September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month

September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - Bonus points on dining and groceries with Chase Sapphire cards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards continue to be enticing options for those who enjoy maximizing their rewards, particularly in the realm of dining and groceries. Both cards offer a 3x points multiplier on these categories, presenting an appealing incentive for frequent restaurant visitors and grocery shoppers. The Preferred card remains a more affordable entry point with its $95 annual fee, providing a solid foundation for earning points, while the Reserve, with its considerably higher $550 annual fee, caters towards individuals seeking a more premium travel experience with its wealth of extra benefits.

New applicants to both cards have the chance to snag a significant 60,000-point bonus after hitting a $4,000 spending requirement during the first three months. Moreover, the Preferred card sweetens the deal with a complimentary DashPass membership, potentially unlocking more savings on food delivery. While the cards come with various perks that cater to different travel styles, understanding the ins and outs of these cards is key to getting the most out of them. Maximizing the rewards via categories where bonus points are awarded can be a crucial component to ensuring that your points eventually translate into your next desired trip or other desirable experiences. Remember, strategically using your card and understanding the fine print can turn ordinary daily spending into opportunities to unlock exceptional travel and experiences.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards present a compelling opportunity to accumulate bonus points, especially in the realm of dining and groceries. Both cards provide a 3x points multiplier on restaurant purchases, which surpasses the typical 1x or 2x offered by many rewards cards. This means accumulating points faster, potentially leading to faster redemption for travel or other rewards.

While the basic 3x multiplier on dining is a strong foundation, it's worth investigating if specific restaurants offer occasional promotions or bonus point partnerships, allowing for potentially higher returns. On the grocery front, while the cards typically offer 2x points on these purchases, some strategic thinking could boost this value. For instance, certain grocery stores might classify specific purchases, such as gift cards, as eligible for bonus point accrual. This can further improve the potential reward yield for regular grocery purchases.

The real value often lies in how those points are redeemed. Both cards enable the transfer of points to a wide array of travel partners, including airlines and hotels. This transfer process can be extremely valuable for individuals planning longer or more expensive trips, offering potentially exceptional value compared to directly using points for travel purchases via the Ultimate Rewards portal. In addition to the transfer process, points earned on Chase Sapphire cards can be redeemed for travel through the portal, offering 1.25 cents per point in value. This is notably higher than standard cash-back options, which generally give a smaller return for rewards.

The Reserve card offers a unique set of features relevant for the discerning traveler. Among them is the concierge service which can help users book challenging reservations at premium culinary destinations or exciting events, which can enhance the entire travel experience. It's crucial to remember that Chase occasionally runs bonus point promotions, including dining or grocery-centric offers. Being attentive to these special promotional periods can enhance your point earnings. The absence of foreign transaction fees adds another level of practicality for frequent travelers or those enjoying culinary experiences abroad. Overall, understanding these points systems, and thoughtfully planning your spending and redemption habits, will likely result in optimized reward accumulation.

What else is in this post?

1. September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - Bonus points on dining and groceries with Chase Sapphire cards
2. September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - American Express offers elevated cash back on select streaming services
3. September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - Citi Double Cash introduces 3% back on gas station purchases
4. September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - Capital One Venture X adds airport lounge access to 100 new locations
5. September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - Discover it Cash Back features 5% rewards for PayPal and digital wallets
6. September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - Bank of America Premium Rewards increases travel credit to $150
7. September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - Wells Fargo Active Cash expands 2% cash rewards to include transit spending

September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - American Express offers elevated cash back on select streaming services

American Express has added a new perk to their Blue Cash Preferred card, offering increased cash back on specific streaming services. This is part of a broader set of September credit card benefits that might be worth considering. Notably, you can get 6% cash back on services like the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN. However, you need to spend at least $999 a month on eligible services to maximize the benefit, potentially giving you up to $84 back annually. It's a decent deal if you spend heavily on these services.

This card also offers solid benefits for people who frequent supermarkets or gas stations, as you can get 6% and 3% cash back there, respectively. If these are common expenses, it might be worth the $95 annual fee.

But remember, with these types of perks, there are often fine print and limitations. In this case, you'll want to check which streaming services are covered by this promotion. It's all about maximizing the card's benefits, which can be valuable if it aligns with your spending patterns.

Here are 10 points to ponder regarding American Express's boosted cash back on certain streaming services, especially when trying to maximize credit card perks for travel related benefits:


1. **The Streaming Spending Surge:** The amount US households spend on streaming each year has jumped to over $50 billion, suggesting there's a big opportunity for Amex cardholders to earn more back on these everyday media expenses.

