Sometimes nothing really makes sense. We have have our entire lives tried to throw out heavy change when we have it in our pockets being one of the main reasons we have switched to credit cards. Now there is a battle brewing over who has the heaviest credit card. Pretty soon if they get any heavier you will need a trainer to carry around the weights. These cards are definitely cool to look at but I am not so sure I want to carry too many of these around in my wallet just to show off. I would much rather use Apple Pay and get the transaction over with. Heavy seems to be the new Black with some card owners who love to show off their credit card fashion before it all goes digital.
Plastic credit cards normally weigh around 5g while the heaviest of luxury cards starts out at 28g. Some of these are made with plastic and some of metal.
#1: Chase Ritz Carlton weighs 28g with a heavy annual fee of $450. You at least get some elite benefits and possible free hotel nights to keep your heavy card inside.
The Chase Freedom Flex Card is easily one of the best no annual fee cards out there, as it offers 5x points in rotating quarterly categories, for up to $1,500 of spending per quarter. Most people use this as a cashback card, meaning the 5x points really translates into 5% cashback in these categories.
$200 Bonus when you make a purchase for spending $500 in the first 3 months
5% cash back on Lyft rides
5% cash back on Amazon, Hotels, & Restaurants starting in April 2024! 5% back on GAS is coming back for another quarter but for now Discover offers 5% back.
1.5% cash back on all other purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers
No annual fee
No minimum to redeem for cash back
Standard offer on both has typically been $150/$500, so this is a small boost. There are occasionally targeted or branch offers of $300 for either of the cards.
Casey’s Gas Rewards – Play a game to win each day savings on snacks and gas!
What’s included with Chase Freedom Flex Q4 2024 bonus categories?
There’s often some confusion about what purchases qualify with the bonus categories, so let me recap Chase’s definitions.
Here’s what’s included with the gas station bonus category:
Merchants in the gas stations category sell automotive gasoline that can be paid for either at the pump or inside the station and may or may not sell other goods or services at their location. Merchants that do not specialize in selling automotive gasoline are not included in this category; for example, truck stops, boat marinas, oil and propane distributors, and home heating companies.
Here’s what’s included in the car rental agencies bonus category:
Merchants in the car rental agencies category rent vehicles for the purpose of driver and passenger transportation. Car rentals not booked directly with the car rental agency will not qualify; for example, car rentals purchased through travel agencies, discount travel sites, vacation clubs, tour operators, or as part of a package offered by merchants such as cruise lines and railways. Merchants that provide RV rentals or vehicle rentals for the purpose of hauling are not included in this category. Qualifying car rental agency purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards® will only earn a total of 5%.
Here’s what’s included in the movie theaters bonus category:
Merchants in the movie theaters category show motion pictures to an audience, including at drive-in theaters. Theaters that provide live entertainment and merchants that sell and rent movies or provide movie subscription or streaming services are not included in this category. Purchases other than your tickets will not be included in the category unless they classify as a movie theater; for example, in theatre dining, food and beverage, or merchandise purchases.
Here’s what’s included with the select live entertainment bonus category:
Merchants in the Select Live Entertainment category sell tickets for in-person entertainment such as major sporting events, zoos and aquariums, concerts, theatrical productions, museums, tourist attractions and exhibits, amusement parks, circuses, carnivals, bands, and entertainers. Ticket agencies selling on behalf of the entertainment venue are included. Some merchants that sell tickets for in-person entertainment are not included in this category; for example, movie theaters, bowling alleys, horse racing tracks, casinos, and dance hall/clubs. Purchasing from a hotel/concierge is not included nor excursions or purchases as part of a travel package.
My take on Chase Freedom Flex Q3 2024 bonus categories
Everyone has different spending patterns, though I can’t say I’m terribly excited about the Q3 2022 bonus categories:
Gas is a legitimate expense for many, so it’s great to be able to earn 5x points on that
I wouldn’t put a rental car purchase on the Chase Freedom, since I’d want to use a card offering primary rental car coverage
Both the movie theater and select live entertainment bonus categories are pretty niche, and personally don’t have much appeal for me
Of course we’re not all going to love all these bonus categories equally, but for me Q3 will be a tough one to maximize.
Bottom line
The Chase Freedom Flex is one of the best no annual fee cards out there, thanks largely to the ability to earn 5x points in rotating quarterly categories. Registration has just opened for the Q3 2024 bonus categories, and as of July 1 you’ll start to be able to earn 5x points on the first $1,500 spent with gas stations, car rental agencies, movie theaters, and select live entertainment. This is a great opportunity for maximizing your spending.
Get ready to experience the total solar eclipse safely and in style! T-Mobile Tuesdays is giving away FREE T-Mobile sunglasses with special ISO 12312-2:2015 certified eclipse lenses. These aren’t your regular shades – they’re designed specifically for watching this amazing event!
