October 1, 2023

The best credit card deals and bonuses this week: December 4, 2020

This article is brought to you by the Personal Finance Insider team. It has not…

The best credit card deals and bonuses this week: December 4, 2020

This article is brought to you by the Personal Finance Insider team. It has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the issuers listed. Some of the offers you see on the page are from our partners like Citi and American Express, but our coverage is always independent. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page.

  • This week, Chase launched increased welcome bonuses on all three Southwest personal cards: Up to 80,000 points (50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months ,and an additional 30,000 points after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 9 months).
  • The current elevated 75,000-point offer on The Platinum Card® from American Express makes it a good pick if you’re looking for a card with great shopping benefits for your purchases this holiday season.
  • Small-business owners can still take advantage of the highest bonuses we’ve ever seen on the no-annual-fee Chase Ink cards: The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card and Ink Business Cash® Credit Card come with $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening for a limited time.
  • Heads-up if you’ve been waiting to apply for the elevated welcome bonus on the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card: The offer to earn up to 100,000 Capital One miles ends on December 14.
  • Read Business Insider’s guide to the best rewards credit cards for more top picks.

Choosing the best credit card for you usually depends on the kinds of rewards you like to earn, your spending habits, and any preferences around banks or loyalty programs. Sometimes, the decision is made a lot easier when credit card issuers launch limited-time elevated offers — and right now we’re seeing several cards with all-time-high welcome bonuses. 

Beyond these big offers (some of which are 100,000 points or more), it’s a good time to apply for a credit card with the holiday shopping season in full swing. You can use your increased expenses on gifts, food, and travel this month to meet the minimum spending requirement for the bonus — then enjoy the rewards later as a belated holiday gift to yourself.

Regular APR

15.99{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} – 22.99{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} Variable

Credit Score

Good to Excellent

Featured Reward

80,000 points (50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months ,and an additional 30,000 points after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 9 months)

Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

  • Details
  • Pros & Cons

    • Earn up to 80,000 points. Earn 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Earn an additional 30,000 points after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 9 months.
    • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases. Earn between 12/1/2020 and 3/31/2021 on up to $2,000 spent per month.
    • Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other Southwest® purchases.
    • 3,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary each year.
    • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
    • All points earned count towards Companion Pass.
    • No blackout dates or seat restrictions.
    • Your points never expire, a benefit of the Rapid Rewards® program.
    Pros
    • Earns Southwest points on every purchase
    • You get 3,000 points every year after your cardmember anniversary
    Cons
    • Charges foreign transaction fees
    • Very limited benefits

    Read Our Review
    Read Our ReviewA looong arrow, pointing right

    Regular APR

    15.99{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} – 22.99{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} Variable

    Credit Score

    Good to Excellent

    Featured Reward

    80,000 points (50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months ,and an additional 30,000 points after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 9 months)

    Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

  • Details
  • Pros & Cons

    • Earn up to 80,000 points. Earn 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Earn an additional 30,000 points after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 9 months.
    • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases. Earn between 12/1/2020 and 3/31/2021 on up to $2,000 spent per month.
    • Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other Southwest® purchases.
    • 6,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary each year.
    • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
    • No foreign transaction fees.
    • No blackout dates or seat restrictions.
    • Your points never expire, a benefit of the Rapid Rewards® program.
    Pros
    • You get 6,000 points each year after anniversary
    • You can earn Tier-Qualifying Points toward Southwest elite status for spending on the card
    Cons
    • Only offers bonus points on Southwest purchases

    Read Our Review
    Read Our ReviewA looong arrow, pointing right

    Regular APR

    15.99{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} – 22.99{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} Variable

    Credit Score

    Good to Excellent

    Featured Reward

    80,000 points (50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months ,and an additional 30,000 points after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 9 months)

    Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

  • Details
  • Pros & Cons

    • Earn up to 80,000 points. Earn 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Earn an additional 30,000 points after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 9 months.
    • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases. Earn between 12/1/2020 and 3/31/2021 on up to $2,000 spent per month.
    • 7,500 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary each year.
    • $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
    • 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available.
    • 20{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} back on in-flight drinks and WiFi.
    • Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other Southwest® purchases.
    • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
    Pros
    • Generous annual benefits, including a Southwest travel credit and 7,500 points, plus upgraded boardings and in-flight discounts
    • If you fly Southwest several times a year, the benefits easily outweigh the annual fee
    • Annual fee is low compared to other premium airline credit cards
    Cons
    • Highest annual fee among Southwest consumer cards
    • Doesn’t offer bonus points on non-Southwest purchases

    Read Our Review
    Read Our ReviewA looong arrow, pointing right

    Chase Southwest personal cards: Earn up to 80,000 Rapid Rewards points

    This week’s big credit card news comes from the Chase Southwest personal cards, which are all offering up to 80,000 points (50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months ,and an additional 30,000 points after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 9 months). Because Southwest points are, on average, worth 1.5 cents each toward airfare, the bonus is worth about $1,200 in flights.