2. **Cash Back's Appeal:** In some situations, credit cards that offer cash back for streaming services might give you a bigger overall return than points-based cards, when it comes to common expenses. For example, if you spend on streaming regularly, you'll see more immediate cash returns which could potentially fund your future travel.

3. **Digital Subscriptions Are Growing**: The number of people using streaming services is up about 30% over the past couple of years, creating a larger market for cash back offers. Smartly using these credit card rewards aligned with this trend can make a difference in your financial gains if you're a streaming fan.

4. **Dual-Purpose Benefits**: Some American Express cards offer cash back on streaming plus also give you points on travel-related purchases. This could lead to more rewards for cardholders who use their cards both for their entertainment and travel habits.

5. **Special Offers Throughout the Year:** American Express frequently rolls out promotions specifically for streaming services during different times of the year. Keeping an eye out for these deals could let you earn even more cash back during limited-time events and enhance your savings.

6. **Streaming + Dining Connections**: Many streaming services have special deals with restaurants. This presents an interesting situation where cardholders can increase their rewards not just by using their Amex card for subscriptions, but also for the related meals, ideally directly tied to the content you're enjoying. It's an interesting area for further exploration to see if there's a correlation between entertainment and dining expenses.

7. **Spending on Leisure**: The increased cash back on streaming could change how people budget for leisure activities. If you realize you'll get a portion of your subscription fees back, you might allocate more of your spending toward travel, guided tours, or unique culinary experiences.

8. **Expanding Point Usage**: The cash back earned from streaming can be applied towards your travel costs, such as flights or hotels, making entertainment spending a route to more affordable travel.

9. **Changes in Consumer Habits**: The increase in remote work is likely pushing people to spend more time on streaming entertainment, altering how consumers tend to spend. As such, cash back on these services might help people to match their personal finance strategies with the changes in their lifestyles.

10. **The Complexity of Rewards**: Knowing the ins and outs of the American Express reward system is very important. Although elevated cash-back offers for streaming services look appealing, the best value can often be gained through strategically spending across several categories, including travel and dining, to ensure optimal returns.

Understanding the nuances of how the boosted cash-back offers on streaming services work can generate significant cost savings and opportunities to boost your travel budget.

September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - Citi Double Cash introduces 3% back on gas station purchases

Citi's Double Cash card has added a new perk: a 3% cash back rate on gas station purchases, effective September. This is on top of the card's standard feature of 1% cash back on all other purchases, plus another 1% when those purchases are paid off. The absence of an annual fee combined with a welcome bonus for new users makes it a potentially appealing choice for people who want to maximize everyday rewards. The 2% flat cash back rate across all spending simplifies earning rewards, especially for things like filling up your vehicle. This straightforward approach to rewards can make it a good fit for those who want a no-frills way to gain cash back on routine expenses.

The Citi Double Cash card has recently introduced a 3% cash back offer on gas station purchases, which could be interesting for many consumers. Considering that Americans spend a staggering amount on gasoline annually, this new perk presents a significant opportunity to potentially boost rewards.

The average person in the US spends roughly $2,000 a year on gas. With this new 3% offer, that translates to about $60 in potential annual cash back. This may not seem huge, but it's a tangible bonus that could make a difference, especially for frequent drivers or those who travel regularly.

The timing of gas purchases can influence how much you can earn back. For instance, during periods of high travel like holidays when more road trips happen, using the card for gas could result in maximizing rewards for an already necessary expense.

Furthermore, the 3% cash back can complement other gas station promotions. For example, gas stations often run loyalty programs or offer discounts. By stacking these perks with the card's offer, the potential reward gains could be increased even further, especially if Citi has partnerships with major fuel brands.

One of the benefits of cash back is its simplicity. Many consumers find points systems complex to manage. The Citi Double Cash's straightforward cash back system might appeal to those who prefer a simpler way to track their finances and budget.

Interestingly, research indicates that increased fuel spending often leads to higher travel frequency, particularly spontaneous or last-minute trips. The extra cash back might contribute to increased travel spending or more bookings of flights.

This gas perk is also relevant in the context of ride-sharing services. As ride-sharing becomes more popular in urban areas, those who use their own vehicles for such services could potentially earn more by using the Citi Double Cash for fuel costs.

Since gas prices can influence consumer spending and behavior, the added benefit of cash back might help offset some of the effects of fluctuating fuel costs. This, in turn, could allow people to free up money for travel or other leisure pursuits.

This offer can be strategically combined with other credit card reward strategies. By utilizing the Citi Double Cash for gasoline, consumers can boost their overall cash back earnings. Over time, this could build towards achieving travel goals or covering the costs of hotel stays, effectively creating an investment towards future experiences.

