Latest news with #AmexTravel
Forbes
31-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Travel Just Got Cheaper—Here's How To Stretch Your Savings With The Right Credit Cards
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. After months of stubborn prices, airfares and lodging rates finally dropped in June 2025. This opens the door for travelers to book getaways at a discount and squeeze even more value out of their travel rewards credit cards. Travel prices are finally coming down, making it a smart time to take advantage and book a trip. In June, the U.S. lodging away from home index dropped 2.9%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The airline fare index also dipped 0.1%, marking the third straight month of declines. If you've been thinking about a summer trip, now's the time to go for it. With cheaper flights and lodging deals popping up, a family vacation might not hit your wallet as hard. And if you use a solid travel rewards credit card , you can save even more while earning points toward your next getaway. Travel isn't becoming free overnight, but your daily spending can still take you places in the near future. Travel rewards credit cards allow you to earn points on daily spending, which you can later redeem for flights, hotel stays and other travel perks. For example, the American Express® Gold Card (Terms apply, rates & fees) earns elevated points on flights booked directly with airlines and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. Plus, when you book two or more nights through The Hotel Collection, you'll receive a $100 credit toward eligible purchases like dining or spa services. Eligible charges vary by property. You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed. On top of its travel perks , the American Express® Gold Card earns 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), 3 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or on American Express Travel, 2 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on American Express Travel and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases. That means you can accumulate rewards just by doing your weekly grocery shopping—rewards you can later use toward flights, hotels and more. Frequent travelers may want to consider credit cards that offer airport lounge access , which offer them a place to rest and enjoy some peace before takeoff. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® grants cardholders: Entry to Priority Pass lounges for you and up to two guests at locations worldwide. Entry to Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations, available in airports like Boston (BOS), New York (JFK and LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), San Diego (SAN) and Phoenix (PHX). Amenities that vary by location, such as: Full meals and drinks. Comfortable seats. Quiet spaces for work and rest. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® affords a luxurious travel experience. Whether you're resting before a business trip or getting a nap in before a long vacation, you and your guests can access comfortable, well-designed spaces worldwide. June brought some welcome relief for travelers—lodging rates plunged by roughly 2.9%, and airfares dipped slightly by 0.1%. Whether you're planning a summer getaway or looking ahead to fall travel, now's a strong window to act. You can make the most of these lower prices by pairing them with the right credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the American Express® Gold Card. These cards provide value through rewards on everyday spending, credits toward dining and travel and built-in trip protections and insurance¹. To view rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card please visit this page. ¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
American Express Opens New Centurion Lounge at Tokyo's Haneda Airport
NEW YORK, US - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 July 2025 - On July 16 American Express (NYSE: AXP) will open a new Centurion Lounge at Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND), the busiest airport in Japan and one of the busiest airports in the world. The Centurion Lounge at HND marks the 30 th to open worldwide and the 4th to open in Asia, joining lounges at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, Hong Kong international Airport (HKG) in Hong Kong, and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai. The new lounge in Tokyo features locally sourced decor and artwork that celebrates Japanese philosophy, craftsmanship, and artistry, a live, open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs cook, a buffet offering a variety of Japanese and Western food and beverages, a dedicated sweets bar nodding to Japan's snack culture, and private phone rooms that are also equipped with a curated audio program for meditation. Located in Haneda's Terminal 3 near Gate 114, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the airfield while they rest and refuel before their flights. "The Centurion Lounge at Haneda Airport celebrates Japanese culture, featuring custom artwork, an exciting menu that showcases the flavors of Tokyo, and my personal favorite – private meditation booths to help you recharge and find some calm before your flight," said Audrey Hendley, President, American Express Travel. "We've seen incredible demand for travel to Japan, it is one of the destinations where we've seen the highest growth recently. We look forward to showcasing the impeccable service Centurion Lounges are known for in a destination we know is so important to our Card Members." "Long awaited by our eligible Card Members, we are thrilled to open Japan's first Centurion Lounge at Haneda Airport," said Yasuhiro Sudo, Senior Vice President, Japan Country Manager at American Express. "We look forward to providing a best-in-class experience with high-quality meals, a wonderful atmosphere, and local charm to eligible Japanese Card Members and eligible Card Members from all over the world. We are committed to delivering the exceptional customer experience American Express proudly offers and is known for." Select Dishes by Chef Satoshi Ogino, Plus Specialty Drinks and Sweets Bar Acclaimed Chef Satoshi Ogino is known for his mastery of classic Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on seasonality and has helmed the kitchens of several Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo, including his own Akasaka Ogino. In addition to a special