Latest news with #rewards
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Announcing the new Rakuten American Express Card: No annual fee and 4% cash back on Rakuten purchases
Rakuten, one of the most popular cash-back shopping platforms, has just announced the Rakuten American Express® Card, a cash-back credit card with no annual fee and an enticing rewards rate: 10% cash back on Rakuten Dining (this includes the 5% you receive as a Rakuten member) 4% cash back on Rakuten purchases on up to $7,000 each calendar year (this is on top of any other cash back you may receive by shopping through the Rakuten platform) 2% cash back on groceries and other restaurants 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases Is the Rakuten American Express Card any good? The Rakuten Amex Card has just barely been announced, so there are still some fine details to learn about and consider, such as how your cash-back rewards can be redeemed. However, at a glance, it seems like a decent credit card for Rakuten members (free to join). Let's break down some of the benefits that we know about, as well as some potential perks. Annual fee The Rakuten Amex credit card has no annual fee, making it an affordable option for people who regularly use rate The Rakuten Amex Card offers: 10% cash back on Rakuten Dining (this includes the 5% you receive as a Rakuten member) 4% cash back on Rakuten purchases on up to $7,000 each calendar year (this is on top of any other cash back you may receive by shopping through the Rakuten platform) 2% cash back on groceries and other restaurants 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases For most people, the most significant part of this rewards rate will be earning an additional 4% back on Rakuten purchases, up to the $7,000 calendar year spending limit. If you already use Rakuten, that's an extra 4% cash back ($280) you could be earning each year on your eligible purchases. Even better, that's all on top of what you may already earn through the platform itself. For example, if a retailer is offering 15% cash back through Rakuten, you could earn that 15% plus another 4% from this credit card, for a whopping 19% cash back. Credit card network The Rakuten Amex Card will run on the American Express credit card network, providing cardholders with access to Amex Offers, Amex Experiences, and some retail protections, such as purchase protection and extended warranty coverage. While these benefits aren't groundbreaking, they can certainly be useful. Redemption options It's not entirely certain yet how cardholders can redeem their cash-back rewards, but we can speculate. Rakuten currently offers these cash-back redemption options to its members: Check PayPal Gift cards American Express Membership Rewards The Amex Membership Rewards redemption option on Rakuten has long been a bit of a secret or an appealing way to earn Amex points without necessarily using American Express credit cards. If this is a redemption option for cash back earned with the Rakuten Amex Card, it would serve to make the card all the more attractive for many people. Rakuten American Express Card alternatives If the Rakuten Amex Card doesn't make sense to you, consider these cash-back card alternatives. What is Rakuten? Founded in 1999, Rakuten is a primarily online cash-back shopping platform. You can use Rakuten to earn cash back from your online and certain in-store shopping purchases. You don't need to change much about your shopping experience, just use the Rakuten platform to start your online shopping trip or link your credit cards for an in-store trip, and then earn cash back on eligible purchases. Rakuten is free to join. The company makes money by bringing customers to different retailers, so it's not like you're paying more to use Rakuten; it's the retailers who are footing the bill. Having personally used Rakuten for many years, I find it's an easy and convenient way to get a slight discount on many of my online purchases. In some cases, it's an excellent way to earn loads of cash back or American Express Membership Rewards points. Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to the 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.
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
NBO offers exclusive benefits for its Infinite credit cardholders
MUSCAT: The National Bank of Oman (NBO) offers a range of exciting features for its Infinite Credit Cardholders, tailored for individuals seeking a unique combination of convenience, exclusivity, and meaningful rewards. Such cards provide exclusive discounts, milestone rewards, and exceptional privileges designed to complement a modern lifestyle. Commenting on the launch, Maha Al Raisi, Assistant General Manager and Head of Products at NBO, said: "We are dedicated to deliver exceptional value to our customers by catering to their needs, and offering rewards and lifestyle benefits that elevate their everyday experiences. Our infinite credit card features include a 50% discount on Talabat that equals a saving of OMR 3 twice a month, exclusive complimentary parking at the Mall of Oman, additional chauffeur-driven airport rides, and milestone rewards featuring Shell V-Power vouchers. The Infinite Credit Card also offers an outstanding range of premium benefits, including 1% cashback on spends, unlimited airport lounge access with one guest, and multi-trip travel insurance for added peace of mind. Cardholders can also enjoy 50% off VOX Cinema tickets, with up to six tickets per month, including two Gold Class tickets, as well as 2-for-1 offers on Xperience with Entertainer. These exciting offers further enhance the card's privileges, reinforcing our commitment to being a trusted financial partner." The newly enhanced Infinite Credit Card combines luxury, convenience, and rewards reaffirming NBO's dedication to providing a superior banking experience that complements its customers lifestyle. Comprehensive details on NBO's accounts, products, and exclusive offers are accessible at directly through the NBO Call Centre at 24770000, or via the user-friendly NBO app.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Girlguiding badges encourage girls to laugh, share and discover
Girl guides will be rewarded for everything from sleeping and laughing to grooving and sharing their 'guiding sparkle' thanks to a range of new badges adding to and replacing traditional ones. The Girlguiding organisation has launched 72 additional badges co-designed by more than 20,000 girls and volunteers which will be introduced to girls aged four to 18 across Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. The girls will be celebrated for having a good night's sleep, critiquing food, discovering a new hobby and planning a holiday, skills including mechanics and entomology, as well as hosting a party. Broadcaster and presenter Angellica Bell has joined as an ambassador to help launch the project, saying she wants to encourage girls to tackle the many challenges they face, all while enjoying themselves. The badges – which are given to girls who complete a certain challenge to wear on their uniform – are divided into sections which encourage wellness, knowing oneself, learning and having adventures, among others. They were co-designed by around 20,000 people, including 15,000 girls. More than 4,000 badge design ideas were submitted by girls and volunteers and 11,000 girls from 753 Girlguiding units across the UK helped test them out. The developments were in response to girls' requests to add more choice to the programme and include activities to help the climate, build confidence and speak about their interests and 'fandom' groups. Different badges can be won by different age groups and they range from interest badges to skills builders to unit meeting activities. The youngest, Rainbows, are able to win the 'bee rescuer' badge by helping the environment or for finding and sharing their 'guiding sparkle' and why they love Girlguiding. Brownies have a reinvented version of the 'hostess' badge called 'celebrations' which can be won by hosting a party and providing food, activities and decorations. Guides are able to earn a 'thrift' badge by customising, repurposing and recycling objects. Bell said: 'It was a real blast trying out the new badges with Girlguiding members. 