Are you a frequent traveler looking to maximize your benefits and rewards? If so, you may have heard of status matches and how they can help you achieve elite status with airlines and hotels. But did you know that you can also leverage credit cards to take advantage of these status matches? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of status matches and how you can use credit cards to maximize them.
What is a Status Match?
A status match is a process where an airline or hotel will match your elite status with another airline or hotel. This means that if you have elite status with one airline or hotel, you can receive the same level of status with another airline or hotel without having to meet the usual requirements.
For example, if you have elite status with Delta Airlines, you can request a status match with United Airlines and potentially receive the same elite status with United without having to fly a certain number of miles or stay a certain number of nights.
Why Are Status Matches Beneficial?
Status matches are beneficial for frequent travelers because they provide access to exclusive perks and benefits that are typically reserved for elite members. These perks can include priority boarding, free checked bags, complimentary upgrades, and more.
By leveraging status matches, you can enjoy these benefits without having to meet the usual requirements, saving you time and money. Additionally, having elite status with multiple airlines or hotels can provide more options and flexibility when planning your travels.
How Can Credit Cards Help with Status Matches?
Credit cards can play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of status matches. Many credit cards offer perks and benefits that align with elite status, making it easier to meet the requirements for a status match.
Meeting Spending Requirements
One way credit cards can help with status matches is by helping you meet the spending requirements for elite status. For example, if you need to spend a certain amount of money to achieve elite status with an airline or hotel, you can use a credit card to make those purchases and earn points towards your status.
Complimentary Elite Status
Some credit cards offer complimentary elite status with airlines or hotels as a perk. This means that by simply having the credit card, you can request a status match with another airline or hotel and potentially receive elite status without having to meet any requirements.
Transferable Points
Certain credit cards allow you to transfer your points to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. This can be beneficial when trying to achieve elite status with a specific airline or hotel. By transferring your points, you can potentially meet the requirements for a status match and enjoy the benefits of elite status.
Hotel and Airline Programs Offering Status Matches
Examples of Hotel Programs Offering Status Matches with Credit Cards
Hotel loyalty programs often provide status matches or status challenges to members of other loyalty programs, including those who hold specific credit cards. Status matches involve granting a comparable status in the hotel’s loyalty program based on the member’s status in another program, while status challenges typically require the member to complete a set number of stays within a certain period to maintain their status.
Here are some examples of hotel loyalty programs that have been known to offer status matches or related benefits to credit card holders:
- Hilton Honors: American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status as a benefit of their card membership. This status offers benefits like room upgrades, late check-out, and bonus points on stays.
- Marriott Bonvoy: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card provides complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status to cardholders. Gold Elite status includes perks such as enhanced room upgrades, late checkout, and extra points on stays.
- World of Hyatt: Certain credit cards, like the World of Hyatt Credit Card, offer automatic Discoverist status in the World of Hyatt program, which includes benefits like room upgrades when available, late checkout, and bonus points.
- IHG Rewards Club: Holders of the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card are granted Platinum Elite status as long as they remain cardmembers. Platinum Elite status benefits include room upgrades, late checkout, and additional points on bookings.
- Wyndham Rewards: Wyndham offers status match opportunities to members of other hotel loyalty programs, and sometimes credit card benefits can indirectly provide a pathway to status. For example, certain credit cards offer rewards that can be transferred to hotel loyalty programs where status matches are available.
It’s important to note that these offers can change, and participation in status matches or challenges usually requires proof of current status with another loyalty program or credit card. The terms and conditions, including the duration of the matched status and specific benefits, can vary significantly between hotel programs and over time.
For the most current information on hotel loyalty program status matches or challenges available to credit card holders, it’s best to check directly with the hotel program or the credit card issuer’s benefits page.
Examples of Airline Programs Offering Status Matches with Credit Cards
Airline programs often offer status matches as a way to attract loyal customers from competing airlines. Additionally, some airlines partner with credit card companies to offer elite status or fast-track status achievement as part of their credit card benefits. Here are a few examples of airline programs and credit cards that have historically offered status matches or status benefits:
- Delta Air Lines and American Express: American Express Platinum and Delta Reserve Card holders can receive benefits that mimic elite status perks on Delta Air Lines, such as priority boarding and free checked bags. While not a direct status match, these benefits are designed to make travel more comfortable, akin to having elite status.
- United Airlines and Chase: The United MileagePlus Club Card and the United℠ Explorer Card from Chase offer various perks that can enhance your travel experience with United Airlines. Benefits include priority boarding, free checked bags, and more. Additionally, United sometimes offers promotions where MileagePlus members can earn elite status through spending on their co-branded credit cards.
