A comparison between two standout travel credit cards, the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express, is the rare case where it’s hard to pick a clear winner. If you’re more interested in the perks, the Platinum is a dream for the high roller who wants to travel in style. But the Gold is a better earner and worthy travel companion, too, offering 4x points on dining worldwide (and at U.S. supermarkets). Terms apply.
Here’s a guide to help you decide what card to get — and when it makes sense to get both.
American Express® Gold Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual fee
Welcome offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
4x points at restaurants worldwide.
4x points at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases.
3x points on airfare on a scheduled flight charged directly with passenger airlines and charged directly with amextravel.com.
1x points on everything else.
Terms apply.
5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
1x points on everything else.
Terms apply.
Extra perks
$120 dining credit, up to $10 per month at select restaurants. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash credit, up to $10 per month.
Terms apply.
$200 hotel credit.
$240 digital entertainment credit. Enrollment required.
$200 Uber Cash credit; $10 per month plus a $20 bonus in Dec.
$300 Equinox credit.
$189 CLEAR Plus credit.
Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credit; $50 semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$100 Global Entry credit.
$300 SoulCycle at-home bike credit. Enrollment required.
Terms apply.
Why you’d want The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum is a bonafide premium travel credit card for the bonafide traveler. Its annual fee is among the highest compared to cards in its class, but in exchange, cardholders receive several superior travel perks that make flights, stays and car rentals a luxe experience.
Airport lounge access
Don’t want to wait at the gate with the masses? The Platinum Card® from American Express has you covered. Cardholders can enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi and even a hot shower with access to more than 1,400 airport lounges around the world. That includes the exclusive American Express Centurion lounges, which only Platinum and Black card holders can enter. The American Express® Gold Card, on the other hand, won’t grant entry into any lounge.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Unlike the American Express Gold Card, the The Platinum Card® from American Express offers cell phone protection up to $800 per claim, or $1,600 (two claims) per 12-month period when you charge the bill on your card and pay a $50 deductible. (Insurance is underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply.)
Automatic status
Nothing says traveling in luxury like room upgrades, VIP treatment and the ability to skip the line. The Platinum Card® from American Express gives its cardholders these automatic status boosts:
Concierge services
Help scoring tickets to world-class sporting events, reservations at posh restaurants and seats at the hottest concerts can be yours with The Platinum Card® from American Express. Just call the number on the back of your card to connect with a Platinum Concierge, who can help with everything from sending flowers to navigating travel disruptions. Access to such in-demand experiences pairs nicely with the card’s Platinum Travel Service that can create custom trip itineraries.
Why you’d want the American Express® Gold Card
Smaller annual fee
The American Express® Gold Card costs about $400 less in annual fees than The Platinum Card® from American Express, a significant difference. Sure, the Gold still isn’t cheap, but it can pack tremendous value.
Both cards have Uber Cash credits, too. The Gold’s is worth up to $120 (doled out in monthly increments of $10) while the Platinum’s is up to $200. But, if you’re able to get the full value of the American Express® Gold Card Uber credit — which you can do pretty easily by calling an Uber or ordering from Uber Eats every month — you’ll nearly cut the Gold’s annual fee in half.
To get the credits, the AmEx Gold Card must be added as a payment method in the Uber app, and credits are only awarded for U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats orders. Terms apply.
Superior rewards-earnings
The American Express® Gold Card is a rewards powerhouse — not just compared to The Platinum Card® from American Express, which earns a paltry 1x points on most purchases, but compared to many other rewards cards. It boasts a whopping 4x rewards rates on the popular spending categories of restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year; 1x thereafter). It ranks on NerdWallet’s lists of best credit cards for groceries and restaurants. Terms apply.
If your household spends $12,000 a year on groceries and dining, you’d earn 48,000 Membership Rewards by putting all of those expenses on the Gold card. If you’re willing to put in a little effort to transfer and redeem points with travel partners rather than with AmEx directly, you can reap outsized value. NerdWallet values American Express Membership Rewards at 2 cents each when transferred to partners to book travel.
Why you’d get both
If you can afford two high annual fees, consider getting the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express. For the dedicated traveler, they make a perfect pairing. You’ll get all of the travel perks from the Platinum and big rewards rates on everyday spending categories with the Gold. Ultimately, the Gold can help you rack up Membership Rewards to pay for travel, while the Platinum can make the actual travel experience more enjoyable.
DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) -Davenport’s locally owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery and mattress store provides an array of home furniture and mattresses for you to choose from. Stop in soon to enter a world of comfort, service, and selection.
Nancy Klemme of La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery in Davenport highlights how the designers can assist you in using the trending Pantone colors of the year in order to create a space that is “current” and comfortable.
Klemme features particularly popular trends such as blues, black and tan, and gold.
Also notable is that the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year is very Barbie-friendly: Viva Magenta! The pinkish-red hue is great for a spring/summer punch of color with accents. The 2024 Pantone Color of the Year (announced early) is Apricot Crush.
La-Z-Boy offers design services that can assist Quad Citizens reach their goals. From small updates to complete transformations, their FREE Design Services help you get the look of your dreams.
Visit La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery online at https://www.la-z-boy.com/Davenport/Davenport/ or stop in at 4775 Elmore Avenue, Davenport. Contact the store at 563-355-7801.
As the clock continues to tick on the renovation of our San Francisco Victorian we picked paint colors over the weekend!, it’s all beginning to feel real. Really really real. That’s why I’m loving our Designer’s Take series even more. Now that the progress has come this far, I can really envision what some of our rooms could look like in the end. This week we’ve got another gorgeous concept for our living room. Here’s an update on what it’s looking like right now!
This picture is looking from our kitchen-to-be into the living room and the dining room beyond. We took out a wall to create an open concept living space. The room is connected to the entry hall, the dining room, a TV room and kitchen. The final living room will feature a seating area around a fireplace as our focal point. But I’m also loving the original arches and the 145 year old pocket doors!
The latest updates include the dry wall going up and the walls being primed. We also chose oak hardwood for the floors – they’ve been going in over the last few weeks. The smell in there is SO good right now. I wish that picture was scratch and sniff! The floors’ natural color is so pretty I’m going to be hard pressed to stain them in the end. Needless to say, I’m VERY excited to begin to see actual rooms take shape. The living room concept from Casework below has me envisioning quiet evenings in our living room cuddled up with a glass of wine and a good book home decor magazine!
Over here at Casework we’re super excited to see Erin’s new Victorian fixer upper in San Francisco transition to Apartment 34 standards. We know how daunting an entire home remodel can be, especially living through the process but know the Apartment 34 team and Erin will create a unique and thoughtful space and track the progress all the way!
When we were asked, “how would Casework redo a room?”, we jumped at the chance. Victorian bones with modern sensibilities are right up our alley. We love a mix of traditional details like crown molding and wood floors with more modern pieces like bright white walls, brass light fixtures and mid century tables. That blend of old and new is the perfect balance. And to make it all work, it’s really all about keeping things neutral and focusing on textures, materials and playing with scale. We also like to layer tones of gray with the classic black and white to soften the starkness and create warmth without needing warm colors.
> Sofa
> Chandelier
> Planet Light Fixture
> Marble Coffee Table
> Kartel Gold Componibili
> “Brazil Cliffs” Art
> Mid-Century Planter
> Chairs
> Brass Mirror
> Tabriz Rug
I’m definitely crushing on this chic, sophisticated take on the living room. Catching up on our epic remodel project? You can check out kitchen ideas HERE, living room ideas HERE and bedroom ideas HERE. More updates on our progress will be coming to the blog again soon but I’m also sharing more improptu tours on Snapchat and on Periscope! You can find me @apartment34!!
Room by Casey Keasler for Casework
Image 1 via Daniellla Witte // 2 via Space Copenhagen // 3 via Lark & Linen // 4 via Citizen Atelier // 5 via Nordic Design
There are tons of amazing TV shows that set the world on fire with their stories but, for some reason or another weren’t continued. It’s tragic enough when a long-running series gets curtained, but it’s even more heartbreaking when a stellar show begins to hit its stride, and then gets abruptly canceled. We turned to Reddit to find out which canceled shows people miss the most. Whether you’re mourning a beloved show, or want an introduction to some television gold, here are 10 series that came and left far too quickly!
1. Mindhunter
One user said, “Probably anything canceled by Netflix.”
Another user replied, “Mindhunter has entered the chat.”
A third added, “Mindhunter is the first series I actually got super bummed out about being canceled. The story, actors, and music. Shame.”
One Redditor commented, “Soundtrack was elite. Almost got lost in the shuffle of everything else is so well done.”
Another user shared, “Inside Job made it two seasons before getting axed on a cliffhanger. I still want to know what happens.”
One commenter replied, “This is how I found out Inside Job got canceled… sigh.”
2. Rome
One user exclaimed, “ROME!!!!”
One commenter added, “Yes. Rome! It was Game of Thrones before Game of Thrones.”
One user replied, “Rome walked so GoT could run….into a post.”
“Yeah, the later seasons weren’t as good, but I don’t know how much better they could be considering everything that happened behind the scenes… Though I guess the real weakness was injecting Caesar and that one guy’s the stupid horrible son. Ugh…yeah…now I’m remembering everything…geez… you’re right…I was only thinking about the first season and the prequel,” one user responded.
3. 2003 Teen Titans
One user posted, “This may seem a bit childish, but Teen Titans—the original one from 2003…”
Another replied, “It’s a bummer because every character got one season where they were the focus of the ongoing plot. Season 1 was Robin, season 2 was Terra, season 3 was Cyborg, season 4 was Raven, and season 5 was Beast Boy. It was set up perfectly to have a 6th season focused on Starfire, and we never got it.”
One commenter added, “Rewatched the whole series reasonably recently. It really was such a unique show for the time. I remember seeing reruns on Boomerang after the series had finished airing on CN. Unfortunately, they no longer air anything from the original series or movie. Season 5 absolutely ended in a way that demanded something more, and the movie did not scratch that itch.”
4. Reaper
“Reaper—Absolutely loved that [show], oh and Firefly, but everyone says that,” one Redditor posted.
Another user added, “I hate that they don’t cast Tyler Labine in more comedy stuff. Reaper was a fantastic showcase of his hilarity, and one of my all-time favorite movies is Tucker and Dale vs. Evil.”
One user commented, “I can’t believe Reaper was so far down the list.”
Another added, “From what I remember, it was canceled because they wanted The Vampire Diaries in that time slot. Guess they made a good move, considering the success of TVD. But I still hate them for canceling it.”
One user added, “The network canceled it, they tried to syndicate to SciFi, but the cast would have to take pay cuts, so they weren’t on board, and then the showrunners were going to produce a comic book to at least wrap the cliffhanger they left us on, but… nothing. They did at least do an interview where they revealed the secrets behind Sam and the devil’s deal, his parentage, etc., if you’re interested. (Warning: spoilers for a show canceled 14 years ago).”
5. Jericho
One user posted, “Jericho.”
Another added, “Every time I see this thread, I come just to upvote or add Jericho. Nuts to CBS.”
One user also commented, “Same. I keep scrolling until I see Jericho, and then I upvote.”
“Let’s be honest. This would be one of the best ‘remakes’ of our time. Jericho and not just season one and a half. But seasons 3, 4, 5, and 6. Let’s see how the country is rebuilt. I would watch every last second of this. I also really like that long before preppers and all this other [stuff]. They were doing things that were way ahead of their time. Granted, they were probably public knowledge to somebody, but they weren’t mainstream. And I thought that was really cool that they were touching on a lot of topics. I think this show was ahead of its time, and it was canceled during a writer’s strike, and that [was terrible],” one user responded.
Another user concluded, “I think HBO or Paramount would do a good job on a Jericho reboot. However, if it ever does happen, I hope they use the original cast.”
6. Venture Bros
One user posted, “Venture Bros.”
One of the users then shared, “Venture Bros was easily a solid decade ahead of its time.The Boys, Invincible, Harley Quinn, Doom Patrol, Peacemaker. All these shows deal with deconstructing the superhero mythos, and the Venture Brothers did this in 2004. At least we’re getting a movie.”
“Venture Bros started as a pitch-perfect parody of old Hanna-Barbera cartoons and went on to skewer every element of pop culture they could get their hands on while maintaining well-written, context-driven comedy. It was never cheap. It was well-acted and scripted. It grew and evolved and allowed its characters to step outside the narrow channels they were born in, developing them from single characteristic, classic archetypes into something more complex. I [really] love the Venture Bros. Dead excited for the film, but I’d equally take another few seasons,” one user replied.
Another user concluded, “Honestly, the fact that most (all?) VB characters have some sort of arc is part of what makes the show great. Most shows (especially adult cartoons) have these flat, static characters. Venture bros are nothing like that.”
7. I Am Not Okay With This
One user shared, “I Am Not Okay With This.”
Another responded, “It had so much potential, not to mention they left so much unanswered at the end of the season purposely so they could make a second one.”
One Redditor commented, “Netflix does not [care at all] about finishing a story. It is not worth investing any time in any of their content, even the stuff that looks good.”
One user replied, “This cancellation made me give up on Netflix. I just can’t get excited by anything on their platform at this point because I know whatever I get interested in, no matter how good it is, will get dropped without a conclusion. I WON’T LET THEM HURT ME AGAIN!”
