Breaking Points: Credit Card News

American Express has been inconsistent with its welcome offers lately, often using “as high as” language and showing different bonuses depending on how and where you check. Nowhere is that more evident than with the Amex Business Platinum card, where some see 150,000 points, others see “as high as 300,000,” and some see offers in between. The offer can even change between devices or throughout the day. Fortunately, Amex lets you see your targeted offer during the application process before a hard pull. If you’re waiting for a strong offer, it’s worth checking multiple times and across different devices, as the bonus can vary widely. And if you are pre-approved for the 300k offer, jump on it.

The American Express Platinum card added a $75 quarterly Lululemon credit in 2025, but terms have always stated that gift cards are excluded. Despite that, many datapoints suggested a workaround by purchasing physical gift cards online or in-store. Lululemon has now removed physical gift cards from its online store, and some reports indicate stores may only sell them in $50 increments. While some have still had success with other amounts, it’s important to recognize the increased risk if you’ve been relying on gift card purchases to trigger the credit.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can now unlock World of Hyatt Explorist status by meeting a high annual spending threshold. The requirement is $75,000 on the personal card or $120,000 on the business card. Explorist is Hyatt’s mid-tier status, offering a 20% points bonus on stays, room upgrades (excluding suites), 2pm late checkout when available, and other perks. Status is valid for the rest of the calendar year in which it’s earned and the entire following year. This perk adds to other high-spend benefits on the card, including IHG Diamond status, Southwest A-List status, and statement credits through The Shops at Chase. If you meet this spending organically, it’s a nice addition to the card’s existing benefits, but we wouldn’t recommend actively pursuing it.

American Express is removing its semi-annual $50 Saks credit from the Platinum Card on July 1, 2026. Cardholders can still use the first-half credit before that date. Given Saks’ ongoing financial issues, it may be worth using this benefit sooner rather than later due to limited inventory and potential shipping delays.

Choice Privileges is offering a 100% transfer bonus to Air France–KLM Flying Blue. The standard transfer ratio is 5:1, so with the bonus, you’ll receive 400 Flying Blue miles for every 1,000 Choice Privileges points transferred. A minimum transfer of 5,000 points is required. Offer expires April 24, 2026.