A new federal rule that could change what passengers are owed after certain flight delays will be on hold for a couple more months.

The new regulation could leave airlines off the hook to pay for passengers' expenses like meals and hotels due to some maintenance disruptions.

The measure, which was part of a sweeping aviation bill passed by Congress in 2024, had been slated to take effect this week.

But the U.S. Department of Transportation now plans to wait until the 2027 to implement the change.

Once in place, passengers stranded because of a mechanical delay or cancellation could have less luck getting the airline to pay for expenses that pile up.

Airlines 'off the hook' to pay after some flight disruptions

Today, some airlines reimburse passenger expenses when a maintenance-related cancellation or long delay pops up. Those disruptions have historically been deemed "within the airline's control."

Under the changes greenlit by Congress in 2024, certain unscheduled maintenance incidents would no longer be considered "controllable" by the airline.

Among them: Unscheduled maintenance issues that can't wait until after the flight to be addressed.

In those situations, airlines may no longer be on the hook to fulfill consumer guarantees, like paying for meals, hotel stays or ground transportation.

"The number of delays and cancellations for which air carriers provide amenities and compensation to consumers is expected to be reduced," the DOT wrote in its final rule implementing the changes.

Several other types of flight disruptions would also no longer be counted as within the airline's control, including:

• Aircraft cleaning because of a passenger death
• Aircraft damage due to extreme weather
• Cybersecurity attacks, assuming the airline was in compliance with cyber regulations.
• Removal of an unruly passenger
• An on-board medical emergency
• Airport closure due to volcanic ash, wind or wind shear
• Overheated brakes due to a safety incident that required emergency procedures
• A baggage- or cargo-loading delay due to an outage to a system not controlled by the airline or its contractor

Passenger protections remain

Airlines would still be on the hook for other "controllable" delays and cancellations like crew scheduling.

And not all maintenance issues will be exempt, so passengers should err on the side of requesting reimbursement if they get stranded — as the saying goes, "You can always ask." You can find the full list of promises carriers have made at FlightRights.gov.

Flight trouble due to bad weather or air traffic control issues have historically counted as "uncontrollable," and passengers must typically pay for their own expenses if they get stuck.

However, some credit cards have built-in travel insurance that can help offset those expenses.

This rule change does not affect federal refund rules. Passengers are owed a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly delayed — regardless of the reason — if they ultimately choose not to fly.

Looking ahead

The DOT had expected to implement the maintenance-related changes on Oct. 19.

However, the agency now plans to go live with the new regulation to start the new year, beginning with flights departing on Jan. 1.

You can read more about what these changes mean for consumers and the best way for travelers to protect themselves in our full breakdown of this issue.

Related reading:

• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• Getting a refund for your flight: What to know in 2026
• TPG's favorite credit cards with travel insurance
• EU261 compensation: What is it, and how does it work?
• Maintenance delay? Airlines may soon have fewer reasons to compensate you
• Why it's so important to make sure your boarding pass says 'TSA PreCheck'

Adding an authorized user to your credit card allows someone else, such as a family member or trusted friend, to make purchases on your account. Their spending can also help you earn rewards faster and meet spending requirements for welcome bonuses or other benefits.

Dependin on the card, authorized users may also benefit from the account's positive credit history and receive valuable card perks, such as lounge access and statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications.

Here's a look at the best rewards cards for authorized users, the benefits they offer and what to consider before adding someone to your account.

Overview of the best cards for authorized users

Here are some credit cards that offer valuable benefits to authorized users:

Capital One Venture X

The Capital One Venture X offers premium travel benefits for a $395 annual fee, with the option to extend select perks to authorized users.

Authorized user benefits

Venture X authorized users can receive complimentary Hertz President's Circle status* upon enrollment, along with eligible travel and purchase protections. They can also receive access to Capital One lounges and Priority Pass lounges for an additional $125 annual fee per authorized user.

*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

Authorized-user fees

You can add up to four authorized users at no additional cost. If you want an authorized user to receive eligible lounge access, you'll pay $125 annually for that card.

To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture X.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The annual fee for the primary account is $795 and Chase Sapphire Reserve primary cardholders can expect plenty of perks. Authorized users, however, can only rely on a few in their own right.

Authorized user benefits

Authorized users receive access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés when departing on a Star Alliance member airline flight, and their own Priority Pass Select membership, which offers access to over 1,700 airport lounges worldwide. They also receive unlimited access to Chase Sapphire Lounges.

In addition to lounge access, authorized users can also enjoy at least 12 months of complimentary DoorDash DashPass (must be activated by Dec. 31, 2029). Authorized users are also covered by Chase's extensive travel protections.

Authorized-user fees

Each additional Sapphire Reserve card costs $195 annually.

To learn more, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

American Express Platinum

The Amex Platinum has an $895 annual fee and offers two types of additional cards: a paid additional Platinum Card and a no-annual-fee Companion Platinum Card. The paid version provides a broader range of premium travel benefits.

