Earn More Points with New Cards, Bonuses, and Challenges in 2025

Key takeaways

Stay updated with the latest card offerings and changes to maximize your points strategy.
Evaluate the Citi Strata Elite Card thoroughly; its complex earning structure may not suit everyone.
Utilize elevated offers from brands like Marriott and American Express to optimize point earnings.
Engage with airline and hotel challenges to potentially generate large bonuses and rewards.
Consider the functionality and everyday application of new credit cards before adopting them.

Summary

Introduction to New Credit Cards and Offers

In this episode, Chris Hutchins dives into the latest credit card offerings and significant changes in the points game. He highlights seven new cards, two major changes to existing ones, and several elevated offers that can potentially increase your points balance significantly. Chris emphasizes the importance of staying updated with these changes for maximizing points and travel benefits.

City Strata Elite Card Breakdown

Chris discusses the new Citi Strata Elite Card, detailing its features such as a $595 annual fee, earning potential, and numerous travel credits. He breaks down its earning categories, including 12x on hotel and car rental bookings, and a complex 6x on dining only on weekends during specific hours. The card also provides various perks but has mixed reviews regarding its long-term value, especially compared to other premium cards.

Changes to U.S. Bank and Southwest Cards

The episode covers significant modifications to U.S. Bank and Southwest credit cards. The Smartly Card underwent restrictions limiting earning potential, while the Southwest card refresh leads to increased fees but offers a hefty 100,000-point welcome bonus. Chris mentions the value of the Southwest companion pass and how to earn it, even discussing strategies for maximizing points through airline challenges.

Elevated Offers on Marriott Bonvoy and Amex Cards

Next, Chris highlights elevated welcome offers for Marriott Bonvoy and American Express cards, providing strategies for obtaining high-value point bonuses. He evaluates the bonuses associated with each card, particularly focusing on how the current offers stand out among typical offerings and how listeners can take advantage of them.

Emerging Trends in Credit Cards

The latter part of the episode focuses on emerging trends like the Bilt World Elite Mastercard and other new entries into the credit card market. Chris mentions the arrival of pet-focused and shopping-specific cards while debating their practicality for everyday users. The conversation transitions into upcoming functionalities like earning points on mortgage payments, enhancing the everyday relevance of credit cards.

Exciting Challenges to Rack Up Points

Chris wraps up by discussing various airline and hotel challenges that can lead to massive point earnings, such as the JetBlue Challenge and others. He describes how listeners can earn substantial rewards through strategic travel, emphasizing the thrill and potential returns involved in participating in these challenges.

Show notes

#241: We cover new credit cards, increased welcome bonuses, and major changes to existing cards and their benefits. Plus, learn how to rack up thousands of points through airline and hotel challenges and giveaways.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/new-cards-increased-offers-points-challenges

Partner Deals

Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2

DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web

Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth

Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family

MasterClass: Learn from the world's best with 15% off

For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals

Resources Mentioned

Credit Cards

Chris' Cards Page

Citi Strata Elite℠ (100,000 point offer)

Citi Strata℠

Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

American Express® Gold Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® (Rates and Fees here)

Nibbles Credit Card

Rakuten American Express® Card

Gemini Credit Card

Coinbase One Card

"Weird Al" Yankovic

Rakuten: Free $30 here

Airline & Hotel Challenges

Frequent Miler: Million Mile Madness Recap

Etihad: The Extraordinary Challenge

JetBlue: 25 for 25

JetBlue: TrueBlue Partner Passport Challenge

Choice Hotels: 1-Million Points Sweepstakes

ATH Podcast

Ep #228: Deep Dive on Citi Credit Cards and ThankYou Points (Best 2-Card Combo)

Ep #236: Deep Dive on Amex Credit Cards and Membership Rewards Points

Ep #234: Earn Points on Mortgage, 100k+ Card Bonuses, New 4% Card, Devaluations and More

Southwest Cards Refresh

Membership

Newsletter

Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@allthehacks.com

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(00:51) Citi Strata Elite Card Perks & Earnings

(05:24) 100K Welcome Offer

(12:00) U.S. Bank Card Changes

(17:05) Southwest Card Refresh

(18:44) How to Earn a Southwest Companion Pass

(21:27) Increased Bonuses on Marriott Bonvoy Cards

(22:50) Elevated Amex Welcome Offers

(25:13) Bilt Card & Benefits

(29:43) Mesa Homeowners Card for Mortgage Payments

(33:07) The Nibbles Card for Pets

(34:56) The New Rakuten Card

(37:31) Gemini Credit Card

(41:38) The Coinbase One Card

(46:28) Etihad & Turkish Airlines Points Challenge

(48:50) Latest JetBlue Challenges

(56:15) Choice Hotel 1M Sweepstake

(57:07) Upcoming Changes to the Podcast

(57:58) Chris’ Birthday Request

Connect with Chris

Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn

Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices