Running the honest math…
We keep a dated log of card-term updates recorded in our data, including fee changes, perk cuts and improvements. Check current issuer terms before applying.
35
recorded changes across the cards we cover
17
devaluations: fee hikes and perk cuts
14
improvements we logged honestly too
Took effect Jul 8, 2026
In effect2 cards affectedCenturion Lounge rules are in effect: guests must travel on the same flight, and layover entry is within 5 hours of the connecting flight. Complimentary access for up to two guests requires $75,000 in eligible calendar-year spending; otherwise guest fees apply. International guest policies can vary by location. Terms checked September 7, 2026.
Took effect Jun 15, 2026
In effectNew and existing cardmembers received the $100 hotel-credit cap, 3x gas/EV and eligible vacation homes, application-fee credit and added protections on June 15, 2026. The 10% anniversary bonus ended for applications on or after June 15; earlier applicants earn it on eligible purchases through October 1, 2026, paid by January 31, 2027. Terms checked September 7, 2026; confirm account allowance and offer eligibility.
Took effect Jun 15, 2026
In effectSapphire Preferred transfers to Hyatt at 4:3 (1,000 Chase points become 750 Hyatt points). Chase applied that rate to new applicants on June 15, 2026. Accounts opened before June 15, 2026 kept 1:1 through September 30, 2026; 4:3 applies to them from October 1, 2026. Ink Business Preferred moved to 4:3 on October 1, 2026. Other Chase cards can differ; confirm your card's displayed rate before transferring. Hyatt award prices are in Hyatt points, not Chase points.
Took effect Jun 4, 2026
In effect6 cards affectedDelta's 30th-anniversary card refresh added a complimentary second checked bag on domestic Delta-operated flights, with no annual-fee increase.
Delta's 30th-anniversary card refresh added two benefits with no annual-fee increase: a complimentary second checked bag on domestic Delta-operated flights, and a new $120/yr rideshare credit ($10/month in statement credits on eligible U.S. rideshare).
Delta's 30th-anniversary card refresh added a complimentary second checked bag on domestic Delta-operated flights (cardholder plus up to 8 companions on the reservation), with no annual-fee increase.
Delta's 30th-anniversary card refresh added two benefits with no annual-fee increase: a complimentary second checked bag on domestic Delta-operated flights, and a new $120/yr rideshare credit ($10/month) for Gold Business cardholders.
Took effect May 28, 2026
In effectCiti closed the Custom Cash to new applications, steering new cash-back applicants to the Citi Double Cash. Existing cardholders keep the card and its 5%-top-category structure unchanged for now.
Took effect May 20, 2026
In effectIn Hyatt's 2026 category reshuffle (112 properties moved up, 24 down), 14 hotels moved from Category 4 to Category 5 — putting them out of reach of the card's annual Category 1-4 Free Night Award and the bonus Category 1-4 night earned at $15,000 spend.
Took effect May 20, 2026
In effectHyatt's 2026 category reshuffle moved 14 hotels from Category 4 to Category 5, narrowing where the card's spend-earned Category 1-4 Free Night Awards can be redeemed.
Took effect Apr 24, 2026
In effectBarclays is winding down its AAdvantage Aviator program. After closing to new applicants in 2025, existing Aviator Red accounts are being converted to the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard (same $99 fee, credit line, and anniversary date; new card number).
Took effect Mar 12, 2026
In effectMarriott raised the Free Night Award 'top-off' limit from 15,000 to 25,000 points, so the card's 35,000-point Free Night can now be stretched to a room costing up to 60,000 points per night.
Took effect Mar 12, 2026
In effectMarriott raised the Free Night Award 'top-off' limit from 15,000 to 25,000 points, so the card's 50,000-point Free Night can now be stretched to a room costing up to 75,000 points per night.
Took effect Mar 12, 2026
In effectMarriott raised the Free Night Award 'top-off' limit from 15,000 to 25,000 points, so the card's 50,000-point Free Night can now be stretched to a room costing up to 75,000 points per night.
Took effect Mar 12, 2026
In effectMarriott raised the Free Night Award 'top-off' limit from 15,000 to 25,000 points, so the card's 85,000-point annual Free Night can now be stretched to a room costing up to 110,000 points per night.
Took effect Mar 12, 2026
In effectMarriott raised the Free Night Award 'top-off' limit from 15,000 to 25,000 points, so the card's 35,000-point annual Free Night can now be stretched to a room costing up to 60,000 points per night.
Took effect Feb 7, 2026
In effectThe original Wells Fargo-issued Bilt Mastercard was discontinued (last usable Feb 6, 2026) after closing to new applicants on Nov 5, 2025. Existing holders moved to a new Bilt Card 2.0 (issued by Cardless, in $0/$95/$495 tiers) or were auto-converted to a no-fee Wells Fargo Autograph. The old 3x dining / 2x travel earn rates ended — the no-fee replacement earns just 1x-1.25x.
Took effect Jan 1, 2026
In effectFor calendar year 2026 only, the card adds up to $100 in airline statement credits — $50 after spending $250+ with an airline Jan-Jun, and another $50 after $250+ Jul-Dec. Existing cardholders must enroll; new cardholders are enrolled automatically.
Took effect Oct 26, 2025
In effectStandard Chase Travel redemptions are 1 cent per point. Points Boost raises value on selected bookings. Legacy portal value also depends on the card's eligibility and which points qualify; check your account's quote. We do not assume a universal 1.25-cent floor.
Took effect Aug 20, 2025
In effectAfter the Alaska-Hawaiian merger, the Mileage Plan program transitioned to the new Atmos Rewards program and this card was rebranded the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature (existing cardholders reissued at expiration, benefits continuing). The Famous Companion Fare now works on both Alaska and Hawaiian flights within North America.
Took effect Aug 20, 2025
In effectAfter the Alaska-Hawaiian merger, the Mileage Plan program transitioned to the new Atmos Rewards program and this card was rebranded the Atmos Rewards Visa Signature Business (existing cardholders reissued at expiration, benefits continuing). The companion fare now works on both Alaska and Hawaiian flights within North America.
Took effect Aug 1, 2025
In effectChase's 2025 United refresh raised the Quest's annual fee from $250 to $350 (new applicants Mar 24, 2025; existing cardholders at renewal from Aug 1, 2025). It added 1,000 annual PQP and larger hotel/rideshare/car-rental/JSX credits, and replaced the $125 United statement credit with $200 in annual TravelBank cash.
Took effect Aug 1, 2025
In effectChase's 2025 United refresh raised the United Club Card's annual fee from $525 to $695 (new applicants Mar 24, 2025; existing cardholders at renewal from Aug 1, 2025) and added 1,500 annual PQP plus new credits, but cut the included United Club membership's adult-guest allowance from two guests to one.
Took effect Aug 1, 2025
In effectIn Chase's 2025 United refresh the no-annual-fee Gateway can now earn two checked-bag certificates after $10,000 in calendar-year spend, but discounted (member) award pricing now requires $10,000 in annual spend where it previously had no spend requirement. The annual fee stays $0.
Took effect Jul 24, 2025
In effectIn response, Chase added a new card benefit: the cardholder plus up to 8 companions on the same reservation get their first checked bag free, partly offsetting Southwest's new bag fees.
Took effect Jul 24, 2025
In effectIn response, Chase added a new card benefit: the cardholder plus up to 8 companions on the same reservation get their first checked bag free, partly offsetting Southwest's new bag fees.
Took effect Jul 24, 2025
In effectIn response, Chase added a free first checked bag for the cardholder plus up to 8 companions, and improved tier-qualifying-point earning toward A-List to 2,500 per $5,000 spent (from 1,500).
Took effect Jul 24, 2025
In effectIn response, Chase added a free first checked bag for the cardholder plus up to 8 companions, and improved tier-qualifying-point earning toward A-List to 2,500 per $5,000 spent (from 1,500).
Took effect Jul 24, 2025
In effectIn response, Chase added a free first checked bag for the cardholder plus up to 8 companions, and improved tier-qualifying-point earning toward A-List to 2,000 per $5,000 spent (from 1,500).
Took effect May 28, 2025
In effectSouthwest ended its 50-year free-checked-bags policy program-wide; most fares now pay about $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, removing a benefit Southwest was long known for.
Took effect May 28, 2025
In effectSouthwest ended its 50-year free-checked-bags policy program-wide; most fares now pay about $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, removing a benefit Southwest was long known for.
Took effect May 28, 2025
In effectSouthwest ended its 50-year free-checked-bags policy program-wide; most fares now pay about $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, removing a benefit Southwest was long known for.
Took effect May 28, 2025
In effectSouthwest ended its 50-year free-checked-bags policy program-wide; most fares now pay about $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, removing a benefit Southwest was long known for.
Took effect May 28, 2025
In effectSouthwest ended its 50-year free-checked-bags policy program-wide; most fares now pay about $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, removing a benefit Southwest was long known for.
Took effect Mar 24, 2025
In effectChase's 2025 United refresh raised the Explorer's annual fee from $95 to $150 (new applicants Mar 24, 2025; existing cardholders at renewal from Jan 1, 2026) and added coupon-style credits (United hotels, rideshare, car rental, JSX, Instacart). Award-ticket upgrades were removed Aug 1, 2025, and the two annual United Club passes can no longer be gifted — a guest must enter with you.
Took effect Mar 24, 2025
In effectChase's 2025 United refresh raised the United Business Card's annual fee from $99 to $150 (waived the first year) and added coupon-style credits (United hotels, rideshare, Avis/Budget, JSX, FareLock, monthly Instacart). New applicants saw the change Mar 24, 2025; existing cardholders at renewal later in 2025.
Took effect Feb 1, 2025
In effectDelta Sky Club access for Reserve cardholders is now capped at 15 visits per Medallion Year, with unlimited access only after $75,000 in eligible calendar-year purchases; visits beyond the cap cost $50 each.
Took effect Feb 1, 2025
In effectDelta Sky Club access for Reserve Business cardholders is now capped at 15 visits per Medallion Year, with unlimited access only after $75,000 in eligible calendar-year purchases; visits beyond the cap cost $50 each.