Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

The 7 Biggest Credit Card Changes in 2025: New Products and Key Updates

Stella Shon's image
Stella Shon
Updated: 
Edited by: Ryan Smith
& Ben Neighbors-Giles
The 7 Biggest Credit Card Changes in 2025: New Products and Key Updates
Jump to Section
Table of Contents

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

The year 2025 may go down as the biggest year in history for credit card refreshes and new launches.

With dozens of announcements throughout the year to choose from, it was hard to narrow things down. We ultimately selected the 7 changes that matter most for award travelers.

Fair warning: Once you read through this list, you may find it hard to believe all of this happened in a single year.

Advertisement

1. Platinum Card Shakeup

In September 2025, we saw major updates to the cards Amex is best known for: the Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

Out the gate, we saw a $200 annual fee increase. The Amex Platinum card ($895; rates & fees) and the Amex Business Platinum card ($895; rates & fees) are now more expensive than ever before.

+ NEW BENEFITS
Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Platinum Card® from American Express
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card® from American Express
The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $3,850
$895
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Cons
  • $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
  • More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
  • More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  • More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
  • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

ELEVATED WELCOME OFFER
The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 150,000 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 200,000 points
Up to $4,400
$895
17.74% - 28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,550 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
  • Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
  • Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)
Cons
  • High annual fee of $895 (rates & fees)
  • Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
  • See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
  • Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
  • Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
  • Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
  • Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
  • Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
  • Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
  • Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
  • Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
  • Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
  • 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
  • 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
  • 1X points on other eligible purchases
  • $895 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 17.74% - 28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The key thing about this year’s product refreshes is that Amex didn’t eliminate any existing benefits. Every cardholder has a different take on these changes, but our impression is that the vast majority seem to like the 2025 additions (many of these benefits require prior enrollment):

Overall, the consumer Amex Platinum card offers a stronger value proposition with its expanded, lifestyle-focused benefits.

2 Amex Platinum mirror cards
Limited-edition mirrored Amex Platinum card. Image Credit: Katie Corrigan Seemann

That said, the Amex Business Platinum card caters to a narrower audience of business owners with significant spending needs. One thing to note, though, is that American Express devalued the Pay With Points benefit on the Amex Business Platinum card in 2025. This affects a good segment of business cardholders who relied on this redemption method to get consistent value on travel without worrying about award space.

Hot Tip:

You can still request the limited-edition mirrored card version of the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card before they run out.

2. Chase Sapphire Levels Up

Chase played major catch-up in 2025 by opening new airport lounges and expanding its luxury Chase Sapphire network. Plus, in June 2025, the popular Chase Sapphire Reserve® saw a big refresh, coinciding with the launch of Chase’s first-ever premium business traveler card: the Sapphire Reserve for Business℠.

For starters, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card saw an annual fee increase from $550 to $795, with the following changes to note:

NEW OFFER
Chase Sapphire Reserve®Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000 points
$2,500
$795
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
  • 5x points on Lyft rides
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
Cons
    • $795 annual fee
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Overall, the updates are a mixed bag, depending on the traveler. The changes to earning rates may work in your favor or against you, depending on how heavily you relied on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card for travel bookings and whether you prefer using the Chase Travel portal. The good news is that the beloved $300 annual travel credit remains unchanged.

NEW OFFER
Sapphire Reserve for Business℠Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.

Apply Now
Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.
Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on purchases in your first 6 months from account opening and access more than $6,500 in total business and travel value in your first year.
200,000 points
$4,000
$795
17.99% - 25.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card is a great pick for business owners who can easily make use of the annual credits for travel, Google Workspace, ZipRecruiter, and more. Plus, it offers helpful bonus categories such as ad spend and offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges — including Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 8x points on Chase Travel purchases
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines (uncapped)
Cons
    • $795 annual fee
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on purchases in your first 6 months from account opening.
  • $6,500+ in value your first year. 200K points, valued at $4,000 for select flights and hotels through Chase Travel℠, plus $2,500+ in annual value through travel and business benefits.
  • Earn 8x points on Chase Travel℠ for airline tickets, hotels, including The Edit℠, car rentals, cruises, activities and tours.
  • Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
  • Earn 4x points on flights & hotels booked direct.
  • Earn 3x points on social media & search engine advertising.
  • Get the most flexible travel credit compared to any other card, with up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year on travel purchases.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club network and Priority Pass™ Select membership. Two guests may accompany the Primary Cardmember to the lounges free of charge.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 17.99% - 25.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The launch of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card was also significant as Chase competes with the Amex Business Platinum card. It offers most of the same earning rates as the consumer Chase Sapphire Reserve card, though it also has 3x points on social media and search engine advertising purchases.

Cardholders get access to Chase Sapphire and Priority Pass lounges after enrollment, as well as a hodgepodge of benefits, including a $500 The Edit credit, $400 ZipRecruiter credit, $200 Google Workspace credit, $100 annual Giftcards.com credit, $120 Lyft credit, and $300 DoorDash credits. There’s also the option to unlock additional benefits by spending $120,000 on the card annually.

Advertisement

3. Citi Makes a Comeback

For years, it felt like Citi was lagging behind American Express and Chase. With Citi’s product rollouts in 2025, that no longer is the case.

In May 2025, the issuer launched the $0-annual-fee Citi Strata℠ Card in May 2025 and the premium Citi Strata Elite℠ Card with a $595 fee — rounding out the Citi Strata family.