'I know first-hand just how important it is for girls to have activities outside of school to educate but also have fun. 'As someone who thrives on challenges and is passionate about ensuring girls' voices are heard, I feel extremely excited to be joining Girlguiding as an ambassador. 'Girlguiding offers a safe and welcoming space for all girls, and I am so impressed by the work they do to build girls' confidence and wellbeing, whilst tackling important issues impacting their lives such as online harm, sexism and misogyny. 'In a world where the voices of girls and young women are not always fairly heard, I am proud to stand alongside Girlguiding and will be using my voice to speak up for equality and to show that girls can do anything.' The badge activities were developed with Girlguiding's youth panel Amplify, which is made up of 30 girls aged 12 to 18, and seven partners including The Royal Horticultural Society, which helped with the Rangers' gardening badge, the Children's Book Project, which helped with the Guides' bookworm badge, Bletchley Park, which helped with the Guides' codebreaking badge, and the Wellbeing of Women charity which helped with the Rangers' 'my health' badge. Amanda Azeez, acting chief executive of Girlguiding, said: 'The launch of these new badges is a huge moment for Girlguiding. 'They've been designed by girls, for girls – which is so important to make sure we are staying relevant to girls' wants and needs. 'The response from girls and volunteers during the consultation process was incredible and really inspiring. 'There's something for everyone among the new badges and I'm looking forward to seeing the impact these activities have on girls, building their confidence and helping them know they can do anything.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
This Everyday Credit Card Habit Could Be Helping — or Hurting — Your Finances, According to a CFP
Question #30 of GOBankingRates' Top 100 Money Experts [LINK] Series By now, using your credit card has become a reflex. You're at the grocery store, handing it over to the cashier. You order a coffee at your favorite local spot and tap to pay. You take your seat again, where your laptop remains open to those airline tickets you've got to book — with your credit card, of course. You've got a good groove going. But sometimes, you wonder if your habit of using your credit card to pay for everyday purchases might be doing more harm than good. After all, you're racking up points and rewards, which is a good thing, right? What's not so good? Just how easy it can be to overspend when you're not seeing your actual cash leave your wallet or your checking account take a hit. Making this common way of using your credit card work for you can be a fine balancing act. Fortunately, Chloe Moore, CFP, founder of Financial Staples, has insights to help you walk that tightrope successfully. The Perks Can Be Worth It — If You Use Your Card Responsibly That regular habit of relying on your credit card to get your groceries or fill up your tank may seem simple enough, but it can be a great way to earn some significant rewards like cash back, points or airline miles. Moore calls these benefits 'a rebate for purchases you would have made without the card.' Moore is also keen on turning your everyday credit card purchases into the foundation of good credit. You know you need to have a solid credit rating to get a lot of what you want in life, from lower mortgage rates to better deals on car loans. And you get good credit by showing a history of making your payments on time. Smaller purchases, like a meal at that coffee shop or a tank of gas, make it easier for you to pay everything back quickly — boosting your credit. But Moore's advice comes with a catch. This plan only works if you don't treat your credit card like free money. 'Keep in mind that these cards are only beneficial when used responsibly, which means you don't spend more than you normally would on everyday expenses, and you have the ability to pay off the balance in full each month,' she said. It's Not a Good Approach if You Can't Control Your Spending Responsibility is the name of the game when it comes to using a credit card. If following a budget is more of an aspiration than a reality, you could all too easily fall into the spiral of credit card debt. 'Studies show that you're likely to spend more when using a credit card than with cash, and you're more likely to buy on impulse,' Moore said. If you're already struggling to stick to a budget or show caution in your spending, you can quickly find yourself in real trouble. By giving yourself permission to put groceries on your card, you might be unconsciously giving yourself permission to splurge on other things — things you don't need and can't pay for when the bill comes due. 'If you don't have a solid budget or control over your everyday purchases, you could be one wrong move away from getting into credit card debt,' Moore said. 'Any interest you pay for carrying over a balance far exceeds any benefits or rewards you'll receive from a credit card.' And it's not just interest that's at stake: Moore notes that missing a payment or having a high credit utilization ratio could ding your credit score. You Can Build Up to Everyday Use Even if you're not quite ready to responsibly make small, everyday purchases with your credit card, you can still put good practices in place that will help you build credit wisely. Moore suggests starting out by using credit cards regularly for fixed bills or regular expenses that you'd normally pay with your checking account. If you really want to get those rewards and perks right away, you could save for a large, planned purchase in advance so that you can immediately pay off the credit card bill. 'Also, remember that you're not limited to a single monthly payment,' Moore said. 'Making a credit card payment weekly or when you receive your paycheck could help ensure that you pay your balance in full and avoid costly interest.' This article is part of GOBankingRates' Top 100 Money Experts series, where we spotlight expert answers to the biggest financial questions Americans are asking. Check out more insights from our featured experts here [LINK]. This article originally appeared on This Everyday Credit Card Habit Could Be Helping — or Hurting — Your Finances, According to a CFP Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Club JSX: Why Can't Offering A Great Airline Experience Be Enough?
