Amex Platinum cuts, sign-ups & transfer bonuses, and a big app update

Hey guys, hope you're having a great Sunday. This is issue two of CardStack Insiders.

I've been working hard on making CardStack better for you (see the list of new updates below), and I put together a rundown of what to watch in the points and miles world.

If you have ideas or app feedback, reply any time. I read everything. Forward this if it helps someone, or grab the list here if a friend forwarded it. Thanks for reading.

More cuts are coming to the Amex Platinum. Personally I don't care that much about losing Uber VIP or Events with Amex. The Saks credit was never my favorite either: Saks is pricey, and the credit was always a hassle to use.

The Centurion Lounge guest rules are the main change to watch. In practice it shouldn't affect a lot of people: guests are usually on the same flight as you anyway. The tighter rules around layovers and same-day trips are where it could pinch, and Amex is likely hoping it will ease crowding in the lounges.

I'll update CardStack ahead of these dates so you see the right credits and rules in the app as Amex rolls this out. If you still have Saks credits to burn, use CardStack to track and redeem them before they go away.

What's changing

• Effective 5/7: Uber VIP is out. It gets replaced with Signature Support for Amex, which is basically 24/7 phone access to customer service.
• Effective 6/10: Events with Amex is going away.
• Effective 6/30: The Saks credit ends. Amex says a replacement credit is coming later.
• Effective 7/8: Centurion Lounge guest rules get stricter.
  • Guests have to be on the same flight as you.
  • On layovers, you need to arrive within five hours of your connecting flight.
  • Same-day round trips don't count as a connection.

I'm a big Amex fan, so it's great to see elevated sign-up offers on the Business Platinum and Business Gold. I personally have the Business Gold, and I think it's a great card if you spend a ton on internet advertising. The other offers below are great too. I'm linking out so you can read terms yourself; always verify spend requirements and eligibility before you apply.

• Amex Business Platinum: Up to 300K points after spending $20K in 3 months.
• Amex Business Gold: Up to 200K points after spending $15K in 3 months.
• Amex Platinum (targeted, up to 175K): I'm still seeing targeted offers up to 175,000 MR points after heavy spend for some people. That's not on the public page, so if you're curious, poke around CardMatch or Amex's pre-qualified flow. Apply on American Express · Public page; targeted offers may differ
• Atmos Rewards Summit: 100K points + a 25K-point Global Companion Award after a $6K spend in 3 months + a 50% flight discount code for an eligible future flight.
• Atmos Rewards Ascent: 80K points after a $4K spend in 4 months + a 50% flight discount code for an eligible future flight.
• Atmos Rewards Business Card: 80K points + a $99 Companion Fare after a $5K spend in 3 months.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: 75K miles + $250 toward Capital One Travel after $4K in 3 months; public offer ends 4/13.

• Capital One Miles → Japan Airlines Mileage Bank: 30% bonus (through April 30)
• Chase Ultimate Rewards → Air Canada Aeroplan: 20% bonus (through April 30)
• Chase Ultimate Rewards → IHG One Rewards: 70% bonus (through April 30)
• Choice Privileges → Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 100% bonus (through April 24)
• Citi (ThankYou) → Avianca LifeMiles: 25% bonus (through April 18)
• Citi (ThankYou) → Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 30% bonus (through April 18)
• Rove Miles → SAS EuroBonus: 20% bonus (through April 8; expiring soon)

Keep an eye on our active transfer bonuses page for the latest.

I just shipped CardStack iOS v1.1.4 to the App Store. Here's what changed in this release. If you're enjoying CardStack, I'd really appreciate a rating and review—it helps a ton.

• Offers For You (CardStack+). We compare enrolled Amex and Chase offers in CardStack to your linked spending; when a new match appears, you can get a push titled “Offer Matched to Your Spending” so you don't miss a relevant deal.
• New cards added. Based on your feedback, I've added support for Apple Card, Robinhood Gold, Coinbase Card, Discover cards, and many more.
• Search. Tap the search icon in the top-right corner of the Home screen to find a specific credit, offer, transaction, or card—without digging through each tab.
• Redesigned Offers. Faster scrolling, a cleaner layout, and search that surfaces better matches as you type.
• Best Card, easier to reach. Jump in from the main tab bar, with improved nearby and place-based suggestions.
• Clearer credits & points. Better airline fee credit tracking and a more accurate points overview.
• More reliable sync. Smoother Plaid linking, fewer surprise sign-outs, and push notifications that stay in sync.