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Deal of the Day: You can now get the premium Sam’s Club membership — which offers free shipping and additional discounts on prescription drugs — for $50 a year

Deal of the Day: You can now get the premium Sam’s Club membership — which offers free shipping and additional discounts on prescription drugs — for $50 a year

If you don’t plan to shop at Sam’s Club often — or even online since the free shipping is a big perk — this may not be the deal for you.

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If you buy a lot of household items in bulk or are looking for cheaper gas, a Sam’s Club membership may be something you’re considering. So we’re highlighting this deal: Sam’s Club has partnered with StackSocial to offer its Sam’s Club Plus membership — which is the warehouse club’s premium membership offering (see below for details) for $50 (it is usually $100). This premium version of Sam’s Club membership is cheaper than Costco’s standard offering (its basic membership is $60 a year), but it’s not the right option for everyone. The pros of a Sam’s Club Plus membership: Generally, the savings at warehouse clubs can be worth it particularly for those who buy in bulk, fill up their car with gas there, or make large individual purchases like electronics or tires or electronics, a U.S. News analysis reveals. With a regular membership — which you can get right now for $15 via StackSocial — you can access those discounts plus, add one member of their household for free and shop online at SamsClub.com. With a Sam’s Club Plus membership, you get all of that but also the added benefits of free shipping and curbside pickup, over 600 generics at the pharmacy for $4 and 20% a pair of eyeglasses and free shipping on contact lenses. You can also earn back 2% cash back per year on qualifying purchases.  Is a Sam’s Club Plus membership worth it? Our take? Maybe not without the deal. But considering that you can get a few added benefits for shelling out around the same price of a standard membership? We vote yes. That said, if you don’t plan to shop at Sam’s Club often — or even online since the free shipping is a big perk — this may not be the deal for you. “To make back your $100 membership fee, you’ll have to spend at least $5,000 throughout the year,” says Wirecutter. But again, you’re paying half of that, so that’s something to keep in mind.  SlickDeals highlights this key perk of a Sam’s Club Plus for early birds as well: “You can shop up to three hours before other shoppers. Plus members get access to the store starting at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday. It’s a great option for early risers or those who like to shop before work,” the reviewer notes. How this deal works: Once you order your Sam’s Club Plus membership from StackSocial through this link, you will receive a redemption code via email that allows you to access your Sam’s Club Plus membership. There is sometimes a short delay in receiving the code, as StackSocial verifies that the order is legitimate. If you have any issues or questions, you can immediately reach out to StackSocial customer support via this link. LEARN MORE: Sam’s Club has partnered with StackSocial to get you the maximum benefits of a Sam’s Club Plus membership for $50 About this column: Since you’re here, let me introduce myself: I’m Maddy Perkins, deputy commerce editor for MarketWatch Picks. I’m a big online shopper who loves to hunt down savings — particularly when it comes to cool kitchen gadgets, electronics, fashion and beauty products. I’ll be here a few times a week to share the best deals I can find online with you. Have anything you’d like me to hunt down? Write me at [email protected]. Cheers!

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Score 5 Free Nights With Bonus

Score 5 Free Nights With Bonus

Select’s editorial team works independently to review financial products and write articles we think our readers will find useful. We earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers, but not all offers on Select are from affiliate partners.Chase launched a new welcome bonus for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card on Thursday, allowing new cardholders to earn five free nights after meeting the minimum-spend requirements, in this case, spending $5,000 within the first three months of card membership.In addition to the bonus — which is pretty lucrative considering each free night is valued at up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points — the card comes with solid benefits to enhance your hotel stay.Below, Select outlines the new limited-time welcome bonus and everything else you need to know about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.Subscribe to the Select Newsletter!Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly. Sign-up here.The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card’s limited-time welcome bonusAs part of a new welcome bonus offer, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is currently offering new cardholders five free nights — that’s instead of the usual three — with each night being eligible for a redemption of up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, after you spend $5,000 within the first three months of opening your account.That means this bonus can be worth up to a whopping 250,000 Marriott points if maximized correctly. If you value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents per point (a standard valuation by many award travel bloggers) that’s potentially $2,000 in value towards Marriott hotel stays. You can book many mid-range hotels, and even some luxury Marriott properties, with the 50,000-point certificates.For spending on the card, cardholders can also earn:

  • Up to 17X points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties — that’s 6X points per dollar at more than 7,900 branded hotels and resorts, up to 10X points per dollar just for being a member of Marriott Bonvoy and 1X point per dollar just for having Silver Elite Status, another cardholder perk
  • 3X points per dollar for the first $6,000 you spend at grocery stores, gas stations and on dining each year
  • 2X points per dollar for all other purchases

In addition to those spending categories, the card also delivers solid value with the following benefits:

  • The ability to earn one Elite Night Credit toward elite status for every $5,000 you spend with the card, and 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of elite status per year
  • Complimentary Silver Elite Status through Marriott Bonvoy and the opportunity to earn Gold Elite Status after spending $35,000 each year
  • One Free Night Award each year after your account anniversary, which you can use to redeem a one-night stay of up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
  • Complimentary premium Wi-Fi when you stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties
  • Baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement and purchase protection when you pay for travel and other large purchases with the card
  • Complimentary access to 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge Service
  • No foreign transaction fees for using the card abroad

While the card carries a modest $95 annual fee, the value of the welcome bonus and the ongoing perks and benefits easily justifies the cost.Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

  • RewardsEarn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining; 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 spent; up to 17X total points for every $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, and 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 5 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.74% to 23.74% variable on purchases and balance transfers
  • Balance transfer feeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Eligibility for the new welcome bonusFor those who enjoy earning multiple welcome bonuses from credit cards, it’s important to remember the eligibility rules put in place by credit card issuers to ensure consumers aren’t reapplying for cards simply to earn their respective bonuses.If you fall into any of these categories, you won’t be able to earn the new welcome bonus:Other available Marriott Bonvoy credit card bonusesIf you already have the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, or are currently in the market for a hotel rewards credit card with different benefits, there are a number of additional Marriott Bonvoy credit cards to consider. Here’s a look at their welcome bonus offerings:Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card new bonus availableThe Bonvoy Bold Credit Card is also offering a raised welcome bonus as well.The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a solid pick for consumers seeking a travel rewards credit card with no annual fee. The new welcome bonus offers 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending at least $2,000 within the first three months of opening your account.If you value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents per point, that’s $480 in value with no annual fee — making it a great deal for travelers who don’t want to cough up any cash.Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

  • RewardsEarn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels, 2X points on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains) and 1X point on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.74% to 23.74% variable on purchases and balance transfers
  • Balance transfer feeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® CardThe Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is a great hotel credit card for travelers who regularly stay at Marriott properties. Once approved for the card, you can earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you spend at least $3,000 within your first three months of card membership.Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® CardOn the American Express secure site

  • Rewards6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3X points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, 2X points on all other eligible purchases
  • Welcome bonus75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $3,000 in purchases on the card within the first 3 months.
  • Annual Fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® CardThe Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card is a great pick for business owners who want to earn rewards for free hotel nights. The current welcome bonus mirrors the Brilliant card’s, offering 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you spend at least $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® CardOn the American Express secure site

  • Rewards6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 4X points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping, 2X points on all other eligible purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new card to make $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership.
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.49% – 25.49% variable on purchases
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Bottom lineThe Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is an amazing offer from Chase since it gives cardholders a relatively easy opportunity to earn five free nights — instead of the usual three (or less) — for their next vacation. That said, it’s important to remember that the free nights can only be redeemed for rooms that are 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night or less, so if you have a particular Marriott property in mind, make sure the free stay you want to book is within that points-redemption threshold.As always, before applying for a new credit card, be sure to check your credit score as the credit cards mentioned in this article require at least a good credit score in order for you to be approved.Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express® Card , click here.For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card , click here.Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party. .