Authorized user benefits

Paid authorized users are entitled to their own Global Entry ($120 every four years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every four years) application fee reimbursement and can register for hotel and rental car elite status. They also receive access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Delta Sky Club*, Centurion and Priority Pass™ lounges with the same entry privileges as the primary cardmember.

*When traveling on same-day Delta flights; eligible Platinum cardmembers will receive 10 visits per eligible Platinum Card per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight.

Authorized users also have access to booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts, along with all the extra benefits that it confers.

(Enrollment is required for select benefits)

Authorized-user fees

Additional Platinum Cards cost $195 each annually. You can also add Companion Platinum Cards at no additional annual fee.

Companion cards earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked through Amex Travel or directly with airlines (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar spent) and on prepaid hotels on Amex Travel and 1 point per dollar spent on all other spending.

However, Companion cardmembers are not eligible for Priority Pass membership or access to Centurion Lounges. Furthermore, they do not qualify for other perks such as annual Uber Cash and elite status at certain hotels and rental car agencies.

To learn more, see our full review of the Amex Platinum.

Apply here: Amex Platinum

American Express Business Platinum

Like the personal Platinum card, the Amex Business Platinum offers premium travel benefits to eligible additional cardmembers, although the cost is higher.

Authorized user benefits

Business Platinum authorized users are eligible for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck statement credits ($120 every four years for Global Entry and up to $85 every four years for TSA PreCheck) and receive access to Centurion, Priority Pass and Delta Sky Club lounges* — among other benefits.

*When traveling on same-day Delta flights; eligible cardmembers will receive 10 visits per eligible card per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight.

Authorized users also get access to the Amex Business Platinum's suite of travel and purchase protections.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Authorized-user fees

Business Platinum cardmembers can tack on additional cards for $400 each, so it's not nearly as good a deal as with the personal card. That said, it's still worth considering if you have an employee who travels frequently.

To learn more, see our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.

Apply here: Amex Business Platinum

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

The benefits offered by the Delta SkyMiles Reserve and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business are very similar, so let's consider them together. Both of these cards carry annual fees of $650.

Authorized user benefits

Authorized users of both cards get access to Delta Sky Clubs* and Amex Centurion Lounges when they travel on flights marketed and operated by Delta and present a same-day Delta boarding pass.

*Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more per calendar year.

Authorized-user fees

Additional cards cost $175 per year each for both the Reserve and Reserve Business. Since these cards offer the same perks for their authorized users, the choice comes down to which card makes more sense for your wallet long-term.

To learn more, see our full reviews of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard

Citi's top-tier American Airlines cobranded card has an annual fee of $695 per year. While authorized users don't receive all the primary cardholder's benefits, they can still access eligible Admirals Club locations.

Authorized user benefits

Additional cardholders can access eligible American Airlines Admirals Clubs and bring immediate family members or up to two guests at no additional charge, subject to the lounge's entry requirements. However, they don't receive access to partner lounges through this benefit.

Additionally, spending by authorized users counts toward earning bonus Loyalty Points each year — these are credited to the primary cardholder's account.

Authorized-user fees

You can add up to three authorized users for $175 annually. Each additional authorized user beyond those three costs another $175 per year.

To learn more, see our full review of the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard

Benefits of adding authorized users

Beyond the perks offered by individual cards, there are other reasons you might consider adding someone to your account.

Adding an authorized user can help you earn rewards faster, since their purchases count toward your account's spending activity. This can be especially useful when working toward a welcome bonus or spending-based benefits, such as elite status. Some issuers also offer targeted bonuses for adding authorized users.

Authorized users may also benefit from the primary cardholder's positive credit history, potentially helping them build or improve their own credit. Depending on the issuer, adding an authorized user may also provide additional options for sharing or transferring rewards.

Related: Should my partner get their own card or be added as an authorized user?

Drawbacks to adding authorized users

Of course, there are also a few potential downsides to consider before adding someone to your account.

The biggest consideration is that the primary cardholder is responsible for all purchases, even those made by authorized users. Authorized users generally aren't responsible for repaying the account balance, although issuer policies and individual circumstances may vary.

Additional cards may also come with annual fees, and authorized users don't always receive the same benefits as primary cardholders.

Before adding someone to your account, make sure you understand the costs, benefits and available spending controls.

Related: Everything you need to know about authorized credit card users

Bottom line

There are many reasons to add an authorized user to your credit card account. It can help someone build their credit and improve their score, net you extra spending toward a welcome bonus and extend the use of your points to friends or family members.

Certain high-end credit cards also bestow value-added benefits on authorized users, such as lounge access, Global Entry reimbursements and inflight purchase discounts.

As always, when considering a credit card, consider your spending habits and needs and then determine whether adding authorized users will provide enough value to justify any annual fees you might incur.

And remember that as the primary cardholder, you're responsible for purchases made by authorized users.

Related: Is it worth becoming a Citi / AAdvantage Executive authorized user for Admirals Club access?

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Delta Reserve card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Delta Reserve Business card, click here.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

With a good beginner credit card, you can establish a credit history, earn rewards on your spending and enjoy valuable perks. Plus, if you love to travel like we do here at TPG, you can use your credit card to elevate your next trip.

Maybe you've decided to break up with your debit card — which typically won't earn rewards on your spending — or maybe you're a first-timer seeking to build credit as you plan for the future.

The best first credit card for you will depend on your spending habits, financial goals and credit history. While some of the cards on this list are better suited to those with established credit, there are also options for people with limited or no credit history.

Whether you're interested in earning cash-back rewards, points, miles or a combination of all three, we have you covered with our selection of the best first credit cards.

The best first credit cards for beginners

Note: Many of these rewards cards are generally geared toward applicants with established credit. If you're starting from scratch, see our section on credit cards for limited credit history below.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Welcome offer: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0.

Why it's great for beginners: If you're new to credit cards, it doesn't get much easier than this no-annual-fee card that earns a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no limits.

You won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories or managing Capital One miles if you opt to earn simple cash back with the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, meaning you'll earn a consistent return on every purchase without shuffling around multiple cards or activating quarterly categories.

But if you add a card that earns Capital One miles later, you can potentially convert the cash back into a transferable travel currency that can be used with one of Capital One's 15-plus transfer partners.

To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Quicksilver.

Learn more: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0.

Why it's great for beginners: For beginners who spend money on food and entertainment, there are few better ways to earn bonus cash back than with the no-annual-fee Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.

First-timers can unlock bonus cash back in popular spending categories without paying an annual fee, making it a strong candidate for anyone looking to dive into credit card rewards.

To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Savor.

Learn more: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Chase Freedom Unlimited

Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0.

Why it's great for beginners: Cash-back rewards are a solid starting point for beginners, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited earns at elevated rates across multiple common bonus categories to help you maximize earnings on the dollars you spend.

The cash back you'll earn can be used as a statement credit or deposited directly into most U.S. checking and savings accounts at 1 cent per point.

You can also redeem cash back for gift cards or use them to book travel through Chase Travel for the same value. While you can also use cash-back rewards at Amazon, you'll get a lower value going this route.

With the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you can set yourself up for a greater Chase credit card strategy. In the future, you could pair this card with another card that earns premium Chase Ultimate Rewards points (such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred) and convert your cash-back rewards into transferable points.

To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95.

Why it's great for beginners: The Chase Ultimate Rewards points you'll earn with this card are valuable when used for travel, whether you're redeeming to purchase a flight, book a hotel or rent a car through Chase Travel (at a rate of up to 1.5 cents per point, depending on the specific redemption; see your rewards program agreement for full details), or transferring to one of Chase's airline and hotel partners for maximum value.

While some points-earning travel cards can carry high annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card's $95 annual fee is a modest entry point for those starting off with credit cards. It's ideal for frequent or casual travelers looking to earn valuable rewards.

To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Citi Double Cash Card

Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. (This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 Citi ThankYou Rewards points that can be redeemed for $200 cash back.)

Annual fee: $0.

Why it's great for beginners: This is an easy option for those unfamiliar with credit card rewards. All you have to do to earn 2% cash back* on all your purchases is swipe the Citi Double Cash Card and pay your statement balance.

You won't have to memorize bonus categories or be concerned about activating rotating categories. Instead, you'll know you're getting 2% cash back on every purchase. Plus, cash-back rewards are easy to redeem if you're a true newcomer.

*1% when you buy and 1% when you pay

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.

Apply here: Citi Double Cash Card

Discover it Cash Back

Welcome offer: Discover will automatically match all the cash back you earn on the card after your first card anniversary year with Unlimited Cashback Match™, effectively doubling your rewards for the first year of card membership.

Annual fee: $0.

Why it's great for beginners: This card is a good option for beginners as they think about their spending habits to maximize bonus categories. The important factor here is not to forget to activate the Discover it Cash Back's rotating quarterly categories.

However, if you maximize the card's bonus categories each quarter and use it for all your spending in the first year, you could earn some serious cash-back rewards — all while learning about your spending strategy and activating bonus categories.

To learn more, read our full review of the Discover it Cash Back.

Learn more: Discover it Cash Back

How we chose the best first credit cards

We evaluated these cards based on their annual fees, earning rates, ease of redeeming rewards and overall value for beginners. We prioritized cards with straightforward earning structures, useful everyday benefits and manageable annual fees.

We also considered each card's long-term value, including whether it could serve as a stepping stone toward a more advanced travel rewards strategy as your needs evolve.

Related: How to choose your best credit card strategy

How to choose your first credit card

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to the best first credit card. However, there are a couple of questions to ask yourself that could help narrow down the perfect beginner credit card for you:

• Are you willing to pay an annual fee?
• How do you spend your money most often?
• What type of rewards are you looking to earn — points, miles or cash back?
• Will you be able to earn the welcome bonus for a new card?

As a personal example, I was previously an authorized user on my parents' Disney® Visa® Card (see rates and fees). After a few years, I was ready to find my own card with simple rewards and a 0% introductory annual percentage rate period.

What you value is all up to your personal preferences, and weighing all these factors will help you select the right starter credit card for your financial strategy.

Related: The complete guide to credit card annual fees

Credit cards for limited credit history

It's worth noting that if you are starting out with limited (or no) credit history, you may want to start simpler than what we've included in this list. In this case, consider a secured credit card. Secured cards are good options for those who don't have a credit history or are working to rebuild it.

Secured credit cards are easier to get approved for and require a security deposit that becomes your credit limit. With responsible use of a secured credit card, you can establish good credit history and become eligible for cards that earn more rewards — such as the cards on this list.

Some of our picks for a best first credit card also have a secured version, such as the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Discover it® Secured Credit Card.

The information for the Discover it Secured Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: What is a secured credit card?

Bottom line

Choosing your first credit card is a big decision. It's most important to pick a card that suits your spending habits, lifestyle and budget, as there isn't one perfect credit card for all beginners.

If you're new to credit, a secured or student card may be the best place to start. If you've already established credit, a beginner-friendly rewards card can help you earn cash back or travel rewards on purchases you're making anyway.

Whichever card you choose, focus on paying your balance in full and building good credit habits. The rewards are a bonus, but establishing a strong credit history can benefit you for years to come.

Related: 7 things to understand about credit before applying for a new card

Dating back to 1947, Delano is a hotel synonymous with Miami glamour, South Florida celebrity culture and striking art deco architecture. A playground for the rich and famous throughout its years, the original hotel hosted presidents and dignitaries before being reborn in the 1990s under the groundbreaking guidance of Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck. At one point, Delano was home to a restaurant co-owned by Madonna and a nightclub from Lenny Kravitz.

But when the COVID-19 pandemic crippled the hospitality industry in 2020, the famed Delano closed its doors.

Now, the hotel is back, this time simply dubbed Delano Miami Beach, and it's as gorgeous and glamorous as ever after reopening this summer. Touted to "[honor] the legacy of its predecessor while redefining it for a new era," it was clear from the get-go that the newest iteration of the legendary hotel had big shoes to fill.

So I went down to South Florida to check in and check it out myself. Here's what it was like staying at Delano Miami Beach.

Know before you go

The vibe: Chic, airy and flat-out cool. The new Delano Miami Beach is both a living gallery and place to see and be seen.
The location: Situated on the iconic Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, the hotel is located in the heart of all the action.
Getting there: Delano Miami Beach is about 12 miles from Miami International Airport. Expect to pay between $25-45 for a cab or rideshare.
Parking: Overnight valet parking costs $65 per night.
Size: The hotel has 171 rooms and suites, multiple pools, beach access, a fitness center and a soon-to-open spa.
Food and drink: There are two popular restaurants, plus a buzzy lobby-adjacent bar, pool and beach service, and a cafe.
Pet policy: Dogs and cats up to 50 pounds are allowed to stay at Delano Miami Beach for a fee of $250.

The rooms

Delano Miami Beach offers rooms, suites and two-story bungalows with direct access to the pool. During my stay, I was placed in a partial ocean-view king suite that had a living room area, a hallway with closet space and beautiful bathroom and a large bedroom.

The very chic living room had a massive TV (with streaming capabilities); a well-stocked minibar with snacks, top-shelf liquors and Noam Beer (a German beer in a truly gorgeous bottle); and a coffee maker. There was also a lounge-style couch, an armchair and a small table with two chairs. From one small sliver of the window in the living room, I could see the ocean, but the view put the emphasis on "partial" in my partial ocean view. If you're serious about having direct views of the water, be sure to book an ocean-view room.

The hallway served as both a corridor between rooms and a closet, thanks to a curtained-off area with plush robes, hangers, a luggage rack and other areas to organize clothes, luggage and everything else you might be carrying.

For a suite, the bathroom was compact, but the design was beautiful. Illuminated, abstract mirrors blended with a bold white dual vanity and a large soaking tub. The bathroom was stocked with Byredo Gypsy Water products and soft towels — and the shower's water pressure was great.

The head-to-toe white and beige bedroom felt like sleeping in a cloud. In the headboard, a built-in switch controlled the lights and blinds, though I enjoyed the views of Collins Avenue's iconic art deco building when the blinds were up. The room also had a large TV (once again, with streaming capabilities), reading lights built into the headboard and an armchair with a small table.

I really enjoyed the suite, especially the sleek design of the lamps and furniture. It was a great home-away-from-home for my two-night stay.

Dining and drinking

Delano Miami Beach's food and drink scene was buzzing before it opened, thanks to the first U.S. outposts of famed restaurants Gigi Rigolatto and Mimi Kakushi.

Gigi Rigolatto

To put it bluntly: Gigi Rigolatto Miami is a scene in the best possible way. For my Friday night dinner, the restaurant was bustling and full of life. The famed Paris restaurant serving Italian dishes was also full of delicious flavors. For my meal, I started with fiori di zucchine, or fried zucchini flowers with ricotta and truffle ($38), which were lightly and beautifully fried, and could have served as meal itself. But, as multiple people told me, I couldn't go to Gigi without trying the spaghetti limone e caviale, spaghetti with a lemon sauce and 30 grams of Oscietra caviar ($135). The pasta was rich, citrusy-sweet and balanced well with the salty caviar. The dish was plentiful enough for a small group of people, but let's just say I was feeling selfish that night (and luckily, I was dining alone).

Mimi Kakushi

In Dubai, Mimi Kakushi has been a trendy staple of the restaurant scene since 2021. Now open in Miami, the restaurant serves a menu of Japanese dishes from fresh nigiri to gyoza, Wagyu steaks, miso black cod and everything in between. I could eat Japanese food for every meal, so I tried a nice sampling of my favorites: an earthy, bold miso soup with truffle ($12), perfectly crafted pieces of freshwater eel nigiri and tuna nigiri ($17 for two pieces, each) and black cod and tiger prawns gyoza with citrus miso ($28). The well-crafted, umami-packed miso set the bar high for the rest of the meal, and the nigiri was as light and fresh as I've had. In fact, I was tempted to order more nigiri, but after packing in all of the delicious gyoza, I decided to call it and appreciate the great meal I had.

But not without dessert! To end the meal, I tucked away a piece of Hokkaido cheesecake with strawberries and an earthy matcha sauce ($18). The subtle sweetness of the cheesecake was the perfect base for the rich matcha, and after I said I was done, I went back in for "just one more bite" multiple times.

As I told people I was heading to Mimi Kakushi, everyone I talked to insisted I order "the world's coldest martini." Well, I love martinis, so it was an obvious must. Dubbed the Nara Nara ($38), the martini consists of Botanist Gin being chiseled from a giant block of ice (kept at a freezing –4°F) tableside, making for a show as cool as the drink itself.

Rose bar

Adjacent to the lobby, Rose Bar is open nightly for drinks. The menu has an interesting cocktail menu with options like the Rose old fashioned with Macallan 12, banana, salted caramel and chocolate ($35) and the chamomile penicillin made with Johnnie Walker Black Label, chamomile, ginger, carrot, honey and Campari ($23).

Other options

Delano Miami Beach also has an Italian-style coffee shop with classic coffee drinks, upscale pours like an iced pistachio milk shakerato ($15), juices, pastries, breakfast items and fruit bowls. Various food menus from the different restaurants are also available for order at the pool and beach.

Amenities and service

Service throughout the hotel was near exceptional, and it seemed like most of the people working at Delano Miami Beach were truly happy to be there — and happy to assist. Especially at Rose Bar, the outdoor bar at Gigi and the pool. The only mishap I experienced was a manager berating a bartender about one foot in front of me, while I was the only person at the bar trying to listen to the live music. Luckily, the pool staff over the course of my stay made up for it, and I can't thank Malou, Tania and Arian for their incredible hospitality.

Here's what else is on offer:

• A pool with lounge chairs and cabanas (available for a fee)
• Direct beach access with lounge chairs and food-for-order from Gigi
• A state-of-the-art fitness center
• The Source By Delano spa (scheduled to open later in the year)
• The Nothing Finer shop offers a curated selection of lifestyle products, clothes and more for purchase

How to book Delano Miami Beach

Cash rates at Delano Miami Beach start around $600 per night. As an Accor property, members of its loyalty program can trade in multiples of 2,000 points for 40 euros (about $44) off a stay.

Delano Miami Beach also participates in The Edit by Chase Travel, allowing eligible cardholders to receive elite-like benefits like daily breakfast for two, property credits and more.

Accessibility

Delano Miami Beach has all the expected accessibility features travelers should anticipate in the United States, including dedicated accessible rooms and public spaces, and a pool with a lift.

As always, TPG recommends calling the hotel before booking to ensure they can meet your needs.

Bottom line

Miami Beach has no shortage of incredible luxury hotels, but few are as storied as Delano. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my two-night stay, and my only regret is that I couldn't stay longer. From mouthwatering nigiri at Mimi to salty caviar at Gigi, and the best pool attendants I've ever encountered, the all-new Delano Miami Beach really brought back to life a true Miami legend.

Related reading:

• First look: Here's what new (and what's coming) at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Florida
• First look: Andaz Miami Beach brings oceanfront elegance, a hydraulic pool and local flavor to Collins Avenue
• Accor's MGallery is getting a US flagship — and it's a popular NYC hotel

I recently saved around $450 on a two-night hotel stay by booking it with the right card. And I did it in a way I honestly hadn't tried before, but absolutely will again.

