Latest news with #loyaltyprograms
Fast Company
a day ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Amex Q2 results prove it's still the heavyweight of high-end cards
With its complex web of travel perks, airport lounges and points, the premium credit card scene is more competitive than ever. But if the competition is heating up, luxury card stalwart American Express isn't feeling it. The credit card company just beat profit expectations in its second quarter earnings, a feat powered by strong spending that shows Amex cardholders aren't jumping ship for rivals. With markets unstable and tariffs flying, Amex's laser focus on wealthy customers likely provides a buffer against financial forces that can put a drag on lower income spenders. 'We saw record Card Member spending in the quarter, demand for our premium products was strong,and our credit performance remained best in class,' American Express CEO Stephen Squeri said. The company's billed business for the quarter was $416.3 billion, besting analyst estimates of $412.8 billion in card member spending. Total revenue was up 9% to $17.9 billion, an increase the credit card issuer attributed to more customer spending, card feed growth and higher income from revolving loan balances. Fending off the competition American Express is the old guard among premium rewards cards, but the company knows it needs to keep things fresh to stay competitive. The company recently announced its biggest card refresh to date, with reimagined perks designed to court the Gen Z and millennial cardholders who make up more than a third of its U.S. consumer spending. 'We're going to take these Cards to a new level, not only in what they offer in travel, dining and lifestyle benefits, but also in how they look and feel, to meet the evolving needs of our customers,' American Express Group President of U.S. Consumer Services Howard Grosfield said. Amex isn't sharing the specifics of its Platinum Card revamp yet, but other changes on the way soon reveal the company's preference for bespoke perks designed to smooth air travel's many jagged edges. As Fast Company reported, Amex will roll out a pair of luxe updates that exemplify how the company plans to bolster its premium strategy. First, its Centurion Lounges will soon be revamped with rotating menus from James Beard Award-winning chefs, part of its new 'Culinary Collective.' All 15 Centurion Lounges in the U.S. will feature the new menu items starting at the end of the month. 'You'd be lucky to get into each of their restaurants on a normal day,' American Express Travel President Audrey Hendley told Fast Company. 'Now, you can try them all in one trip.' Amex will also launch Sidecar, a new kind of lounge tailored to the needs of travelers seeking a short-term sanctuary, next year in Las Vegas's Harry Reid International Airport. The lounge will offer small plates and table-side service designed to fit into a limited time slot. 'We're seeing a significant segment of travelers who only spend 30 to 45 minutes in the lounge,' Hendley told Fast Company. 'Sidecar is our way of honoring that time with the same level of care and service. In the battleground of premium perks, everyone is vying to offer a little something special. Chase recently revamped its famed Sapphire Reserve card with a set of new travel credits and a higher annual fee. Citi is launching its own new premium card, the Citi Strata Elite, later this year to lure affluent customers away from the competition. If those challengers pose a real threat to Amex, you wouldn't know it. 'Bring it on,' AmEx Chief Financial Officer Christophe Le Caillec told Reuters. 'We've been in that space for decades and we have built assets that our competitors do not have.'
