Breaking Points: Credit Card News

Starting September 15, 2026, Amex cardholders with Resy credits will have more restaurants where they can use the benefit as Tock restaurants begin joining the program. Amex recently updated its terms to state that restaurants must display an eligible Resy credit badge on the website or app to qualify, which initially raised concerns that fewer restaurants would be eligible. However, the change appears to be preparing for the Tock integration, which should ultimately expand the number of participating restaurants as Tock locations are gradually added beginning September 15. Remember to activate this benefit if you have the Amex Platinum, Amex Gold, or any Delta card that offers one of these credits.

September 22, 2026 update: We have been hearing reports of these same targeted offerse for both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Preferred, so it's worth a few minutes to check the Chase app or your pre-approved offers through Chase.

Chase is targeting some cardholders with unusually large welcome offers on the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred. Reported offers include 175,000 points on the Sapphire Reserve after spending $6,000 and 125,000 points on the Sapphire Preferred after spending $5,000, matching the public spending requirements but with significantly higher bonuses. These appear to be the highest offers we’ve seen on either card, so if you’re targeted and were already considering applying, these are excellent opportunities. Log in to your Chase account or check your pre-approved offers to see if you’ve been targeted.

Amex has an offer for a $100 statement credit after spending $500 or more at participating Accor properties between August 3 and December 2, 2026. You must enroll in the offer by November 2, 2026 and book directly through Accor. You can view the list of participating properties here. Accor points have a fixed redemption value of 2 euro cents each and can be combined with cash, including when paying at checkout. That means you could redeem points for part of your stay and charge at least $500 to your enrolled Amex card to trigger the statement credit.

American Express has added more than 350 properties to its Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection portfolios, bringing the combined footprint to more than 3,400 properties across 116 countries. We like both programs, particularly for Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders, who receive up to $600 in annual hotel credits split into two $300 semi-annual credits. Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings can also include valuable perks such as daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout, and possible early check-in and room upgrades.

August 27 update: Qatar is also back as an option, so all four of the originally announced transfer partners are available to transfer to.

August 15 update: Flying Blue is back. Qatar is still missing after the original announcement, though. We will keep updating as we receive more information.

August 13 update: There has been no official announcement from U.S. Bank, but Qantas and Flying Blue have been removed from transfer options. We'll update as more information comes in.

August 12, 2026: U.S. Bank has finally delivered on its long-promised addition of transfer partners. Altitude Reserve cardholders can now transfer points 1:1 to Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Qantas Frequent Flyer, and Ethiopian ShebaMiles, or 2:1 to ALL - Accor Live Limitless. Another transferable points currency is always welcome, but there's a major catch: The Altitude Reserve is currently the only U.S. Bank card with access to these partners, and it has been closed to new applicants since 2024. That makes this great news for existing cardholders but largely irrelevant to everyone else for now. We'll be watching to see whether U.S. Bank reopens the Altitude Reserve, adds transfers to other cards, or launches a new transferable-points card.