Here’s how to score yours: Download the T-Mobile Tuesday T-Life App (iOS or Android), find the offer, and head to your nearest participating T-Mobile store. This deal is for T-Mobile/Metro customers only, so make sure you qualify. Go here to learn more about freebies on Tuesdays from the wireless carrier and here to learn more about their 5G hotspot incentives.
T-Mobile understands the significance of this rare eclipse and wants you to stay connected and safe. They’ve upped their network game with investments to handle the crowds and ensure you don’t miss a second of this celestial wonder. #TmobileTuesdays #solareclipse2024 #eclipseglasses
Wells Fargo enters the transferable points card market with the new Autograph Journey Card. It offers lucrative bonus categories and a compelling welcome offer, making it immediately interesting for many travelers.
The Highlights
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months
Annual Fee: $95, but a $50 annual airfare credit brings the effective cost down to $45
Earning Power: Get 5x points on hotels, 4x on airlines, 3x on travel and dining, and 1x on everything else. No foreign transaction fees!
Points Transfers: Transfer your points to frequent flyer programs including Air France, KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Aer Lingus, AerClub, and Choice Privileges.
Other Perks: Travel protection and exclusive concert access through Autograph Card Exclusives
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey VISA credit card review
Is it Worth It?
With strong earning categories for travelers and the ability to transfer points to valuable airline partners, the Autograph Journey is worth a look. There’s already solid value in this card, but keep these considerations in mind:
Competition: The transferable points market has well-established players. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or American Express Gold Card offer richer rewards ecosystems and more partners.
Future potential: Wells Fargo’s points transfer program is brand new. More transfer partners could make this card significantly more valuable.
Transferring Points:
Airline and Hotel transfer partners for the new Wells Fargo Autograph Journey travel credit card.
Autograph Journey: Offers transfers to a select group of airline loyalty programs including Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways Executive Club Avios points, Iberia Plus, Aer Lingus AerClub, and Choice Privileges. (Availability to start on April 4th, 2024).
Bilt:Bilt points (known as the “Rent Day card”) have a wider range of transfer partners, including many popular options like United MileagePlus, American AAdvantage, and Emirates Skywards. Bilt also frequently offers transfer bonuses.
Strategy to Downgrade Autograph Card to BILT?
Possible, but not ideal: While downgrading to the Bilt Card after getting the Autograph Journey bonus is technically possible, it might not be the best strategy. Wells Fargo might have restrictions, you’d lose benefits, and miss out on a potentially lucrative system for earning transferable points.
Autograph Card Exclusives
The Autograph Journey Card gives access to the “Autograph Card Exclusives” program. This offers intimate concerts with big-name artists in smaller venues. A past example is a Mumford & Sons performance in Los Angeles for 1,500 people. They are currently offering an exclusive experience with Imagine Dragons. This can be a fantastic perk for music lovers.
New Wells Fargo Travel Card Review Verdict
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card is a competitive newcomer with notable earning rates on travel and potential within its airline points transfer program. If you frequently fly with its airline partners, or absolutely love the idea of the exclusive concerts, this card could be a good fit.
However, if your travel goals are less focused and you want broad flexibility for earning and transferring points, the Bilt card might be a better long-term play, even without the initial bonus.
Chase just announced a new limited-time offers for its Southwest consumer credit cards, allowing cardholders to earn the #1 rated airline’s amazing Companion Pass plus 30,000 bonus points when they meet a minimum spending requirement.
If you frequently travel with a plus-one, the Companion Pass allows you to add them to any Southwest flight for just the cost of taxes and fees.
How to Qualify for the New Southwest Companion Pass Offer
Credit card issuers often offer increased sign-up bonuses for a limited time, and this one is no different. To qualify, you’ll need to do the following.
Visit the offer page: The offer is currently not available when you visit the card landing pages on Chase’s website, so be sure to use one of the above links to apply.
Apply by the offer deadline: The limited-time offer won’t be around for more than a few weeks, so be sure to apply as soon as possible if you’re interested.
Meet the spending requirement: You’ll need to spend $4,000 in the first three months. Keep in mind that the clock starts when you open your account, not when you receive the card.
Once you meet the spending requirement, you’ll earn a Companion Pass, which will be valid through February 28, 2025, along with 30,000 Rapid Rewards points.
The Southwest Companion Pass could be your ticket to amazing family adventures. It lets you bring a kiddo (or any companion!) for free (just pay taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight you book. Sounds awesome, right? Remember that each Southwest credit card has its own benefits, so compare them to find the one that suits your family’s travel style.
Do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and then jet set to incredible memories with your loved ones!
Also keep in mind they do these amazing special offer via Chase Offers such as below 10% back at Panera and 10% on Jersey Mike’s and Walmart:
