the bonus categories on the existing Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card, so the two cards could complement each other nicely. The card will have an annual fee of $395, the airline confirmed.Other perks of the Premium card will include new Companion Fare certificates, waived award ticket fees, Alaska Lounge passes, Wi-Fi vouchers and…

The Evergreen by FNBO Credit Card offers simple, straightforward cash-back rewards on all purchases, with no limits on how much you can earn. However, you must live in a state with a First National Bank of Omaha branch location to be eligible for the card. Here are five things to know about the Evergreen Credit Card.1. It earns a solid cash-back rateThe Evergreen Credit Card earns 2% cash back on all purchases, with no limit on how much cash back you can earn. That makes it a good option if you want the simplicity of using just one credit card.…