{"id":64941,"date":"2023-12-28T22:00:18","date_gmt":"2023-12-28T22:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/12\/28\/our-2023-credit-card-predictions-and-trends-what-did-we-get-right-and-wrong-the-points-guy\/"},"modified":"2023-12-28T22:00:18","modified_gmt":"2023-12-28T22:00:18","slug":"our-2023-credit-card-predictions-and-trends-what-did-we-get-right-and-wrong-the-points-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/12\/28\/our-2023-credit-card-predictions-and-trends-what-did-we-get-right-and-wrong-the-points-guy\/","title":{"rendered":"Our 2023 credit card predictions and trends: What did we get right and wrong? &#8211; The Points Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>A year ago, we made our best guesses at <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/credit-card-predictions-2023\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">what would happen with credit card rewards in 2023<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The past year has been filled with innovative developments \u2014 and persistent challenges \u2014 in the credit card industry.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s take a moment to revisit the predictions we made at the start of the year and assess their accuracy.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"best-ever-offers-will-be-rare-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">Best-ever offers will be rare: Correct<\/h2>\n<p>2021 and 2022 saw much more <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/limited-time-card-offers\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">lucrative welcome offers<\/a> than this year.<\/p>\n<p>Of <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/best-welcome-offers\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">our top 10 most popular credit cards<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/chase-sapphire-preferred-card\/?pid=22125056&amp;tid=post\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card<\/a>, <span class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/the-platinum-card-from-american-express\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b applyLink inherit\">The Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express<\/a><\/span> and the mid-tier <span class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/citi-thankyou-premier-card\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b applyLink inherit\">Citi Premier\u00ae Card<\/a><\/span> (see <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply\/citi-premier-card-rates-and-fees\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">rates and fees<\/a>) featured lower welcome offers for most of 2023 compared to the previous year. While there have been continued targeted offers for select Amex cards through the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/american-express\/cardmatch-tool\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CardMatch tool<\/a> (subject to change at any time), there were very few publicly available and best-ever welcome bonuses.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/05\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred_2023.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/05\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred_2023.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/05\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred_2023.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/05\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred_2023.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/05\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred_2023.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/05\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred_2023.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/05\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred_2023.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/05\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred_2023.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/05\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred_2023.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>However, some of Chase&#8217;s cards have been the exception.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/chase-freedom-unlimited%e2%84%a0\/?pid=221211281&amp;tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chase Freedom Unlimited\u00ae<\/a> launched a <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/chase\/chase-freedom-unlimited-freedom-flex-bonuses\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">special double cash back offer<\/a> in October. On the business side, we&#8217;ve seen a repeat of the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/chase\/ink-business-cards-current-offers\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">best-ever offers<\/a> on the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/ink-business-cash%e2%84%a0-credit-card\/?pid=22125825&amp;tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ink Business Cash\u00ae Credit Card<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/ink-business-unlimited-credit-card\/?pid=6218&amp;tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ink Business Unlimited\u00ae Credit Card<\/a>, as well as an almost halving of the spending requirement to earn a 100,000-point bonus on the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/ink-business-preferred%e2%84%a0-credit-card\/?pid=221211974&amp;tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ink Business Preferred\u00ae Credit Card<\/a> (you now must spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening).<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"shift-from-premium-cards-to-those-with-financial-benefits-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">Shift from premium cards to those with financial benefits: Correct<\/h2>\n<p>With continued economic uncertainty and stubbornly high interest rates, consumers have been shifting away from premium cards like the <span class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/capital-one-venture-x-rewards-credit-card\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b applyLink inherit\">Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card<\/a><\/span> to cards offering <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/cash-back\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">cash back<\/a>, attractive <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/balance-transfer\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">balance transfer<\/a> rates, and <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/zero-interest\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">zero or low interest<\/a> on purchases.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"credit-card-debt-will-increase-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">Credit card debt will increase: Correct<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newyorkfed.org\/microeconomics\/hhdc.html\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Total debt on credit cards<\/a> hit $1 trillion for the first time in the second quarter of 2023, reaching an all-time high of $1.08 trillion in Q3.