✈ Why This Card Holds the Top Spot in My Wallet, Survey Signals Softening US Travel Demand & More Daily News From TPG ✈

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August 14, 2025 View in browser

All that glitters is Gold by Augusta Stone, Credit cards writer No matter my plans, one card remains at the top of my wallet: the American Express® Gold Card. New applicants could find out if they are eligible for an offer as high as 100,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.) When I applied for the $325-annual-fee Amex Gold (see rates and fees) over a year ago, I got a lower bonus (60,000 points after spending $6,000 in six months). But I knew I'd get so much ongoing value from the card that I couldn't wait to have it. Now, I have no regrets. Here are three reasons I love the Amex Gold: No. 1: I'm always at the supermarket This is my favorite card for grocery shopping. It earns 4 points per dollar on up to $25,000 spent per calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar) — a significantly better return than any other card I have. I cook all the time, so this bonus category makes the Gold worth it. No. 2: I get a lunch and a couple of coffees covered each month Every month, I order with Grubhub to maximize the Amex Gold's dining credit. The card provides up to $10 in monthly statement credits (up to $120 per year) when you use it with participating dining partners. I'm also a Dunkin' loyalist, so it's easy to spend $7 per month on coffee to get the full value of the Gold's up-to-$84 annual credit at U.S. Dunkin' locations (enrollment is required).    No. 3: Membership Rewards points take me everywhere This one's simple. I use Amex Membership Rewards for everything from Hilton stays to Delta Air Lines flights, and they'll always be one of the most important currencies I collect. If you want to dive deeper into the Amex Gold, check out these articles: American Express Gold Card review: Best for foodies 8 ways to make the most of the Amex Gold Card’s benefits 4 reasons why the Amex Gold is the 1 card we can't live without 5 under-the-radar ways to maximize the Amex Gold’s dining credits Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Photo Credit: WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES.

Today's top stories New survey signals softening US travel demand heading into 2026 More Americans are planning to travel less next year and are looking for ways to spend less when they do travel. Read more Hot take: Which Sapphire product is best? 2 experts vehemently disagree Two editorial leaders at TPG debate the two Chase Sapphire cards to help you figure out which one is right for you. Read more Why Hyatt continues to be my favorite Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partner Here's why you might want Chase points to transfer to Hyatt. Read more 4 travel insurance mistakes to avoid that almost cost these readers $2,999 These TPG readers made four common but disastrous travel insurance mistakes before, during and after their last vacation.   Read more Delta expands time-saving program for international flyers at Atlanta Delta Air Lines passengers now have a big time-saver at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Read more

The latest 1. Last chance: Chase Sapphire Reserve offer with 100,000 points plus $500 Chase Travel promo credit is ending soon 2. JetBlue adds 8 routes, grows 6 others in big network expansion 3. United Club Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which premium option stands out? 4. Use Hilton points in the US Virgin Islands for the first time ever at Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas 5. When to transfer Chase points instead of booking a hotel through Chase Travel 6. Capital One airline and hotel transfer partners: How to maximize your miles 7. Allegiant adds another new city in 4-route expansion 8. The best no-annual-fee business credit cards 9. Why one of my most-used cards when traveling abroad may surprise you 10. Hawaiian Airlines cuts Boston, 2 Asia routes from Honolulu — but adds more South Pacific, West Coast service

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