lounge menu by Chef Ogino showcasing local flavors in his signature style, the kitchen will also offer Japanese favorites including sushi and ramen, and a buffet will serve both local and global cuisine. A full bar will offer a premium menu of wine, locally inspired cocktails, and a selection of Japanese beers, sake, and shochu 1, while a dedicated sweets bar will feature a selection of teas and traditional Japanese Wagashi sweets, plus a rotating menu of additional treats. Art and Design Inspired by Local Craftsmanship and "Japan Blue" Designed by OnBrand, American Express' in-house creative agency, the lounge is inspired by the philosophy, craftmanship, and artistry of Japanese culture and "Japan Blue." Produced by the Japanese dyeing technique of Aizome, "Japan Blue" is a deep indigo hue that represents tranquility and stability and is ubiquitous in Japanese art, architecture and fashion. The color is woven throughout the lounge and complemented by natural materials and textures, including slatted wood, stone, and subtle walnut and black ash accents. The bar features elegant Uroko ceramic tiles and a dramatic ceiling canopy, while an Edo-Kiriko-inspired custom chandelier hangs in the main seating area and locally inspired textiles and wall coverings can be found throughout the space. The lounge features commissioned artwork from several local artists, including a custom American Express-inspired mural by Shu Kuroki, and Saki Matsumoto's textile reimagining of the American Express bulldog, Sir Charles Frosty Blue, as Komainu - a guardian of Japanese shrines symbolizing trust and protection. The artwork also includes ceramics by Ryuji Iwasaki, ink paintings by Ryohei Sasaki, and a traditional Japanese Wajima Nuri lacquerware installation by Miho Yokoyama. The pieces for the installation were sourced from Ishikawa — home of the Wajima Nuri lacquerware tradition — to support recovery efforts following the 2024 earthquake that devastated the Noto Peninsula. At nearly 7,500 square feet, The Centurion Lounge at HND will feature luxury amenities and several areas for travelers to work, relax and recharge before boarding their flights, including: Private phone rooms with curated audio programing for meditation: Private booths that can be used for phone calls or meditation provide functionality and tranquility with acoustical fabric panels, traditional Japanese artwork, and a curated audio program of calming water, forest, bird, and wind sounds. Comfortable seating areas for all types of travelers: Guests will have a wide range of seating options to choose from including armchairs, high tops and dining banquettes, cozy couches, and a private room with seating to accommodate families and small groups, complete with a television. Centurion VIP Room: Centurion Members have access to a VIP area featuring elevated-yet-comfortable furnishings and finishes, including Kumiko style woodwork, a private beverage station, and a curated display of Japanese artwork and photography that captures scenes from the country's lively festival culture. Signature Centurion Lounge amenities for all types of travelers: Guests will also find signature Centurion Lounge amenities, including dedicated workstations and phone booths, premium shower suites and restrooms, abundant outlets and USB ports, access to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and more. Meeting More Card Members in More Places With more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer 2, the American Express Global Lounge Collection™ is just one of the many ways American Express supports Card Members while they travel. Eligible Card Members have access to more than 1,550 lounges worldwide, including 30 Centurion Lounges. American Express continues to expand and enhance the Centurion Lounge Network with plans announced to open new lounge locations at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Salt Lake City in 2025 and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in Amsterdam in 2026. Hashtag: #Amex The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express' brand is built on trust, security, and service, and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. With a hundred million merchant locations on our global network in around 200 countries and territories, we seek to provide the world's best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations. For more information about American Express, visit and ABOUT THE CENTURION LOUNGE The Centurion Lounge is the signature lounge program within the broader American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges, Escape Lounges, Delta Sky Club® for Card Members flying on Delta, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges upon enrollment, Plaza Premium Lounges, select Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, and Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges--a total of more than 1,550 lounges across 140 countries and counting. Eligible Card Members can find a lounge at the Global Lounge Collection website, or by using the American Express® App. They can also begin their check-in process for select Centurion Lounges through the mobile check-in tool within the American Express® App. ABOUT JAPAN AIRPORT TERMINAL CO., LTD. HANEDA AIRPORT OPERATING COMPANY Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd. was established in 1953 as a passenger terminal operator funded exclusively by private capital dedicated to the construction, management, and operation of airport terminal buildings, and under the founding philosophy of achieving harmony between business and society. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company has operated Haneda Airport's passenger terminal since it opened in 1955, consistently striving to enhance convenience, comfort, and functionality for all travelers. The company's business includes a wide range of airport-related operations, such as terminal facility management, retail and duty-free store operations, food and beverage services, and passenger support. Through these efforts, the company contributes to the growth and development of airport infrastructure both in Japan and internationally. For more information, please visit: [1] Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. [2] Based on comparison with other U.S. credit card programs, as of 10/2024. American Express
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What is the Amex trifecta? How to get more value from your Membership Rewards Points.