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Are You Rewarding The Right Customers? Here's How To Close The Loyalty Gap
Derek White, CEO of Galileo, is a fintech pioneer with over 20 years of experience modernizing financial services globally. Consumer needs have outpaced the financial solutions built to serve them. Most Americans use debit as a primary payment method—more than 90% of U.S. adults have a debit card—but they're not getting rewarded for their spend or brand loyalty. Traditional loyalty programs were built around credit cards. Points, perks and upgrades are doled out to those who spend the most—on credit. However, this system ignores a huge segment of the population who chooses debit as their go-to payment method. Many younger, more budget-conscious consumers are overlooked in traditional loyalty strategies. That's a missed opportunity hiding in plain sight. Over the years, I've helped build financial technology across banks, startups and platform companies—each offering a different lens on how people interact with money. What's become clear to me is that we've been measuring the wrong thing. Loyalty isn't about how much credit someone uses. It's about how often they engage with your brand—and how you respond. The Case For Debit Rewards Most Americans have a debit card. That's not new. But what's shifted is intent. Younger demographics—especially Gen-Z—are opting into debit by choice. Many are debt-averse, others are part of the 46 million Americans considered 'credit invisible'—meaning they don't have a sufficient credit history to generate a credit score. Either way, they represent a growing population of consumers who show loyalty to brands through their spending behavior but are consistently excluded from loyalty ecosystems. This disconnect reveals something fundamental: Most loyalty programs weren't built for how many people actually pay today. They were built for a narrower view of value, one that's overdue for rethinking. A Lesson From The Past Early attempts at debit rewards fizzled—not just because of clunky tech, but because the economics were broken. Regulatory changes reshaped interchange fees and made traditional models hard to sustain. Brands couldn't justify the cost, and the infrastructure couldn't deliver the experience. But what didn't stick a decade ago is finally gaining traction—not because the idea changed, but because everything else did. Consumer preferences have transformed, and technology has evolved. The appetite for embedded finance has grown. And brands are far more invested in owning the full customer experience—not just the moment of purchase. We're finally seeing the conditions that make debit rewards viable: real-time processing, scalable APIs and platforms that bridge the gap between brands, banks and consumers. The tools exist to deliver value instantly and in context. That shift is what's unlocking debit's loyalty potential. The New Opportunity For Brands Brands aren't trying to be banks. But they do want to be closer to their customers. Financial tools—especially those built into everyday experiences—offer an ideal way to do that. It's not about creating gimmicky perks. It's about recognizing where consumer behavior already is and showing up there in relevant ways. If your best customers are paying with debit, rewarding them shouldn't feel like an edge case—it should be the default. The companies leaning into this space are responding to data. They see how often their customers use debit and realize that loyalty isn't tied to a payment method. It's tied to repeat purchase behavior. A New Kind Of Loyalty Model Here's the bigger picture: what's changing isn't customer loyalty, but the way brands recognize and reward it—moving from credit‑card spend to acknowledging repeat engagement, regardless of payment method. In the old model, the highest-value customers were those who charged the most to a branded credit card. In the new model, brands are recognizing customer loyalty through interactions and behaviors, not payment methods. That opens the door for financial tools that fit into a person's daily life—not just their occasional splurges. Debit rewards make this possible in a way that's sustainable. They allow brands to engage a broader customer base without pushing credit, and they provide a more inclusive on-ramp for customers who want to participate in loyalty programs without taking on new debt. This isn't about replacing what works. It's about expanding access to those who haven't had it. What To Watch For Next If the last era of loyalty was defined by credit-card points and airline miles, the next will be shaped by flexibility and showing up in the moments that customers care about most. Brands will build rewards systems that fit multiple payment types. Customers expect personalization across every brand interaction. And debit—often the most overlooked payment choice—will play a leading role in that transformation. This shift won't happen overnight. But for companies willing to meet their customers where they are—and reward them for how they actually behave—the upside is significant. There's a lesson here for anyone building loyalty strategies: Look past assumptions. Behavior changes fast. Expectations change faster. And the most valuable customers aren't always the ones your models were built to serve. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Geek Girl Authority
5 days ago
- Business
- Geek Girl Authority