Aviation's newest loyalty program is receiving what might be described as a lukewarm response from the various websites that cover the business of rewarding frequent travelers. The Points Guy wrote, 'Club JSX may not offer any standout features that set it apart from the airline loyalty crowd, but it provides a straightforward way for travelers to earn rewards and save money on future flights.' JSX enables flyers to show up 20 minutes prior to departure and bypass large, crowded airport ... More terminals. Doug Gollan One Mile At A Time put it this way: '[T]his isn't exactly the most creative loyalty program out there. You're basically getting a flat 5% back, in the form of future flight credits,' adding, 'There's not all that much to this program, and no elite tiers.' Live And Let's Fly didn't bother to assess the new frequent flyer program. However, it did make the case that the public charter, which operates between private terminals, should have to return its most recent award. The blog wrote, 'World's Best Airlines survey from Travel + Leisure awards JSX best US domestic carrier, but it shouldn't really be eligible.' The writer asks, 'How could a carrier that runs such limited routes possibly beat out carriers that competently fly beyond niche markets and limited frequencies?' He adds, 'The real question is whether a tiny boutique carrier should be considered among the likes of Delta, United, Southwest, and American.' One poster responded by replying, 'Haters gonna hate. It says best, not biggest. They (JSX) win hands down.' Upgraded Points was one of the few loyalty sites that had a more positive view. JSX offers an upgraded inflight experience with roomier seating, free WiFi, drinks and snacks in a ... More single class. Doug Gollan It commented, 'This is excellent news for travelers, as they can now earn rewards on JSX flights, in addition to the points or miles they'll earn for booking flights with a travel rewards credit card,' continuing, 'What makes this program even more interesting is how easy it is to earn rewards from flying, pooling with family and friends, and even when flying on your birthday month. Plus, in a customer-friendly move, JSX says you can combine rewards, vouchers, and travel credits together on a new reservation, and they'll be used in the order of soonest expiration.' While View From The Wing's Gary Leff said he isn't signing up since JSX doesn't currently serve his home airport in Austin, he did at least get to the bottom line from my perspective: 'If they serve the routes you want to fly, there's no question they offer a better experience than competitors.' To be fair, most of the loyalty bloggers did highlight JSX enables flyers to avoid crowded terminals, offers more comfortable seating, free WiFi, checked baggage, and is pet friendly, among other benefits. And for JSX, more than that, it always felt like they were adding extra niceties – free snacks, WiFi – in an industry where announcements for enhancements are a code for taking something away - or an opportunity to charge a bit more. The point analysts lament there are no elite tiers, which would give us additional shiny cards to chase, although many programs no longer reward you with rectangular plastic. They also note that you can't double dip for points with JetBlue and United Airlines, where there was already the ability to earn points when flying JSX. For me, the letdown about Club JSX is that they even started it. Once upon a time, airlines competed with friendly service, fancy meals, and inflight lounges – yes, lounges in economy class on the airplane - instead of bonus points and new tiers of even higher status to chase. With its plan to add ATR turboprops, I am hoping JSX will bring more service to South Florida where I reside. I've only flown JSX twice – once from Miami to Dallas and then Denver to Las Vegas. For me, flying JSX is the reward. Being able to show up around 20 minutes before departure, not having to traverse terminals that require a train to the plane, comfortable seating, and not having to pay for WiFi that doesn't even work well, more than offsets chasing point. As a holder of lifetime status in three airline loyalty programs and one hotel program, I find the programs to be great. Still, they encourage us to tolerate mediocrity at the expense of simply selecting the best products, whether based on schedule, location or, with JSX, its differentiated experience.