The American Express Platinum Card®, which I have and love, comes with up to $600 in annual hotel statement credits, split into two up-to-$300 credits each calendar year — one from January through June and another from July through December.

These can be used on eligible prepaid stays booked through American Express Travel® at either Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.

But as I recently discovered, how you use that credit can make a big difference in the value you get from it.

Related: How to maximize the $300 Amex Platinum hotel credit

Shifting how we use the $300 Amex Platinum hotel credit

To be transparent, I've mostly used our Amex Platinum hotel statement credits for stays at Fine Hotels + Resorts rather than The Hotel Collection.

That's partly because Fine Hotels + Resorts allows one-night bookings, but also because its properties come with more extensive benefits, including complimentary breakfast for two and guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout.

The problem with that strategy is that Fine Hotels + Resorts properties are generally pretty pricey. As in, it's not uncommon for stays to cost $500 to $1,000 per night.

TPG Tip: You can use sites such as MaxMyFHR to quickly find some of the lower-cost hotels and dates where you can use these benefits.

While a up-to-$300 credit can make a one-night luxury stay more affordable, that isn't always the best fit when I'm traveling with my family.

Enter: Amex's The Hotel Collection.

The Hotel Collection includes a range of upscale properties, some of which can be more affordable than Fine Hotels + Resorts options.

On a recent long weekend trip to Disney World with my family, we used our $300 credit to book a two-night stay at the Walt Disney World Swan, which is part of The Hotel Collection.

For those not familiar with the Walt Disney World Swan, it's actually a Marriott property located on Disney property, within walking distance of both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's basically a perfect combination for someone who loves points, card perks and Disney.

The nearby Walt Disney World Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan Reserve are also Marriott properties available through Amex's The Hotel Collection.

Related: Best hotels near Disney World you can book with points

How the $300 benefit actually saved us $450

Our two-night stay at the Swan over a busy holiday weekend cost $672 through Amex Travel, plus a resort fee that we paid directly to the hotel.

That charge triggered the $300 Amex Platinum statement credit, bringing our pre-resort-fee cost down to just $372 total, or $186 per night. For a nice hotel on Disney property during a holiday weekend, this was already a great deal.

But that wasn't the only reason this was such a great way to book the stay.

While The Hotel Collection's benefits aren't as extensive as those at Fine Hotels + Resorts, they still made a pretty big difference. In this case, booking through Amex Travel and The Hotel Collection came with a $150 property credit.

We used most of that credit on dinner and drinks for the whole family at Rosa Mexicano at the neighboring Dolphin, and the rest on some other incidentals. We charged the meal back to our room at the Swan, allowing us to use the credit on something we would have paid for anyway.

The Hotel Collection typically advertises a $100 property credit as part of its benefits, but some hotels offer more, as was the case here.

Factoring in the $150 property credit, which we used toward expenses we would have paid for anyway, we received $450 in combined value from the stay. That brought our effective cost to $222 total, or $111 per night, before the resort fee.

That's a pretty unbeatable deal for a hotel on Disney property during a busy holiday weekend.

We were also able to get a 2 p.m. late checkout, which was pretty generous considering how busy the weekend was. Late checkout is subject to availability with The Hotel Collection, unlike the guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout you'd get through Fine Hotels + Resorts.

My Marriott Platinum benefits were also honored on the stay, which tacked on a $20 daily breakfast voucher that we were able to redeem at one of the on-property grab-and-go shops.

Bottom line

By combining the Amex Platinum's $300 hotel statement credit with a $150 property credit through The Hotel Collection, we received about $450 in value on a two-night stay we were already planning.

That alone doesn't offset the card's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees), but making the most of benefits like this one throughout the year is exactly how you can come out ahead with premium rewards cards.

And after years of primarily using my Amex Platinum hotel credits on short Fine Hotels + Resorts properties, I'll absolutely be giving The Hotel Collection a closer look going forward.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Platinum Card.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.

On October 15, 2026, Southwest announced significant changes to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program. The airline will roll out new terminology soon while revising the perks and rules of various pieces of the program, all starting on January 1, 2027.

Change often creates confusion, and this change is no exception. Southwest has switched up so many things in the last few years. Even Southwest frequent flyers may feel their heads spinning.

Related: The new playbook for booking and flying with Southwest Airlines

There are a lot of ways that the airline is marketing the changes as offering "more opportunity" for customers, and there are a few new modest perks of note.

But points and miles enthusiasts who have largely been laser-focused on maximizing status perks or earning a Southwest Companion Pass are mostly losers in the new playbook.

We've been hearing some common questions from TPG readers about the latest round of Southwest Rapid Rewards changes and what it means for status on the airline. Is your status changing in meaningful ways relative to your travel habits? Is the Companion Pass really dead?

Here's what we know about the answers to these and other common questions. Plus, find out what action steps some Southwest travelers should take now to lock in a few perks before it's too late.