Online Games in Canada Offering the Biggest Bonuses
Canada's online casino scene is exploding with big bonuses and tons of games. Players can have a better gaming experience with big promotions, loyalty programs and a wide range of games for every taste. In today's competitive market, smart bonuses not only add to your initial bankroll but also to every spin and bet. After getting into online gambling, smart players soon realize that unlocking the full potential of their bonuses is a total game-changer. Canadian operators are leading the way with dynamic promotions that add extra excitement to every play session. With deposit match offers and exclusive rewards, bonuses turn ordinary gaming into an adventure. Unbeatable Bonuses and Offers One of the best things about Canada's online casino scene is the abundance of bonuses for both new and existing players. These bonuses are designed to attract new customers and keep regular players engaged and rewarded. Canadian casinos offer big welcome bonuses that match your first deposit 100% or more, so you can try out top games without risking your own money right away. In addition to deposit bonuses, many sites have daily and weekly offers. If it's free spins on the latest slots, cashback, or special tournaments with massive prizes, these offers are designed to take your gaming to the next level. This keeps you engaged and gives you more opportunities to try out new games and betting options. The right offer can make all the difference between a mediocre and an epic gaming session. Variety That Keeps You Engaged Canadian online casinos have a ton of games to choose from. From live dealer games that mimic the casino floor to innovative slot games with Megaways and cascading reels, there's something for everyone. If you want to find the best casino games to play , top operators like BetMGM Canada have a whole library to choose from, where you can find one that suits you. These games usually come with lucrative bonus offers such as welcome offers, free spins and chips, loyalty points, cashbacks, and more. These include classics like blackjack and roulette, as well as modern versions with interactive bonus rounds and storylines. Advanced interfaces, smooth transitions and great visuals create an immersive experience. This variety means every session can be whatever you want it to be, whether you want to play strategically or just spin those reels fast. Get the Most Out of Your Bonus To get the most out of bonus offers, you need a combination of strategy and awareness of the T&Cs. Many players miss out on extra free spins, higher multiplier rewards or even cashback. Before you start playing, make sure you read the bonus terms so you know what the wagering requirements, eligible games and time limits are. This way, you can plan your gaming sessions and get the most out of each bonus. Smart players set a budget and use bonuses to extend their playtime on a site. A well-planned bonus strategy can double your money and give you more chances to win. By combining your gameplay with knowledge of the bonus terms, you not only increase your chances of a big win but also have a more sustainable gaming experience. Gaming Without Hiccups Modern Canadian casinos have made the overall gaming experience better by investing in the latest technology. User-friendly interfaces, smooth navigation and robust security so you can focus on the game without technical issues or security worries. For example, live dealer platforms let you join real-time casino table games hosted by professional dealers just like a live casino floor. And with mobile-friendly designs, top casino gaming is available to you whether at home or on the go. With real-time analytics and interactive features, these platforms are always evolving to improve the user experience. The combination of big bonuses and great technology means every gaming session is smooth, secure and fun. Why Some Casinos Stand Out The top casinos have made a name for themselves in the Canadian online casino space, known for their many games and great bonuses. With exclusive deals like bonus deposit matches and limited-time promotions like slot events, top Canadian casinos set the bar for what you can expect from a premium online casino. These bonuses not only give you more playtime but also add layers of fun and reward to the experience. Bonuses Matter Canada's online casino landscape is driven by big bonuses and a ton of games to suit every taste. Top platforms are leading the way with big welcome bonuses, dynamic promotions and a seamless gaming experience that stands out in a crowded market. Using high-value bonuses and understanding the fine print behind them not only extends your playtime but also gives you a better chance to win big. Plus, the variety of games from live dealer to new slots means every gaming session is something new and exciting. When you decide to get into online casino gaming, remember that smart play is about maximizing both your fun and bonus potential. Check out the best casino games to play and take advantage of bonus offers that will elevate your experience. By combining smart play with big bonuses, you can have a safe, fun and rewarding gaming experience. Enjoy the thrill, use the benefits wisely and let Canada's top online casino take your gaming to the next level. Big bonuses and unforgettable games could be your next big win! Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: CONCHITA MARABLE RELATED: New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on July 15