    These are the highest bonuses ever offered on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card. Because Southwest points don’t expire, this is a terrific opportunity to stock up on Rapid Rewards points — and save them for when you’re ready to travel again. 

    The timing of these elevated Southwest card bonuses is perfect if you have your eye on earning the Southwest Companion Pass in 2021. Between the bonus and points from meeting the minimum spending requirement, you’ll be just 35,000 points shy of the 125,000 points required in a calendar year to qualify for the Companion Pass. 

     

    Regular APR

    See Pay Over Time APR

    Featured Reward

    75,000 points after you spend at least $5,000 in your first 6 months of account opening

    Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

  • Details
  • Pros & Cons

    • Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
    • Earn 10x points on eligible purchases on your new Card at U.S. Gas Stations and U.S. Supermarkets, on up to $15,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership. That’s an additional 9 points on top of the 1 point you earn for these purchases.
    • Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member and Additional Centurion Cards only.
    • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. Starting January 1, 2021, earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
    • 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
    • Enjoy complimentary access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
    • Receive complimentary benefits through American Express Travel with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts® program at over 1,100 properties. Learn More.
    • Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
    • $550 annual fee.
    • Terms Apply.
    Pros
    • Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott
    • Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
    Cons
    • Bonus categories leave something to be desired
    • One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

    Read Our Review
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    Amex Platinum card: Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards points

    The elevated welcome offer on The Platinum Card® from American Express continues to generate buzz, especially since it’s got a unique twist that can give you a real boost in rewards earned from holiday shopping. In addition to the intro bonus of 75,000 points after you spend at least $5,000 in your first 6 months of account opening, new cardholders can earn 10x points per dollar spent at US gas stations and US supermarkets, on up to $15,000 in combined spending (then 1x) in the first six months of account opening.

    Even if you’re not traveling right now, the Amex Platinum 75k bonus is worth considering: Between up to $200 in Uber credits (including Uber Eats) and up to $100 in Saks credits each year, plus the ability to use Membership Rewards points for a wide variety of redemptions, it’s easy to get a ton of value from Platinum Card.

     

    Regular APR

    13.24{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5}–19.24{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} variable APR

    Credit Score

    Good to Excellent

    Featured Reward

    $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

    Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

  • Details
  • Pros & Cons

    • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
    • Earn unlimited 1.5{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} cash back on every purchase made for your business
    • 0{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
    • Employee cards at no additional cost
    • No Annual Fee
    Pros
    • Earns 1.5{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} cash back on every purchase, with no bonus categories to keep track of
    • Intro APR offer
    • No annual fee
    Cons
    • You can earn more cash back on some purchases with a card that has bonus categories

    Read Our Review
    Read Our ReviewA looong arrow, pointing right

    Regular APR

    13.24{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5}–19.24{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} variable APR

    Featured Reward

    $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

    Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

  • Details
  • Pros & Cons

    • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
    • Earn 5{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
    • Earn 2{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
    • Earn 1{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
    • 0{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
    • Employee cards at no additional cost
    • No Annual Fee
    Pros
    • Broad 5{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} and 2{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} cash-back categories (you can earn bonus cash back at office supply stores and at gas stations and restaurants)
    • Intro APR offer for purchases
    • No annual fee
    • You can pair this card with a card that earns Ultimate Rewards to redeem your cash back for travel
    Cons
    • Annual cap on bonus categories

    Read Our Review
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    Chase Ink Business Unlimited and Ink Business Cash: Earn $750 cash back

    The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card and Ink Business Cash® Credit Card increased welcome offers to earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening are still active this week.

    Small-business owners who want to earn lots of rewards for end-of-year purchases can benefit from these all-time-high offers, especially during this busy holiday season. Keep in mind the Chase Ultimate Rewards points you’ll earn from these cards aren’t just good for cash back — you’ve got options to redeem for travel, and even more flexibility (like transferring to Chase airline and hotel partners) if you also have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card in your wallet.

     

    Regular APR

    17.24{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} to 24.49{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} variable

    Credit Score

    Good to Excellent

    Featured Reward

    Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

    Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

  • Details
  • Pros & Cons

    • Annual Fee: $95
    • Sign-Up Bonus: 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
    Pros
    • Annual fee waived the first year
    • No bonus categories to keep track of
    • Includes up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
    Cons
    • Other credit cards offer higher rewards in certain categories of spending

    Read Our Review
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    Capital One Venture card: Earn up to 100,000 miles

    If you’ve been on the fence about applying for the huge increased Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card offer, you’ve got just over a week to sign up. Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

    100,000 Capital One miles are worth $1,000 in travel, but to unlock the full bonus you’ll need to spend $20,000 in 12 months — and because the card earns 2x miles on all purchases, that translates to another 40,000 miles. All told, you’d end up with 140,000 miles worth $1,400 toward expenses like airfare, hotels, car rentals, and more — with no blackout dates.