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Find And Cancel Unwanted Subscriptions

Find And Cancel Unwanted Subscriptions

Select’s editorial team works independently to review financial products and write articles we think our readers will find useful. We earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers, but not all offers on Select are from affiliate partners.Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify, Instacart Express, HBO Max, Apple Music, iCloud, cable, etc. — the list of subscriptions people have can go on and on. It’s often easy to forget about the many subscriptions you signed up for and, over time, ones that you may have slowly stopped using. Unfortunately just because they aren’t being used doesn’t mean you aren’t still paying for the service.Parsing through your bank accounts to find those unused subscriptions and cancel them can be very time consuming and draining. TrueBill, however, seeks to remove some of that hassle. It’s an app and an online platform that syncs to your accounts to find subscriptions you’ve been paying for. In addition to that, the app also offers a bill negotiation service so you can lower the costs of things you have to pay for each month.Below, Select breaks down what you need to know about the TrueBill app, including each of its features, how to get started and a few other important details you should know about if you’re interested in trying the service.Subscribe to the Select Newsletter!Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly. Sign-up here.TrueBill reviewTruebillOn Truebill’s secure site

  • CostFree, with option to upgrade to Truebill Premium Service for fee of $3 to $12 per month; bill negotiation costs between 30% to 60% of the 12-month savings achieved as a result of the negotiation
  • Standout featuresEasily cancel unwanted subscriptions, track your spending and credit score, automate savings and get help lowering bills
  • Categorizes your expensesYes, Truebill instantly identifies your top spending categories
  • Links to accountsYes, bank and credit cards
  • AvailabilityOffered in both the App Store (for iOS) and on Google Play (for Android), as well as online
  • Security featuresTruebill accesses users’ transaction data via an encrypted token, uses Plaid API so user credentials are never stored, provides bank-level 256-bit encryption and hosts servers on secure Amazon Web Services (AWS), which is used by the Department of Defense, NASA and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Pros

  • Negotiates cell phone and cable bills, plus helps you get refunds for some bank fees
  • Free version available
  • Syncs to your bank accounts and credit cards
  • Instantly finds and tracks your subscriptions
  • Website says 80% of people save money by using Truebill to find and cancel unwanted subscriptions
  • Provides breakdown of user spending and notifies of upcoming charges and low balance alerts
  • Helps users create a budget
  • Users can see their Experian VantageScore 3.0 credit score and get access to their credit report
  • Provides an interest-free pay advance up to $100 directly to qualifying users’ checking accounts
  • Users can set goals, save money with autopilot Smart Savings feature
  • Concierge service available to identify bills to be lowered and, for a fee, Truebill will negotiate on users’ behalf for the best rates (non-refundable negotiation fee is anywhere from 30% to 60% of the 12-month savings achieved as a result of the negotiation)
  • Truebill Premium Service features include free access to Smart Savings feature, unlimited budgeting categories, custom spend categories, real-time account balance updates, premium chat, subscription cancellation concierge, “Truebill Offers” and educational material
  • Coming soon: Users can track their net worth
  • High Trustscore rating of 4.3/5 stars (from 392 reviews)

Cons

  • Costs between $3 and $12 per month to upgrade to Truebill Premium Service
  • Non-refundable negotiation fee anywhere from 30% to 60% of the 12-month savings achieved as a result of Truebill’s bill negotiation on users’ behalf
  • Less than 10 Better Business Bureau reviews
  • Does not negotiate internet, landline phones, cable/phone/internet bundles, alarm and security systems, satellite radio/TV or electric bills

