Bits: new IHG Spire Elite benefit launched, “Amex 2-4-1 – the Book” launches

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.

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Want to earn more points from credit cards? – April 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:

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.

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: Until 12th May 2024, the Capital on Tap Business Rewards Visa card is offering a bonus of 30,000 points, convertible into 30,000 Avios. You must have a Limited Company to apply. Click here to learn more and click here to apply.

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.