As travel patterns continue to evolve, cash back from everyday expenses like gas could become a tool to help fund more elaborate travel plans. This shifting trend suggests an increasing reliance on credit card perks to support larger-scale travel endeavors.

September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - Capital One Venture X adds airport lounge access to 100 new locations

Capital One's Venture X credit card has expanded its airport lounge access program, adding over 100 new locations worldwide. This means Venture X cardholders now have access to a wider range of comfortable and convenient airport lounges, including some of the most well-regarded ones like those at London Heathrow and Singapore Changi. For those who travel frequently and value a relaxing and convenient airport experience, this expansion is a major win.

The Venture X card, with its $395 annual fee, is targeted towards travelers seeking premium benefits. The card's primary draw for many is the unlimited complimentary access to both Capital One and Plaza Premium lounges, plus the ability to bring two guests without additional charges. While this is a compelling offering, the inclusion of other travel perks like a $300 yearly travel credit and reimbursement for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fees also adds to its allure. This combination of lounge access and other travel perks positions Venture X as a strong competitor within the premium travel rewards market. While the expansion of lounge locations is a welcome benefit, one might wonder if the sheer number of newly added lounges is as much of a value proposition as advertised, or simply a way to compete more effectively with other premium credit card programs that provide access to a more robust network of lounges.

Capital One's Venture X credit card has expanded its airport lounge access program, adding 100 new locations to its network. This means Venture X cardholders now have access to over 1,300 lounges globally. This expansion is particularly noteworthy in major international airports, where lounge access was previously less common.


While the annual fee for the Venture X is $395, which is in line with premium travel cards, it's worth considering the benefits. Cardholders get unlimited free access for themselves and a guest to both Capital One and Plaza Premium lounges. There's a charge for additional guests, at $45 per visit, or $90 per visit for those not included under a cardholder's guest privileges. For young children under 2, access is free, otherwise access for non-cardholders is $90 per visit.

The Venture X card provides a $300 annual travel credit, which can offset a variety of travel-related expenses. Notably, Venture X covers up to $120 every four years for application fees related to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. The card also integrates with Priority Pass, granting access to an even larger network of lounges, which is activated via the Venture X website or email.

Capital One's own lounge network is expanding as well. Their first lounge opened at Dallas-Fort Worth airport in 2021, with subsequent openings at Dulles and Denver in 2023. These lounges are typically equipped with modern amenities like comfortable seating, charging stations, and fast Wi-Fi, geared toward enhancing the travel experience.


It's interesting to observe the increased emphasis on airport lounge access within credit card programs. It suggests that travelers are placing a higher value on a comfortable airport experience, seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of busy terminals. The Venture X's expanded lounge program reflects this evolving traveler perspective, suggesting that in the future, lounges could become even more central to credit card offerings and loyalty programs. Whether this trend represents a general shift in consumer expectations or simply a niche element in premium card offerings will be fascinating to monitor. Ultimately, it will be interesting to see if these expanded benefits truly influence traveler habits, potentially leading to increased travel spending. The convenience and exclusivity offered by lounges might lead to more frequent trips, or more spending on flights and other travel components as travelers become accustomed to the enhanced airport experience.

September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - Discover it Cash Back features 5% rewards for PayPal and digital wallets

Discover it Cash Back has a new perk for September: 5% cash back on PayPal and digital wallet transactions—if you activate it. This can be appealing for those who frequently use digital payment methods, as it allows you to earn a decent return on common spending. However, keep in mind that the maximum cashback on this perk is $1,500 per quarter, so if you spend a lot through these channels you might hit that limit quickly. Connecting your Discover account to your PayPal account is another angle to consider here, as this can allow you to directly utilize the bonus cash back for transactions, potentially maximizing the benefits. The increasing popularity of online payments means this feature might be valuable for those looking to stretch their travel budget by earning some extra cash back on routine expenses. Whether it's a significant boost to your travel fund depends on how much you typically spend online, but it's worth thinking about when it comes to maximizing your card's features this month.

The Discover it Cash Back card offers a 5% cash back bonus on PayPal and digital wallet transactions through September, which is noteworthy given the increasing popularity of digital payment methods. It's intriguing to observe how this card feature aligns with the broader trends in digital payments.

The number of individuals employing digital wallets in the US has grown considerably, with projections suggesting that over 600 million will be using them by the end of 2024. This trend is likely driven by the convenience and perceived security of such platforms. Many consumers find it easier and safer to pay with their smartphones or smartwatches, particularly when traveling and making online purchases. For example, an estimated 82% of US consumers have used a digital wallet in the last six months, indicating a significant shift towards cashless transactions.