What Southwest status level will I hold next year?

The new Rapid Rewards program goes into effect on January 1, 2027, meaning that program members with elite status will finish out the current year under a familiar program. For travelers who already have earned status on Southwest in 2026 (or who will before year's end), the transition to the new system in 2027 should be seamless.

Rapid Rewards members who earn A-List status in 2026 become Silver for all of 2027 as of January 1, 2027. Similarly, those who earn A-List Preferred status in 2026 will become Gold for all of 2027. The transition won't require any action on the part of customers.

The only truly new status that Southwest has created is Platinum, which now will include the coveted unlimited Companion Pass, and no one will start 2027 with that status. Instead, it must be earned under the new 2027 Rapid Rewards program rules.

If you want to keep the same Silver or Gold status perks beyond 2027 (or earn the new Platinum status), however, slightly modified earning rules go into effect in the new year. Those rules change the pathway to 2028 Gold and Silver status.

Will I lose (or gain) any perks or benefits in 2027 with Silver or Gold, as compared to A-List or A-List Preferred?

Once A-List members become Silver and A-List Preferred members become Gold, 2027 will look mostly the same for the vast majority of them. Status perks like free checked bags, early boarding groups, and free seat assignments will remain constant at comparable status tiers.

Silver (formerly A-List) members will even see improved earning bonuses on qualifying flight purchases in 2027 and beyond—40% extra instead of 25% that A-List received.

Gold (formerly A-List Preferred) members, however, will see their earning bonuses on flight purchases reduced, from 100% to just 60%. Thankfully, Southwest will provide a soft landing for A-List Preferred members who earn status this year. The airline's website states, "Members who earn A-List Preferred status for 2027 based on their 2026 activity will retain their 100% flight-point earning bonus through December 31, 2027. The 60% earning bonus applies to Gold status earned under the new program terms."

Southwest is also introducing a few intermediate thresholds (before Silver status and between Gold and Platinum) called "Milestone Rewards" that may result in a few extra perks for some members whose earnings fall between status levels.

Under the new rules, members who earn 95,000 TQPs or fly 75 qualifying one-way flights can unlock three Companion Pass trips. Each trip can cover a round-trip itinerary.

That's a significant distinction for those of you who won't qualify for Platinum. You can still earn limited Companion Pass benefits without reaching the highest tier.

But as with most program loyalty changes, Southwest gives with one hand and takes away with the other. Customers who purchase Southwest's two most expensive fare types, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra, will earn fewer Rapid Rewards points on those purchases starting in 2027. Choice Preferred fares will earn 8 points per dollar spent (previously 10x), and Choice Extra fares will earn 10 points per dollar spent (previously 14x).

The combination of these changes could make the program substantially less lucrative for some types of status holders. For example, a member with A-List Preferred status currently earns 28 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent on Choice Extra fares (14x plus a 100% bonus). By 2028, an equivalent Gold member will only earn 16 points per dollar spent on that same fare (10x plus a 60% bonus)—a mere 57% of previous earnings.

In contrast, a Silver member who regularly purchases cheaper Basic or Choice fares will end up a bit better off.

What types of points count to determine status or earn a Companion Pass?

Under Southwest's current program, there are three types of Rapid Rewards points: those redeemable for airfare, those that also count towards A-List and A-List Preferred status, and those that also count towards Companion Pass qualification.

The new system essentially merges the final two categories into a single one: Tier Qualifying Points (TQP). Tier Qualifying Points are the primary way to unlock status (in addition to flying a set number of one-way flights), including the Platinum tier, which now awards an unlimited Companion Pass.

There are a number of ways that members will continue to earn Rapid Rewards points that can be redeemed for airfare, but that don't award Tier Qualifying Points. Those include:

• Points earned from a co-branded credit card welcome bonus
• Credit card spending bonus categories
• Status bonuses (the multipliers applied to qualifying airfare purchases for status holders)
• Credit card referral bonuses
• Points earned from purchases with many partners (hotels, partner airlines, rental car companies, shopping and dining portals)

Many of these methods used to count towards Companion Pass qualification. They won't in 2027.

Starting in 2027, there will be a very limited number of ways to earn Tier Qualifying Points on Southwest. The most common will be 1) points from spending on a co-branded credit card (1 TQP per dollar spent) or 2) base points earned from spending on qualifying airfare. (Group bookings, booking Getaways by Southwest, and some qualifying debit card purchases also earn TQP.)

Members will earn differently on qualifying airfare based on the fare type they purchase:

• Basic: 2 TQP points per $1 spent
• Choice: 6 TQP points per $1 spent
• Choice Preferred: 8 TQP points per $1 spent
• Choice Extra: 10 TQP points per $1 spent

Southwest may occasionally offer promotions for members to earn bonus Tier Qualifying Points. What's unclear is what those promotions will be and whether they will be sufficiently rewarding to make up even a fraction of the loss caused now that so many kinds of points no longer count towards Companion Pass.