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&#10;        EmailSignUp_container__70lh2&#10;        undefined&#10;        EmailSignUp_isLoading__zGkU5&#10;      \"><picture class=\"EmailSignUp_graphic__AEA5s\"><source media=\"screen and (max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"\/images\/EmailSignUp\/daily-mob.svg\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/images\/EmailSignUp\/daily-dt.svg\"\/><\/picture>\n<div class=\"EmailSignUp_form__cnneL\">\n<p>Daily Newsletter<\/p>\n<p>Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter<\/p>\n<p>Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG\u2019s experts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>As a result, consumers are concerned with paying down debt and shifting to credit cards that offer more tangible and immediate cash-back and interest-saving benefits.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Person-making-finance-calculations-on-calculator_d3sign.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Person-making-finance-calculations-on-calculator_d3sign.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Person-making-finance-calculations-on-calculator_d3sign.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Person-making-finance-calculations-on-calculator_d3sign.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Person-making-finance-calculations-on-calculator_d3sign.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Person-making-finance-calculations-on-calculator_d3sign.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Person-making-finance-calculations-on-calculator_d3sign.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Person-making-finance-calculations-on-calculator_d3sign.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Person-making-finance-calculations-on-calculator_d3sign.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">D3SIGN\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/credit-card-debt\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">How to consolidate and pay off your debt<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"increase-in-buy-now-pay-later-offerings-and-usage-partially-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">Increase in &#8216;buy now, pay later&#8217; offerings and usage: Partially correct<\/h2>\n<p>We haven&#8217;t seen a significant increase in the number of <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/comparison-buy-now-pay-later-services\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">buy now, pay later<\/a> (BNPL) offerings like PayPal Credit, Afterpay and Klarna in 2023. However, usage of these services has increased.<\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/finance\/credit-cards\/early-holiday-shopping\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bankrate<\/a>, 10% of consumers planned to use BNPL services for winter holiday shopping in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>C+R Research has found that BNPL offerings are more popular among women (compared to men), renters (vs. homeowners) and Gen Zers and Millennials (vs. Gen Xers and Boomers).<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"less-interest-in-crypto-earning-cards-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">Less interest in crypto-earning cards: Correct<\/h2>\n<p>Consumers remain wary of <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/earning-crypto-on-credit-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">receiving crypto rewards<\/a> like Bitcoin and Ethereum when spending cash on daily purchases. That&#8217;s despite most top cryptocurrencies remaining stable or increasing in value in 2023, following the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/ftx-and-sam-bankman-fried-your-guide-to-the-crypto-crash-11669375609\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2022 cryptocurrency crash<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Crypto-NFT-Phone_d3sign.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Crypto-NFT-Phone_d3sign.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Crypto-NFT-Phone_d3sign.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Crypto-NFT-Phone_d3sign.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Crypto-NFT-Phone_d3sign.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Crypto-NFT-Phone_d3sign.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Crypto-NFT-Phone_d3sign.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Crypto-NFT-Phone_d3sign.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/07\/Crypto-NFT-Phone_d3sign.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">D3SIGN\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/cryptocurrency-credit-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">A round-up of cards that earn cryptocurrency rewards<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"2-cash-back-is-the-standard-going-forward-partially-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">2% cash back is the standard going forward: Partially correct<\/h2>\n<p>With the best cash-back credit cards, like the <span class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/citi-double-cash-card-18-month-bt-offer\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b applyLink inherit\">Citi Double Cash\u00ae Card<\/a><\/span> (see <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply\/citi-double-cash-card-rates-and-fees\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">rates and fees<\/a>), offering a 2% back on all purchases (1% cash back at the register and 1% cash back when you pay off your bill, it has become increasingly difficult for credit card issuers to acquire new customers with cards offering less than 2% back on everyday spending.<\/p>\n<p>That potentially explains why Chase is currently offering an unprecedented <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/chase\/chase-freedom-unlimited-freedom-flex-bonuses\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">double cash-back offer<\/a> on one of its most popular cash-back cards (the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/chase-freedom-unlimited%e2%84%a0\/?pid=221211281&amp;tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chase Freedom Unlimited<\/a>). For new cardholders, you&#8217;ll enjoy an effective earning rate of at least 3% on all purchases for the first 12 months \u2014 with up to 10% on select purchases. Just note that your bonus cash back <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/chase-freedom-unlimited-special-offer-clarification\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">will be deposited as a single lump sum<\/a> within six to eight weeks of the end of your 12th monthly billing cycle.