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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

Last year, an average of over one in five flights were delayed, and about 2% were canceled. While that means most flights went out on time, millions and millions of travelers still found themselves not flying when they hoped.

Another busy travel season is upon us. When flight delays and cancellations do happen, there may not be a ton of additional seats available to simply hop on the next flight in some situations.

Here are tips on how to decrease your chances of getting stuck and increase your chances of arriving at your destination as quickly as possible, even if you get the unwelcome news that you are facing a flight delay — or worse.

How to find out if your flight might be delayed

In the current era of full flights and easily available information, don’t wait for the airline to tell you there is a problem.

You can keep an eye on general flight trends across the country on FlightAware, which gives you a good overview of how a day in the sky looks.

This page focuses on delays. Manually check the status of your flight on your airline’s website in the 24 hours leading up to travel. Also, check where the plane is coming from, if possible.

UNITED.COM

Also, opt in to flight notifications with your airline and download the carrier’s app on your phone. Here are details on that process with American Airlines and United Airlines. You’ll likely have more up-to-date flight departure information from your airline’s mobile app than what’s reflected on the airport departure and arrival boards.

You can also get flight status updates sent directly from FlightAware.

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When to arrive at the airport if your flight is delayed

PEOPLE IMAGE STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK

This can be a tricky one. If your flight is still listed as “on time” when you check the app, leave for the airport according to the original schedule.

Even if your flight shows as delayed in the app, it can be subject to change. It’s best to be at the airport ready to go at the originally scheduled time in most cases. We’ve certainly heard stories where the flight is suddenly ready to go sooner than expected, leaving some passengers behind. Sometimes you’ll receive confirmation well in advance that the flight will be significantly delayed. However, it’s safer to be at the airport, just in case.

Bad weather will sometimes cause a temporary ground stop at the airport. As soon as the weather gets better, the stop is lifted, and airlines try to get their flights off the ground ASAP.

Related: 3 things to do if your flight is delayed

What to do if there is bad weather

Monitor weather patterns starting a few days before your flight to see if any major systems are anticipated. It’s then vital to check the forecast on the night before and the day of travel to see how any issues could affect your departure and arrival airports.

Again, be sure to opt in for updates on your flight’s status. If you know bad weather is coming later in the day, ask for an earlier flight if you can. Alternatively, if you leave the night before, that’s a good idea, too.

BYCHYKHIN OLEXANDR/GETTY IMAGES

More and more airlines are allowing travelers to change plans with no fare difference prior to severe weather problems, like impending blizzards, ice storms or even heavy thunderstorms. Some will even proactively change your flight for you.

If you know bad weather is on the horizon, either go to your airline’s website and look for an advisory notice or call the airline to talk about options. If an airline gets ahead of weather issues, you may be able to reschedule your flight by a few days in either direction with no fees. Additionally, you can try asking for a nonstop flight if the weather is putting your connecting flight in jeopardy.

However, if the airline hasn’t issued its own advisory, you could have to pay out of pocket for any fare differences if you really need to get where you are going.

Related: How the weather affects your flight — the atmosphere and winds

What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled

If a flight delay happens and you want an alternative to waiting it out, check the airline’s app or in-airport kiosk for rebooking options. You don’t have to stand in line to talk to a real person in many cases, as you can self-service the rebooking with most major airlines. In fact, it may be faster to do it online or at a kiosk in the airport — and speed matters. You may be able to rebook at a new flight time or even to a new “nearby” origin or destination city.

There are times when automated rebooking systems are not your best option, though. Sometimes, the only automated option is for a red-eye flight or a future flight heading to your destination more than two days later. That’s especially true with flights as full as they are right now.

If you can’t find what you need online, find an airline employee who knows how to work the ticketing desk. Look at their uniforms and name tags to ensure you get a ticket agent and not a baggage handler or similarly outsourced contractor.

If the U.S. call center has a long hold time (which happens during widespread issues), you can try dialing an international number for faster service. You might also find success reaching out to an airline on Twitter, via chat or other social media channels when customer service lines are busy.

For example, when the first leg of an American Airlines flight from New York City to Arkansas just before Christmas was delayed, TPG editor Madison Blancaflor missed her connection.

She reached out to American Airlines on Twitter to help ensure she was rebooked on the earliest possible flight. She still had to endure a long layover in Charlotte, but it was better (and less stressful) than rushing to the customer service desk to try and rebook upon arrival in Charlotte.

If there are no reasonable booking options left with your carrier, ask if there are options on another airline. If the delay is weather-related, and you are on a basic-economy ticket or are flying on a low-cost carrier, there might not be other airline options at your fingertips. Still, it’s worth asking and — if possible — presenting available options you have researched yourself.

Related: Top tips to get through to airline customer service faster

Retreat to a lounge

If you have airline club access at a United Club, Delta Sky Club or similar, you can head there for help from experienced agents with potentially shorter lines. Use it as a spot to gather your thoughts, charge your phone and make level-headed decisions. The agents there might be able to help you change or track your flight.

In third-party lounges, such as an American Express Centurion Lounge, you won’t be able to get that type of airline-specific assistance, but you’re still probably in a better spot to wait out the storm than in a crowded terminal.

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

Rebook your flight

Sometimes, if you really need to get home, you may need to do the work and layout for the expenditure for a new flight yourself.

During a delay while traveling from Orlando to Houston when my original carrier couldn’t get me home for more than 24 hours after my initial flight was canceled, I found a nonstop Southwest Airlines flight with one last seat available for $463.

Even though rebooking yourself will not typically be covered by any insurance or carrier, I went for the Southwest option and got my original United ticket refunded, which at least offset some of the pain of a new ticket. In my case, it was worth controlling my own destiny and not being stuck.

Your credit card’s built-in trip delay or trip cancellation coverage can help with many unexpected expenses in the face of delays and cancellations, but a brand-new flight home isn’t likely to be one of them. Still, in some cases, it may be the only way home for a while, so you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons.

Related: When to buy travel insurance vs. when to rely on credit card protections

Check airport hotels

While thinking through what to do in case of a flight delay or cancellation, consider your options at airport hotels, which can fill up if there are major delays and cancellations. Sometimes, it is best to pull the plug on getting home that day, get some good rest and try again in the morning.

Airport hotels are generally pretty affordable on points, although cash rates can skyrocket when demand surges. Accommodations are typically covered by trip delay protection, offered by cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express.*

* Eligibility and benefit level vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Show up early for standby flights

If you know in advance that your flight is canceled or delayed, heading to the airport early could score you a same-day standby flight that gets you to your destination early.

For example, a TPG staffer was able to use this strategy to avoid getting stuck overnight when a hiccup with his flight from Austin to New York City would have caused him to miss a connection in Dallas. Since he had A-List status with Southwest, he showed up at the airport a bit earlier and did a free same-day standby onto an earlier flight that connected to a different city. His A-List status bumped him to the top of the standby list and onto the flight.

