Frequent Miler on the Air

Complete Guide to United's Couponized Cards | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep299 | 3-28-25

Mar 28, 2025

Delve into the world of 'couponized' credit cards as United Airlines adopts new strategies seen in the American Express model. Southwest Airlines faces a shake-up with reduced point values and new fees, raising concerns for travelers. Discover the shifting landscape of loyalty programs as Citi restricts product changes, complicating strategies for rewards. Plus, weigh the pros and cons of United's revamped card offerings and hear about maximizing points through strategic transfers, all while navigating the potential pitfalls of card rewards.

01:17:33

Creator website

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

American Express's introduction of coupon-like benefits has influenced United to create similar credit card options with increased annual fees and incentives.

Southwest's recent policy changes include reduced earnings and expiration of flight credits, prompting travelers to reassess their loyalty and points value.

The United credit cards offer various specific incentives, but users must navigate complex terms to maximize their value while being cautious of account risks.

Deep dives

Introduction to Couponized Cards

American Express initiated a trend by introducing coupon-like offers linked to their platinum card, which included various rebates and credits tied to specific spending habits. This approach has since expanded to other issuers like Chase and United, leading to the creation of multiple United card options with increased annual fees and numerous coupon-based incentives. The podcast outlines how these incentives may require consumers to spend more than they typically would to benefit fully, reflecting a serious shift in the landscape of credit card offerings. Ultimately, this evolution highlights the rising competition and evolving strategies among credit card companies to attract new customers.

Intro

3min

Navigating Changes at Southwest Airlines

9min

Navigating Credit Card Changes and Award Flights

12min

Maximizing Point Transfers

5min

United Credit Card Changes: A Critical Review

19min

Exploring Hotel Booking Benefits and Limitations

3min

Evaluating United's Credit Card Benefits

18min

Navigating Credit Card Rewards Risks

9min

A few years ago American Express introduced this kind of model for their Platinum card where they increased their annual fee, but attempted to make up for it by offering a whole collection of credits and rebates that could be valuable if you did the work to make use of them and happened to have natural needs for them. In other words, these new benefits felt a lot like coupons, thus introducing the nickname for these kinds of card benefits. Now, United seems to be taking a page from American Express' book by "couponizing" their credit cards.

(02:02) - Denbigh writes in about our "getting started with points and miles" episode saying "Thank You for an episode worth the time, even for an experienced practitioner."

Find our Getting started with points & miles episode 298 here.

(4:02) - As previously reported, Southwest is planning reduced earnings on paid flights, expiring flight credits, charging for checked bags, and changing the value of points

(04:50) - Point value changes already taking place

Read more about the variable points values here.

(07:23) - Other Info revealed in Southwest's recent video

Read more about their updates in that video here.

(12:05) - No-go for Capital One / Discover acquisition. DOJ doesn't like it