<\/p>\n<p>If consumers are looking for cash-back earnings in the year ahead, they&#8217;ll want to earn as much cash back on each purchase as possible.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"annual-fees-will-continue-to-climb-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">Annual fees will continue to climb: Correct<\/h2>\n<p>We certainly haven&#8217;t seen annual fees decrease this year. In fact, just in the second half of the year, we&#8217;ve seen fees increase on four popular <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/travel\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">travel rewards cards<\/a>, mostly from <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/american-express\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">American Express<\/a>:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/04\/Person-holding-credit-cared-at-home-using-laptop_Rockaa.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/04\/Person-holding-credit-cared-at-home-using-laptop_Rockaa.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/04\/Person-holding-credit-cared-at-home-using-laptop_Rockaa.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/04\/Person-holding-credit-cared-at-home-using-laptop_Rockaa.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/04\/Person-holding-credit-cared-at-home-using-laptop_Rockaa.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/04\/Person-holding-credit-cared-at-home-using-laptop_Rockaa.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/04\/Person-holding-credit-cared-at-home-using-laptop_Rockaa.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/04\/Person-holding-credit-cared-at-home-using-laptop_Rockaa.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/04\/Person-holding-credit-cared-at-home-using-laptop_Rockaa.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">ROCKAA\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;ve also seen increases in authorized user fees, with the Amex Platinum <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/amex-platinum-increase-authorized-user-new-fee\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">increasing its authorized user fee<\/a> from $175 total for up to three users to $175 per user (see <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply\/the-platinum-card-from-american-express-rates-fees\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">rates and fees<\/a>). Similarly, the Citi AAdvantage Executive card <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/citi-aa-executive-card-2023-changes\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">removed its highly valuable perk of up to 10 free authorized users<\/a> (including Admirals Club access). Now, you&#8217;ll pay $175 for up to three users and $175 for each additional cardholder thereafter.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"more-niche-and-partner-products-partially-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">More niche and partner products: Partially correct<\/h2>\n<p>We predicted brand partnerships between credit card issuers and brands would expand this year, as we thought credit card issuers would seek new partnerships to generate more revenue \u2014 like the <span class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/instacart-mastercard\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b applyLink inherit\">Instacart Mastercard\u00ae<\/a><\/span> from Chase, launched in 2022.<\/p>\n<p>This proved to be partially correct. While we didn&#8217;t see a slew of new product launches, the following cards did hit the market in 2023:<\/p>\n<p>We also learned about <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/wells-fargo-autograph-journey-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">at least one new product<\/a> coming from <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/wells-fargo\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Wells Fargo<\/a> in 2024 \u2014 though it&#8217;s unclear if new card options will continue to be the exception rather than the norm next year.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"fewer-business-related-travel-perks-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">Fewer business-related travel perks: Correct<\/h2>\n<p>Business travel continues to lag behind leisure travel \u2014 and will probably continue to do so \u2014 prompting issuers to shift business credit card perks away from travel toward spending.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.640625%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2018\/07\/business-woman-general-travel-trip.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2018\/07\/business-woman-general-travel-trip.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2018\/07\/business-woman-general-travel-trip.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2018\/07\/business-woman-general-travel-trip.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2018\/07\/business-woman-general-travel-trip.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2018\/07\/business-woman-general-travel-trip.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2018\/07\/business-woman-general-travel-trip.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2018\/07\/business-woman-general-travel-trip.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2018\/07\/business-woman-general-travel-trip.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">HINTERHAUS PRODUCTIONS\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For example, although the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/amex-business-gold-2023-changes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">refresh of the Amex Business Gold card<\/a> in October saw the addition of higher earning rates for transit and Amex Travel bookings, it was also accompanied by the introduction of statement credits for eligible purchases at FedEx, Grubhub and office supply stores and a Walmart+ membership as well as cellphone protection.*<\/p>\n<p><em>*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com\/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"more-complimentary-subscriptions-and-tough-to-use-credits-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">More complimentary subscriptions and tough-to-use credits: Correct<\/h2>\n<p>We&#8217;ve seen a continuation of the &#8220;couponization&#8221; of credit cards via statement credits \u2014 some of which can be challenging to use.<\/p>\n<p>In previous years, we saw the introduction of broad-category or multiple-merchant statement credits, like Amex Platinum&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/american-express\/amex-platinum-digital-entertainment-credit\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">$20 monthly digital entertainment credit<\/a> \u2014 to be used with seven merchants, including Disney+ and The New York Times \u2014 and the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/american-express\/maximizing-amex-business-platinum\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">$10 monthly wireless telephone provider statement credit<\/a> on <span class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/the-enhanced-business-platinum-card-from-american-express-open\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b applyLink inherit\">The Business Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:56.20437956204379%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/04\/1.jpeg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/04\/1.jpeg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/04\/1.jpeg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/04\/1.jpeg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/04\/1.jpeg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/04\/1.jpeg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/04\/1.jpeg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/04\/1.jpeg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2022\/04\/1.jpeg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">AMERICAN EXPRESS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This year, issuers have introduced more merchant-specific statement credits, often with stricter restrictions.<\/p>\n<p>Following a <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/hilton-honors-card-2023-changes\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hilton card portfolio refresh<\/a> in the second half of the year, Hilton Surpass cardmembers now receive up to $200 in annual Hilton statement credits \u2014 but it is broken up into $50 quarterly chunks to encourage more frequent stays at Hilton properties.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/airlines\/american-airlines\/reviews\/citi-aadvantage-executive-review\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Citi AAdvantage Executive card<\/a> was refreshed with three new statement credits. One of them was straightforward (up to $120 back on eligible Avis or Budget car rentals every calendar year). However, the other two require more effort to utilize:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Up to $10 in statement credit for Lyft each month \u2014 but only after you&#8217;ve taken three eligible rides in a given month<\/li>\n<li>Up to $120 back on eligible Grubhub purchases \u2014 distributed as up to $10 per month<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>On the plus side, <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/walmart-plus-paramount-plus\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Walmart+ members now get a complimentary Paramount+ subscription<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/instacart-plus-peacock\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Instacart+ members get a free subscription to Peacock<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/how-long-statement-credits-take\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">How long does it take to receive statement credits from Amex, Capital One, Chase and Citi?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"customers-will-look-for-travel-protections-after-headaches-partially-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">Customers will look for travel protections after headaches: Partially correct<\/h2>\n<p>There have been far fewer travel disruptions in 2023 compared to <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/europe-airport-chaos-tips\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">last year&#8217;s summer travel chaos<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/southwest-ceo-interview-meltdown-fix\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Southwest&#8217;s holiday meltdown<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Still, consumers continue to search for useful travel protections either through a <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/best-travel-insurance\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">good travel insurance policy<\/a> or a <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/when-to-buy-travel-insurance-versus-when-to-rely-on-credit-card-protections\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">credit card that offers them for free<\/a>. Travelers want assurances that extra costs they incur due to delays, cancellations, lost luggage or other problems will be reimbursed.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"niche-access-and-products-with-costs-to-card-issuers-will-go-away-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">Niche access and products with costs to card issuers will go away: Correct<\/h2>\n<p>The start of the year saw <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/venture-x-priority-pass-changes\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Capital One remove Priority Pass restaurant benefits<\/a> from eligible cards, including the <span class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/capital-one-venture-x-rewards-credit-card\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"jsx-eb69f9b09a3de1d0 jsx-eea0d1f218f5e80b applyLink inherit\">Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card<\/a><\/span>. Furthermore, due to overcrowding in the issuer&#8217;s lounge network, they will <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/capital-one-removes-lounge-access-venture-rewards-spark-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">remove lounge access for select cardholders<\/a> from the start of 2025.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/11\/20231102_Capital-One-Denver-Lounge-Opening_KOlsen_56.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/11\/20231102_Capital-One-Denver-Lounge-Opening_KOlsen_56.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/11\/20231102_Capital-One-Denver-Lounge-Opening_KOlsen_56.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/11\/20231102_Capital-One-Denver-Lounge-Opening_KOlsen_56.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/11\/20231102_Capital-One-Denver-Lounge-Opening_KOlsen_56.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/11\/20231102_Capital-One-Denver-Lounge-Opening_KOlsen_56.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/11\/20231102_Capital-One-Denver-Lounge-Opening_KOlsen_56.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/11\/20231102_Capital-One-Denver-Lounge-Opening_KOlsen_56.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/11\/20231102_Capital-One-Denver-Lounge-Opening_KOlsen_56.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">KYLE OLSEN\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Similarly, Amex has tightened up its lounge policy. As of February 2023, Platinum cardmembers must <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/american-express\/amex-centurion-lounge-new-guest-policy\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">spend $75,000 or more each calendar year to get guest privileges<\/a>. Some <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/hilton-honors-card-2023-changes\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hilton cobranded cards are losing Priority Pass lounge access<\/a> beginning February 2024, and starting in February 2025, <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/delta-skyclub-access-changes\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">access to Delta Sky Clubs will be restricted<\/a> for Platinum and <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/delta\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Delta<\/a> cobranded cardmembers.