Getting on the standby list isn’t a foolproof method, especially if the earlier flight is almost full. This is a case where having elite status can help since you’ll have priority over non-elite travelers. Additionally, some airlines charge a fee for non-elite travelers to get on the standby list for an earlier flight.

Related: Best credit cards for airline elite status

How to get a refund or flight compensation

If you decide not to fly your originally scheduled flight in light of major delays and cancellations, get your money or points back. Do not settle for an airline voucher that may be hard to use and eventually expire.

You may have a cancel-and-refund option available to you online or in the airline’s app. If not, you can ask an airline employee for assistance in person or over the phone. Just be sure to cancel your original flight before its eventual departure so you can get the money or miles (hopefully) returned.

Know your rights and take stock of your credit card protections. You’ll have to read some fine print, but you may be entitled to accommodations, credits or expense reimbursement by the airline or from your credit card (usually depending on the length of your delay and the reason for delay or cancellation).

Many travel credit cards offer trip delay insurance that can save you money when you’re stuck somewhere. While it won’t help you avoid cancellations or delays, it could help you cover expenses while you wait for your flight.

Related: You are entitled to a refund for your canceled flight — even if the airline says you aren’t

Cards that provide travel protection

WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

There are many rewards credit cards that help confer valuable travel protections when you do have a delayed or canceled flight (if you used them to book your flight). Below are just a few examples of cards that provide some built-in coverage:

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Provides a $300 annual travel credit, up to $20,000 in trip cancellation coverage, up to $75,000 in car rental coverage, trip delay benefits of up to $500 per person that kick in starting at a six-hour delay and more.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, emergency assistance services and more.

American Express Platinum: In addition to the extensive lounge benefits and up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, the Platinum card also provides trip cancellation and interruption insurance for up to $20,000 of a covered trip and incident.

Make a decision

Last but not least, we don’t recommend being too indecisive in the face of delays and cancellations. If you are, expect your options to dwindle. Once you finally decide to wait it out or try and switch flights, you will be at the mercy of whatever options the airline has to offer … which may not be great.

As you wait, flight options are likely to disappear as hundreds (or thousands) of other passengers beat you to rebooking. Weigh your realistic options and make a quick decision if you want to keep some control of your schedule.

If you’re OK getting stuck somewhere for a bit or taking a creative route home, waiting for the airline to direct you is a feasible option. Just don’t stress about your decision once you make it.

Your credit card’s built-in travel protections may cover unexpected expenses not covered by the airline (such as a hotel for an overnight weather delay, though not a new flight) if you get stuck during your journey.

In my Orlando example, my original flight was stuck in Denver with a five-hour weather delay, so the odds of that flight getting me where I needed to be that day didn’t seem great. When I didn’t clear standby on the other United flight to Houston from Orlando that night, I made a decision and stuck with it.

I left the terminal and headed to my new Southwest flight in another terminal (Clear and PreCheck helped with that quick transition). Yes, that choice cost me a new flight home, but I had to make that call right then or roll the dice on my United flight making it out that day.

I wasn’t in a gambling mood when it came to getting home, and I understood the out-of-pocket implications.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Bottom line

Most of the time, your flight will get you where you need to be close to when you want to be there. Still, flight delays and cancellations happen.

If your flight is delayed by an hour or two, there’s not usually much to do other than be patient. However, when facing a long delay or cancellation, it’s good to have a plan to reduce the odds of getting stuck.

Given the common theme of full passenger loads on flights these days, acting quickly, researching options and making a speedy decision will put you ahead of the pack.

Related: Best credit cards that offer trip delay reimbursement

Additional reporting by Melissa Klurman, Kristy Tolley, Victoria Walker, Madison Blancaflor, Benji Stawski and Benét J. Wilson.

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally


Your Guide to the Sharing Economy – MintLife Blog

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peer-to-peer lending). 

Looking for a quick definition? Keep the one below in mind.

Sharing economy definition

The sharing economy is a peer-to-peer lending system, often facilitated by online platforms, that allows individuals or small companies to share goods and services with one another.

To better understand the sharing economy, it’s helpful to see how it fits into the bigger picture of novel industries that are disrupting traditional ones. 

Sharing economy vs on-demand economy

The on-demand economy is a name for the new suite of services most people have available with their phone. “On-demand” refers to the fact that, with just a few taps, swipes, and a credit card, there are many goods and services immediately available to consumers. 

For instance, let’s say you need groceries delivered — there’s an app for that. A fleet of gig-working delivery drivers (more on that next) is ready on demand to bring you the bread, almond milk, and kale that you need ASAP. 

How does this differ from the sharing economy? When investors, economists, and consumers talk about the sharing economy, they are referring more specifically to services that facilitate sharing goods. It might not even be on-demand; for instance, if you’re part of a group of people who share power tools, you might not have access to the bandsaw you need until the person who has it now is done in 3 days. 

The sharing economy and the on-demand economy have a lot in common, though, as they both allow peers to collaborate through the use of a third-party app. That brings us to another buzzword you might be hearing a lot about these days. 

Sharing economy vs gig economy

The gig economy focuses more on the workers’ side, rather than the consumer. For instance, both sharing economy services (like Airbnb) and on-demand economy services (like TaskRabbit), and even services that fall into both categories (like Uber), can be considered forms of gig economy work. 

The gig economy consists of workers who operate on short-term contracts, performing jobs through an app-based service. When investors and economists talk about the gig economy, they’re usually talking about the transition in many sectors toward this sort of short-contract-based work. 

The quintessential example is a service like Uber or Lyft. Rather than a full-time, wage-based job like taxi driver, many people are instead working part-time, contract-based, often precarious positions as ride-share drivers. That’s the gig economy in action. 

Examples of the sharing economy

We’ve already discussed a few types of sharing economy services, but what are a few more familiar examples? The answer is that there’s no set definition or criteria for what makes a service a part of the sharing economy. That said, there are a few examples that you’re probably familiar with:

  • Ride-share: Services like Uber and Lyft are great examples of the sharing economy — a driver shares their car (and time) with a consumer, who gets a lower-cost ride out of the arrangement. 
  • Car-share: Some services also allow you to share your car with peers, not by driving them, but by allowing them to rent it. 
  • Tool-share: Power tools are expensive. Luckily, the sharing economy makes it easy to see who has a tool you can borrow, and pay a small amount to rent it for a day or two while you complete a project. 
  • Clothing sharing: There are sharing sites for expensive designer clothes that you probably won’t wear more than once. Pay for a subscription, then rent for a few days. 
  • Crowd-funding: Have a new business idea or product concept? You can use services online that allow you to crowd-fund the startup costs. 
  • Peer-to-peer lending: Rather than going through a large financial institution or sketchy loan shop when you need cash, peer-to-peer lending allows consumers to seek financing from other individuals who have a little surplus cash they’d like to grow. 