There are interesting intersections between the use of digital wallets and travel. For instance, many travelers prefer booking flights and accommodations through digital wallets due to their convenience and perceived security. This is a prime opportunity to use the Discover it Cash Back card to maximize rewards on essential travel purchases. Furthermore, many frequent flyer programs are adapting to this trend, now allowing digital wallet transactions for purchasing tickets and even service upgrades. This means travelers can potentially accumulate cash back rewards while also accruing miles, leading to interesting possibilities when maximizing benefits.

It's also worth noting that the typical American family spends about $7,500 annually on online shopping, a significant portion of which could potentially be paid through digital wallets. Considering the Discover it Cash Back card's 5% cashback promotion on digital wallet transactions, it could potentially translate into a yearly savings of $375. This could be a valuable tool in optimizing one's travel budget, making it more feasible to pursue more trips or more luxurious travel experiences.

Beyond simple convenience, digital wallets often provide enhanced security features, such as tokenization and biometric authentication, that reduce the risk of online fraud. This heightened security can be particularly important when making online purchases while traveling. The Discover it card's 5% cashback incentive on digital wallet transactions might incentivize cardholders to use these wallets more often, further magnifying the potential for accumulating cashback rewards.

It's important to remember that the Discover it card's cashback structure is based on rotating quarterly categories. However, the fact that digital wallets are sometimes included in these categories presents interesting opportunities for strategic spending throughout the year. Understanding when digital wallets fall under these categories can lead to higher cashback returns on everyday transactions, which could then be used to cover costs associated with travel.

It's also notable that emerging technologies like blockchain are impacting digital wallets. We're starting to see digital wallets increasingly used for payments, rentals and other services, especially within the travel sector. This will likely amplify the value of credit cards that reward the use of digital wallets, particularly those like Discover it.

The rapid adoption of digital wallets by merchants also creates opportunities for consumers. Many businesses have adopted this technology for faster and more secure transaction processing. This widespread adoption enables consumers to maximize cash-back rewards across a greater range of travel-related purchases, including bookings, rentals and online shopping.


In the long run, the rising dominance of digital payments suggests that consumers who actively seek out rewards programs that align with this trend will gain long-term advantages. Choosing a card like the Discover it Cash Back card, which offers rewards specifically on digital wallet transactions, can potentially position consumers to significantly accumulate rewards, impacting their budgets for travel, leisure and other experiences. It's clear that adapting to this trend will likely become increasingly important for consumers seeking to optimize their spending and financial gains, potentially leading to a larger role for digital payments in travel planning and execution.

September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - Bank of America Premium Rewards increases travel credit to $150

Bank of America recently boosted the annual travel credit on its Premium Rewards card, bumping it up from $100 to $150 starting in September. This is a positive change for travelers, making the card potentially more attractive. It's still a card with a $95 annual fee, but for new users it also offers a 60,000-point welcome bonus, which could be worth around $600 in cash back. The card's core strength remains its ability to earn 2x points on dining and travel, offering a decent return on those purchases. Furthermore, the card's link to Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program lets you maximize point accumulation on regular purchases. A small caveat to this, however, is that the card's selection of transfer partners is not as extensive as those offered by some rivals, potentially limiting your flexibility with reward usage. On the positive side, the travel insurance and various protections that come with the card can be a good value, especially if you travel often and value peace of mind. It's a card worth considering if you are looking for a card that offers solid travel benefits without demanding a hefty annual fee.


The Bank of America Premium Rewards card has recently boosted its annual travel credit from $100 to $150, effective this past September. This increase makes it a more attractive option, especially for those who frequently travel and want to maximize their rewards. While the card carries a $95 annual fee, the increased travel credit helps offset some of that cost.

The $150 travel credit can be used on various travel expenses, offering flexibility for those seeking to optimize their travel budgets. This could range from airfare and hotel bookings to even airport parking fees. When comparing it to other credit cards, particularly those with no annual fee, the $150 travel credit is surprisingly generous, potentially attracting budget-conscious travelers.

The post-pandemic rebound in travel, particularly internationally, has created a higher demand for flights and accommodations. The increased travel credit could further incentivize travel, especially for people looking for a global adventure or a spontaneous trip. In addition to the travel credit, the card earns 2 points per dollar on travel purchases, which can add up quickly, especially for more expensive flights or hotel stays.

Domestic air travel costs, according to some estimates, averaged about $330 for a round-trip ticket in 2024. The $150 travel credit, in this context, can significantly lower the out-of-pocket expense of a flight, potentially making travel more accessible. The card also enables the transfer of rewards to different travel partners, allowing cardholders to redeem points for airline tickets or hotel stays.

The recent rise in travel expenses, primarily driven by inflation and higher demand, can make travel feel increasingly expensive. The increased travel credit can assist in mitigating these costs, potentially allowing for more travel options even in the face of inflation. The growing trend of culinary tourism, where individuals seek out travel experiences focusing on food and local cuisine, could be further enhanced by the travel credit. Using it for meals or experiences in culinary hotspots can make these adventures more affordable.

It's worth noting that many cardholders often don't fully leverage their travel credit. This recent boost might encourage cardholders to make more conscious use of it, potentially leading to increased travel expenditures. Overall, this change indicates a potential trend where consumers prioritize travel experiences, leading to potentially greater travel spending and a focus on maximizing available rewards. The question remains, whether this travel credit increase will be enough to establish this card as a leading contender amongst travel credit cards in the face of increased competition and a wide range of travel-related perks.

While the card doesn't offer the most extensive network of transfer partners compared to some competitors, the combination of the increased travel credit and earning potential makes it an interesting option. It's ultimately a matter of whether the benefits align with individual travel patterns and habits to maximize the overall value.

September Credit Card Perks 7 Key Benefits to Maximize This Month - Wells Fargo Active Cash expands 2% cash rewards to include transit spending

Wells Fargo's Active Cash Card has broadened its 2% cash back rewards to encompass transit expenses. This means that commuters and travelers who regularly use public transportation or ride-sharing services can now earn a consistent 2% cashback on these expenses. This makes the card's rewards program simpler as you don't have to track bonus categories that rotate periodically. This simplification might be attractive to those who prefer straightforward rewards structures. The card also has a starting bonus and a brief period of 0% interest on new purchases and balance transfers. Perhaps most attractive, it continues to have no annual fee. This enhanced rewards program makes the card more appealing in the current environment where people are increasingly spending more on transit and travel related purchases. It's an interesting development as the demand for travel seems to be recovering after a quiet phase.

The card highlights the need to look at credit cards not just as a means to pay for things but as tools for enhancing your broader travel habits. Whether it's for commuting or longer trips, if transit is a frequent expense, this card could offer a simple way to gain rewards.

Wells Fargo's Active Cash card has recently expanded its 2% cash back rewards program to include transit spending. This means that now, alongside its other categories, you can get 2% cash back on expenses related to public transport or ride-sharing services. This expansion highlights a growing trend among credit card companies to broaden their rewards beyond traditional travel purchases.

It's intriguing to consider the implications of this change. Many travelers focus on accumulating miles or points for future flights, neglecting the potential of immediate cash back rewards for everyday spending. For those using the Active Cash card, everyday commutes can translate to a steady stream of cash back that can be readily applied to a range of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, or even unique culinary experiences.

This shift in focus toward cash rewards mirrors the wider transition towards cashless transactions. Credit cards and mobile wallets have become increasingly common for purchasing everything, and this new perk from Wells Fargo acknowledges this trend. It's interesting to note that studies suggest that the ease of earning cash back on common expenses like transit might even nudge people into taking more trips, potentially sparking spontaneous getaways.

Let's consider a practical example: the average American family spends about $1,100 annually on transit-related expenses. With the 2% cash back rate, that translates to roughly $22 per year. While this might not sound substantial, it represents an opportunity to consistently offset travel-related costs and gradually build a travel fund. It's a small but potentially significant way to make travel more affordable.

It's also important to consider how the Active Cash card compares to other travel rewards credit cards. Many travel cards focus on specific travel-related purchases for maximum rewards, whereas the Active Cash aims for a more general approach. By rewarding purchases outside of conventional travel categories, Wells Fargo is tapping into a wider range of spending patterns, effectively suggesting that everyday spending can indirectly support travel goals.

Looking further, it seems that the pandemic's impact on commuting habits has increased public transportation use and the reliance on ride-sharing services. This change in behavior emphasizes the value of rewards programs that encompass those expenses. While there might be fewer rewards from the use of the Active Cash compared to more targeted rewards cards, the ease and flexibility of receiving cash back directly can be more appealing for some. It's a reminder that immediate and tangible rewards can be more attractive than accumulating points or miles for future, potentially uncertain, rewards.

The expanding use of digital payment options for all purchases, in tandem with the growth of rewards programs that emphasize everyday spending, seems to be a growing trend. It appears likely that this approach might become a more mainstream feature of rewards programs. This implies a change in how rewards are perceived, where everyday spending can build toward travel goals just as effectively as highly targeted rewards. It'll be worth following how the credit card market evolves in this space, and whether other companies will implement similar reward structures to remain competitive in this increasingly complex landscape.