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Five tips to feed your family for less and save on your supermarket shop
FEEDING the family is one of the biggest challenges for a household's budget. But with a little know-how, there are plenty of ways to save on your supermarket shop. Here's what you need to know . . . MEAL PLAN: Knowing what you need to buy before hitting the shops is the easiest way to keep costs in check — and to make sure you're not tempted by sales or marketing tactics. For inspiration, Sainsbury's online recipe section has 'feed the family' for a fiver, while the Tesco Real Food site has 'budget dinner' recipes. COMPARE: The cheapest supermarket for your shopping typically depends on exactly what you are buying. You can compare individual items at comparison site as well as creating an entire list to find out which shop is cheapest and closest to you. LOYALTY PAYS: With reduced prices for loyalty members at most major supermarkets, you will be hit in the wallet if you do not sign up for schemes. Remember to log on to the app before you shop, as some offers need to be activated or loaded to your account before you can benefit. AVOID CONVENIENCE STORES: Smaller local stores can cost you in more ways that one. First, the food items can be more expensive than in larger shops and the range of own-brand or affordable versions of food are more limited than in the bigger branches. And thirdly, sometimes you won't be able to access some of the membership perks that come from shopping at a larger store. For example, your Nectar prices are only available in the main Sainsbury's supermarkets and not the smaller convenience stores. ONLINE SAVERS: If you shop online, try to do bigger buys less frequently, to cut down the cost of delivery fees. Five expert tips to save money on your supermarket shop Where you have flexibility, opt for a saver slot — typically within a four-hour time period — to save further on fees. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 7 Deal of the day LISTEN to your favourite tunes or audio with these JBL wireless headphones, down from £89.99 to £64.99 at Cheap treat 7 SPICE up your undie collection with this heart-print thong, £2.99 from New Look. Top swap 7 STAY stylish by the beach with this straw hat with shell detail, £28 from Accessorize. Or look just as chic for less with Matalan's headwear, £9.60. Shop & save HEAD for an outdoor lunch or dinner date with this picnic set for two, down from £10 to £7 at Flying Tiger. Hot right now JOIN Toolstation's free membership club and as part of the perks, get 25 per cent off mains at Sizzling pubs, Monday to Thursday. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
Entrepreneur
03-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
I Take 75 Business Trips a Year — These 10 Tips Save Me Time, Money and Sanity
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. For the past couple of decades, I've traveled 60-75 times a year—mostly for public speaking, client visits and occasionally vacation. My trips are mostly independent and domestic, with Vegas, Orlando and New Orleans topping the list. My goal? Get it done as fast and affordably as possible. Eyes down, earbuds in, mouth shut, mind your own business — especially on business trips. If you're a frequent business traveler like me, here are 10 lessons I've learned to make travel easier, cheaper and less painful: 1. Lean into loyalty Even if you only travel a few times a year for business, it's critical that you join the loyalty program of the airline that most frequents your local airport, as well as one hotel and one rental car brand program. There are some cases where you may pay a little more. There are other cases where you might not get the best flight or location. But you'll make up for these potential inconveniences by building up points which can then be converted into free rooms, flights and car rentals, and the payback will be greater than what you paid. Some loyalty programs offer other rewards, such as discounts on partner brands, which will save you more. Also, as your status rises, you'll get free upgrades, better seating and baggage allowances without fees and — to me, most importantly — special attention like fast re-booking when things go wrong. Lean into these loyalty programs, eat the dog food and over the long term, you'll benefit both from cost and productivity. Related: Here's How Entrepreneurs Can Save on Business Trips 2. Avoid airline and hotel travel cards Airline and hotel credit cards aren't worth it. Sure, it can seem enticing when they offer lots of miles upfront for signing up or expedited boarding. But the interest rates and fees on these cards will, over the long term, be higher (in my experience) than those of their competitors. Also, you're limited to only choosing flights and hotels with that brand, which significantly limits your choice of available flights, and you'll be blacked out during high-volume periods. If you're a business traveler, choose a card that's tied to an independent travel service. I've enjoyed the Citibank Thank You program for years because I accumulate points both for my business and personal cards, am able to combine those cards, and then can convert those points into travel with their agency that books on just about any airline or hotel I choose. Another trick: I'll stay at Marriott (my preferred hotel loyalty brand), charge everything to the room, including meals and drinks, get points for the hotel and then pay the bill with my Citibank card so I earn points on the card as well — double dipping. Double the benefits. 