Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for most important breaking news in the miles and points world
1) I’m sure most of you’ve heard by now that there will be several negative changes on Chase Sapphire Reserve, starting August 26th.
You will no longer get price protection (never took advantage of it), you won’t earn points on travel charges that qualify for $300 travel credit (very minor), and you will only be able to bring two guests with you to Priority Pass lounge. The last change is a significant development for those who have a family of four or more, and who rely on CSR for lounge access. You have two options, as far as I can tell.
a) Add your spouse as an authorized user ($75), and he/she will be able to bring in two guests. That way, you can potentially cover a family of six.
Is $75 additional fee worth it? Only you can decide. One of my readers has reached out to me and mentioned that he simply requested an extra CSR card in his name (free) and gave it to his wife. That way, they still earn 3 points on dining and travel. So, if someone like him decides to officially add their spouse to the card, that $75 would be strictly a “lounge benefit” expense.
Personally, I wouldn’t bother. Then again, we fly once or twice per year, and often forego lounge access if it involves a long walk or any other type of nuisance. To me, it’s “nice to have”, not a “must have” benefit. But you may feel differently.
b) Another possibility you may want to consider is getting a card like Hilton Honors American Express Ascend (see more info on it here) It comes with complimentary Gold Hilton status and 10 certificates/per year for Priority Pass lounges. Those can be used for other people as long as the cardholder is present.
That way, you will only pay $20 more than authorized user fee on CSR, and will get Gold Hilton status (free breakfast and possible upgrades) in the process. It does depend, of course, on whether you stay in Hilton properties enough to justify the fee. Otherwise, the $20 upcharge will pay for itself after just one night at a Hilton resort.
Right now, the only card that lets you bring unlimited number of guests (as long as they are immediate family members) is Citi Prestige. I wouldn’t apply for it just for this perk, since it currently offers no sign-up bonus.
Update: reader Winnie has reminded me that Ritz Carlton Visa and City National Crystal card provide unlimited lounge access for everyone in your traveling party (read her comment for more on Ritz Carlton card). (hat tip DoC)
2) There is a new offer on Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard that come with 50k miles and $200 statement credit on eligible AA purchases.
Non-affiliate link Gift card and AA.com ticket purchases should qualify. The next best official offer is 60k miles, so it just depends on how you value AA currency. Also, keep in mind that many have been able to match to 75k miles by simply requesting it via secure message. (hat tip Frequent Miler)
3) Does my credit card offer rental car insurance? by OMAAT
A very comprehensive article that goes into the nitty-gritty of this important issue. I didn’t know that Citi cards offer primary insurance internationally (though not domestically), did you?
4) According to DoC, there is a decent possibility that Chase Ink Cash may be discontinued after May 20th.
I have no idea if this will indeed materialize, but it sounds plausible enough. See the second half of this post on why you may want to consider adding Chase Ink Cash to your Ultimate Rewards cards’ line-up.
Have a good weekend!
Click here to view various credit cards and available sign-up bonuses
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
Chase Ritz Carlton and City National Crystal cards also offer unlimited guest access to Priority Pass lounges. Guests don’t even need to be family members.
@Winnie You are absolutely right! The Crystal Card is only available in certain areas. I’m assuming the same change will eventually apply to Ritz Carlton product, since it’s a Chase product. Either way, I can’t see paying another huge annual fee just to bring in an extra kid or two into lounges. Though it does depend on how often one flies, of course.
It is possible that when the Chase Ritz Carlton card is refreshed, the terms of the complimentary Priority Pass membership will be changed. But then again, it may not. Nobody knows. All the more reason to apply for the card now if not just to get the sign up bonus. Plus if you lower your credit limit sufficiently, you won’t even be charged an annual fee. Of course you will still be eligible for all the perks the card provides. It’s my favorite sock drawer card.
@Winnie Very good points! To me, the restrictive nature of certs makes it a no-go as far as sign-up bonus is concerned. I passed on this card back when it came with three nights due to huge annual fee. See this post https://milesforfamily.com/2016/08/10/chase-fairmont-visa-signature-vs-chase-ritz-carlton-visa-infinite/
Plus, there aren’t many Ritz Carton properties out there. But I totally see why it can be a good keeper card for some, and I’m glad you are able to get decent value out of it. The $100 airfare discount can be quite useful if you fly often. I’m still not convinced that it’s a no-brainer for normal folks, which are my target audience. Then again, you seem like a normal gal! 🙂 I’ve updated the post and mentioned your comment.