    Along with a massive bonus, there are plenty of other reasons to consider the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card offer. If you prefer moving your miles to one of Capital One’s airline and hotel transfer partners, that’s an option too. Remember, the increased Capital One Venture offer ends on December 14.

     

    Annual Fee

    $95, waived first year

    Regular APR

    16.49{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} to 23.49{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} Variable

    Credit Score

    Good to Excellent

    Featured Reward

    60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open (plus, an additional 10k bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months)

    Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

  • Details
  • Pros & Cons

    • 60k bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, an additional 10k bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months.
    • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
    • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants, on hotel stays, and on United purchases
    • Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck™ fee credit
    • 25{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} back on United inflight purchases
    • Check your first bag for free (a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip) when you use your card to purchase your ticket
    • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
    • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants and eligible delivery services including GrubHub, Caviar, Seamless and DoorDash
    Pros
    • Annual fee is waived the first year
    • Earns bonus miles on several purchase categories, including restaurants
    • Includes an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
    • Gets you a free checked bag on United when you pay with the card
    Cons
    • Not the most rewarding card for most non-United travel purchases

    Read Our Review
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    United Explorer card: Earn up to 70,000 MileagePlus miles

    You have a little more time to decide if the increased offer on the United℠ Explorer Card is a right fit for you. Until January 13, 2021, you can earn up to 70,000 United miles: 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open (plus, an additional 10k bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months).

    Like Southwest, United miles don’t expire, so there’s no harm in building a stash of miles now to use for flights on United or its partners later. Keep in mind that both United and Southwest are Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners, so if you value flexibility you might be better off with cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.

     

    Regular APR

    15.74{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} to 24.74{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} variable APR

    Credit Score

    Good to Excellent

    Featured Reward

    Earn up to 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Plus, earn an additional 25,000 bonus points after your first anniversary of Card Membership. Offer Expires 1/13/2021.

    Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

  • Details
  • Pros & Cons

    • Enjoy complimentary Platinum Elite status with your Card for the 2021 status year. Offer Expires 1/13/2021.
    • Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
    • Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy Hotels. 3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
    • Receive 1 free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
    • Enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass Select membership.
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
    • $450 annual fee.
    • Terms Apply.
    Pros
    • Annual statement credits can save you money on Marriott stays
    • You get a free reward night each year after your account anniversary
    Cons
    • High annual fee
    • Other cards are more rewarding for earning points on your spending

    Read Our Review
    Read Our ReviewA looong arrow, pointing right

    Regular APR

    15.74{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5} – 24.74{d54a1665abf9e9c0a672e4d38f9dfbddcef0b06673b320158dd31c640423e2e5}

    Featured Reward

    Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within your first 3 months of Card Membership. Earn up to $150 in statement credits within your first 6 months of Card Membership for all eligible purchases on your Card on U.S. Advertising in select Media. Plus receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status for one year (February 1, 2021-January 31, 2022). Offer ends 1/13/21.

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  • Details
  • Pros & Cons

    • The information related to the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer
    • Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within your first 3 months of Card Membership. Earn up to $150 in statement credits within your first 6 months of Card Membership for all eligible purchases on your Card on U.S. Advertising in select Media. Plus receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status for one year (February 1, 2021-January 31, 2022). Offer ends 1/13/21.
    • 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
    • 4x points at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
    • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
    • Terms apply.
    Pros
    • Comes with a free night reward every year after your account anniversary
    • Earns 4x points on several bonus spending categories, including US purchases for shipping and US restaurants
    Cons
    • The complimentary Silver elite status isn’t very valuable
    • Not the best option for earning rewards on non-bonus category purchases

    American Express Marriott cards: Earn up to 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

    Both Amex-issued Marriott Bonvoy credit cards have limited-time increased bonuses that are ending on January 13, 2021. 

    The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card‘s elevated bonus is double the usual offer: Earn up to 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Plus, earn an additional 25,000 bonus points after your first anniversary of Card Membership. Offer Expires 1/13/2021. 

    And for small-business owners, the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card also has a Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within your first 3 months of Card Membership. Earn up to $150 in statement credits within your first 6 months of Card Membership for all eligible purchases on your Card on U.S. Advertising in select Media. Plus receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status for one year (February 1, 2021-January 31, 2022). Offer ends 1/13/21.

    Either of these cards would be a good pick if you like staying with Marriott brands and can use the automatic elite status each card provides. However, if you’re not up to traveling just yet, be aware that Marriott points do expire after  24 months have passed without qualifying activity in your account — but due to COVID, the chain has paused points expiration until August 1, 2021.