Breaking Points: Credit Card News

United Airlines has introduced more restrictive “basic” fare classes for its premium economy and business class cabins. There are now three fare types: basic, standard, and flexible, with basic fares removing perks typically expected in premium cabins. Basic fares charge for seat selection, do not allow ticket changes, and limit upgrade opportunities from premium economy. Basic business class fares also do not include Polaris lounge access, though United Club access remains. This is a disappointing shift, as premium cabins are now seeing the same unbundling as economy, though it reflects the broader trend of airlines maximizing revenue.

United Airlines has made changes to both earning and redeeming miles, placing a greater emphasis on holding a co-branded credit card. Cardmembers (above the Gateway card) will earn more miles on paid flights and receive a 10% discount on award bookings, while elite members receive a 15% discount. Cardmembers and elite members will also have expanded access to Polaris business class saver awards. United is clearly incentivizing co-branded card ownership, so if you frequently redeem miles for United flights and don’t currently hold one, it may be worth considering.

Update: Rakuten has once again increased bonuses on select Bank of America cards, with the Travel Rewards card now offering an additional $275 and the Customized Cash card offering an additional $175. These offers frequently change and often only last a few days.

Rakuten is offering an additional $275 for applying for the Bank of America Travel Rewards card or $175 for the Customized Cash card, stacking with each card’s standard welcome offer. The Travel Rewards card currently offers 25,000 points after $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days. The Customized Cash card offers $200 after the same spend requirement. Neither card ranks highly on our list, but if you have your Rakuten earning method set to Bilt, this can be an easy way to pick up extra points across multiple programs. Note that if your Rakuten earnings are set to Amex Membership Rewards, these bonuses will not be available. They are only available when earning cash back or Bilt points.

American Express is ending its partnership with Etihad Guest on June 30, 2026. Transfers will still be available through June 29, 2026. This isn’t a major loss, as Etihad has few sweet spots and a less favorable cancellation policy, and you can still transfer to Etihad through Bilt, Capital One, and Citi.

Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite is offering 100,000 points after spending $6500 in 3 months. That’s up 20,000 points over their standard offer of 80,000 points, which requires $4000 in 3 months. The annual fee is $395. The elevated offer also includes a 25K Global Companion Award and a 50% flight discount code, though the discount is fairly restrictive, applying only to select economy routes and travel between September 8 and November 18, 2026. This offer ends on June 30, 2026.