Jan 6, 2025 • 10 min read
Our 2025 credit card predictions: New premium cards, exciting lounge openings and more AI integration
20.12.2024 - 15:07 / thepointsguy.com
As we close out the year, it's time for our annual predictions on what to expect from credit cards and rewards in 2025.
On the radar? Banks aggressively courting premium credit card holders, exciting card launches and new redemption opportunities — amid a turbulent legislative environment.
Let's dive into 10 trends to expect from your travel rewards credit cards in 2025.
Avid collectors of points and miles get excited when we hear about new rewards cards — and there are some on the horizon in 2025.
Alaska Airlines has confirmed it will launch a premium card in the summer. The card will carry a $395 annual fee and include benefits such as a companion certificate, lounge passes and bonus miles on foreign purchases and dining. You can even get 500 bonus miles by joining the waitlist for the card — and then an extra 5,000 miles if you apply (and are approved) through your exclusive link at card launch.
JetBlue also announced that a premium card is in the works — one that will unlock access to the carrier's new domestic lounges slated to open in late 2025.
Beyond these confirmed product launches, we may see others join the fray. We predicted that 2024 would be the year that Citi relaunched its top-tier Citi Prestige® Card as the Citi Strata Elite. It closed to new applicants in mid-2021 and the issuer trademarked the new name back in 2022 — but we're still waiting for its relaunch. Perhaps 2025 will be the year it finally happens.
In addition, we'd love to see Chase launch a premium personal World of Hyatt card in 2025. Given Hyatt's loyal customer base, we think this card would be a hit, especially if it came with a complimentary Explorist status, a level above what the $95-a-year personal card offers.
Finally, we expect to see more opportunities to earn points on home purchases and mortgages. Bilt now allows you to earn points on purchasing a home — but only when using an eligible realtor. It has also indicated that Bilt Rewards members will "soon be able to earn points on your mortgage payments." A newcomer, Mesa, plans to do the same, with the waitlist for its credit card now open.
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
2024 has been a hot year for the expansion of credit card issuers' airport lounge networks.
American Express opened two new Centurion lounges in the U.S. this year, with another one confirmed for 2025. Capital One debuted its new "Landing" dining concept, which will expand to another location, and it has plans to open two new lounges. But it was Chase who took the crown this year, opening four new lounges, with three more on the way.
Related: Airport
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Top Autors
Popular Topics
thepointsguy.com
06.01.2025 / 19:49
Even experts need advice: How I chose my next credit card with help from fellow TPGers
"Which credit card should I get next?" It's easily one of the most common questions we at TPG get from readers, friends and family members. It's also one of the most common questions we ask ourselves. Most of us are constantly chasing our next sign-up bonus and trying to optimize the travel perks we hold in our wallets with our changing spending habits and travel needs each year.
thepointsguy.com
05.01.2025 / 19:25
More than 1,100 flights canceled Sunday as major winter storm disrupts travel
The season's most potent winter storm to date is wreaking havoc on air travel across a large swath of the country.
insider.com
04.01.2025 / 15:35
I lived in New York City and London. The British capital was cheaper and more welcoming, so I could plan my life long-term.
For as long as I can remember, I've always had two cities in mind when I thought about the most bustling business hubs in the world: New York City and London.
travelandleisure.com
03.01.2025 / 17:35
Exchange Your Unwanted Gift Cards for United Miles — Here's How
An unwanted gift card could be your ticket to travel. With Americans spending over $29 billion annually on gift cards, according to the National Retail Federation, the piece of plastic has become a go-to gift for last minute shoppers. However, a gift card can often sit unused and be subject to hidden fees, or for a retailer that isn’t a shopper’s first choice. United Airlines offers a helpful program that will convert unwanted gift cards into points with their frequent flyer program, MileagePlus.
travelandleisure.com
03.01.2025 / 15:49
With New Ways to Get to Florida, Arizona, Mexico, and More — Here Are the Airline Routes We're Most Excited About in January
The holidays are past and Old Man Winter is here to stay. It’s a good time to get away.
thepointsguy.com
30.12.2024 / 21:51
The most-exciting new airline routes for 2025: TPG's picks
New year, new routes.
insider.com
30.12.2024 / 11:55
I moved from the US to Spain. Life here is slower and more simple.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Emily San José , co-founder of Mother Euro , a community for moms moving abroad. It has been edited for length and clarity.
thepointsguy.com
28.12.2024 / 19:29
What’s the difference between a credit card network and issuer?
When we discuss credit cards at TPG, we usually focus on the bank that issues the card or the type of rewards the card accumulates rather than which network it belongs to. Still, your card network matters a lot. It can affect everything from where your card is accepted to some of the benefits you receive.
insider.com
28.12.2024 / 17:53
Insider Today: No more hallways
Happy end of 2024! It's our last Saturday edition of Business Insider Today, so we're doing something special. Instead of a regular dispatch from me, here's a look at some of our favorite lifestyle reads from the year. Until next year.
thepointsguy.com
27.12.2024 / 19:51
Severe storms hamper holiday travel – and more trouble could be brewing
This holiday season, it's been severe thunderstorms — not snow or ice — that have proven to be main hurdle for the millions of travelers headed to airports.
travelandleisure.com
23.12.2024 / 19:49
American Airlines Adds Flights to Quebec, Calgary, Bozeman, and More From These U.S. Hubs
American Airlines has just announced a notable expansion to Canada and the Rockies next year.