8. Pushing Daisies
One Redditor posted, “Pushing Daisies.”
One user replied, “Definitely this one. I loved the series and wanted to see where it was going.”
Another user seconded, “This and Dead Like Me. Both sensational shows.”
Another commenter responded, “I’ve just come to accept that anything Bryan Fuller makes, I’m going to love and then be heartbroken when it’s canceled too soon.”
One user commented, “Or when he’s ousted from it. American Gods took an extreme nosedive when he left.”
One user also shared, “I don’t really fault Fuller for Discovery. After all, CBS dropped him early in development, and they only used some of his outlines. As a result, the final product is different from what he was originally going for. As an example, he wanted to do an anthology series that explored many different eras of Star Trek.”
One user concluded, “Yeah, I thought he was there for the whole production of season one, but reading the Wiki page, it looks like there was a lot of turmoil early on.”
9. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
One of the Reddit users shared, “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency. Edit: so many people didn’t like the 2nd season, which is entirely fair. It’s hard to live up to the expectations of such a solid first season. The reason I personally would like a 3rd season is that the cliffhanger is so damn tasty. Also, I want more Rowdy 3 (6?), Alan Tudyk, and Tyler Labine.
“I recognize that it deviates completely from the source material, and I understand why a lot of people are upset by that. There are a lot of examples where I hated the adaptation (looking at you, World War Z), but I personally believe this is a perfect example of how you take inspiration and run with it.
“A dark, gritty version where Dirk was the fat slob the books described him as might also be fantastic, and I’d probably watch… it. However, I think this adaptation perfectly captures the whimsical nonsense of Douglas Adam’s writing, and I’m ok with it. It’s just a shame that the show was attached to such a scumbag. Otherwise, we might have seen that 3rd season that gave us all the answers they teased.”
One user commented, “That show is still my absolute favorite. With absolute [great lines] like, ‘The Rowdy Three!’, ‘But there are 4 of them!’, ‘I’m WILDLY aware.’
“They captured Douglas Adams’ whimsical nonsense so perfectly in that show. I feel like the second series went completely off the rails, but I still loved it.”
“This was so gloriously, bizarrely brilliant. It was completely different from the (excellent) books, but it took on some of the core ideas and added a bunch of its own, then ran simultaneously with them in multiple directions. It was a joy to watch and made me feel an almost childlike wonder. It surprised and delighted me; a modern-day fairy-tale for grown-ups. Gutted it was canceled,” one user replied.
Another user added, “It was a book adaptation done right. Borrowed concepts from the book, but instead of trying to squeeze the book’s story onto the screen (which would have been a… trainwreck), they went their own way and made something unique.”
10. Better Off Ted
One Redditor posted, “Better Off Ted. The show was a brilliant satire of corporate business that was far too funny. The amazing cast was incredibly quotable and ended far too soon. Punisher should have had a season 2 with more gang/mafia shenanigans. Altered Carbon should have been able to wrap up its story. Rubicon. It didn’t have to be a continuation, but I would love to see more like it. Edit: I have corrected it. Punisher had a season 2—my mistake.
Another added, “The episode where they installed motion detectors for everything that didn’t see black people, so they had to assign every black person a white person to open doors, but then because of diversity rules, they had to hire more black people was phenomenal.
Ted: ‘That’s more than weird, Veronica. That’s basically, well… racist.’
Veronica: ‘The company’s position is that it’s actually the opposite of racist because it’s not targeting black people. It’s just ignoring them. So they insist the worst people can call it is indifferent.’
Ted: ‘Well, they know it has to be fixed, right? Please… at least say they know that.’
Veronica: ‘Of course they do, and they’re working on it. In the meantime, they’d like everyone to celebrate the fact that it sees Hispanics, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Jews.’”
One user concluded, “Definitely. Whenever people ask me about good, fun TV, they usually know the standards like Office and 30 Rock, so I point them to Better off Ted and outline this specific episode. And each time, they are eager to check it out. It’s such an unusual, new trope that hits all the right points.”
Source: Reddit.
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As many as one in three Americans have criminal records. And since most employers run background checks on potential candidates, these records can be a considerable impediment for those previously convicted of a felony.
In fact, according to the Sentencing Project, more than 60% of formerly incarcerated individuals are unemployed one year after being released
.
Therefore, starting and running a business may be a suitable way of earning income. Although formerly incarcerated individuals can still face challenges as entrepreneurs, a variety of small-business grants and additional resources can help.
How Much Do You Need?
with Fundera by NerdWallet
Grants for people previously convicted of a felony
Unlike small-business loans, grants provide free funding that doesn’t need to be repaid. Grants can be a particularly good option for formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs who don’t want to take on debt or have trouble qualifying for debt financing.
It’s important to keep in mind that finding and applying for small-business grants is time-consuming and entries are competitive. If you dedicate the necessary time and effort, however, you may be able to access free capital for your business.
Nonprofit and corporate grants
Formerly incarcerated individuals can get business grants from corporations and nonprofit organizations. Some nonprofits even offer second-chance entrepreneurial programs — in other words, training and funding opportunities designed specifically for previously incarcerated people.
Rise Up, Get Started Grant Program
Determination, Incorporated, a nonprofit organization based in Kansas City, Missouri, that helps formerly incarcerated individuals start and grow their own businesses.
Through the organization’s Rise Up, Get Started initiative, business owners can participate in a year-long program where they receive coaching, mentoring and community support. Entrepreneurs will also have assistance writing a business plan and creating a budget.
At the conclusion of the program, participants will have $300 saved for their business — and Determination, Incorporation will award a $750 grant on top of these savings.
The nonprofit organization also runs an in-prison Back to Business workshop, which helps incarcerated individuals develop a business plan so that they can get started quickly upon release.
Georgetown Pivot Program
The Georgetown Pivot Program is a full-time, one-year program designed to help formerly incarcerated individuals develop the skills to succeed in a business and professional environment.
Over the course of the program, participants will attend classes, receive an internship placement and get the opportunity to develop their own business idea. Each participant will present their business idea at the Pivot Pitch Competition for a chance to win startup funding. In 2022, participants were awarded a total of $15,000 in grant money.
To qualify, participants must be 25 years or older with a high school or a GED diploma who were last incarcerated within the past five years. Preference is given to Washington, D.C., residents.
The Transform Business Grant
The Transform Business Grant is open to business owners in systemically oppressed groups, including formerly incarcerated people. In addition to $1,000 microgrant, recipients will also be awarded a customized, year-long business strategy and development program. The next grant cycle runs from July 20-August 20, 2023.
LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurial Academy
LEAP is a nonprofit organization based in Florida that works with previously incarcerated women and helps them as they transition back into society. The LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurial Academy is a program that runs twice per year and teaches business skills to its participants.
Over a three-month period, students attend classes twice per week, and at the conclusion of the program, they pitch a business plan to a panel of entrepreneurs for an opportunity to win cash prizes. Graduates are also eligible to apply for a $1,000 microloan.
To qualify, you must be a formerly incarcerated woman who has access to a computer. LEAP covers all program costs through funding from its sponsors.
Amber Grant
Although not designated exclusively for previously incarcerated individuals, the Amber Grant is another great funding option for women entrepreneurs. The nonprofit organization WomensNet offers several grant opportunities to businesses that are at least 50% women-owned, including the $10,000 monthly Amber Grant and the $25,000 annual Amber Grant.
WomensNet also issues a startup-dedicated grant, a nonprofit-dedicated grant and business category grants. Each month, the organization offers a $10,000 grant to a company in a specific industry — in July, for example, the funding is awarded to an animal services business.
You can apply for all of these grants by submitting one simple application through the Amber Grant website.
NASE Growth Grant
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), provides growth grants of up to $4,000 to small businesses on a quarterly basis. To be eligible for one of these grants, however, you must be a NASE member.
The organization offers several different membership options (which include additional benefits, such as expert advice and product discounts) and does not exclude formerly incarcerated individuals from joining.
Once you become a member, you can apply for a grant through the NASE website. Monthly members, however, will have to wait 90 days before they can apply. For the application, you’ll need to provide a business plan and explain why you need the funds and how you’ll use the money.
Incfile Fresh Start Business Grant
Grant winners will receive Incfile’s Gold plan for free, which includes incorporation services in your state, free registered agent services for a year and a free tax consultation. You’ll also receive a $2,500 grant.
To apply, you must complete an online application, create a two-minute video explaining how entrepreneurship will impact your life and submit a sample business plan. Incfile accepts applications three times per year.
Government grants
Individuals previously convicted of a felony can also get business grants from the federal government, as well as state and local governments. Here are some options to consider:
Grants.gov
Grants.gov is a database of federal small-business grants available to all types of entrepreneurs, including formerly incarcerated individuals. This database offers access to over 1,000 grants administered by 26 government agencies, such as the Department of Energy, Department of State and Department of Transportation.
To apply, you’ll need to register your business using the System Award Management platform and get a unique entity identification number. Once you have your number, you can create an account on Grants.gov to submit your grant applications.
Economic Development Offices
Most states and many cities have economic development offices, which are dedicated to promoting and supporting local businesses. Through your regional office, you’ll likely be able to find information regarding government funding solutions, training programs and tax incentives.
Maine’s Office of Business Development, for example, provides a variety of grant opportunities, including options that finance recreation businesses, local tourism, agriculture and food businesses, among others.
Additional resources for people previously convicted of a felony
Entrepreneurial training programs and other tools can be extremely beneficial for individuals previously convicted of a felony looking to start or grow their businesses — even if they don’t necessarily provide free funding. Finding organizations that focus on helping the formerly incarcerated transition back into society through entrepreneurship can be particularly useful.
Here are some available resources:
Help For Felons
The website HelpForFelons.org provides a wide variety of resources for those who were convicted of felonies, as well as other previously incarcerated individuals. Through the site, you can find job postings, legal information and housing options. You can also access lists of personal and business grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance.
Inmates to Entrepreneurs
Inmates to Entrepreneurs is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people with criminal backgrounds launch their own businesses. The organization offers free online and in-person courses to give would-be entrepreneurs the business education they need to get started.
Defy Ventures
Defy Ventures administers several second-chance programs with the goal of helping formerly incarcerated individuals succeed in their new lives and decrease the rate of recidivism. Through Defy Ventures, potential entrepreneurs can participate in an entrepreneur boot camp or a business accelerator. Through these programs, they gain the skills they need to launch and grow a business.
Project ReMADE
Project Remade is an entrepreneurship training program run by Stanford Law School. This program teaches formerly incarcerated individuals basic business skills and introduces them to professionals in the business community.
Between classes, students meet with mentor teams who help them develop a potential business plan. Mentor teams consist of one Stanford Law Student, one Stanford Graduate School of Business student and one Silicon Valley professional.
At the conclusion of the program, entrepreneurs present their business plans before a panel of executives and microdevelopment organizations.
Entre Capital
For entrepreneurs who are still looking for financing, Entre Capital is a community development financial institution (CDFI), specifically devoted to providing capital to second-chance businesses. The organization only funds previously incarcerated individuals, offering them loans to start or expand their operations.
Entre Capital also offers assistance with business planning, budgeting and financial reporting, as well as mentorship resources.
Refoundry
Refoundry is an incubator program based in Brooklyn, New York. Through this program, formerly incarcerated individuals are taught to repurpose reclaimed materials into home furnishings. As they develop these skills, Refoundry mentors also teach participants how to build a resume, succeed in an interview and start their own business.
Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are SBA-sponsored centers that provide free or low-cost training and assistance to new and existing businesses. These centers are typically hosted by local colleges or universities, as well as state economic development agencies. SBDCs often maintain lists of funding opportunities in your area and can help you find and apply for the best options for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Are there grants for those convicted of felonies to start their own businesses?
Yes. Formerly incarcerated individuals may be able to get startup business grants from the federal government and their state or local government. Some organizations, like the National Association for the Self-Employed, also offer grants for startup businesses.
How do you get a business grant as a formerly incarcerated individual?
As a formerly incarcerated individual, you can search and apply for grants related to your business. These grants may be available from the government, nonprofit organizations or large corporations. Before applying, you should ensure you meet all of the eligibility criteria, such as industry, time in business and specific need for funds.
Are there SBA grants for those convicted of felonies?
The SBA doesn’t usually offer grants directly to any small-business owners. Instead, it grants nonprofits and community organizations that promote and support entrepreneurship. Alternatively, you might consider an SBA loan. Individuals with a felony record are not excluded from applying but will need to provide a completed fingerprint card.
Since launching in 2021, hundreds of thousands of users have used the TPG App to track more than 100 billion points and miles.
To help users maximize their points potential even more, the TPG App has a new feature called “Rewards Boost,” giving users even more personalized insights into choosing their next credit card.
How the new feature works
The TPG App already tracks users’ spending across all of their connected cards, including via its “Out Making a Purchase” Card Advisor feature, which helps users choose the most optimal credit card already in their wallet for a specific purchase in real time.
The app’s latest feature, “Rewards Boost,” analyzes users’ existing spending habits to recommend a credit card based on their highest spending category to maximize earnings. It also shows users exactly how many points they could have earned the previous month by using those cards.
For example, let’s say you spent a significant amount of money, $1,200, on dining last month via your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Rewards Boost would let you know that 2 miles per dollar per purchase earned from the Venture card would equate to 2,400 miles per month. This card earns users 2 miles per dollar per purchase, a stellar return for flat-rate rewards and certainly better than earning no rewards at all. However, Rewards Boost would notify you that another card, such as the American Express® Gold Card, would have earned you more since it earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) in addition to 4 points per dollar on up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar).
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By using an Amex Gold on those dining purchases, you could have earned 4,800 points, equivalent to $96 when used as Amex Membership Rewards, per current TPG valuations. If May was a typical month for dining spending for this person, then over time, using this card would equate to over $1,150 annually in points just in the restaurant and dining category.
Though you may be deterred by the Amex Gold’s $250 annual fee (see rates and fees), Rewards Boost would inform you that you’re still saving more than $900 in net points value – and that’s before factoring in the aforementioned spending categories, in addition to 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or through the Amex Travel portal and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases. These earning rates are on top of the statement credit offered by this card, including $120 in Uber Cash annually and a $120 annual dining credit (both divvied up as $10 monthly credits).
The real value of Rewards Boost
We get it — one of the biggest hurdles for getting a new credit card is understanding whether it will truly be valuable to you and your personal spending habits. Also, the high annual fees of some cards (looking at you, The Platinum Card® from American Express; see rates and fees) can be enough to scare off even seasoned credit card veterans.
With Rewards Boost, you don’t have to worry about keeping track of every credit, perk or other benefit a card offers just to barely offset an annual fee for a card that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Rewards Boost tells you the exact value you could be saving on a monthly and annual basis just by switching to using a card to complement your biggest spending category.
Bottom line
Not only does Rewards Boost show your best next card, but it takes all the guesswork out of whether a card will actually be a valuable addition to your wallet.
Download the free TPG App to see how you can boost your rewards today!
Related reading:
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
Make sure you’re getting the best outdoor space in your next Minneapolis apartment.
Hunting for an apartment in Minneapolis should be fun and not stressful. The first step is to narrow down where you want to live, and maybe seek out a few nearby hidden gems. Next, you need to decide what matters to you in an apartment. Do you want one of those stellar Minneapolis views? Do you need a place that’s pet-friendly?
As you create your list of ‘must haves’ for your next Minneapolis apartment, don’t discount the need for a solid outdoor space. Whether it’s a garden, courtyard or something else, it’s always a bonus to have a place to hang outdoors without leaving home. To help narrow down your options, check out these hot spots with some of the best courtyards and gardens in the city.
Source: Rent. / Dock Street Flats
Chic and ideal for a gathering of any size, the courtyard at Dock Street Flats prioritizes comfortable seating. Pods of couches fill every open space, with a see-through fireplace front and center tying everything together.
Staying focused on the outdoors, this Warehouse District community also provides residents with a community garden for those with a green thumb. Heading out, this neighborhood offers a blend of downtown energy and sophisticated style, giving you plenty of options when it comes to restaurants, cocktail bars, boutique shops and more.
Source: Rent. / Ironclad Residential
Labeled the Great Lawn, this little bit of courtyard at Ironclad Residential is an ideal outdoor gaming spot. There’s a separate, open patch of green that’s perfect for frisbee, as well as this reserved spot already set up for cornhole. Shaded seating off to the side provides a cooler area when it’s time to take a break from the sun.
This Downtown East community is only steps away from so much. Thankfully, it’s a highly walkable neighborhood too, making it easy to get to US Bank Stadium for a concert or a football game, Guthrie Theater for a show or Mill City for shopping and dining. You’re also near the 7.5-acre Gold Medal Park with its stunning views of the Mississippi River and the historic Stone Arch Bridge.
Source: Rent. / Lowa46
While it’s not exactly on the ground floor of Lowa46, this courtyard-like space has quite the amenity package. The swatch of green is just the right length for a bocce game, while the stone-covered spaces include seating areas, an awesome fire pit and a massive outdoor dining table beside the gas grills. You’re also only steps away from the community hot tub.
For true outdoor enthusiasts, Nokomis is the neighborhood for you. Living here puts you beside the city’s best trails, lakes and riverside parks. You can bike along the Greenway, check out Lake Nokomis and Minnehaha Falls or head to the Mississippi River for a scenic walk.
Source: Rent. / New Boston Square Apartments
Multiple courtyards occupy the open space at New Boston Square Apartments. At the front of the building, you’ll find a nice open space with large, healthy trees and thoughtfully designed plant beds. To the back, the railed-off courtyard space is full of grills, red umbrella-topped tables and even a few loungers. Mature trees also help fill in this space as well.
Situated in Minneapolis’ arts district, this Windom Park community provides easy access to downtown without skimping on the local amenities. You’re surrounded by fabulous shopping, excellent restaurants and even a great public library. Windom Park, the neighborhood’s namesake, is also a great place for football, tennis and even ice skating and hockey.
Source: Rent. / Tralee Terrace
The possibilities are endless when you have this much green space to work with. This park-like area at Tralee Terrace is perfect for a peaceful walk, a picnic or even a few outdoor games. Limited patches of bushes and trees mean more lawn to use and more nature to enjoy.
Beyond this fantastic open space, Tralee Terrace also has a large playground, with a jungle gym and swings for the kids to enjoy, as well as an outdoor basketball court. There’s something for everyone to entice them to stay outside and have a little fun, whether relaxing or getting a little exercise.
Source: Rent. / Calhoun Beach Club
The cool courtyard at Calhoun Beach Club does more than deliver a superior outdoor space, it also has killer views. The space seems to run right into Lake Bee Maka Ska. Beautiful landscaped trees and grass along with funky patterns in the stonework give this area a modern touch and exude a super relaxing vibe.
Having a beach across the street from your apartment is quite a luxury, but that’s what you get in the Cedar Isles-Dean community. You can swim, boat or simply enjoy laying out in the sand just steps from your own front door. With several lakes and parks within the area, there’s no shortage of spots for scenic strolls or outdoor recreation.
Source: Rent. / Somerset Oaks
When an apartment community truly feels like a neighborhood, you’re doing something right. At Somerset Oaks, this happy vibe comes out thanks to the expansive lawn that separates buildings. It’s like having a front and back yard all in one, masquerading as a courtyard. A wide stretch of green grass that’s perfectly manicured is offset by a few stately trees and oversized bushes. It’s the perfect pop of nature.
About seven miles from downtown Minneapolis, you’ll find Saint Louis Park. This chill and outdoorsy suburb features a 160-acre Nature Center and over 80 parks for hiking, picnicking and more. You’ll find Somerset Oaks closest in the Oak Hill neighborhood where the park is full of paved trails, open fields, a splash pad and more.
