Breaking Points: Credit Card News

Update: This rumor is now confirmed as Citi ended applications for the Custom Cash card on May 28, 2026. As of now, there do not appear to be any changes for existing cardholders. Data points are mixed on if you can still product change now that applications are closed. We will update as more information comes in.

May 26, 2026

Doctor of Credit is reporting that Citi will discontinue applications for the Custom Cash card, possibly as soon as the end of this week. The Custom Cash is one of Citi’s most popular cards and a key part of many Citi trifecta setups thanks to its automatic 5x category earnings each billing cycle. Many users pair it with the Citi Double Cash and a Strata card to maximize earnings and unlock transfer partner access. Applications for the card are still currently live, so if this is a card you’ve been considering, now may be the time to apply. If you already have another Citi card you no longer use, it may also be worth calling to see if you can product change to the Custom Cash, though product change options vary by customer. Citi has not announced any changes for current cardholders.

Homes & Villas by Marriott is offering 3x points on stays of five nights or more in Latin America and the Caribbean. Book by June 26, 2026 for stays between June 1 and December 31, 2026. Eligible stays must be paid in cash, as award stays do not qualify for the promotion. There is also a targeted Amex Offer providing $250 back on Homes & Villas stays of $1,000 or more, which can stack with this promo. We wouldn’t go out of our way for either offer, but if you were already planning a longer stay in either region, this could provide decent value.

British Airways is increasing the cash portion of its award ticket pricing beginning May 27, 2026. While the airline is not officially calling these increases higher surcharges, the added costs “will only affect the cash element of your booking.” Flights booked before May 27 will avoid the new pricing. British Airways already charges some of the highest taxes and surcharges on award flights, making this latest increase especially disappointing, with many routes seeing cash costs rise between 10-30%. If you fly British Airways even once or twice per year, this could make the British Airways credit card more appealing, as it offers up to $600 annually in statement credits toward taxes and fees on eligible Avios award flights.

American Express is targeting some Hilton Honors cardholders with bonus points offers tied to spending. We’ve seen offers ranging from 3,000 Hilton Honors points after $1,000 in spending to 5,000-9,000 bonus points after $2,000 in spending. These offers can provide a nice boost while working toward a welcome offer or spending toward the Hilton Surpass card’s free night reward.

World of Hyatt is targeting some members with bonus point promotions on upcoming stays. We’ve seen reports of the following offers: 2,000 bonus points for every two nights stayed (up to 20 nights / 20,000 bonus points total), 3x points on stays of two or more nights (up to 30,000 bonus points), and 5,000 or 10,000 bonus points for every five qualifying nights stayed (up to 25 nights). Members have 90 days from registration to complete eligible stays. Check here to see if you’ve been targeted.