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"more-cardholders-will-spend-their-way-to-elite-status-correct\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">More cardholders will spend their way to elite status: Correct<\/h2>\n<p>It&#8217;s possible to <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/best-credit-cards-elite-status\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">spend your way toward elite status through credit cards<\/a> in multiple loyalty programs \u2014 for both <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/airline\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">airlines<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/hotel\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">hotels<\/a>. We expect more people to take advantage of this benefit in 2024 \u2014 because they have to.<\/p>\n<p>Credit card issuers and loyalty programs are increasingly turning frequent flyers into frequent spenders. They make a ton of money from consumers using their cobranded credit cards, so they are incentivizing this avenue.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-4252866712 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/11\/Chalet-Ivy-Jozankei-Guest-Suite.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/11\/Chalet-Ivy-Jozankei-Guest-Suite.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/11\/Chalet-Ivy-Jozankei-Guest-Suite.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/11\/Chalet-Ivy-Jozankei-Guest-Suite.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/11\/Chalet-Ivy-Jozankei-Guest-Suite.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/11\/Chalet-Ivy-Jozankei-Guest-Suite.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/11\/Chalet-Ivy-Jozankei-Guest-Suite.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/11\/Chalet-Ivy-Jozankei-Guest-Suite.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/11\/Chalet-Ivy-Jozankei-Guest-Suite.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-4252866712 figcaption\">SMALL LUXURY HOTELS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Delta caused an uproar among its fan base in September by announcing <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/delta-skymiles-changes-update\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">drastic changes to its loyalty program<\/a>. From 2024, Delta will consolidate all Medallion status-earning activities into one metric called Medallion Qualification Dollars.<\/p>\n<p>Travelers will still earn MQDs on flights but will be pushed to spend more on its cobranded credit cards \u2014 and via car rentals, hotel stays and vacation packages through the Delta website and app. Delta calls this &#8220;rewarding customers for total engagement.&#8221; However, these changes have <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/why-i-wont-chase-airline-status\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">led some to give up on earning Delta elite status<\/a> \u2014 even with <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/delta-skymiles-changes-update\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Delta backtracking on some of them<\/a> just weeks after the original announcement.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/is-delta-air-lines-status-worth-it\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Is Delta Air Lines status worth it? What this disappointed soon-to-be-Diamond thinks<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"bottom-line\" class=\"jsx-3480274316 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-3480274316\">Bottom line<\/h2>\n<p>Looking back at our predictions for credit cards in 2023, we did pretty well \u2014 as we got nine correct and four partially correct. None were completely off base.<\/p>\n<p>Overall, the value proposition of travel rewards credit cards was challenged due to increasing fees, high interest rates, less lucrative welcome offers and more difficult-to-redeem statement credits.<\/p>\n<p>However, there is still tremendous value to be found in the rewards and benefits offered by credit cards, especially for those willing to put in the effort to maximize their perks. That&#8217;s as long as the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/credit-card-competition-act\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Credit Card Competition Act<\/a> doesn&#8217;t gut credit card rewards significantly.<\/p>\n<p>As we bid farewell to 2023, stay tuned for our predictions for 2024 and get ready to follow what lies ahead in the ever-evolving world of credit cards, points and miles.<\/p>\n<p><em>For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold, click <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply\/american-express-business-gold-card-rates-fees\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/em><br \/><em>For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply\/the-platinum-card-from-american-express-rates-fees\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/em><br \/><em>For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire, click <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply\/hilton-honors-american-express-aspire-card-rates-fees\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/em><br \/><em>For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass, click <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply\/hilton-honors-american-express-surpass-card-rates-fees\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/credit-card-predictions-2023-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A year ago, we made our best guesses at what would happen with credit card rewards in 2023. The past year has been filled with innovative developments \u2014 and persistent challenges \u2014 in the credit card industry. Let&#8217;s take a moment to revisit the predictions we made at the start of the year and assess [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":64942,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-64941","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-travel"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64941","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=64941"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64941\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64942"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64941"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=64941"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=64941"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}