Source: Rent. / Oaks Station Place Apartments
For a sweet gathering spot, you need to check out the courtyard at Oaks Station Place Apartments. Abutting a massive green space, with manicured trees and nicely grouped flowers and bushes, this bricked area offers ideal seating for everyone. You can relax on the lounge chairs, gather on the couches or use the grill to cook a meal you can enjoy at any of the tables.
Another Nokomis community with great promise, the outdoor space here also accommodates those with an active lifestyle. There’s a bike trail and jogging trail on the property. Should you need to head into the city proper, living here puts you right on a bus line, with the train station within a mile. This can help ease the commute since you won’t have to drive all the time.
Source: Rent. / Eitel Apartments
A complete urban feel flows throughout the courtyard at Eitel Apartments. Landscaping is minimal and mostly done in raised planters that hold a variety of small trees and bushes. Limited grass reminds you you’re living in the urban jungle. A nice, large pergola sits roughly in the center, offering a shaded space for hanging out.
Located in Loring Park, this is a neighborhood that takes its green space seriously. You get an expansive area with a lake and walking and cycling paths to keep you busy in the fresh air. There’s also a vibrant art scene here, with plenty of recreational activities and delicious restaurants.
Source: Rent. / Park Glen
There are plenty of well-maintained, garden-like spots all over Park Glen. You’ll find flowering trees and plenty of leafy greens surrounding the fire pit, but the real on-site garden sits just beside the pool. Within this serene garden, you’ll find wide stone walkways that take you around two little pools, large river rocks and beautifully shaped bushes. It’s a little zen and a little local beauty all rolled into one.
Another Saint Louis Park community, you’ll find Park Glen in the Wolfe Park neighborhood. Centered around another great local park, here, there are not only walking trails and a fishing pond but plenty of athletic facilities. There’s space to play basketball, pickleball and sand volleyball. There’s also a playground, picnic shelters and a rentable event space.
Get an apartment with one of the best gardens in Minneapolis
It’s easy to see why Minneapolis is so popular for renters. There are so many cool places to live and there is so much to do indoors and outside.
As you begin to narrow down your list of favorites though, don’t forget to take into account that outdoor space. You’ll definitely want to look at places with solid courtyards and gardens in Minneapolis to take full advantage of what the city does best.
Between the actual Cars movies, and classic movies that feature memorable cars, there are lots of sweet rides we’d like to own ourselves. Here are the top 13 cars we’ve loved from movies throughout the last few decades!
1. KITT
The KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand) was an iconic car in the Knight Rider series. It is a modified 1982 Pontiac Trans Am. Michael Scheffe, a customizer, created KITT. George Barris conceptualized and produced the KITTs for the convertible and super-pursuit missions.
One person said, “This is the correct answer, Michael.”
2. DeLorean, from Back to the Future
In the film Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly traveled through time in the DeLorean, one of the most well-known automobiles in cinematic history—the DeLorean sports coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers for its four independent wheels. The front suspension also uses double wishbones, while the rear is a multi-link design. Overall, the design is very attractive to car enthusiasts.
3. General Lee, from Dukes of Hazard
The Dukes of Hazzard’s car, also known as the “General Lee,” is a 1969 Dodge Charger prominently featured in the television series “The Dukes of Hazzard,” aired from 1979 to 1985. The car is easily recognizable due to its bright orange paint job with a Confederate flag emblem on the roof, as well as its signature horn that plays the first 12 notes of the song “Dixie.”
One person said, “Dukes of Hazzard’s car. I remember that car from my childhood.”
4. Herbie, from The Love Bug
The Herbie car is a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle that was featured in several movies, including the 1968 film “The Love Bug” and its sequels. Herbie is a sentient car with a mind of its own and the ability to drive itself. The car is white with red, white, and blue racing stripes and features the number “53” on its doors and hood. In the movies, Herbie often competes in races and outsmarts its human drivers. The car became a beloved character and cultural icon, inspiring a generation of car enthusiasts and spawning merchandise such as toy cars and clothing.
5. Aston Martin DB5, from Goldfinger
The Aston Martin car brand has been featured in many James Bond movies, starting with the 1964 film “Goldfinger.” In the movies, Bond drives various models of Aston Martin cars, which are typically equipped with various gadgets and weapons, such as machine guns, missile launchers, and ejector seats. With the car’s features, it’s no wonder why many people find it appealing!
6. Bean’s Car, from Mr. Bean
Mr. Bean’s car is a 1976 British Leyland Mini 1000 Mark 4, which is a small and compact car. The car is a major part of the character’s antics in the British sitcom “Mr. Bean,” which aired from 1990 to 1995. The car is light green with a black hood and a yellow registration plate reading “SLW 287R.”
7. Batmobile, from Batman
The Batmobile is a car featured in many Batman movies, TV shows, and comics. The car is made to look like Batman, who is a powerful, mysterious, and dark vigilante. The design of the Batmobile has evolved over the years, but it typically features advanced technology and weaponry, such as grappling hooks, missiles, and even a jet engine.
8. Greased Lightning, from Grease
The Grease Lightning car is a 1948 Ford De Luxe Convertible that was featured in the 1978 musical film “Grease.” The car was originally owned by Kenickie, a member of the T-Birds gang, but it eventually becomes the main focus of the gang’s attention when they decide to fix it up and turn it into a racing car. The car is customized with various features, such as a flame paint job, a hood scoop, and a set of whitewall tires.
9. The Mystery Machine, from Scooby-Doo
The Mystery Machine is a van that has been featured in various iterations of the animated TV series “Scooby-Doo.” The van is primarily used by the main characters, including Scooby-Doo and his human companions, as they travel to different locations to investigate paranormal mysteries. The van is often depicted as being brightly colored with a psychedelic paint job and featuring the words “Mystery Machine” written on the side in bold letters.
10. Frank Bullitt’s car, from Bullitt
The car featured in the 1968 film “Bullitt” starring Steve McQueen is a 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback. The car is known for its high-speed chase scene through the streets of San Francisco, which has become one of the most iconic car chase scenes in cinematic history. The car was driven by McQueen’s character, Frank Bullitt, a tough and determined police detective who is tasked with protecting a key witness in a high-profile case.
One person stated, “My dream car. Some day I’ll have one.”
11. Jim Rockford’s car, from The Rockford Files
The car driven by Jim Rockford in the TV series “The Rockford Files” is a gold-colored 1974 Pontiac Firebird Esprit. The car is often seen in the show’s opening credits, as Rockford drives along the California coastline, and is a defining characteristic of the character. The car is not only stylish but also functional, as Rockford uses it in his job as a private investigator to chase down leads and tail suspects.
12. Lightning McQueen, from Cars
Lightning McQueen is a character in the Disney-Pixar animated movie “Cars.” He is a red race car that is inspired by real-life NASCAR racing cars, with a sleek and aerodynamic design. In the first “Cars” film, Lightning is a cocky and ambitious rookie racer who dreams of winning the Piston Cup championship.
13. Sam and Dean Winchester’s Car, from Supernatural
The Chevy Impala is a black 1967 model that has become a defining characteristic of the TV series “Supernatural.” The car is owned by the main characters, Sam and Dean Winchester, who use it as their primary mode of transportation as they travel across the country fighting supernatural creatures. The Impala features a powerful V8 engine and a distinctive, muscular design with a sleek black finish. The car has also been customized with various features, including a hidden compartment in the trunk to store weapons and a Kansas license plate with the number “KAZ 2Y5.”
View the original Reddit thread here.
Here are 10 of The Most Beautiful Songs People Have Ever Heard
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Can you think of any actors or actresses who were great, and then weren’t? Here’s our top list of one-hit wonders, all in one place!
A historic Manhattan townhouse that was among the very first to showcase the works of some of the most notable artists of the 20th century (including Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Cy Twombly) is now up for grabs in New York City.
Recently listed for $25 million, the massive property at 4 East 77th Street — whose first two floors currently host the Michael Werner gallery — was also home to prolific inventor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Maurice Kanbar, who famously invented Skyy Vodka while living here.
Now, the century-old residence is ready to add a new chapter to its storied history.
Compass agents Stacey Kanbar, Julie Kopel, and Leonard Steinberg have been enlisted to find the right buyer for this unique property, which is currently configured for mixed use (with commercial zoning on the first two floors) and has the potential to become one of the most significant single-family residences in all of New York City.
With a highly desirable address (it’s the first house off of Fifth Avenue), plenty of space (11,695 square feet, including the full-height cellar), and countless architectural details, the historic townhouse offers endless possibilities for reconfiguration.
The first two floors, currently housing the Michael Werner gallery, feature exquisite bowed windows that capture light from both the east and west sides, while the upper levels host four vacant residential units on floors 3 through 5.
The third floor hosts a luxurious full-floor apartment with north-facing Juliette balconies and a charming terrace on the east side. Two one-bedroom apartments adorn the fourth floor, while the fifth floor boasts a single floor-through apartment with a stunning 15′ x 19′ south-facing setback terrace, offering magnificent downtown views.
Future owners can choose to either keep the lower-level tenants and earn passive income, or turn the entire townhome into a massive single-family home again, as it was when originally built over a century ago. Renderings that accompany the listing show the many possibilities to transform this grand residence.
The storied history of 4 East 77th Street
4 East 77th Street was built near the end of America’s “Gilded Age,” an era of explosive economic growth and migration. It started at the end of Southern Reconstruction (1877) and lasted two decades. New York experienced an almost exponential population boom during this time, with numerous construction projects popping up all over the city.
SEE ALSO: Here’s the Estate that Served as Inspiration for “The Great Gatsby’s” Opulent House
In 1895, acclaimed developers Robert McCafferty and Richard W. Buckley added another project to the boom with this magnificent, five-story residence.
The 11,695-square-foot property still boasts its original marble façade and includes a full-height cellar.
Just west of the building, where East 77th opens onto Fifth Avenue, lies Manhattan’s Gold Coast district. This seven-block stretch of Fifth Avenue lies between 14th Street and Washington Square Park and is made up of several opulent historical buildings, including many hotels and mansions once belonging to some of New York’s wealthiest, most influential residents.
The buildings here have been impeccably maintained, and the owner of 4 East 77th will be just a walk or bike ride away from this elegantly preserved piece of New York history.
4 East 77th Street’s first owner, Benjamin J. Knower, bought it in 1897. Knower and his wife Mary Constance Allen were active members of New York’s “high society” and had close ties to Caroline Astor, the foremost New York socialite of the era.
It later housed the Leo Castelli gallery
By 1942, 4 East 77th Street had been converted into a multi-family townhouse.
This is when Leo Castelli, a prominent art dealer and a refugee from Nazi-occupied France, bought an apartment on the fourth floor.
You might not know Castelli’s name, but you’ve likely heard of the major 20th-century artists whose careers he helped launch or develop.
Those names include Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, Claes Oldenberg, Cy Twombly, Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, Robert Morris, James Rosenquist, Bruce Nauman, Richard Serra, Joseph Kosuth, Lawrence Weiner, Salvatore Scarpitta, Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol.
In 1957, in the living room of his fourth-floor apartment at 4 East 77th Street, Castelli opened the Leo Castelli Gallery. Castelli paid his artists using a stipend system that was groundbreaking for its time. It guaranteed the artists an income whether he used their work or not. This system allowed him to attract, discover and retain a vast stable of young, visionary talents.
Many of the gallery’s artists would get their first one-person shows right there on the fourth-floor living room at 4 East 77th Street.
SEE ALSO: Neil Patrick Harris’ impeccably restored house in Harlem sells for $6.99M, sets new record for the neighborhood
Castelli’s gallery helped shape America’s 20th-century tastes in art. Pop art, minimalism, and conceptual art largely owe their success to his gallery. Castelli also used his success at 4 East 77th Street to help initiate the contemporary art gallery system as it exists today.
The townhouse was also home to Skyy Vodka inventor Maurice Kanbar
Maurice Kanbar, a prolific inventor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, has owned the property since 1964.
During his residency at 77th Street, Kanbar invented Skyy Vodka, revolutionizing the spirits industry. But the popular drink is by no means his only creation; Kanbar’s numerous inventions also include a safety sheath for hypodermic needles and a cryogenic cataract remover.
Additionally, Kanbar (who passed away in 2022 at age 93) opened the Quad Cinema in Greenwich Village, the first multiplex cinema on the East Coast and the second in the United States. He furthered his impact on the arts by endowing the Maurice Kanbar Institute of Film and Television at NYU.
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The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card, like all co-branded travel cards, is aimed at people who regularly fly with Southwest Airlines.
This is a premium travel card that offers 3,000 miles every year you have it, a discount on in-flight purchases, and two free EarlyBird Check-Ins each year.
This card also features a rewards structure, providing bonus miles on spending categories like transit, commuting, internet, cable, phone, and select streaming.
Another strength of this card is its 60,000-mile signup bonus — which is more than enough to get you a round-trip ticket or two!
If you’re thinking about adding the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card to your wallet, this guide will help you decide.
What’s Ahead:
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card for me?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card is designed for frequent flyers who like to travel with Southwest.