Features and how they workOne of the main features TrueBill offers is the ability to find and cancel subscriptions you no longer use. To do this, TrueBill links to your bank accounts and analyzes your transactions for subscriptions. Once it finds subscriptions, you can choose which ones you want to keep and which ones you want to cancel.Another service TrueBill provides is bill negotiation. To use this feature, you’ll need to take a photo of your bill — like your phone bill or or cable bill — and upload it to the app or website. TrueBill’s team will then look for ways you can receive additional discounts on your bill.And for those instances where you wind up getting charged an overdraft fee for accidentally overspending or a maintenance fee for falling below your bank’s required minimum balance, TrueBill will request a refund for you. Keep in mind that it isn’t guaranteed that the refund will be granted but it’s always worth a shot — especially when you don’t have to go through the hassle to do it yourself.The app can also help you track your spending and save money on autopilot. To use these services, you’ll need to make sure your bank accounts are connected to the app. It’ll categorize your transactions, which can make it easier for you to see where your spending is highest (and lowest). From there, you can decide how much money you want to budget for each of your spending categories, and the app will alert you if you’re nearing your spending limit in any of the categories.As for the savings feature, you’ll need to create a savings goal in the app and from there, TrueBill will use your spending habits to determine how much money to save and when to save it. This way, you’ll still avoid accidental overdrafts. And if you begin using the savings feature but decide you want a more hands-on approach to stashing your cash, you can always pause this feature. You can also edit your goal or withdraw your money at any time and your savings are FDIC-insured. However, you may want to consider moving your funds into high-yield savings account, like the Marcus by Goldman Sachs High Yield Online Savings, where you’ll earn interest on your money.How to get startedThere are many features you can use through TrueBill but the first step before you can explore any of them is to create an account. You can do this by downloading the TrueBill app and inputting your name, email address and a password of your choosing.FeesThe TrueBill app is free to download, but you’ll have to pay for a premium membership to use some of its features. The app actually lets users decide for themselves how much they want to pay for the premium subscription — the amount can be anywhere from $3 – $12 a month with the option to be billed annually if you choose to pay $3 a month or $4 a month.With the premium version, you’ll have access to the ability to sync your bank accounts to the app, subscription cancellation, auto savings, customizable savings categories and unlimited budgets, to name a few.The bill negotiation feature is free to use if the TrueBill team isn’t able to successfully negotiate lower prices for you. If they are able to get you some savings on your bill, though, they’ll charge a percentage of what you can expect to save from your first year. However, you can choose how what percentage they charge (anywhere from 30% to 60%) while you submit your negotiation request.There are other subscription trackers out there that offer similar services, but different fees, compared to TrueBill, like AskTrim.com and PocketGuard. Their offerings and fee structure could potentially fit your needs better.Bottom lineIf you think you have a number of subscriptions or bills that are sucking up your money each month, TrueBill may offer an affordable way to lower some of those costs. It’s not exactly surprising that such an app charges for premium features but what stands out about TrueBill is the user’s ability to choose how much they pay for premium membership and how much of a cut the app receives for successfully negotiating down bills. This can make it feel more affordable to more users.However, if you feel comfortable calling up your banks and other service providers for your bills and negotiating lower payments on your own, then it might not make sense for you to potentially pay for TrueBill to do it for you.Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party. .

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3 Marriott Credit Cards Offering Free Nights, up to 100,000 Points

3 Marriott Credit Cards Offering Free Nights, up to 100,000 Points

Select’s editorial team works independently to review financial products and write articles we think our readers will find useful. We earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers, but not all offers on Select are from affiliate partners.Subscribe to the Select Newsletter!Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly. Sign-up here.Marriott’s new credit card welcome bonusesHotel co-branded rewards cards provide an easy way for any type of traveler to earn points to use for free stays. Whether you’re a road warrior for work or you only plan to stay somewhere twice a year, the welcome bonuses from these three cards can help save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in hotel costs. And with Marriott Bonvoy’s robust portfolio of more than 7,000 hotels spanning 30 brands across 131 countries, you’ll be hard-pressed to find somewhere without a location to cash in your hotel rewards.Here’s a look at the welcome bonuses and unique benefits of each Marriott Bonvoy credit card:Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardThe Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is now offering the opportunity to earn three free nights after spending $3,000 within the first three months of card membership. Note that the three free nights represent a value of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, with each night being redeemable for a stay of up to 50,000 points per night.Cardholders will also be able to earn the following by spending with the card:

  • Up to 17X points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties—that’s 6X points per dollar for using your card, 10X points per dollar for bring a member of Marriott Bonvoy® and 1X points per dollar for your included Silver Elite Status
  • 3X points per dollar on the first $6,000 you spend each year in combined purchases on dining and at grocery stores and gas stations
  • 2X points per dollar on other purchases, travel-related or otherwise

Cardmembers will also earn one elite night credit for every $5,000 spent, as well as a free night certificate, worth up to 35,000 points, each year following your account anniversary. You’ll also score automatic Silver Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and be eligible to receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year.This card is a great fit for someone who travels a few times per year and doesn’t want to pay a hefty annual fee. There is a $95 annual fee, while other benefits include trip delay insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage and trip delay reimbursement, purchase protection, complimentary Visa Concierge service, no foreign transaction fees and access to complimentary premium Wi-Fi at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties. Points also won’t expire if you keep your account active by making purchases every 24 months.Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

  • RewardsEarn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining; 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 spent; up to 17X total points for every $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, and 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.24% to 23.24% variable on purchases and balance transfers
  • Balance transfer feeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardThe Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a step up from the Boundless card in terms of benefits and features. After being approved, you’ll have the opportunity to earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and one Free Night Award, redeemable up to 85,000 points, after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening.Cardholders will also be able to earn:

  • 6X points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties
  • 3X points per dollar on dining, takeout and delivery at U.S. restaurants, as well as in-flight meals booked directly with the airline
  • 2X points per dollar for all other purchases

The card is loaded with travel benefits, including the following perks:

  • Automatic Gold Elite status and premium Wi-Fi access
  • A $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit each year of membership
  • 1 Free Night Award each year following your card renewal month, redeemable for a stay of up to 50,000 points
  • A $100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit to use toward qualifying charges when you book a stay of at least two night at participating St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton properties
  • 15 Elite Night Credits to use toward achieving your next level of elite status
  • Priority Pass Select membership, allowing access to more than 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries
  • A statement credit to use for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment
  • *Baggage, trip cancellation and interruption insurance; trip delay insurance; rental car loss and damage insurance; and access to the Premium Global Assist Hotline.

While this card does have a $450 annual fee (see rates and fees), if you fully take advantage of its many benefits and earn the welcome bonus responsibly, the perks can definitely outweigh the price.Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® CardOn the American Express secure site

  • Rewards6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3X points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, 2X points on all other eligible purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points and 1 Free Night Award after you use your new card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
  • Annual Fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit CardWhile the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is the lowest-tier card on our list, it can still be valuable for those who don’t travel as frequently. The card is currently offering a welcome bonus of 30,000 Marriott Bonus points after you spend $1,000 within the first three months of account opening.Cardholders will be able to earn the following:

  • Up to 14X points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels — that’s 3X points for using your card, 10X points for being a member of Marriott Bonvoy and 1X points per dollar for your included Silver Elite Status
  • 2X points per dollar on travel-related purchases
  • 1X point per dollar spent everywhere else

This card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits per year, which will qualify you for Silver Elite Status. It also comes with many of the same travel and protection benefits as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, such as travel insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay and lost luggage reimbursement and no foreign transaction fees — all without an annual fee.Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

  • RewardsEarn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels, 2X points on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains) and 1X point on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.24% to 23.24% variable on purchases and balance transfers
  • Balance transfer feeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

How to maximize Marriott Bonvoy pointsAs you start to rack up Marriott Bonvoy points, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck.Stretch the value of each Marriott Bonvoy pointDo your best to redeem your points for the highest cost per point available. Generally, Marriott Bonvoy points are worth roughly 0.8 cents per point, according to several travel rewards websites, so as you’re searching for hotels, keep the following formula in mind:(The cost of the hotel stay including taxes and fees) / (the number of points) = the cost per point.If you can get this value to 0.8 cents per point or above, it’s considered to be a worthwhile redemption.For example, in May 2022 you can use around 97,000 to 115,000 Marriott points per night to stay at the The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a luxurious resort in the Maldives with overwater villas. However, cash prices during this same timeframe are anywhere from $1,700 to $4,000 per night. This would give you well over 1 cent per point in value and would make for a fantastic redemption.Redeem five nights for the price of fourKeep in mind that as you redeem your rewards, you can get one night free if you pay for a stay of at least five nights completely with Marriott Bonvoy points. For example, if a stay at your desired Marriott hotel goes for 20,000 points per night, a five-night stay will only end up costing you 80,000 points, giving you a 20% boost in the value of your points.Put those points to useRemember that all points and miles earned through airline, hotel and travel brands are susceptible to devaluation. This happens when the brand itself requires more points for the same booking, which results in your points suddenly becoming less valuable, and often without any notice. To fight back against this, it’s best to try and use your hard-earned points and miles regularly. Whether you’re taking a trip for yourself or booking a hotel room for a friend, it’s not wise to hold onto a large sum of points for a long period of time since their value could drop at any given time.Bottom lineThese three updated Marriott Bonvoy credit card welcome bonuses are among the most valuable available right now. Before you apply, it may be advantageous to check your credit score, as all of the cards mentioned above require at least a good credit score in order for you to be approved.Should you decide to apply, be sure you have a plan that lets you earn the welcome bonus responsibly. It’s never advised to make more purchases on a credit card just to earn a welcome bonus. If you need help earning one, consider talking to friends or family about making some purchases on their behalf and then getting reimbursed.Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, click here.*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by thirdparty service providers. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party. .

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United Club℠ Infinite Credit Card Review 2022

United Club℠ Infinite Credit Card Review 2022

Select’s editorial team works independently to review financial products and write articles we think our readers will find useful. We earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers, but not all offers on Select are from affiliate partners.The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a luxury co-branded airline credit card that lets you earn United miles on daily purchases and provides benefits such as free checked bags and United Club lounge membership. For a limited time, new cardholders can also score a solid 120,000-mile welcome bonus after spending $6,000 within the first three months of opening an account. If you’re a frequent United Airlines flyer who values access to United Club lounges than this premium travel credit card is a real contender for a place in your wallet.Below, Select breaks down the rewards, benefits and fees associated with the United Club℠ Infinite Card to decide if it’s right for your needs.Subscribe to the Select Newsletter!Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly. Sign-up here.United Club℠ Infinite Card reviewUnited Club℠ Infinite Card

  • Rewards4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining (including eligible delivery services) and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 120,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.49% to 23.49% variable
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Credit needed

Pros

  • Annual fee waived the first year
  • United Club membership with access to over 45 United Club locations and participating Star Alliance™ affiliated lounges worldwide
  • Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit every four years
  • No fee on purchases made outside the U.S.

Cons

  • High annual fee
  • No intro 0% APR period

Welcome bonusThe welcome bonus offered with this card delivers big value, allowing new cardholders to earn 120,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. If you value United miles at a modest 1 cent per mile you’d end up with about $1,200 worth of travel from the bonus alone, and that’s not even including the additional miles you’ll earn from purchases made to get the bonus.Compared to other travel credit cards this is one of the most lucrative welcome bonus offers available at the moment. Many are able to get more value from United miles as well, so this bonus could easily be worth way more depending on how you redeem your miles.Keep in mind that you won’t be able to get the welcome bonus if you already have another United Club card or you’ve already gotten a welcome bonus for another United Club card within the past 24 months.Benefits and perksThe United Club℠ Infinite Card is packed with plenty of features for cardholders to take advantage of. If you’re thinking of applying, it’s important to think realistically about how many of the perks you’ll actually use — and how often — to make sure it’s worth your while.Once approved for the card, you’ll be able to enjoy the following benefits:

  • Access to United Club (and participating Star Alliance™ affiliate) airport lounges worldwide
  • Complimentary first and second checked bags when you fly with United, reflecting a $35 value on the first bag and up to $45 value on second bag each way, per person (up to $320 in savings per round-trip flight)
  • Up to $100 statement credit every four years when you enroll in NEXUS, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
  • 25% back on in-flight purchases such as Wi-Fi, food or beverages (as a statement credit)
  • 10% off United economy saver award flights within the continental U.S. and Canada
  • Because it’s a co-branded MileagePlus credit card, you’ll earn up to 4,000 Premier Qualifying Points, or PQPs, toward United elite status annually — 500 for every $12,000 you spend (up to 4,000 per calendar year)
  • Premier Access travel services such as priority check-in and expedited security, boarding and baggage handling
  • Comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation and interruption, baggage delay insurance, reimbursement for lost luggage and trip delays, travel accident insurance (including travel and emergency assistance services and emergency evacuation and transportation) and rental car coverage (collision damage waiver)
  • Visa Infinite concierge services

By taking advantage of most or all of these benefits, you can easily justify the card’s $525 annual fee. Even if you just get the card for United Club access, you’ll be saving money since a membership costs $550 to $650 when you’re purchasing directly from United.How to earn and redeem United milesEarning United MileagePlus milesWhen you spend on the card, you’ll earn: 

  • 4X MileagePlus miles per dollar on all purchases from United Airlines, including in-flight services such as Wi-Fi, food and beverages, as well as tickets for flights
  • 2X MileagePlus miles per dollar on all other travel purchases — flights, hotels, cruises, trains, rental cars, tolls, public transportation, taxis and ride-sharing services
  • 2X MileagePlus miles per dollar on dining and eligible delivery options
  • 1X MileagePlus mile per dollar spent everywhere else

Select calculated how many miles the average American could potentially earn in a year by using their United Club℠ Infinite Card. We worked with the location intelligence firm Esri, who provided us with a sample annual spending budget of $22,126.The budget includes six main categories: groceries ($5,174), gas ($2,218), dining out ($3,675), travel ($2,244), utilities ($4,862) and general purchases ($3,953). Here’s what the average consumer would earn by using this credit card:

  • Groceries: 5,174 United MileagePlus miles
  • Gas: 2,218 United MileagePlus miles
  • Dining out: 7,350 United MileagePlus miles
  • Travel: 8,976 United MileagePlus miles (assuming all travel dollars are spent with United Airlines)
  • Utilities: 4,862 United MileagePlus miles
  • General purchases: 3,953 United MileagePlus miles

With all spending considered, you could end up earning 32,533 United MileagePlus miles within the first year if you were to include the 120,000-mile welcome bonus — this type of spending would end up yielding a total of 152,533 United MileagePlus miles. Over a five-year period, cardholders could potentially earn 282,665 United MileagePlus miles, although the total amount would depend more on an individual or business’ annual spending habits.Alternatively, if you’re trying to rack up a large amounts of United MileagePlus miles in a hurry, consider earning rewards through credit cards with transferable rewards. Credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® let you earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which can be transferred directly to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio. These cards are some of the best travel credit cards because you have the flexibility to redeem your rewards in a variety of ways, including transferring them to United Airlines.Redeeming United MileagePlus milesOnce you earn enough United MileagePlus miles, the fun part is redeeming them for free flights. Be aware that while the flight cost is covered by miles, you’re still responsible for paying any applicable taxes and fees. For example, if you were to redeem them for a flight within the U.S., you will still have to pay $5.60 each way in taxes and fees.To redeem MileagePlus miles, visit the United website and begin searching for your desired flight pattern. Before you hit the search button, click the “book with miles” box. From there, you will be able to look through any available flights and see how many miles it will cost for each seat class.Keep in mind that you should really aim to get more than 1 cent per point in value for your United MileagePlus miles. Anything below that wouldn’t be a great redemption, and you may be better off paying cash for the fare.Lastly, if you’re trying to book travel outside the United States, you may find yourself seeing different airlines on the United website. This is because of United’s connection to Star Alliance, an airline alliance with 26 members. As a result, you’ll be able to earn miles by flying with any one of them and can also redeem your MileagePlus for flights on any of United’s partners. If you’re searching for flights from New York to Singapore, for instance, you’ll be shown flights with Singapore Airlines, while if you’re interested in traveling to Germany, flights with SWISS Airlines or Lufthansa will appear in your search results.In short, as you continue to earn United MileagePlus miles by spending with the United Club℠ Infinite Card, it’s in your best interest to spend them as you earn them. If you were to instead hold onto a large amount of airline miles, you’d be susceptible to devaluation announcements from United Airlines or could potentially having them digitally stolen from you before you get to use them.Rates and feesCard comparisonThe United Club℠ Infinite Card is a solid option for someone who prefers luxury travel benefits when flying with United Airlines. But how does it stack up against other luxury travel credit cards? Select compared two other popular credit cards to see how it really matches up.United Club℠ Infinite Card vs. The Platinum Card® from American ExpressThe Platinum Card® from American Express is a value-packed luxury travel card that offers terrific benefits for both your travels and day-to-day necessities. You can also earn a ton of American Express Membership Rewards® points when you spend with the card.To get you started, the card comes with a large welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in your first 6 months of card membership. And as you spend on the card, you’ll earn:

  • 5X points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5X points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel
  • 1X points per dollar spent everywhere else

With the Amex Platinum you’ll also have access to a long list of benefits, including:

  • Up to $200 in annual airline fee credits and up to $200 in Uber credits per year
  • Access to the Global Lounge Collection, which has over 1,200 airport lounges in more than 130 countries. Including access to Amex Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs
  • A $200 hotel credit for prepaid properties booked via Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel
  • A $240 digital entertainment credit (up to $20 each month) when you use your card to purchase service with Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM or The New York Times
  • A $155 Walmart+ statement credit to help you cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership after you pay for monthly Walmart+ service with your card
  • A $300 annual credit with Equinox (broken up into $25 each month)
  • A $100 credit when you shop at Saks Fifth Avenue, divided into $50 for each half of the year
  • A $179 credit when you enroll in CLEAR
  • Comprehensive travel insurance and complimentary American Express concierge services

Terms apply.The Platinum Card comes with a whopping $695 annual fee (see rates and fee), which can easily be made back in value by utilizing available spending credits and taking advantage of large earnings for booking travel.When comparing the two cards, consider how often you fly and with which airline(s). If you tend to only fly with United Airlines and visit only United Club lounges, the United Club Infinite Card would be the better choice. If you’re looking for more flexibility with credit card rewards, more spending credits and a much larger list of airline lounges you can access, the Amex Platinum Card may be your best bet. If you’re primarily a Delta flyer you may be better suited with the Amex Platinum, as you get complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying on Delta.The Platinum Card® from American ExpressOn the American Express secure site

  • Rewards5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (starting January 1, 2021, this applies on up to $500,000 per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonus100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 within 6 months of account opening. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit Needed

United Club℠ Infinite Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve®The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is another premium travel credit card that offers cardholders a wide variety of benefits. Once you’re approved for the card, the current welcome bonus lets you earn 50,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.With the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you’ll have access to valuable benefits, such as:

  • A $300 travel credit
  • 50% more in value when you redeem Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase travel portal
  • A $100 statement credit for enrolling in either TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS
  • Access to airport lounges, including Priority Pass lounges
  • Comprehensive travel insurance, purchase protection and return protection*
  • No foreign transaction fees

By spending with the card, you’ll also be able to earn a large amount of Ultimate Rewards points through flexible spending categories:

  • 10X points per dollar on hotel and rental car reservations purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal (after spending $300 on travel)
  • 10X points per dollar when you use the Chase Dining program
  • 5X points per dollar on flights purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal (after spending $300 on travel)
  • 3X points per dollar on travel expenses (like flights, hotels, cabs, Ubers, trains and more) worldwide (after spending $300 on travel)
  • 3X points per dollar at restaurants and eligible delivery services, including takeout
  • 1X point per dollar spent everywhere else

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a $550 annual fee, just $25 more than what you’d pay for the United Club Infinite Card’s annual fee.If you’re deciding between the two cards, it really comes down to which benefits you think you will use the most and if you wish to have more flexibility with your rewards. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points can be transferred directly to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio, so you could potentially earn more miles by using the Chase Sapphire Reserve card than the United Club Infinite Card based on where you do most of your spending. Plus, you can transfer to your Chase points to over ten other partners or redeem them through the Chase Travel Portal where you’ll ultimately have more flexibility in redemption.However, if your main focus is on earning status with United Airlines, the United Club Infinite Card gives you the chance to earn up to 4,000 Premier Qualifying Points per year — 500 per $12,000 spent — to help expedite your status-earning journey.Chase Sapphire Reserve®

  • RewardsEarn 5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2022
  • Welcome bonusEarn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.99% to 23.99% variable
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Who the United Club Infinite Card is best forThe United Club℠ Infinite Card is a solid choice for regular travelers with good to excellent credit who are loyal to United Airlines and its many Star Alliance partners. It’s a great pick for anyone who can budget for the $525 annual fee, especially those who plan to take advantage of the many benefits it offers, such as complimentary United Club lounge access and up to two free checked bags.Keep in mind that because this is a Chase card, you may end up having to deal with the infamous Chase 5/24 rule — in other words, you won’t get approved for any new Chase cards if you’ve already gotten approved for five or more personal credit cards within the last 24 months.Bottom lineThe United Club℠ Infinite Card is a solid travel credit card, perfect for anyone who enjoys flying with United Airlines, spending time in United Club lounges and checking one or two bags when they fly. The card offers a lucrative 120,000-mile welcome bonus, flexible spending categories, a number of benefits to enhance your overall travel experience and comes with a sleek design.Before you apply for a new credit card, be sure you have room in your budget for the annual fee and enough purchases coming up to get you past the $6,000 spending threshold to get the welcome bonus. Without a sturdy budget, picking up a shiny new credit card could potentially lead to a financial disaster if you end up spending outside of your means.Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide for more details. Purchase protection provided by AMEX Assurance Company.For rates and fees of the Platinum Card from American Express, click here.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party. .