6 New Credit Cards And Exciting Travel Perks In Time For Summer

Responsible credit card use can deliver a world of value in miles, points and benefits. But, different cards offer different perks as many travelers are looking for more than just bonus points.

According to the State of Loyalty Credit Card Rewards from iSeatz, there is a growing trend from credit card issuers to move away from traditional awards (flights, hotels and other points redemption) in favor of lifestyle rewards, including things like tours, activities, dining and wellness activities. There are also updated perks and bonus-earning categories when cardholders use their card for those lifestyle experiences.

These are some of the latest credit cards on the market and the extra perks they are offering in time for summer.

Barclays debuts Xbox Credit Card

Video game players rejoice. This new card from Barclays Bank awards points that can be redeemed for xbox.com, Microsoft.com, or console and in-game purchases. The card does not have an annual fee, and after making your first purchase with the card, it unlocks three months of Game Pass Ultimate. Bonus points are a big part of this card: 5x points per dollar on eligible products at the digital Microsoft Store, 3x points on streaming services and dining delivery services.

New cards from Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Cardless

In early May, Qatar Airways launched a waitlist for its first credit card in the U.S. Now, it is available for applications and awards cardholders Avios points that can be redeemed for free travel on Qatar and Oneworld airline partners. The Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card ($499 annual fee and instant Gold status) and Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card ($99 annual fee and instant Silver status) both offer instant elite status for one year after being approved for the card. This is the first international loyalty program to offer a Visa Infinite credit card in the U.S. market. Cardholders earn 5x Avios points on Qatar Airways spend, 3x points on dining and one point on everything else. For the Visa Signature Card, the earning is 4x points for Qatar Airways flights, 2x points on dining and one point on everything else.

Citi Strata Premier card launches

Replacing the Citi Premier card, Citi Strata Premier is a new card product with some upgraded perks. Existing cardholders will receive new Strata Premier cards, which will continue at a $95 annual fee. Among the changes are the ability to earn 10x ThankYou Points on hotels, attractions and car rentals booked directly through the Citi travel site. Cardmembers also receive 3x ThankYou Points when using electric vehicle charging stations. That is in addition to the previous bonus, which will continue, offering 3x points on air travel, dining, supermarkets and gas stations. Cardmembers also receive a $100 credit when making a hotel reservation through the Citi travel site for at least $500.

Special invitations for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders at Paris Olympics

Visa is offering some extra perks for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders attending the Paris Summer Olympics. Flash your card to enter the floating VIP lounge on the Seine where food, beverages and special athlete meet and greets will entertain. Cardholders also have special access to priority reservations at an iconic Parisian restaurant with up-close views of the Eiffel Tower. The a la carte menu is a collaboration between New York Chef Ignacio Mattos and Chef Charles Ducrocq. There is also an Olympics kick-off party for cardholders with tasty food and drinks on July 27.

AmEx launched another limited-edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card

For the second time, American Express is releasing a limited-edition credit card made from a retired Jumbo Jet. It was so popular last time that AmEx is creating twice as many cards made from two separate 747 planes that were retired in 2017. The cards, which have a new white glossy finish, became available in late April although they will stop being offered June 5.

Cards increase Global Entry credits

On the heels of Global Entry rates going up from $100 to $120, many credit cards are boosting their credits to fully cover it. Among these are the Citi Prestige and Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercards; the AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard; and a slew of Chase-branded credit cards. They include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, United Explorer Card, United Club Infinite Card, United Quest Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and Aeroplan Credit Card.