Bits: new IHG Spire Elite benefit launched, “Amex 2-4-1 – the Book” launches
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News in brief:
New IHG Spire Elite benefit launched
A few people have emailed me recently to ask if I know anything about the promised new benefits for IHG’s new Spire Elite top tier.
The answer is ‘No’.
However, thanks to an eagle-eyed HfP reader, we do have a lead on something.
On the Spire Elite Benefits page of ihg.com (click here), the following has appeared:
Enjoy an Upgrade to Five Star status with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
IHG Rewards Club has teamed up with Hertz to extend to Spire Elite members a complimentary upgrade to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status.
To take advantage of this special benefit, click Request Hertz Upgrade.
You can apply via the link on this page of the IHG website.
This is not the greatest offer in the world (American Express Platinum cardholders get the same deal, for example) but at least it is proof that IHG is out there trying to arrange something. Hint – free breakfast would be nice, IHG.
Amex 2-4-1 – The Book
It can only be a matter of time before we get “Amex 2-4-1 – The Movie” ….
“American Express has teamed up with Phaidon to create Companion, a free, unique online travel guide which features ten of the most exciting cities in the world explored from the differing perspectives of the insiders who live and work there, such as celebrated photographer Martin Parr.
Designed to satisfy the diverse interests of travelling companions, the guide is inspired by the Companion Voucher, a British Airways Amex Card benefit that provides a complimentary second seat companion on a British Airways flight.”
It is fair to say that this is probably the first book ever to be inspired by a Companion Voucher.
You can take a look – and, to be fair, BA has spent some money on this – by clicking here to visit the BA Amex application page. Scroll down to the section on ‘Companion Voucher’ and you can access the book.
Want to earn more points from credit cards? – March 2024 update
If you are looking to apply for a new credit card, here are our top recommendations based on the current sign-up bonuses.
In February 2022, Barclaycard launched two exciting new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cards with a bonus of up to 25,000 Avios. You can apply here.
You qualify for the bonus on these cards even if you have a British Airways American Express card:
Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard
Get 25,000 Avios for signing up and an upgrade voucher at £10,000 Read our full review
Barclaycard Avios Mastercard
5,000 Avios for signing up and an upgrade voucher at £20,000 Read our full review
You can see our full directory of all UK cards which earn airline or hotel points here. Here are the best of the other deals currently available.
British Airways American Express Premium Plus
25,000 Avios and the famous annual 2-4-1 voucher Read our full review
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
Your best beginner’s card – 20,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review
The Platinum Card from American Express
40,000 bonus points and a huge range of valuable benefits – for a fee Read our full review
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard
15,000 bonus points and 1.5 points for every £1 you spend Read our full review
Earning miles and points from small business cards
If you are a sole trader or run a small company, you may also want to check out these offers:
SPECIAL OFFER: You receive a huge 120,000 Membership Rewards points if you apply for American Express Business Platinum by 9th April 2024. You receive 80,000 points for spending £12,000 within 90 days and a further 40,000 points if you retain the card for 14 months. Click here to apply.
SPECIAL OFFER: You receive 60,000 Membership Rewards points if you apply for American Express Business Gold by 9th April 2024. Remember that the card is FREE for the first year. You receive 40,000 points for spending £6,000 within 90 days and a further 20,000 points if you retain the card for 14 months. Click here to apply.
British Airways Accelerating Business American Express
30,000 Avios sign-up bonus – plus annual bonuses of up to 30,000 Avios Read our full review
American Express Business Platinum
Crazy 120,000 points bonus (to 9th April) and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review
American Express Business Gold
Huge 60,000 points sign-up bonus (until 9th April) and free for a year Read our full review
Capital On Tap Business Rewards Visa
Get a 10,000 points bonus plus an extra 500 points for our readers Read our full review
For a non-American Express option, we also recommend the Barclaycard Select Cashback card for sole traders and small businesses. It is FREE and you receive 1% cashback on your spending.
Barclaycard Select Cashback credit card
2% cashback on all your business spend for 3 months (1% thereafter) and no annual fee Read our full review
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