Rewards credit cards in the news
As regular readers may know, card issuers are currently falling over each other in their rush to improve their credit card offers. In fact, it’s getting tough to keep up with all the enhancements. So here’s the first in an occasional series of news blogs that is going to try to make sure that you don’t miss anything that could be of value to you.
Cash back credit cards: a bonus from American Express
First up is American Express, who is offering a one-off $25 statement credit if you spend $25 or more at a participating small business on this year’s Small Business Saturday, which is Nov. 26. But first you must register your U.S. American Express� Consumer Card or Business Card by clicking on the link at www.facebook.com/shopsmall and following the directions.
This has to be good on so many levels. For you, it could mean (if you shop really carefully) 100 percent cash back on a purchase. But also, it’s a great way of giving the struggling small business sector a much-needed shot in the arm.
Chase boosts rewards and perks for military
In other welcome news, Chase announced last week that it was improving the deals it offers to “our men and women in uniform around the globe.” According to the press release, the move affects those holding:
- Chase Military Star Rewards MasterCard
- Air Force Club MasterCard
- Army Morale, Welfare, Recreation (MWR) MasterCard
- Navy MWR MasterCard
- Marine Corps Community Service MasterCard
From now on, those with these cash back credit cards, none of which have annual fees, should receive unlimited rewards on all their purchases, and foreign transaction fees are going to be scrapped, something that should prove especially valuable to those serving overseas. Cardholders get 2 percent cash back on purchases at Army MWR, Air Force Services and MCCS Merchant outlets, and 1 percent on everything else. ,” said Emelie Smith Calbick, a general manager of Chase Card Services, commented in a press release:
Chase is proud to support our men and women in uniform around the globe. Service members and their families deserve financial resources that fit their unique needs � whether they are on-base, have been deployed or are anywhere in between.
As reported in CardRatings.com, according to Steve O’Halloran, spokesman for Chase Card Services, the Chase Military MasterCard is also included in the promotion, although the press release did not mention it. Chase’s USNA Alumni Association MasterCard is not part of the promotion, but it no longer includes a foreign transaction fee.
Visa small business credit cards
Meanwhile, also last week, Visa unveiled improvements to its “Visa SavingsEdge” program for those with small business credit cards that carry its brand. According to Visa, there are currently 24 million such cards in the US, but you have to register yours (it’s free at www.visasavingsedge.com/offers) before you can enjoy benefits.
After enrollment, you can get discounts at a large number of participating merchants that offer products and services that are likely to appeal to small businesses, including:
- Advance Auto Parts
- Barnes & Noble
- Health Advocate
- HyperOffice
- iContact
- La Quinta Inns & Suites
- Red Robin
- Sears PartsDirect
- Support.com
Disclaimer:The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.
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