This means that if you’re a loyal Southwest customer or live near a Southwest hub, this card might be a great option for you. You’ll accelerate your earnings toward free flights and get some solid perks, such as two free EarlyBird Check-Ins each year.
If you aren’t a fan of Southwest or live in a place where Southwest isn’t as prevalent, this card likely won’t be as valuable as another airline or generic travel rewards credit card.
What makes this credit card different?
What makes the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card different is its focus on Southwest Airlines.
Because it’s a co-branded card, it can offer unique benefits and perks that generic travel credit cards can’t. If you fly Southwest frequently, you’ll enjoy these perks.
This card also comes with a great signup bonus in the form of 60,000 bonus points plus a 30% off promo code when you spend $3,000 using the card within three months of opening your account.
You can also receive 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year. With the Companion Pass, you can name one person, such as a spouse, partner, or friend, to be your companion. They can get a free ticket on any flight you book for yourself.
Generic travel cards don’t offer these specialized benefits and bonuses, so they likely won’t be as appealing to people who prefer to fly with Southwest.
Related: Best credit card sign up bonuses
What are my chances of getting approved?
As with any credit card, it’s important to think about whether you have a chance of qualifying before you apply. Applying for a new credit card drops your credit score by a few points, so you don’t want to lower your credit for no reason.
Chase, this Southwest credit card’s issuer, says that applicants require good credit to be eligible for the card. That means you should try to have a credit score of about 670 or higher before you apply.
All the details of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card
Credit cards are complicated, so before you sign up for one, you must make sure you understand how they work.
Rates and fees
The first thing to look at when you want to get a new credit card is how much the card will cost. Some cards, including travel cards, have annual fees, so you want to make sure the benefits and perks you’ll get cover the cost of having the card.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card charges $69 per year.
Perks and rewards
When it comes to travel cards, it’s all about the perks and rewards. A good travel card should let you earn your way toward free trips and help you travel more comfortably.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card does it all, with a great signup bonus, strong ongoing rewards, and some nice perks to use whenever you’re on a flight.
To start things off, you can earn 60,000 points plus a 30% off promo code when you spend $3,000 within your first three months of having the card.
After that, you’ll earn:
2 points for each dollar spent on Southwest purchases.
2 points for each dollar spent on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
2 points for each dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2 points for each dollar spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services.
1 point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
As for perks, cardholders will get a 3,000-point bonus on each card member anniversary. You can also use the card to get two free EarlyBird Check-Ins each year and 25% back on all inflight purchases.
You’ll also get all the typical credit card perks and benefits, including extended warranty protection and purchase protection.
Related: Best travel rewards cards
How to apply
The easiest way to apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card is to visit Chase’s website. Chase is the bank that Southwest partners with to offer this credit card.
To start the process, you’ll enter your personal info, including your:
Name.
Date of birth.
Mother’s maiden name.
Social Security number.
Address.
You’ll also need to provide your Southwest Rapid Rewards number if you have one. If you don’t, Chase will automatically set one up for you if you’re approved.
Finally, you’ll enter whether you rent or own, your monthly rent payment amount (if applicable), and your total annual income. Once you apply, Chase will review it and make a lending decision.
Typically, Chase can make a decision instantly. However, if the bank has trouble matching your information to your credit file or wants to take a closer look at some of the application details, you may have to wait for a decision in the mail.
Contact info
If you have issues with your Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card, the best thing to do is reach out to Chase’s customer service.
You can contact Chase by signing in to your account and sending a secure message. You can also call credit card customer service at 1-800-432-3117 or contact @ChaseSupport on social media.
Other stuff you should know
One important thing to note about the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card is that it’s not the only Southwest travel card available. There are two others: the Priority card and the Premier card.
The Plus is the entry-level card. It has the lowest annual fee but the fewest perks of the three Southwest cards.
The Premier card is the next level up from the Plus card. It has a higher annual fee at $99 but offers 3x points on all Southwest purchases, 6,000 points on every cardmember anniversary, and bonus qualifying points toward A-List status.
The Priority card is the top-end Southwest card. It has a $149 annual fee but offers 7,500 points on every card member anniversary and a $75 credit for Southwest travel each year. You’ll also receive four upgraded boardings each year.
Another thing to consider is that the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card is designed for Southwest flyers. The rewards you earn are pretty inflexible and typically only good for Southwest flights. There are some gift card redemption options, but they aren’t a good value.
Alternative credit cards to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card Credit Card
If the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card doesn’t seem like the right one for you, consider the following alternatives:
Southwest Priority: This card is useful for people who spend a lot on it and want to earn A-List status.
Southwest Premier: For frequent travelers, this card’s annual statement credit and points mostly cover the fee. You’ll also enjoy the upgraded boarding perk.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This is another Chase card with far more flexible rewards, letting you redeem points for any travel.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card has a $95 annual fee and offers strong cash back rates on travel purchases.
American Express Gold: This is the mid-tier Membership Rewards card. It offers flexible rewards and a good earnings rate on food and travel.
How do you determine which credit card is right for you?
When you’re in the market for a new credit card, you should compare your options to find the right one. When making this comparison, consider the following factors:
Your ability to qualify. Card issuers design different cards for people with different credit profiles. Before you apply, make sure you have a good chance of qualifying for the card.
Fees. Some cards, especially travel cards, carry annual fees. Make sure you’re getting enough value from the card to make the fee worth paying.
Perks. Each card has a different set of perks and benefits. Make sure the perks you receive from the card are useful for you.
Rewards. Credit cards can offer cash back, points, miles, or other rewards. Make sure the rewards on offer align with your goals. It’s also important to think about their flexibility. You don’t want to be stuck with miles you can’t use. Also, consider the rate of earning those rewards, and look for cards that offer bonuses on the types of purchases you make most often.
Rates. In general, you should avoid carrying a credit card balance whenever possible. However, sometimes you have to carry a balance. When that happens, having a card with a low interest rate is good.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card FAQ
Can I pool my Southwest miles with someone else’s?
No, Southwest does not offer any way to pool your rewards with another person.
What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass is a perk you can earn through a credit card signup bonus or by taking a lot of flights in a single year. When you earn this pass, you can choose one other person to get a free ticket on every flight you book until the end of the calendar year after you earned it.
So, if you earn the pass in 2023, it will expire at the end of 2024. Some passes earned through promotions have different expiration dates.
Can I redeem my Southwest points for things other than flights?
Yes, you can redeem your Southwest points for gift cards to many popular retailers. However, redeeming points for flights is typically a better value.
Why choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card?
With a strong signup bonus and some nice perks, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card is a good option for frequent Southwest fliers.
Given its reasonable price, substantial signup bonus, and valuable perks, we give the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card a 4 out of 5 rating.
If you think this is the right card for you, apply now.