What happens to my existing Southwest Companion Pass?

Under the new Rapid Rewards program, going into effect on January 1, 2027, the only way to earn an unlimited Companion Pass is by achieving Platinum status. What happens to all the Rapid Rewards members who have already earned a Companion Pass through other methods?

If you have earned a Companion Pass that expires in 2026, regardless of the method you used to earn it, nothing changes. You still have the same ability to use it until the end of the year.

For travelers who earned a Companion Pass in 2026 with an expiration date of December 31, 2027, nothing changes for you either. You do not have to hit Platinum or worry about Tier Qualifying Points if you simply want to use the pass benefits until year-end 2027.

Can I still earn a Companion Pass with credit card bonuses this year?

Sometimes when airlines make loyalty program changes, the new rules go into effect immediately. That means there are no opportunities to continue taking advantage of the previous program perks.

Mercifully, that's not the case with the upcoming Rapid Rewards changes. In fact, Southwest is giving customers a few more months to earn a Companion Pass the old-fashioned way. Anyone who applies and is approved for a co-branded credit card before December 2, 2026, will still be able to apply card welcome bonus points toward Companion Pass qualification.

Related: Current Chase Southwest credit card offers

Additionally, Southwest is giving customers a little more runway when it comes to using this method. Even if the customer completes the spending requirement on that card in early 2027, the welcome bonus points will continue to count towards Companion Pass qualification, as if they had been earned in 2026.

The catch is, however, that the Companion Pass awarded for new card signups in the next few weeks will only be valid until the end of 2027. If you had been planning to get one or two new credit cards this fall but were waiting to complete the minimum spend until January 2027 to earn a Companion Pass valid through 2028, that method will no longer work.

Of course, in order for any method to work at all, a Rapid Rewards member has to be able to earn the currently required 135,000 Companion Pass Qualifying Points in a very short period of time. Regular Southwest flyers or anyone who spends heavily on a Southwest credit card might be most of the way there. A single credit card welcome bonus might put them over the top.

But the road will be hard for many others. There simply isn't a lot of time left in the year to earn under the old system. Additionally, if you've received a bonus on any personal Southwest credit card in the last 24 months, you might not even be eligible for a new personal card. And anyone who plans to earn most of the points through a welcome bonus on two cards—one personal and one business—might have a hard time obtaining both approvals.

So consider carefully whether there is a reasonably clear pathway available to you, particularly given that the Companion Pass will only provide one year of use.

Will there be any way to earn a Companion Pass with credit cards after January 1, 2027?

Welcome bonuses on Southwest co-branded credit cards will no longer count towards earning the Southwest Companion Pass after January 1, 2027 (with the minor exception already discussed). So is all hope lost for points and miles enthusiasts who strategically rely on credit cards after the next few months are up?

The answer to that question is still to be decided. The old method of getting the bulk of the points needed for a Companion Pass with welcome bonuses is dead.

But there is, of course, still the classic way to earn a Companion Pass by putting a massive amount of spending on a Southwest credit card—$130,000 to be exact. Earning Platinum status requires 140,000 TQPs (you get a 10,000 TQP bonus after hitting 130,000 TQPs).

The new 1 TQP awarded for each $1 spent will actually make that method a little more straightforward. But that number will be impossibly daunting for many. And with so many other rewards credit cards offering better multipliers on most kinds of credit card spending, the opportunity costs of pursuing this method to earn a Companion Pass might be pretty enormous.

In the past, Southwest also offered limited-time promotional Companion Passes. Sometimes these were awarded as a welcome bonus for a new co-branded credit card. Other times, a promotional pass was tied to registering for a promotion and purchasing and flying on Southwest flights within a defined time period.

It seems highly likely that Southwest will continue to offer promotions of this nature. So there may be other Companion Pass pathways to come, some of which might involve credit cards.

In fact, Southwest has also been sharing bits and pieces about a new premium-level co-branded credit card planned very soon. That card is confirmed to include lounge access and other perks for top spenders willing to pay a presumably hefty annual fee. It's possible that this card might include a perk to help make it easier to earn the Companion Pass, like reduced Tier Qualifying Points or additional bonuses.

Let's cross our fingers.

Bottom Line

Status at Southwest is changing, most significantly with the Companion Pass that has been relatively easy for many points and miles fans to earn for more than a decade. There is a limited-time pathway to getting one more Companion Pass valid through the end of 2027 for some Southwest flyers, but many more are simply out of luck.

In 2027 and beyond, everyone except the highest spenders and most frequent flyers will have to look for new ways to fly Southwest for less. Here's to hoping the new year brings some new opportunities.

Related reading:

• Your complete guide to maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards
• The best Southwest Airlines credit cards
• How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass
• Southwest's new seating and boarding policies: What to know
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• Reverse redeye? Southwest is launching one of America's wildest itineraries