As mentioned before, there’s no hard-and-fast definition or criteria — pretty much any service that allows people to help each other out can be considered a part of the sharing economy. 

Sharing economy apps

We’ve mentioned that the sharing economy is mostly facilitated by app-based services — but what are these apps? Chances are, you’ve probably already got a lot of them on your phone. Here are a few common sharing economy companies, and what they’re built for:

  • Ride-sharing and taxi alternatives: Uber, Lyft

This is definitely not a complete list. Chances are, if you need some item or service, but don’t want to purchase it yourself, there’s a sharing economy solution out there for you. A simple Google search of “[What you need]” + “sharing app” will likely bring you tons of interesting options to consider. 

Pros and cons of sharing economy

Like anything, the sharing economy comes with plenty of pros and cons to consider. Before going all-in on using sharing apps, let’s take a look at some of the benefits and downsides that come along with the sharing economy.

Pros

  • Sharing services can help you save money
  • Sharing apps give you access to things you might not otherwise have (like power tools or a small loan)
  • They’re often on-demand, too (though not alway), so you can get what you need quickly
  • They allow owners of assets to make a small, steady stream of passive income
  • They’re popular. According to PWC, about 19% of people have participated in the sharing economy, and that number is expected to grow. 

Cons

  • They might be riskier than a traditional business because you’re renting items (like a car) from an individual rather than a company
  • While they might allow for a new income stream, some sharing economy jobs (like rideshare drivers) might not allow you to make a full living
  • Some app companies might inflate prices or take a large commission in order to increase their own profits — be sure to do your research on an app before using it as either a buyer or seller

Overall, for most people, deciding whether using the sharing economy makes sense will be an individual process. For some people, making money with side hustle apps might be a great way to spend some time and earn a little cash. For others, it might not make as much sense. 

If you have a vacation home you don’t use often, it could totally make sense to rent it out to travelers who need a place to stay. Others might not want the hassle associated with cleaning the home and preparing it for the next guests — ultimately, it’s up to you whether participating in the sharing economy makes sense. 

Sharing economy: the takeaways 

The sharing economy is a great way for peers to connect and share goods and services they have access to with people who are looking for access at a bargain price. It can include anything from sharing cars and power tools to peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding. 

Here’s what to remember:

  • The sharing economy uses apps to allow individuals to connect with each other, sharing their goods and services.
  • It’s closely related to the on-demand economy and gig economy; in fact, there’s tons of overlap when it comes to the apps used in each. 
  • You can use the sharing economy to access things like car rentals, fashionable clothes, power tools, personal loans, and seed money for your ingenious ideas. 
  • Apps like Uber, Vrbo, DailyLook, and Prosper are all popular sharing economy options. 
  • There are pros and cons
    • Pros: Usually inexpensive, a great way to find extra income, and convenient
    • Cons: You have to trust peer lenders and borrowers, and some companies pay workers less than other options, or charge fees that make lending not worthwhile

What options can the sharing economy open up for you? Research the ways that you can start using sharing apps today, and start saving (or making!) money. 

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Apache is functioning normally

We love unique, quirky homes.

But few can compare to the Falcon Nest home in Prescott, Arizona.

And while the property may also be known as The Palsolaral House, we’re going to keep referring to it as the Falcon Nest — a title fit for a villain’s lair, a rather appropriate potential role for this quirky house.

The 10-story home, designed by Phoenix architect Sukumar Pal, is a unique residence that once held the title of “world’s tallest home”, which it lost in favor of the South Mumbai home of business magnate Mukesh Ambani — a true high-rise, counting 27 stories.

And if you want a home that’s truly unique (and don’t mind relocating to the Copper State), know that the Falcon Nest home is headed for auction on May 25. That means you can snag the architectural wonder for considerably less that the $1.5 million price tag, with the bid starting at $750,000.

Image credit: Sotheby’s International Realty
Image credit: Sotheby’s International Realty

10 Stories of Unique Living Space

The 6,200-square-feet of living space are neither common, nor forgettable.

Featuring expansive glass ceilings and striking views that stretch for miles, the Falcon Nest’s interiors are equally unique as its exteriors, making it a true architectural rarity.

With three bedrooms and four baths, the Palsolaral House also comes with an impressive 2,000-square-foot solarium, also equipped with two bedrooms, two baths, and a kitchen.

A hydraulic elevator provides access from the garage level to the sixth floor. With minimal energy consumption, a small footprint, and utilizing natural elements to heat and cool the home free from cost, the home exemplifies passive solar technologies and alternative power sources.

If you’re considering joining the auction that takes place on May 25, 2017 on Concierge Auctions’ mobile bidding app, here’s a photo tour of the unique property:

Image credit: Sotheby’s International Realty
Image credit: Sotheby’s International Realty
Image credit: Sotheby’s International Realty
Image credit: Sotheby’s International Realty
Image credit: Sotheby’s International Realty

Source: fancypantshomes.com

Apache is functioning normally

Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further

Pretty much everyone upped their spending on take-out food in 2020 – and for good reason. With restaurants closed for indoor dining and grocery stores experiencing unpredictable staffing and inventory issues, many consumers chose to order out for the majority of their meals.

Now that things are returning to normal, you may be wondering how to adjust your budget accordingly. We’ll walk you through how to determine the right amount to budget for take-out and dining, and give you some strategies to save money when ordering from your favorite restaurants.

How Much Should You Spend on Dining and Take-Out?

It’s hard to give an exact prescription for how much you should spend on take-out because it largely depends on the specifics of your budget and financial situation. In general, your food budget, including groceries and eating out, should make up between 10 and 15% of your income. Families with multiple children may spend more than that, so don’t worry if your percentage exceeds the recommendation.

If you’re not sure how much you spend on food, go through your transactions for the past few months and calculate the percentage.

John Bovard, CFP of Incline Wealth Advisors said consumers who have no credit card debt and invest 20% or more of their income in a retirement account can spend 10% of their post-tax income on take-out.

Ways to Save on Takeout

Want to keep your takeout tradition but still feel like you’re spending too much? Here are some tips to save money when ordering out from your favorite restaurants:

Pick up in person

Everyone knows that delivery fees add a huge surcharge to your total bill, but you might not realize how big the difference actually is. A New York Times article found that the same sandwich at Subway costs between 25% and 91% more when delivered, depending on the specific delivery app.

A $20 order could cost between $5 and $18.20 more if you get it delivered. The cost is generally higher during weekends and holidays.

Look for specials

Plan your take-out around restaurant specials. Follow restaurants on social media to see when they’re running discounts, like half-price oysters on Sundays or happy hour specials. When you’re picking up the food, ask someone behind the counter when the best deals are.

Restaurants often print coupon codes or discounts on their receipts, so don’t forget to check there.

Use discounted gift cards

Many restaurants and fast food places sell gift cards and often run special sales, like selling a $50 gift card for $45. This is especially popular during the holiday season.

Wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club regularly sell discounted gift cards to popular chains. For example, you can buy $100 worth of gift cards to California Pizza Kitchen for only $80 at Costco, or $75 worth of Domino’s gift cards for only $65.

You can also buy restaurant gift cards online through GiftCardGranny or CardCash, which sell gift cards for up to 10% off.

Skip dinner

Dinner is the most expensive meal of the day, so opt for breakfast or lunch if you’re eating out. If you get take-out a couple times a week, use one for dinner and the other for brunch or lunch.

Cash in rewards

Some restaurants have loyalty programs you can join with an email address or phone number, while others have an old-fashioned punch card system. Keep track of these rewards so you cash them out before they expire.

Order catering

If you’re eating with a group of people, see if the restaurant offers catering, which may be less expensive than ordering individual entrees. Everyone will have to eat the same thing, but it’s a great way to save money.

Sign up for restaurant emails

Both local and national restaurants often have email newsletters you can join to get extra discounts. For example, my favorite Mexican restaurant is constantly sending me emails for 10 or 15% off take-out.

Create a separate label for these emails so you can sort through them before ordering take-out. You can also add reminders on your phone to use the discounts before they expire.

Use a rewards credit card

Many credit cards offer points or cashback when you dine out, and some let you cash in points for restaurant gift cards. Look up the rewards policies for your current credit cards to see which one you should use for restaurants.

Consider opening a new card if you don’t have a dining rewards card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 2% cashback for dining and also comes with a year of DashPass, the DoorDash subscription service with $0 delivery fees.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders earn 3% cashback on dining, get a free year’s worth of DashPass and also have $60 of DoorDash credit for the first year.

Most dining rewards cards have an annual fee, usually around $95, so don’t open one unless the cashback rewards will exceed the fee. Some card companies will waive the fee for the first year, allowing you to see if you’ll earn enough rewards to offset the fee. Some rewards credit cards also let you cash in points for restaurant gift cards.

Buy a food delivery subscription

If you don’t have easy access to transportation, then ordering delivery may be your best option.  In this case, consider signing up for a food delivery membership. DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, and Uber Eats all offer a monthly subscription for around $10. Each subscription comes with free delivery and other specials.

Before you sign up, calculate how often you order out and see if a monthly membership makes sense. If you have a neighbor or roommate, consider splitting a subscription with them to save even more money.

Many of these services have a free trial period, allowing you to gauge how much you’ll actually use them. Choose the app with the largest number of restaurants you like.

Use a browser extension

Browser extensions like Rakuten provide cashback when you order from delivery sites like Grubhub and Seamless. Just click on the Rakuten button on the top right of your browser when you visit either of those sites. You’ll earn up to 11% cashback with eligible orders.

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Zina Kumok is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance. A former reporter, she has covered murder trials, the Final Four and everything in between. She has been featured in Lifehacker, DailyWorth and Time. Read about how she paid off $28,000 worth of student loans in three years at Conscious Coins. More from Zina Kumok

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It might surprise you to learn that the average ATM fee in America is $4.57. Considering that the minimum withdrawal amount is $20, you effectively pay 25% more if you use an out-of-network ATM with such a high fee.

Of course, your actual fees will vary depending on where you live and what type of ATM you use. However, it’s fair to say that these fees can really add up.

5 Easy Ways to Avoid ATM Fees

You don’t have to resign yourself to paying a lifetime of expensive ATM fees. Instead, use a bit of preparation to ensure you can access your cash for free whenever you need it.

As Ben Franklin famously said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In this case, a few minutes of preparation are worth a lot of cash savings. Ready to never pay ATM fees again?

1. Look for Banks that Reimburses ATM Fees

Even if your bank does participate in an ATM network, it’s also good to find one that reimburses your ATM fees. Some banks even reimburse international ATM fees.

There are a few ways they do this: some offer an unlimited reimbursable amount, while others might cap it out between $10 and $25 each month. So, how does ATM fee reimbursement work? Typically, you’ll still have to pay the fee upfront.

Your bank then credits any applicable ATM fees to your account balance at the end of your billing cycle. So, you generally have to wait a bit of time before seeing that money. Still, it’s much better than never seeing it at all! Interested in finding a financial institution that offers ATM fee reimbursements?

Banks and Credit Unions That Reimburse Out-of-Network ATM Fees

  • Alliant Credit Union – reimburses up to $20 per month
  • Ally Bank – reimburses up to $10 per statement cycle for ATM fees charged at other ATMs nationwide
  • Axos Bank – unlimited ATM fee reimbursements domestically
  • BankFive – up to $15 reimbursed each cycle
  • Charles Schwab Bank – unlimited ATM reimbursements worldwide
  • First Republic Bank – reimburses third-party fees worldwide
  • Incredible Bank – automatically reimburses ATM fees
  • Radius Bank – unlimited ATM fee reimbursements domestically
  • SoFi Money – ATM fees reimbursed worldwide
  • Upgrade – up to five ATM reimbursements each month

Top Banks and Credit Unions That Don’t Charge ATM Fees Within Their Network

  • Aspiration – over 55,000 fee-free ATMs
  • Capital One 360 – over 70,000 Capital One or Allpoint ATMs at zero cost
  • Chase – over 16,000 fee-free ATMs
  • Chime – over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs
  • Citibank – over 65,000 ATMs fee-free to customers
  • Current – over 40,000 fee-free ATMs
  • Fifth Third Bank – over 50,000 fee-free ATMs
  • PeoplesChoice Credit Union – over 85,000 fee-free ATMs
  • PenFed Credit Union – over 85,000 fee-free ATMs
  • Wells Fargo – free access to over 13,000 ATMs

As you can see, there are plenty of financial institutions offering fee-free options that allow you to avoid ATM fees. Many of these bank accounts also come with no monthly fees. You can narrow down the list by reviewing other account features. You should also take into account how much foreign travel you do.

2. Plan in Advance

If your day entails going to Target or shopping online, it’s safe to assume you won’t need cash. But if you’re headed out to a less mainstream operation, check ahead to see if the business accepts debit or credit cards.

It’s as simple as a quick Google search on your phone to check out their payment options. If there’s no website available, see what people have to say on Yelp or Facebook. Message or call the business to check their policy in advance. While many small businesses use their smartphone or tablet to process electronic payments, you shouldn’t assume they all do.

This is especially true if you’re visiting a small operation. A farmer’s market or pick-your-own-strawberry field very well may only accept cash. Food truck rallies, small outdoor concerts, and cheap (but tasty) local dives may operate on a cash-only basis.

These are exactly the types of businesses that need loyal customers like you to support them. But when working with limited funds or limited Wi-Fi, accepting cards may not be an option for these businesses.

Do them and yourself a favor by checking acceptable forms of payment ahead of time, especially when it comes to local businesses. It might be easier to go to a big box store. However, it won’t be half as much fun or have as large of an impact on your community as supporting the little guys. Just prepare in advance, so you can avoid taking a U-turn to hit up an ATM once you’re there.

3. Keep Backup in Your Wallet

It’s perfectly reasonable to attempt to minimize what you carry around in your wallet. After all, you’re probably also saddled down with a bulky smartphone and keychain.

Amidst your driver’s license, debit cards, credit cards, health insurance card, and whatever else that lives in your wallet, you should also carry some backup cash. But, of course, you probably don’t want to walk around carrying a thick wad of money in your wallet.

The chances are low that you’d ever get robbed, but it’s certainly not impossible, especially if you live in a large city. Still, keeping a $20 bill in your pocket can save you a huge headache at some point down the road.

That amount should most likely cover a cab ride, lunch, or other last-minute cash expense you might encounter. And if you do happen to lose your wallet for some reason, you’re not missing a massive chunk of change.

Carry a Blank Check

Another great way to avoid last-minute trips to the ATM is to carry a blank check in your wallet. This gives you a little more leeway than a $20 bill because you can write out the check for however much you want.

If you happen to lose your wallet, or it gets stolen, you’re not out any cash. Of course, you might want to stop payment on the check number, but even that may not be necessary since you didn’t sign it.

Not everyone still accepts checks because of the chance of someone writing a bad one. But in many instances, it can save you time, money, and the aggravation of having to go out in search of an ATM. Adding a simple blank check and $20 can go a long way in ensuring that you’re prepared for any situation that requires a certain amount of cash.

4. Use Your Debit Card to Get Cash Back

A simple but often forgotten way to avoid paying ATM fees is to get cashback on a store purchase. You’ll need a debit card rather than a credit card for this tactic, but otherwise, it’s pretty straightforward.

Make a low-cost purchase at a gas station, drugstore, or other convenient retailer and request money back from your bank account during the payment process. However, there are a few conditions that come with this strategy.

First, it’s not technically free since you do have to pay money to get your cash. But you do actually get something for that money, unlike an ATM fee.

In addition, note whether the establishment has a minimum for either a debit purchase or getting cashback. Ideally, you can get away with buying a cheap drink or snack for one or two dollars. At some places, however, you have to spend $5 or more to use your debit card.

Cash Back Limits

Another factor to consider when getting money through cashback is that there may be a maximum amount you’re able to receive. For instance, CVS only allows for $35 as cashback.

If you need more than that, you may have to visit a few different stores. That can quickly add up if you’re making small purchases at each one. While these limits can be annoying, there is an upside to using cashback for money rather than an expensive ATM.

That’s the flexibility you have in the types of bills and coins you receive. While ATMs usually only dispense cash in $20 bills, you can request any combination of money with cashback. It’s also convenient if you only need a small amount and don’t want to (or can’t) withdraw in $20 increments. Before you hit an ATM, see if a retail store can meet your needs with cashback.

5. Check Your Bank’s ATM Network

If you find it necessary to track down an ATM, look for one in your bank’s network. This allows you to avoid ATM fees from two different parties. How?

Unfortunately, when you use an ATM that’s out of your bank’s network, you’re typically charged twice: once by the company operating the ATM and once by your bank. It’s a double whammy that really hurts your bottom line. So first, look to see if your actual bank has a branch location with an ATM near you.

This is the simplest way to ensure you won’t incur any extra charges. If there are none nearby, check the back of your debit card to see if any other ATM networks are listed. You can also download your bank’s app to use an ATM locator. It’s a quick and easy way to find a no-fee ATM — plus, it’s usually free.

The Largest ATM Networks

Some of the most common ATM networks include Allpoint, MoneyPass, and Co-op Solutions. Allpoint, for example, has 55,000 ATMs in the U.S. and ATMs in Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.K., Australia, and Mexico.

So, you can enjoy fee-free cash in some popular international destinations as long as your bank or credit union participates. MoneyPass is only found in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. It’s in many convenient locations, including Walmart.

Co-op is a similar service that focuses on credit union members. It has more than 30,000 ATMs and 5,000 shared branches throughout the nation. Participating credit union members can easily access fee-free money just about wherever they are.

Ask your bank or credit union where you have your checking account if they participate in any of these ATM networks. If they don’t, and you frequently use ATMs, it might be time to open a new bank account.

Final Thoughts

ATM fees can be especially high when traveling abroad. So, having a bank account like the Charles Schwab Investor Checking or SoFi Money can result in a lot of savings. Not to mention, some of them act as savings accounts and have similar interest rates, so you can actually earn money too.

ATM fee reimbursement isn’t the only feature you should consider when choosing a checking account. However, it could be the most important if you frequent ATMs often.

1. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply with Chime except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

Source: crediful.com

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How Bankrate scored Third Federal Savings and Loan

To determine Third Federal Savings and Loan’s Bankrate Score, Bankrate’s editorial team rated it and other lenders on a scale of one to five stars based on a variety of factors relating to the lender’s products and services. (Bankrate’s partners compensate us, but our opinions are our own, and partner relationships do not influence our reviews.) We derived its overall score by considering three basic factors:

  • Affordability: Third Federal’s mortgage rates are largely below Bankrate’s averages, and you can save on upfront closing costs with the bank’s low-cost options.
  • Availability: The bank serves borrowers in 25 states and Washington, D.C., and doesn’t offer government loans.
  • Borrower experience: Third Federal has a broad range of customer service hours and lots of online resources to help guide you through the mortgage process.

Affordability: 5/5

Affordability differs from lender to lender, so comparing costs is key. Third Federal Savings and Loan clearly displays mortgage rates on its website. These rates are generally competitive and updated regularly, and you can set up automatic rate alerts to get a notification when rates drop below a certain level. If you input some details about your desired loan, you can get even more information, such as the estimated payment and closing costs or how much you could save on the interest rate by paying for points.

The bank charges common closing costs that can include an origination fee, but also offers a lower-upfront cost option for virtually every type of loan that keeps these costs to just $295. These low-cost loans have a higher interest rate, however, so you’ll have a higher monthly payment and your borrowing costs could amount to much more over the life of your loan. Additionally, while there’s no fee to get a preapproval, you might be charged an application fee depending on the type of mortgage you’re seeking. Notably, the bank also offers a $750 closing cost credit to first-time homebuyers.

Availability: 4/5

This factor can make the overall mortgage application process smoother or more challenging. Third Federal Savings and Loan works with borrowers in 25 states, so you’ll need to confirm whether it services yours before you apply for a mortgage with the bank. Its loan offerings include conventional loans as well as construction loans and financing for investment properties. The bank doesn’t offer government-insured mortgages, however.

Borrower experience: 4.7/5

Know what to expect when you work with a specific lender. Third Federal Savings and Loan has 80 years of experience lending to borrowers in Ohio and elsewhere in the U.S. The bank has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau. Its website makes it easy to check available rates, get preapproved, apply for a loan and sign the required paperwork. Before you apply, you can use the bank’s useful calculators to determine how much home you can afford and to estimate your monthly payment. Once you get your loan online, you can use the Third Federal app to manage it; however, you can’t apply for the loan itself directly through the app.

How to apply for a mortgage with Third Federal Savings and Loan

You can apply for a purchase loan or a refinance in person at one of the bank’s branches, on Third Federal’s website or by calling 1-800-THIRD-FED.

Here are some tips to prepare for the process:

  1. Check your credit report. It’s important to check your credit report before your lender does, in case there are errors that could impact not only whether you get preapproved but also your ability to get the best mortgage rate. Knowing your credit score also helps you decide what type of loan to apply for. If your score is in the very low 600s, for instance, an FHA mortgage might be best for you, as its standards are more lenient than those for conventional loans.
  2. Gather personal and financial documents. With any lender, you must supply documentation about your income, assets and debts. This includes pay stubs and W-2s and account and loan statements.
  3. Provide details about the property. You’ll need to provide the address of the home and submit to an appraisal. (If you’re refinancing, you might or might not need an appraisal.)

Refinancing with Third Federal Savings and Loan

Third Federal Savings and Loan offers refinancing at competitive rates in line with Bankrate’s averages. You can apply to refinance your loan through the bank’s website, either to take equity out of your home, refinance your existing balance to a lower rate or shorter term (or both) or consolidate debt. The bank’s low-cost loans ($295 closing costs) are also available for refinances.

Methodology

Bankrate’s expert editorial team collects lender information through a variety of methods. We contact lenders directly, and we also turn to regulatory filings and to assessments by third parties. Our research takes into account three main factors – affordability, availability and borrower experience.

Bankrate’s reporters and editors have decades of experience covering the mortgage industry. They’re skilled at gathering information through interviews and by scouring regulatory filings. Bankrate evaluates more than 85 lenders for factors relating to affordability, availability and customer experience, assigning each a Bankrate Score out of five stars. Here’s how we assess each of the categories:

  • Affordability. Loan cost is a deciding factor for many borrowers. We look at two metrics: 1) a lender’s lowest advertised annual percentage rate (APR) based on Bankrate’s sample scenario, which assumes a 740 or higher credit score and a 20 percent down payment, among other factors and 2) established-customer discounts or incentive pricing, when applicable.
  • Availability. Another factor is how quickly your loan application will be approved, and how many loan programs the lender offers. So we evaluate approval and closing timelines and diversity of loan products.
  • Customer experience. Finally, we delve into what it’s like to deal with the lender as a consumer. We look at the lender’s application process and availability of customer service support. We also consider the results of J.D. Power’s 2022 Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Survey.

Bankrate’s editorial team confirms the accuracy of data at the time of publication. Our team is dedicated to maintaining the timeliness of information – the mortgage industry is changing constantly, so we regularly revisit these reviews to update them.

Bankrate’s methodology page spells out our rating process in greater detail.

Source: thesimpledollar.com

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Last Updated: April 27, 2020 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner – 3 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

The following is a sponsored post.

Retirement is the most complicated time in your life, financially. That’s driven by many factors, including: (1) you don’t know how long your retirement will last, (2) you won’t have a traditional salary coming in the door, and (3) you might not have the same mental capacities as you do now to make financial decisions.

The complicated nature of retirement has increased over time as life expectancy has increased — from around 60 years in 1930 to closer to 80 years today — and pensions have gone away. Maybe your parent or grandparent has a pension? That pension, which might not seem like a big deal when you’re young, makes a big difference in retirement. It fixes all three issues listed above by providing you a continuation of your salary for as long as you live. Now, not only are employers not offering them, but many of us don’t have traditional jobs with benefits in the first place.

Still, for all of us DIYers out there who know how to take control our financial lives and make things happen, there are solutions for us. To make sure we’re financially comfortable and safe in retirement, we need to be aware of the risks and take the right steps to be protected. This of course means thinking about this and planning ahead years before we expect to retire.

Here are the 4 best tools to keep you safe in retirement:

1 – Social Security (I’m serious here…)

Social Security is the golden child of retirement planning. It is THE BEST option we have out there to keep us safe. It’s basically a pension provided by the government. Here’s how it works: While you’re working and paying taxes, you earn Social Security credits. As long as you’ve earned at least 40 credits (1 credit for every $1,320 you make, max of 4 credits per year), you’ll qualify to receive benefits in retirement. The more credits you earn, the more your benefit, which is a monthly paycheck in retirement, will be. That monthly check can start between ages 62-70 and will continue for life, each year potentially increasing for inflation. The longer you wait to start it, the more your benefit will be.

To take full advantage of Social Security, do the following:

  1. Maximize your credits by making sure your reported taxable income is at least $5,280 every year. (This number is based on the 2018 credit value of $1,320 which does go up over time.)
  2. Plan to delay the start of your Social Security to the maximum age of 70. You’ll get an 8% increase in your benefit each year you delay them past full retirement age (67).
  3. Keep track of your Social Security benefit by creating an account. Knowing how much you’ll be receiving each month will make it easier for you to plan how you’ll cover the remaining expenses that exceed your benefits.

2 – Blueprint Income’s Personal Pension

Employers have decided to stop offering pensions, instead providing better access to the stock & bond markets through 401(k)s. But, you can still get yourself the benefits of a pension — steady, guaranteed income that continues for life — independent of what your employer offers. Blueprint Income’s Personal Pension is an account you create and fund just like you fund your 401(k), IRA, or brokerage account. But, instead of putting money in the market, the money in your Personal Pension gets converted into guaranteed, lifelong income backed by insurance companies, of which Blueprint Income has 15 on their platform. (The technical product that makes this possible is called an income annuity, which is what the first generation of pensions used.)

Use the Personal Pension to supplement your Social Security so that all of your most important expenses in retirement will be covered no matter how long you live, and even if the market crashes. Here’s what to do:

  1. Head to Blueprint Income to build a Personal Pension plan. You can set a goal for how much income you want in retirement and they’ll tell you how much to put in over time.
  2. If you have an idea of how much your basic expenses will be in retirement, use that minus Social Security as your income goal. If you don’t know, just set it at $2,000 per month and work with their time to refine it later.
  3. Decide where the money to open the account will come from (minimum of $5,000). You can use existing retirement savings (Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k) rollover) or new savings from your bank account.
  4. Then, keep contributing over time as little as $100 per month to build up your retirement check. If something happens, you can always skip/cancel/change contributions without penalty.

3 – Tomorrow, The Family Financial Planning App

The first two tools protect you from the risk that you live longer than expected and the risk that the stock market crashes. But, what will happen when you pass away? Not only is that emotionally challenging for your loved ones, it can also create very complicated financial situations for them. The Tomorrow app provides a super easy and user-friendly way to make important long-term financial decisions and set up appropriate wills and insurance contracts.

Here’s what you can do through the Tomorrow app:

  1. Create a last will & testament for free. Having a will is important because it specifies who will be the guardian of your kids and pets and specifies what should happen to your assets.
  2. Create a trust fund, which when paired with a will, has the benefit of protecting your privacy, reducing probate costs, and allowing for better distribution of your assets.
  3. Determine and buy the right amount of term life insurance. This is the simplest form of protection for your family over the period of time that a premature death would harm them financially.

4 – EverSafe, Protection from Fraud, Scams & Financial Exploitation

At the beginning, I mentioned that retirement becomes a risky time in your life because of your potentially diminished cognitive capabilities. This reality makes seniors easy targets for financial abuse and exploitation. Elder financial abuse can take many forms, including petty theft, fraud, scams, misguided home repairs and bad financial advice. EverSafe is a personal detection and alert system that stops exploiters from taking advantage of you.

Consider signing up for EverSafe as you approach retirement, or for your loved ones who are already in retirement, to get the following services:

  1. Analysis of your daily transactions for erratic activity and anomalies like unusual withdrawals, missing deposits, etc.
  2. Alerts by email text, or phone to you and your trusted advocates when suspicious activity occurs.
  3. Tools to manage and resolve any fraudulent activity.

With these tools, plus all of the good day-to-day and long term financial sense I know you already have, you’ll set yourself up for a comfortable retirement where, ideally, you never even have to think about money or risk!

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Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

Today is Best Viewed as “In-Range Volatility”

By:
Matthew Graham

Wed, May 24 2023, 4:27 PM

Today is Best Viewed as “In-Range Volatility”

Bonds began the day on the back foot as UK inflation crushed forecasts.  Treasuries sold in sympathy, but found their footing before the start of the US session.  From slightly lower opening yields, the rest of the day was spent selling, apart from a brief bounce surrounding the 5yr auction and Fed Minutes release.  Yields were less than 3bps higher at the 3pm close and haven’t gone much higher after hours.  No one likes higher rates, but today is best viewed through the lens of in-range volatility.  MBS can’t quite make that claim as 5.0 coupons are a bit lower than they were yesterday, but 10yr yields traded under yesterday’s ceilings.  Nothing was decided in the bigger picture.  The Fed is data dependent.  Inflation is still too high. Corporate earnings suggest a resilient economy.  And we’re waiting until early June for more relevant econ data.  

    • S&P Manufacturing PMI
      • 48.5 vs 49.0 f’cast, 50.2 prev
    • Services PMI
      • 55.1 vs 51.5 f’cast, 53.6 prev

09:44 AM

MBS down an eighth of a point, underperforming.  10yr also losing ground, near AM highs, but still down 0.6bps at 3.692.

11:57 AM

Steady weakness throughout AM hours and another pop of selling following debt ceiling progress headlines.  10yr up 2.8bps at 3.726.  MBS down 9 ticks (.28).

02:04 PM

No major reaction to FOMC Minutes.  10yr up 2.3bps at 3.721.  MBS down a quarter point.

03:24 PM

Modest gains until about 2:40pm, but losing ground since then.  10yr up 3bps at 3.728.  MBS down 3/8ths with almost an eighth of that due to illiquidity.

 Download our mobile app to get alerts for MBS Commentary and streaming MBS and Treasury prices.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi are four of the major players in the travel credit card space. As such, these issuers offer their own travel portals, where users can earn and redeem their points and miles for flights, hotels, car rentals and more.

These issuers also incentivize their cardholders to use the bank’s own portal, done by offering bonus points on bookings.

For instance, with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you’ll earn 10 miles per dollar on hotel and car rentals and 5 miles per dollar on flights — but only when booked through the Capital One Travel portal. Purchases made outside the portal earn 2 miles per dollar.

Likewise, with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar on all travel booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal. Otherwise, you earn 2 points per dollar on those travel purchases.

Given the lucrative earning potential that booking through these portals presents, it begs the question: Is it worth your time to use them rather than booking directly?

In this guide, we put these four travel portals to the test when booking flights. We compared price, ease of use, redemption value and other metrics.

Methodology

For this analysis, we limited our research to flights and didn’t include hotels, rental cars or other travel. That’s because we generally recommend that you avoid booking hotels through a third party since you likely won’t receive elite-status benefits (if you have any) or earn elite-qualifying stay credits.

If you’re not concerned with earning hotel elite status or are booking an independent hotel, then booking your stay through a travel portal could be advantageous for you.

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It’s also worth noting that you can get elite-like perks at hotels, even without elite status, by booking with these programs: Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts, Amex’s The Hotel Collection, Capital One’s Premier Collection, Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, Citi’s Hotel Collection and Citi’s Luxury Hotel Collection.

With flights, you may be able to “double-dip” your earnings: You can usually earn bonus points on bookings through your card issuer’s portal and earn airline and elite-qualifying miles just as you would by booking directly through the airline. That said, here are the features we examined in each portal:

  • Results: Do you get comprehensive results when searching through the portal?
  • Price: How do the prices compare to booking directly with an airline versus through a portal?
  • Ease of use: Is navigating the portal easy for a user? What unique features or benefits do users get from using this portal?
  • Redemption value: Is it worth redeeming your points and miles for travel through a portal?

With these four factors in mind, here’s how the individual issuers’ travel portals stack up.

American Express Travel portal

AMERICANEXPRESS.COM

Any American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points grants access to the Amex Travel portal. Depending on your specific card, you may earn bonus points for booking through the portal.

The Platinum Card® from American Express, for instance, earns 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases annually, then 1 point per dollar) and 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotel bookings made through Amex Travel. The American Express® Gold Card, meanwhile, earns 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.

You can search for flights, hotels, flight and hotel packages, rental cars and cruises on the Amex portal.

Related: Everything you need to know about Amex Travel

Capital One travel portal

CAPITALONE.COM

The Capital One travel portal offers a fresh interface powered by the travel tech app Hopper and is accessible with most credit cards earning Capital One miles or cash back.

Bonus earnings are available, depending on which card you have. Using the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card to book flights in the portal provides 5 miles per dollar; flights booked elsewhere earn 2 miles per dollar.

Currently, you can only book flights, hotels and rental cars through the portal. The portal also houses the Premier Collection for luxury hotels. However, this is only accessible if you have the Venture X or its counterpart, the Capital One Venture X Business card.

The information for the Venture X Business card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: How to use the Capital One travel portal — now with more cards and new rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal

CHASE.COM

Chase’s Ultimate Rewards travel portal was powered by Expedia for many years, but the issuer migrated to cxLoyalty in 2021.

You can access the portal with your Ultimate Rewards-earning credit card, including popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Cardholders can book flights, hotels, cars, activities and cruises on the Chase travel portal.

Related: Why are some flights more expensive through the Chase travel portal?

Citi travel portal

CITI.COM

The overhauled Citi travel portal launched in March 2023 after months of delays. It’s powered by Rocket Travel by Agoda, part of the Booking.com family.

You can access the portal with any credit card earning ThankYou points, and several cards earn bonus points on bookings in the portal. Unfortunately, flights aren’t included in these bonus offerings.

With Citi’s new portal, you can book flights, hotels, rental cars and attractions of numerous types. The portal also offers two hotel programs: Hotel Collection and Luxury Collection.

Related: Ultimate guide to the Citi travel portal

Booking flights

I looked at a variety of round-trip routes with the same dates (roughly six months from now) and gathered the following prices:

Itinerary Booked directly Amex Travel Capital One Travel Chase travel Citi Travel
New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) in economy with Delta Air Lines. $533. $541. $540. $523. $540.
Tampa (TPA) to Bozeman (BZN) in economy with American Airlines. $786. $786. $786. $786. $786.
Baltimore (BWI) to Las Vegas (LAS) in economy with Delta Air Lines. $720. $720. $720. $720. $720.
Miami (MIA) to Boston (BOS) in economy with JetBlue. $418. $418. $338. $418. $412.
Chicago (ORD) to Milan (MXP) in economy with United Airlines. $902. $902. $902. $772. $732.
Nashville (BNA) to Bogotá, Colombia (BOG) in economy with American Airlines. $535. $535. $535. $535. $415.
Toronto (YYZ) to Seoul (ICN) in economy with Air Canada. $1,079. $1,952. $1,880. $ 2,581. $1,952.
New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) in Delta One. $2,798. $2,600. $2,798. $2,798. Not available.
Newark (EWR) to London (LHR) in business with British Airways. $3,272. $3,272. $3,300. $3,300. $3,300.
San Francisco (SFO) to Singapore (SIN) in business with Singapore Airlines. $8,351. $7,285. $8,521. $9,386. $8,521.

Price

All of the travel portals generally fared well when it came to searching economy flights versus booking directly. However, there were a few major caveats worth noting.

Southwest Airlines is not bookable on any of the portals, and tickets for low-cost airlines like Spirit Airlines and Frontier are typically more expensive on the Chase and Capital One travel portals than booking directly. Amex Travel didn’t display any Spirit Airways or Frontier Airlines flights.

When it came to international flights, all of the bank portals struggled at times to match prices or give comparable results versus booking directly. For a deeper dive on some of these routes and flight prices, we did a broader comparison across 20 flights in this guide.

As a general word of advice, domestic flights should yield the same results and price, but it gets tricky when searching for international fares. Your best bet would be to compare the prices and only use a portal when the prices are identical.

Ease of use

The Amex portal is my favorite for a comprehensible search experience, fast load times for results and the simplicity of parsing through the various options.

AMERICANEXPRESS.COM

On the other hand, the Capital One portal offers one of the most visually appealing interfaces, with color-coded dates to indicate the lowest prices in a calendar view — plus price drop protection. However, the Capital One portal did not provide as many options as its competitors on some searches. It also yielded higher prices for international routes, but I’m hopeful that the issuer will continue to make improvements in the future.

CAPITALONE.COM

Based on millions of data points from Hopper, Capital One is supposed to let you know if this is the best time to book via its price watch prediction feature.

CAPITALONE.COM

To standardize the offerings across various airlines, Capital One also provides detailed insights into what flyers can expect from their chosen fare class. With the rise of “basic economy” fares, it’s not always clear what amenities are included in your ticket and what you’ll have to pay for as extras.

Capital One does an excellent job of explaining in-depth features such as seat pitch, aircraft type, and food and beverage options on board.

CAPITALONE.COM

Speaking of basic economy, it’s worth noting Amex Travel rarely (if ever) displays these fares. If you’re looking for basic economy, you should use another portal.

Citi’s new portal does a good job of offering a broad range of results in economy and offering upgrades on the payment page. And being able to book flights plus other travel elements in one transaction is great. However, searching directly for business-class fares is tricky on this portal.

Finally, the Chase portal has seen vast improvements since fully migrating toward its cxLoyalty interface. Previously, when Chase was powered by Expedia, users complained about slow load times and much higher prices than those offered directly by the airlines. Some of those issues seem to have been resolved.

CHASE.COM

While the Ultimate Rewards portal could use some work in cleaning up the interface, the overall user experience is much better than before. That said, it’s also the portal with the highest frequency of price divergence from booking directly — sometimes higher and sometimes lower.

Redemption value

This is not a criterion we used for evaluating these bank travel portals for this particular article. The value of your points or miles can depend on which particular rewards card you carry. Still, it is worth remembering if you intend to use your credit card’s travel portal to earn or redeem points and miles.

Your credit card points or miles are typically worth 1 cent each for flights in your respective travel portal. That’s the case with Amex cards that earn Membership Rewards points and Capital One credit cards. Even with the Capital One’s premium card (the Venture X), your points are only worth 1 cent each when redeemed for travel through the Capital One portal. The same applies to credit cards earning Citi ThankYou points.

On the other hand, Chase’s credit cardholders are incentivized to use the Ultimate Rewards portal via a higher redemption value. With the Chase Sapphire Reserve, your points are worth 1.5 cents each toward travel bookings, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred Credit Card fetch 1.25 cents per point in value.

CHASE.COM

While not as consistent of a program, American Express offers “Insider Fares,” allowing cardholders to redeem their points for a better value than 1 cent apiece on select domestic and international itineraries. However, these can be quite specific.

AMERICANEXPRESS.COM

Select Amex business credit cardholders can also leverage the Pay with Points benefit to get a 25% to 50% points rebate when booking select airfare through Amex Travel — yet another incentive to book through the portal.

Due to all these card-specific circumstances, we didn’t make redemption values a main criterion for judging these portals for booking flights. Rather, we focused on each portal’s user interface and the availability of competitive fares — as those two factors will probably be the determinants as to whether travelers end up using them.

Related: Why I love the Amex Business Platinum’s Pay With Points perk

Bottom line

Credit card issuers have improved their travel portals over the years, but they’re still far from perfect. While there isn’t a clear winner for the best travel portal, each has unique features and incentives for its cardholders.

If you decide to book a flight through your issuer’s travel portal, be sure to compare that price against booking directly with the airline to get the best deal possible. And don’t forget that you may want to book directly anyway to avoid any headaches down the road. If you need to change or cancel your airfare, booking with a third party can complicate matters when plans change.

Additional reporting by Ryan Smith.

Source: thepointsguy.com