Citi Strata Card Trio Blue Wallet Upgraded Points LLC
Citi just got more interesting in 2025. Image Credit: Upgraded Points LLC

New no-annual-fee credit cards don’t come around often — especially ones that offer transferable points. While its benefits are light, this card makes up for it with strong earning potential, letting cardholders earn between 2x and 5x points on eligible travel and everyday purchases. The launch of this card also spelled the end of the Citi Rewards+® Card.

The Citi Strata Elite card is perhaps even more exciting since the Citi Prestige® Card was discontinued in 2021. Plus, its annual fee is a few hundred dollars lower than its major competitors while offering these main benefits:

  • 12x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com, 6x points on air travel booked on CitiTravel.com and restaurants, including restaurant delivery services, every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Eastern Time (3x points any other time), and 1.5x points on all other eligible purchases
  • Up to $300 annual hotel benefit, up to $200 annual Splurge credit, up to $200 annual Blacklane credit
  • 4 American Airlines Admirals Club passes every calendar year and Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment

What truly differentiates the Citi ThankYou program, though, is its unique 1:1 transfer option to American Airlines AAdvantage, a partnership you won’t find with any other rewards program.

4. Atmos Rewards Launches 3 Exciting Airline Credit Cards

Airline credit cards are usually not as exciting as bank-issued travel credit cards, but Atmos Rewards completely changed that in 2025.

Atmos Rewards, the combined loyalty program of the now-defunct Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles, was unveiled in August 2025. The new credit cards include:

In just a few months since launch, Atmos Rewards has quickly become a staple in many travelers’ strategies, thanks to solid partner redemption options, including Oneworld airline partners, and extremely competitive award pricing.

Hot Tip:

These Atmos Rewards cards replace the former Barclays Hawaiian Airlines and Bank of America Alaska Airlines credit cards, which are no longer open to new applicants.

5. Chase’s United Airlines Cards Get a Refresh

The United Airlines MileagePlus family of credit cards got a refresh in March 2025.

All of the cards saw higher annual fees (except for the $0-annual-fee United Gateway℠ Card) and expanded benefits:

  • United Gateway card: Earn 2 checked bags per year and cardmember award pricing through spending
  • United℠ Explorer Card: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 annual fee with up to $530 in annual travel and lifestyle credits and a 10,000-mile annual award flight discount (after spending $20,000)
  • United Quest℠ Card: $350 annual fee with up to $860 in annual travel and lifestyle credits and a 10,000-mile annual award flight discount (after spending $20,000)
  • United Club℠ Card: $695 annual fee with bonus PQP earning opportunities for United elite status and up to 20,000 in award flight discounts annually (up to 2 of these 10,000-mile discounts, each after spending $20,000)

Advertisement

While these benefits (and the new award flight discounts) can be a net positive, some perks require considerably more effort from cardholders, especially since many of the credits are issued on a monthly basis.

6. Bilt Rewards Continues To Expand, Though Changes Are Coming

The Bilt Rewards program is undergoing significant changes, many of which have already rolled out this year and will continue into early 2026.

In July 2025, Bilt Rewards announced that it’s breaking up with Wells Fargo in February 2026. In fact, since this summer, the Bilt Mastercard (rates & fees) has been unavailable to new applicants.

Existing cardholders can continue using their cards through February 6, 2026, with all Bilt Points and membership benefits intact. After that date, members can move to the Bilt Card 2.0 lineup with Cardless (the program’s new issuer), transfer any remaining balance pending approval, or close their Wells Fargo account altogether.

Those who prefer to keep the Wells Fargo account open will see it automatically convert to a $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card with a new card number.

Spirit Airlines A320
Did you know you can now transfer Bilt Points to Spirit Airlines? Image Credit: Ehsan Haque

That said, Bilt Rewards has introduced a flurry of new transfer partners in 2025, quickly making the program one of our favorite transferable points currencies. Beyond travel, Bilt has expanded into partnerships with Walgreens and added Rakuten as an online shopping partner, among others.

Earning points on mortgage payments will also become official in February 2026, so we’re excited to see the changes come to life for the next generation of Bilt Rewards.

» Related: ‘Bilt Cash’ Is Coming, and It Will Replace Milestone Rewards in 2026

7. Shutdown of the Mesa Homeowners Card

Speaking of earning points on mortgages …

While most of the yearly news has been exciting, we also saw the discontinuation of the short-lived Mesa card. Mesa, a fintech company based in Austin, offered a competitive $0-annual-fee credit card that earned points on mortgage payments, homeowner expenses, and more. It even offered transfer partners.

As of December 2025, the company has ceased operations entirely, and its credit card is no longer operational for existing members. Upgraded Points contacted Mesa directly in the wake of the no-notice closure, though we’ve yet to receive a response to our questions.

Final Thoughts

If there’s a single key takeaway from this article, it’s that card issuers are continuing to innovate to offer something for everyone right now. If a card in your wallet no longer fits your lifestyle, chances are there’s another one ready to take its place — of course, complete with a compelling welcome bonus offer to lure you in.

And with no signs of this momentum slowing in 2026, be sure to watch this space as we cover all the changes, from major to minor, in the year ahead.

Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points LLC
Stella Shon's image

About Stella Shon

With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in The New York Times, USA Today, and more.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

We Recommend

Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome Offer: As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Show more
  • More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
  • More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  • More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
  • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Upgrade your travel experience

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© 2025 Upgraded Points™, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

DMCA.com Protection Status
Disclaimer: 

Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice.

Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position.

Advertiser Disclosure: 

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editorial Disclosure: 

The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer.