Choosing a credit card affiliated with an airline used to be a simple matter. Banks offered a product that earned frequent flier miles, and perhaps a slightly more expensive version that offered additional  perks. Today, Delta and American Express have taken airline affiliated credit cards to their logical extreme, offering five different versions to consumers, and three different products for businesses. At the entry level, Delta and American Express offer their classic SkyMiles and SkyMiles Options cards to customers who want to earn some rewards while paying the least amount of annual fees.

How These Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards Work

To earn a single mile in Delta’s SkyMiles program, holders of the Delta SkyMiles Options card must spend two dollars.  With the Options card, only one mile is earned per dollar spent on Delta purchases. Customers of the classic Delta SkyMiles card will normally earn one mile per dollar, with two miles per dollar being granted for spending on Delta purchases.  A very small 1,000 mile sign up bonus is awarded for the Options card and an equally lackluster 5,000 miles are awarded to classic SkyMiles card applicants. Continue Reading »

Loyal customers of American Express have, on occasion, found that their accounts in good standing have suddenly been suspended. Only later have they learned that they are the subject of American Express’s financial review process. In order to have their accounts reinstated and to receive any pending rewards, it is imperative that cardholders succeed in satisfying American Express.

The first step to passing an American Express Financial Review is to take the procedure seriously. In some cases, cardholders are initially informed of this process by a poor quality call from an overseas representative. That person claims to be from American Express and asks cardholders to verify personal information. Understandably, cardholders are reluctant to divulge this information to unverified individuals. Nevertheless, cardholders should hang up, and call the number on the back of their card. When they reach American Express, they should ask for their Financial Review department. Continue Reading »

American Express is one of the largest and oldest issuers of credit and charge cards. While they are renowned for their excellent customer service, cardholders can be faced with a rude awakening when they discover that their accounts have been suspended due to what they call a Financial Review. When this occurs, customers are left confused as to what this process is and why they have been selected to endure it.

The first thing that happens when an American Express Financial Review begins is that all of the customer’s accounts are suspended. This means that all cards issued by American Express, including business and personal credit and charge cards, are no longer able to process new transactions. Only after their accounts are suspended will customers be informed of this action by American Express. Obviously, this is far from ideal for consumers. Continue Reading »

Earning cash back rewards from credit cards is all about receiving the highest percentage of cash back while paying the lowest annual fee. While some cards offer a standard rate of return on all purchases, other products provide different cash back bonuses depending on the type of merchant charge. The American Express Blue Cash Everyday card is unique in that it offers a well above average cash back rate on gas and groceries year round and does not require annoying quarterly sign-ups to earn bonus rewards

American Express Blue Cash Everyday Benefits

At minimum, each dollar spent with the Blue Cash Everyday card earns one cent in cash back. Two cents per dollar are earned from purchases at both gas stations and department stores, with three cents per dollar being earned at supermarkets. The ability to earn 3% at supermarkets makes this card an excellent option for families. Continue Reading »

America is the home to dozens of major big box retailers. Perhaps no other merchant has exemplified this genre the way that Costco has. Costco is not just known as a place that offers low prices, it has also been recognized as one of America’s best employers.

Costco devotees who want to realize further savings will find the American Express Costco True Earnings card is a good option to save more at Costco as well as on travel and gas.

Costco Credit Card Benefits Overview

For each dollar spent on Costco credit card, customers will receive one cent in cash back for must purchases, including those at Costco. Two cents per dollar spent is earned at restaurants and on travel related expenses such as hotels, airfare, and car rental. Customers can also earn 3% cash back on their first $3,000 spent each year on gasoline.

Cash back earned on the Costco credit card is awarded once a year in February in the form of a voucher. Only current card members in good standing will receive their voucher, which can be redeemed at any Costco location for merchandise or cash. Continue Reading »

Most credit cards offer some type of rental car coverage. Unfortunately, the terms of these policies are often difficult to find and poorly spelled out. In addition, this coverage contains numerous limitations and exclusions that diminish its value and utility. Thankfully, holders of some credit cards have another option when it comes to rental car coverage. American Express offers an optional, Premium Rental Car Insurance plan. This is a paid plan that all of its card holders are eligible for.

How It Works

Any American Express cardholder can sign up for Premium Rental Card Coverage with no initial fee. Once enrolled, customers who rent a car with their American Express card will automatically be charged a one-time fee of $24.95 per rental of up to 42 consecutive days. California residents are charged only $17.95. Customers will be charged for each rental paid with the enrolled card until they choose to terminate their enrollment. Continue Reading »

Since completing their acquisition of Northwest Airlines, Delta has become one of the largest carriers in the world. Behind the scenes, Delta has also developed a unique relationship with their credit card partner, American Express. Through their close ties with one of the world’s largest credit card issuers, Delta offers no fewer than five different SkyMiles credit cards targeted at consumers. Determining which card represents the best deal for Delta travelers takes some analysis.

Features of Delta Skymiles Credit Cards

At the bottom of their list is the Delta SkyMiles Options card. This entry level offering has no annual fee, but returns a single SkyMile per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and an inferior one mile for every two dollars spent on other charges. It offers customers a 20% savings on in-flight food, beverages, and entertainment charges, but no other non-mileage benefits. Continue Reading »