Today’s Financial Message Just for you, {{ first name | friend}}
Loyalty programs can actually save you real money if you play them right. Look for ones with cash back on everyday spending, travel perks, or interest rate breaks on loans.
They're usually free to join, just watch out for annual fees that outweigh the benefits… Continue Reading
*The American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report surveyed 8,000+ ‘global respondents’ in Jan 2025
Did the Boomers in the survey drag down our average, or did it actually point out a glaring missed opportunity for Gen X to capitalize on?
You tell us - are you in the 64% who aren’t stacking your loyalty credit card rewards?
Welcome Bonus + Cash Back + Points = Stackable rewards worth switching for.
Financial services loyalty programs are basically rewards plans that your bank or credit card company uses to keep you coming back. It's their way of saying "thanks for sticking with us" while also nudging you to use their products more often.
The whole point is pretty straightforward: the more you use their services, the more perks, rewards, or incentives you rack up. It's their carrot-on-a-stick approach to customer loyalty, but if you're already banking or spending anyway, you might as well get something out of it, right?
If you’re still rocking the same old rewards card (Does anyone else still have their physical Air Miles card kicking around?) and find yourself with just a free movie at the end of the year…you are severely missing out on some great perks, big savings and pretty decent rewards.
4 Loyalty Reward Programs That Go Beyond Travel Points
The Wealthy Thinker team did some digging and found 4 worthy Loyalty Rewards Programs that will get you more than a free movie and popcorn. (Although, I wouldn’t sneeze at that combo, the way prices are soaring…)
#1. Chase Ultimate Rewards - Use a 125,000 point welcome bonus toward a planned $6,000 renovation cost and save 21% if you can pay off your balance.
#2. Citi ThankYou Rewards - Their Double Cash Back card nets you 1% cash back on all purchases, plus another 1% when you pay your balance. They literally reward you for being responsible and not accruing interest.
#3. Discover Cashback Bonus - We like the 5% cashback on their quarterly featured categories, plus they offer a dollar-for-dollar annual cash back match.
#4. Capital One Venture Rewards - Earn 2x the miles on everything you buy and 75,000 travel miles as a welcome bonus. Bonus: 50% off fancy drinks at any Capital One Café in the US!
Read the whole article for all the details:
Does it have an annual fee? What type of rewards suit your spending habits and lifestyle? Can you stack points, rewards and a welcome bonus to your advantage?
Bottom Line: When choosing financial services loyalty programs, you should think about things like:
the types of rewards given
how flexible the redemption options are
if the credit card has an annual fee
how high the interest rate is
how well the program fits with your spending habits and way of life
If this article didn’t float your boat, click on any of these related articles on Travel Rewards, Restaurant Apps and Cash Back vs. Travel Rewards…
Iceland, here I come!
“I Travel a Lot, Should I Just Focus on Travel Rewards?” It can’t hurt to compare the two. Check out this article for to compare.
Forget points, I want greenbacks.
“What’s Better For Me? Cash Back or Travel Rewards?” Luckily, we also have a handy-dandy article on this to help you speed up the process. You’re welcome!
It was all free!
“I Just Want to Save Money on Takeout and Restaurants.” That sounds pretty awesome and we salute you. We found some apps that can score you something tasty with perks.
Just for Fun!
Portmanteau Puzzle: (a word or name formed from combining two other words). Can you identify the two words that comprise each portmanteau?
Pixel
Podcast
Palimony
Stagflation
Netizen
What did you think of today's newsletter?
Answer
Picture + Element
iPod + Broadcast
Pal + Alimony
Stagnation + Inflation
Internet + Citizen