If you're a fan of the American Express Membership Rewards program, you probably already know how valuable Amex points can be. A great Amex rewards card can offer plenty of annual savings for any budget. But if you really want to upgrade your rewards value — especially if you're a frequent traveler with regular travel spending — you can use a specific trio of Amex cards to get the most from every dollar you spend. The Amex trifecta is made up of three American Express rewards cards: The Platinum Card® from American Express American Express® Gold Card The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Together, these cards can offer even more dynamic savings on future travel, everyday spending, and more. Here's more about the three cards that make up the Amex trifecta: Why we like it: The Platinum Card from Amex is one of the most premium rewards cards available today. Its only bonus categories are focused on travel, and you'll get the best value if you're willing to book through Amex Travel, the issuer's travel portal. But the best feature of the Platinum Card is its benefits — specifically if you're a frequent traveler. Amex says the Platinum Card offers over $1,500 in annual value with credits for hotel stays, airline fees, digital subscriptions, and much more. You'll also get access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across the world (including Centurion Lounges) through Amex's Global Lounge we like it: On its own, the Amex Gold offers incredible savings on everyday purchases, with an unbeatable 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to limits). It also offers hundreds of dollars in value on purchases you can make at home or on the go, including dining and rideshare credits. In fact, the Amex Gold card is one of our best travel card picks from any issuer. As part of this Amex trifecta, it's a great tool to supplement the Amex Platinum's travel rewards and still earn plenty of points when you're not traveling. If you're able to max out the $25,000 annual spending cap for earning 4x at U.S. supermarkets, for example, you'd net 100,000 Membership Rewards Points each year — at a value of 1 cent per point, that could get you up to $1,000 in travel we like it: The Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card is the only business card in the trifecta, so you will need a business to qualify. You could be eligible whether you do freelance work, have a side gig, or you're a brick-and-mortar small business owner. It's a pretty straightforward no-annual-fee credit card (see rates & fees) on its own, with a solid 2x points on every purchase up to the first $50,000 annually, then 1x points. Beyond rewards, there are a few added benefits. But if you're considering the Amex trifecta, the Blue Business Plus card adds a lot of flexibility. You can use this card for all of your non-bonus spending and get 2x points on each purchase until you meet the annual limit. If you max out the $50,000 spending cap, you could earn a total of 100,000 Membership Rewards Points with the card each the right strategy, you can make the most of each dollar you spend using the Amex trifecta. One of the main benefits of using the trifecta is the ability to get top rewards rates across a range of categories — so you'll have more Amex Membership Rewards to redeem when you're ready to book a trip. First, start with the Amex Platinum for your travel spending: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or (up to $500,000 per year), then 1x 5x points on eligible prepaid hotels booked through If you spend beyond the $500,000 max on eligible flights in a calendar year with your Amex Platinum, you can still use your Amex Gold to earn an unlimited 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through The Amex Gold card can cover some additional travel methods, too: 3x points on other eligible travel (prepaid car rentals, prepaid cruise reservations) booked through with Amex Gold Beyond travel, look to Amex Gold for the best rewards on groceries and dining out: 4x points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 spent per year), then 1x 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 spent per year), then 1x For all other expenses, you'll get bonus points with the Blue Business Plus card at its flat rewards rate: 2x points on all other purchases (up to $50,000 spent per year), then 1x This includes all of your regular purchases that don't fall into the above bonus categories — gas or EV charging, utility payments, tourist attractions, event and concert tickets, online shopping, and more — up to the annual limit. If you have a large budget, it can also include spending across otherwise eligible bonus categories after you max out those annual spending caps. The other major component of the Amex trifecta that makes it worthwhile for travelers is all the added benefits* and annual credits. Most of your annual perks will come from the Amex Platinum card — especially for travel. This card is loaded with everything from airport lounge access to airline fee credits, credits for airport security programs (like TSA PreCheck and Clear), and more. Plus, you'll get automatic elite status with a few partner travel brands: Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status; Hilton Honors Gold Status; and premium status with Avis, Hertz, and National car rental companies. You'll get some travel benefits with the Amex Gold card, too. But like its rewards, this card's most valuable perks are on food spending. You can get over $300 in annual value just from various Amex Gold dining credits: Up to $84 in statement credits ($7 per month, with enrollment) at U.S. Dunkin' locations Up to $100 in statement credits ($50 semi-annually, with enrollment) when you dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible purchases with Resy Up to $120 in statement credits ($10 per month, with enrollment) at participating dining partners including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, and Five Guys Another major benefit of both cards is annual Uber Cash** for food delivery or rideshares. Here's the breakdown of the combined $320 you can use toward Uber spending each year with both the Amex Platinum and Amex Gold: Up to $200 Uber Cash ($15 per month and a bonus $20 in December) with the Amex Platinum Up to $120 Uber Cash ($10 per month) with Amex Gold *Terms apply for each of these American Express card benefits; many also require enrollment. Make sure you check your card's terms and your online account for specific benefit offers.**To receive this benefit you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber app and your eligible American Express Platinum Card or American Express Gold Card must be selected as the payment method. The Amex benefit may only be used in the United States. You can get a lot of potential value with the Amex trifecta, but it will take some effort to figure out where and how to make each purchase. For example, many of these cards' top reward categories have annual spending caps; after you meet these maximums, you'll earn just 1x point per dollar in the category. If you're a big annual spender (or even think you could get close to a category's spending max), it's important to track when you're approaching the cap. Benefits also require some strategizing. These card perks are incredibly valuable, but they can also be difficult to keep up with. Some renew each month, some are semi-annual, and some reset once per calendar year. Ensure you track your benefits on your own or within the Amex app regularly. Always remember to keep your card statements and monthly payments organized, too. The quickest way to lose reward value is by accruing interest charges on a card balance. Know your due dates and track your spending so you can pay on time and in full each month to avoid interest and cards can save you a lot of money on travel and other expenses, but they also come at a cost: The Platinum Card has a $695 annual fee (see rates & fees), the Amex Gold has a $325 annual fee (see rates & fees), and the Blue Business Plus (see rates & fees) has no annual fee. Altogether, that's $1,020 in annual fees for the three cards. No matter your budget, spending over $1,000 in annual fees is a high price to pay. If you travel often and spend a lot of money in the eligible rewards categories, it is possible to make up that cost. Just make sure you compare your own potential value based on your spending before you welcome offers: Each of these cards offers valuable welcome bonuses for new cardholders. Make sure you time your applications so you can both meet the spending thresholds within the given time periods (without overspending) and minimize any effects on your credit score. Valuable points: With the Amex trifecta, you'll have plenty of opportunities to maximize the points you earn when spending across multiple categories. When it's time to redeem your rewards, you can choose between multiple options within the Membership Rewards program, including booking flights through or transferring points to Amex's airline and hotel transfer annual fees: The annual fees you'll pay for the Amex trifecta are pricey. While you may be able to easily recoup that cost through rewards and benefits, you'll still pay a lot of money each year to keep these cards. Make sure you look at how you spend and travel before you apply to ensure this card strategy is right for you. Other card combinations may work better for you: The Amex trifecta isn't the only option for combining rewards cards to maximize your earnings. If these reward categories and benefits don't align with how you already like to travel and where you spend money, another card combination may work better for your financial Amex trifecta can be a great solution for fans of American Express Membership Rewards. You can use the different reward categories and benefits to maximize your points and save money at home and abroad. But first, decide whether this card strategy fits with how you already travel. If you don't use the services included in the cards' annual benefits or you prefer to book travel outside of the eligible bonus categories, you may not get the best value with these cards. Also, remember that one of the cards in this trifecta is a business card, which may not work for you if you cannot qualify. Instead of the Blue Business Plus, you could keep your trifecta to all consumer cards and choose the American Express® Green Card. This card isn't quite the catch-all you'll get with the Blue Business Plus, but you can diversify your rewards a bit with 3x points on transit (including trains, rideshares, tolls, parking, buses, and more) as well as an additional annual credit for Clear Plus membership (up to $199 in statement credits, subject to auto-renewal). Before you apply for any new rewards card — or decide to use a card combination like the Amex trifecta — always look back at your regular spending habits and redemptions. With the right cards for your budget, spending, and travel preferences, you can ensure you make the most of your rewards now and in the embedded content is not available in your region. This article was edited by Alicia Hahn Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