3. Subscribe to a travel newsletter There are a few great travel newsletters that you can search and subscribe to (I like The Points Guy), which can help you figure out the best travel and let you know quickly when there are programs or special deals launched. Like grocery coupons, some people go crazy with this stuff, and yes, they do save money (although I'm not sure how much time they're spending in return for the benefit). Regardless of how much you lean into these services, they're helpful to keep you aware of potential discounts that, if the timing's right, can save you money that you weren't expecting to save. 4. Do not wait in rental car lines Thank God we don't live in the days of our parents, when renting a car required sixteen forms of identification and a strip search. Some of the better rental agencies (I like National Car Rental) let loyal users bypass the check-in process, go straight to the garage, jump into a car and then drive away by just showing their driver's license. And on return, you get out and go. I find this experience to be cost-efficient, productive and frankly, exhilarating. It's all about time, and I pity those people standing in long lines waiting to be approved to drive. 5. Eat at chains If you're not a frequent traveler, eating out can be fun. But for the rest of those who travel many times a month, we need consistency and affordability. So when it comes to food, I generally stick to a chain restaurant. Unless I'm entertaining clients, which I rarely do, I'm happy to get a filet at Outback Steakhouse for $40 that includes fries and a salad rather than paying $125 for the same meal at the local steakhouse. Chain restaurants tend to be reliable, faster and more affordable than other restaurants. Other times, I avoid the $30 hotel burger and get Uber Eats delivered. You want to go local? Find a diner. Or otherwise stick to your hometown. 6. Use expense management apps I've wasted countless hours doing expense reports over the years. But no more. Thanks to great (and inexpensive) expense management applications like Expensify, SAP Concur, Ramp, and Zoho Expense, business travelers can, just by snapping a photo, have their expense time sheets done with minimal involvement, which saves time and mistakes. I've got my car rental, airline, hotel and rideshare apps all connected to the service I use, and when I eat out or take a taxi, I upload a quick photo. When my trip is over, my expense report is done for me. If your business has a team of travelers, it's a great way to manage their expenses and, after integrating the app with your accounting system, save a significant amount of back office time. Thanks AI! 7. Tip generously Tipping doesn't save you money. It's just the right thing to do. Carry some cash and take care of the people who clean your rooms with $10 per day. Give the valet another $10. Never tip below 20% on a restaurant bill. And yes, add an extra buck to the $8 cup of coffee you bought in the casino lobby. It's not their fault that the price is ridiculously high. And you can afford it. Tip more if you can. 8. Consider taxis for speed Whenever I arrive at my home airport, I always block and tackle through the masses of people waiting for their rideshare and go straight to the taxi area, where there's always a line of cabs waiting. I mostly do this in other cities, too. Generally, taxis still cost more than rideshares. And some of them aren't as comfortable a ride. But it's all about time, and whatever gets me to my home or my destination faster so I can finish with the travel experience is, to me, worth the added cost. Related: A Business Owner's Guide to Maximizing Summer Profits 9. Double down on your security Don't be stupid with your data when you travel. Don't reveal your private work to the guy sitting next to you on your flight. Buy a laptop privacy screen, a piece of plastic that makes it impossible for anyone not directly in front of your screen to see what you're doing. Make sure you use a VPN service to encrypt your data when on a hotel or airport Wi-Fi. Better yet, don't use the hotel or airport Wi-Fi and use your mobile hotspot whenever and wherever you can for the best security. Don't do any banking or financial transactions when you're on the road if you can avoid it. Bring an extra battery pack so that you don't run out of power mid-trip when you need to get work done. And bring three separate power cords in your bag because these things fail (and so do you when you forget one in your room). 10. Roll your clothes Checking a bag not only incurs extra charges but also extra time at the carousel. To avoid these fees and get on and off the plane (and in and out of the airport) as quickly as possible, my advice is to roll. Yes, roll. Roll as many of your non-wrinkle clothes (socks, underwear, shirts, etc) and align them in your carry-on bag, starting on the outside and working your way in. You'll be shocked at how much more stuff you can fit in your bag that way. Make use of the hotel iron if needed. 20-plus years of travel. 60-plus separate trips per year. And I'm still not in the higher echelons of the business road warrior. Thank goodness. Regardless, this is what I've learned. You're welcome.