- American Airlines and Citi/AAdvantage or Barclays AAdvantage Aviator: Holders of certain Citi/AAdvantage or Barclays AAdvantage Aviator cards can receive benefits such as priority boarding and free checked bags. Occasionally, American Airlines may offer challenges or fast tracks to elite status as part of their partnership with these credit cards.
- Southwest Airlines and Chase: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card holders get benefits that enhance their flying experience, such as annual travel credits, upgraded boardings, and more. While not a status match, Southwest does offer a Companion Pass, which can be earned through significant credit card spending, and is one of the most valuable benefits in the airline industry.
- Alaska Airlines and Bank of America: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card holders receive a free checked bag, priority boarding, and occasionally, Alaska offers the opportunity to earn elite status miles through spending on the card.
It’s important to note that the availability of status matches or elite status benefits through credit card partnerships can change frequently based on the strategic priorities of the airline and credit card issuer. Additionally, the actual status match offers, where an airline matches your status from another airline, are typically separate from credit card benefits and are subject to their own terms and conditions, including limited-time offers and specific eligibility criteria.
Leveraging Credit Cards for Status Matches
Selecting the Right Credit Cards
Selecting the right travel credit cards can be a daunting task for many individuals. With a multitude of options available on the market, it is important to carefully consider your personal financial goals and spending habits before making a decision. Factors to take into account include annual fees, rewards programs, interest rates, and any additional benefits offered by the card issuer. Conducting thorough research and comparing multiple options can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your needs.
Meeting Minimum Spending Requirements
Meeting minimum spending requirements can be a crucial aspect of maximizing the rewards and benefits offered by credit cards. Many card issuers require cardholders to spend a certain amount within a specified time frame in order to qualify for sign-up bonuses or rewards points. Planning your purchases and expenses accordingly can help you reach these spending thresholds without overspending or accumulating unnecessary debt. It is important to track your spending and stay within your budget to avoid any financial pitfalls.
Timing Your Applications
Timing your credit card applications strategically can have a significant impact on your overall financial picture. Applying for multiple travel credit cards within a short period of time can negatively affect your credit score, as each application typically results in a hard inquiry on your credit report. It is advisable to space out your applications and consider the potential impact on your credit before submitting multiple applications simultaneously. Additionally, timing your applications to coincide with promotional offers or limited-time sign-up bonuses can help you maximize the benefits of each new credit card account.
Tips for Maximizing Status Matches with Credit Cards
Now that you understand the benefits of leveraging credit cards for status matches, here are some tips to help you maximize your benefits:
Research Credit Card Perks
Before applying for a credit card, research the perks and benefits it offers. Look for credit cards that align with your travel goals and offer perks that can help you achieve elite status with airlines and hotels.
Plan Ahead
When planning your travels, consider which airlines and hotels offer status matches and which credit cards can help you achieve elite status with those brands. This will allow you to strategically use your credit cards to meet the requirements for a status match.
Keep Track of Your Points
It’s essential to keep track of your points and their expiration dates. Some credit cards have points that expire after a certain amount of time, so it’s crucial to use them before they expire. Additionally, keeping track of your points can help you plan when to request a status match and take advantage of your elite status.
Utilize Multiple Credit Cards
Don’t limit yourself to just one credit card. Consider having multiple credit cards that offer different perks and benefits. This will give you more options when trying to achieve elite status with different airlines and hotels.
Real-World Examples of Maximizing Status Matches with Credit Cards
One example of leveraging credit cards for status matches is the partnership between American Express and Hilton Honors. American Express offers complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors as a perk for having their Platinum card. This Gold status can then be used to request a status match with other hotel brands, such as Marriott or Hyatt.
Another example is the partnership between Chase and United Airlines. Chase offers complimentary United Club membership as a perk for having their United MileagePlus Club card. This membership can then be used to request a status match with other airlines, such as Delta or American Airlines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, status matches can provide valuable benefits for frequent travelers, and credit cards can help maximize those benefits. By researching credit card perks, planning ahead, keeping track of your points, and utilizing multiple credit cards, you can strategically use credit cards to achieve elite status with airlines and hotels. So if you’re a frequent traveler looking to maximize your benefits, consider leveraging credit cards for status matches and enjoy the perks of elite status.
References
- Zhang, L., & Hanks, L. (2015). Unearned Preferential Treatment. Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, 56, 309 – 319.
- Kim, W., Kim, S. Y., & Leong, J. K. (2003). Impact of Guest Reward Programs on the Firms’ Performance. Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality & Tourism, 4, 109 – 87.
- Mathies, C., & Gudergan, S. (2012). Do status levels in loyalty programmes change customers’ willingness to pay?. Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management, 11, 274-288.
