How Credit Card Issuers Are Responding to COVID-19

General assistance is available with a phone call or online chat, but some issuers are taking specific steps for individual cards.
Kenley Young
By Kenley Young 
Updated
Edited by Paul Soucy

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

» These offers have expired

Offers described in this article are out of date. See our best credit cards of 2024 for up-to-date offers.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, most major credit card issuers have alerted cardholders that help is available. Initial guidance was mostly general: Conduct transactions online; be aware of updated customer service hours; contact us and we may be able to help.

But many issuers have been releasing more details about the terms and conditions of assistance, with certain aid even targeted to individual credit card products. Here’s what you can expect from your issuer.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Some COVID-19-related aid is being made available to cardholders automatically; other forms of assistance you must specifically ask for.

How is your card issuer helping?

🤓Nerdy Tip

Mastercard — which is a payment network but not a credit card issuer — has announced the following benefits: As of April 1, 2021, World and World Elite cardholders who are new to DashPass, the DoorDash subscription program, will get a free three-month membership and new and existing DashPass members will automatically get a $5 discount on their first two orders each month when they with a World or World Elite card. Additionally, cardholders get 5% back on each purchase from the meal-kit delivery service HelloFresh, while new customers will receive a discount on their first few orders. The payment network is also offering a number of other deals for World and World Elite cardholders.

American Express

CARD

DETAILS

All American Express cards

• Extended time to earn new cardholder bonus: If you were approved for an eligible account from Dec. 1, 2019, through May 31, 2020, and you're eligible for a "welcome bonus," you get an extra three months to spend enough to earn that bonus.

"Shop Small bonus": Make a purchase of $10 or more at participating small businesses and earn a $5 statement credit. You can earn the credit on up to 10 separate purchases, for a maximum of $50 in credit.

Calm Premium: Cardholders can get a free year of Calm Premium, plus half off the subscription for the following year. (Offer applies only to those who don't already have a subscription.) Subscribe at calm.com/americanexpress by Sept. 30, 2020.

Limited-time bonus on Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors points transfers: Eligible consumer cardholders can get 40% more Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points when transferring Membership Rewards points through Oct. 31, 2020. Terms apply.

Limited-time statement credit for Marriott Bonvoy: Eligible consumer and business cardholders can earn a $75 statement credit when they enroll their card in the featured AmEx Offer online and then use their card to spend $250 or more on stays at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties through Dec. 31, 2020. Reservations must be made through Marriott. Terms apply.

• 'Variis by Equinox' statement credit: From Oct. 9, 2020, to April 1, 2021, most eligible cardholders can get $10 back every month in statement credit toward a membership with at-home fitness program Variis by Equinox. Terms apply. Terms also differ for The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. See below.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Increased sign-up bonus: Starting Nov. 12, 2020 new cardholders will be eligible for the following: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

• Bonus rewards on grocery, gas purchases: Starting Nov. 12, 2020, new cardholders earn 10 points per $1 spent at U.S. gas stations and supermarkets, on up to $15,000 in combined purchases, during their first six months of card membership.

• PayPal statement credit: From Jan. 1, 2021, cardholders can get $30 per month in statement credits on eligible payPal purchases (up to $180 in credits over six months). Offer lasts through June 30, 2021. Terms apply.

• Credits and discounts for travel purchases: Eligible cardholders will get $200 in statement credits when they use the card for qualifying purchases via the American Express Travel platform from August 2020 through December 2021. Cardholders will be notified when the benefit becomes available. Also, the card is offering various limited-time credits, deals and discounts via AmEx Travel Fine Hotels + Resorts and via AmexTravel.com. Terms apply.

• Dell.com statement credit: As of Aug. 3, 2020, get $100 back on any Dell.com purchase of $100 or more. Enrollment required; offer lasts through Jan. 31, 2021. Terms apply.

• 'Variis by Equinox' statement credit: From Oct. 9, 2020, to June 30, 2021, eligible cardholders can get $25 back every month in statement credit toward a membership with at-home fitness program Variis by Equinox. Terms apply.

• Access to Eats Pass from Uber: As of Oct. 26, 2020, cardholders can get up to 12 months of Eats Pass from Uber for no charge. Enrollment by Dec. 31, 2021 required. Terms Apply.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

• Complimentary night or statement credit: For eligible AmEx Travel Fine Hotels + Resorts stays booked through American Express Travel by Dec. 18, 2020 (for stays through Dec. 20, 2020), you can earn a complimentary night or a statement credit at select properties. Terms apply.

Access to lower fares: Until Dec. 31, 2020, cardholders have access to lower fares on qualifying domestic flights booked through AmexTravel.com. (The lower fares are available for travel through March 31, 2021.) Terms apply.

Bonus rewards in multiple categories: Through June 30, 2021, earn 4X points at U.S. gas stations and restaurants, U.S. shipping, U.S. advertising, U.S. wireless expenses and U.S. office supplies, on up up to 80,000 points per category. Terms apply.

American Express® Green Card

• Wireless credits: Get up to $80 in statement credits when you use the card to pay for wireless phone services from U.S. providers (up to $10 per month, May-December 2020).

Access to Eats Pass from Uber: Starting Oct. 26, 2020, cardholders can get up to 12 months of Eats Pass from Uber, for no charge. Enrollment by Dec. 31, 2021 required. Terms Apply.

American Express® Gold Card

Access to Eats Pass from Uber: As of Oct. 26, 2020, cardholders will have access to up to 12 months of Eats Pass from Uber. Enrollment by Dec. 31, 2021 required. Terms Apply.

Uber Cash Perk: Starting in early 2021, eligible cardholders will get up to $120 per year ($10 per month) in Uber Cash. Terms Apply.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

• Additional statement credits: From Aug. 6 through Nov. 4, 2020, new cardholders get up to $300 in statement credits toward qualifying purchases with Dell Technologies, DocuSign and FedEx within the first three months (up to $100 in credits per merchant). Terms apply.

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

• Additional statement credits: From Aug. 6 through Nov. 4, 2020, new cardholders get up to $300 in statement credits toward qualifying purchases with Dell Technologies, DocuSign and FedEx within the first three months (up to $100 in credits per merchant). Terms apply.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

• 'Variis by Equinox' statement credit: From Oct. 9, 2020, to June 30, 2021, eligible cardholders can get $10 back every month in statement credit toward a membership with at-home fitness program Variis by Equinox. Terms apply.

DELTA AIR LINES CARDS ISSUED BY AMERICAN EXPRESS

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

• Bonus supermarket rewards: Earn 4 miles per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets through July 2020 (up from 1 mile per dollar).

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

• Dining statement credits: For a limited time, cardholders can earn $10 in dining credit each month (up to $110 in credits over eleven months). Terms apply.

• Rewards on Delta and at restaurants: For a limited time, eligible existing cardholders could earn 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases, plus 4 miles per $1 spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery (up from 2 miles per $1 spent in those categories). This promotions ended on Dec. 31, 2020.

• Bonus supermarket rewards: Through July 2020, cardholders could earn 4 miles per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets (up from 2 miles per dollar).

• More time to use flight credit: If you earn a $100 Delta flight credit on this card, you typically have a year to use it. Delta says members who have earned a credit will get a six-month extension.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

• Wireless credit: For a limited time, cardholders can also earn $10 in wireless credits each month (up to $110 in credits over eleven months) when you use the card to pay your wireless bill. Terms apply.

• Bonus rewards on Delta and at restaurants: For a limited time, eligible existing cardholders can earn 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases, plus 4 miles per $1 spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery (up from 2 miles per $1 spent in those categories). Enrollment is required and runs until Dec. 31, 2020, when the promotion ends. Terms apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• Dining credits: For a limited time, cardholders can earn $15 in dining credit each month (up to $165 in credits over eleven months). Terms apply.

• Bonus rewards on Delta, bonus miles and MQMs on eligible spending: For a limited time, qualifying existing cardholders can 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases (up from 3 miles per $1 spent). Eligible cardholders will also qualify for an additional 500 bonus miles and 500 Medallion Qualification Miles after spending $1,000 on purchases (up to a max of 25,000 miles and 25,000 MQMs). Enrollment is required and runs until Dec. 31, 2020, when the promotion ends. Terms apply.

• Bonus supermarket rewards: Earn 4 miles per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets through July 2020 (up from 2 miles per dollar).

• More time to use companion certificate: Members with companion certificates that have an original expiration date between March 1 and June 30, 2020, can use them when they book and fly by Dec. 31, 2020. Certificates that expire between July 1, 2020, and April 1, 2021, will receive an additional six months beyond the expiration date.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

• Wireless credit: For a limited time, cardholders can also earn $15 in wireless credits each month (up to $165 in credits over eleven months) when you use the card to pay your wireless bill. Terms apply.

• Bonus rewards on Delta, bonus miles and MQMs on eligible spending: For a limited time, qualifying existing cardholders can 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases (up from 3 miles per $1 spent). Eligible cardholders will also qualify for an additional 500 bonus miles and 500 Medallion Qualification Miles after spending $1,000 on purchases (up to a max of 25,000 miles and 25,000 MQMs). Enrollment is required and runs until Dec. 31, 2020, when the promotion ends. Terms apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

•Dining credit: For a limited time, cardholders can earn $20 in dining credit each month (up to $220 in credits over eleven months). Terms apply.

• Bonus rewards on Delta, bonus miles and MQMs on eligible spending: For a limited time, qualifying existing cardholders could 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases (up from 3 miles per $1 spent). Eligible cardholders will also qualify for an additional 500 bonus miles and 500 Medallion Qualification Miles after spending $1,000 on purchases (up to a max of 25,000 miles and 25,000 MQMs). ThIS promotion ended on Dec. 31, 2020. Terms apply.

• Bonus supermarket rewards: Through July 2020 cardholders could earn 4 miles per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets (up from 1 mile per dollar).

• More time to use companion certificate: Members with companion certificates that had an original expiration date between March 1 and June 30, 2020, could use them when they booked and flew by Dec. 31, 2020. Certificates that expire between July 1, 2020, and April 1, 2021, will receive an additional six months beyond the expiration date.

• More time to use lounge guest passes: The one-time guest passes you get with this card typically expire after a year; that's being extended six months.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

• Wireless credit: For a limited time, cardholders can also earn $20 in wireless credits each month (up to $220 in credits over eleven months) when you use the card to pay your wireless bill. Terms apply.

• Bonus rewards on Delta, bonus miles and MQMs on eligible spending: For a limited time, qualifying existing cardholders can 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases (up from 3 miles per $1 spent). Eligible cardholders will also qualify for an additional 500 bonus miles and 500 Medallion Qualification Miles after spending $1,000 on purchases (up to a max of 25,000 miles and 25,000 MQMs). Enrollment is required and runs until Dec. 31, 2020, when the promotion ends. Terms apply.

HOTEL CARDS ISSUED BY AMERICAN EXPRESS

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

• Dining credit: For a limited time, cardholders can earn $10 in dining credit each month (up to $110 in credits over eleven months). Terms apply.

• Bonus rewards in multiple categories: From Aug. 3 to Oct. 31, 2020, earn 10X points at U.S. gas stations, U.S. restaurants and eligible Marriott Bonvoy hotels, on up to $7,500 in eligible purchases in each category. Enrollment required.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

• Dining credit:For a limited time, cardholders can earn $20 in dining credit each month (up to $220 in credits over eleven months). Terms apply.

• Bonus rewards in multiple categories: From Aug. 3 to Oct. 31, 2020, earn 10X points at U.S. gas stations, U.S. restaurants and eligible Marriott Bonvoy hotels, on up to $7,500 in eligible purchases in each category. Enrollment required.

• Bonus supermarket rewards: Earn 6 points per $1 spent on up to $7,500 in eligible purchases at U.S. supermarkets through July 2020 (up from 2 points per dollar).

• Credit for restaurant spending: U.S. restaurant purchases from June through August 2020 will qualify toward the $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit benefit. Typically, that credit applies only to purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

• Wireless credits: For a limited time, cardholders can also earn $15 in wireless credits each month (up to $165 in credits over eleven months) when you use the card to pay your wireless bill. Terms apply.

• Rewards in multiple categories: From Aug. 3 to Oct. 31, 2020, earn 10X points at U.S. gas stations, U.S. restaurants and eligible Marriott Bonvoy hotels, on up to $7,500 in eligible purchases in each category. Enrollment required.

All Hilton cards issued by American Express

• Base points: Any bonus points that post to your account between May 1 and Dec. 31, 2020, will be considered base points, meaning they’ll count toward elite tier qualification and lifetime Hilton Honors™ Diamond status. (Usually, they don’t count for this.)

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Dining credit: For a limited time, cardholders can earn $10 in dining credit each month (up to $110 in credits over eleven months). Terms apply.

• Bonus supermarket rewards: Earn 12 points per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets through July 2020 (up from 6 points per dollar).

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

• Dining credit: For a limited time, cardholders can earn $20 in dining credit each month (up to $220 in credits over eleven months). Terms apply.

Bonus supermarket rewards: Earn 12 points per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets through July 2020 (up from 3 points per dollar).

• Credit for restaurant spending: U.S. restaurant purchases from June through August 2020, including takeout and delivery, will qualify toward the $250 Hilton resort credit benefit.

  • Hardship program online: American Express allows cardholders in difficult circumstances to directly access its financial hardship program online. Most issuers don't have dedicated websites for such programs and don't publicize them in this way. (To inquire about hardship accommodations with other issuers, you often must go through general-purpose customer service first, which can increase your wait time for assistance.)

  • Limited-time deal with Calm app: AmEx consumer and corporate cardholders can get a complimentary year of Calm Premium, plus half off the subscription for the next year. Terms apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Limited-time travel credits and discounts for select customers

From August 2020 through December 2021, select holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express will get up to $200 in statement credits when they use the card for qualifying airline purchases. Terms apply. This card offered a similar deal in 2020.

Additionally, Until Dec. 31, 2020, cardholders had access to lower fares on qualifying domestic flights booked through American Express Travel. (The lower fares are available for travel through March 31, 2021.) Terms apply.

New bonus offer

As of Nov. 12, 2020, new cardholders will get the following bonus offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. Previously, new account openers could earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you use your new card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.

Bonus rewards on grocery and gas purchases

Starting Nov. 12, 2020, new cardholders will earn 10 points per $1 spent at U.S. gas stations and supermarkets, on up to $15,000 in combined purchases, during their first six months of card membership. Terms apply. Such spending typically only earns 1 point.

This card also previously offered the following:

PayPal statement credit

From Jan. 1 through June 30, 2021, cardholders could get $30 per month in statement credits on eligible PayPal purchases (up to $180 in credits over six months). Terms apply.

Dell.com statement credit

From Aug. 3, 2020 through Jan. 31, 2021, cardholders could get $100 back on any Dell.com purchase of $100 or more. Terms apply.

'Variis by Equinox' credit

From Oct. 9, 2020, to June 30, 2021, eligible cardholders could get $25 back every month in statement credit toward a membership with at-home fitness program Variis by Equinox. Terms apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express also featuring several other limited-time offers, which were available through June 30, 2021. Terms apply.

Trying to get approved for a card?
Create a NerdWallet account for insight on your credit score and personalized recommendations for the right card for you.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express previously offered holders the following:

Through Dec. 31, 2020, cardholders had access to lower fares on qualifying domestic flights booked through American Express Travel. (The lower fares are available for travel through March 31, 2021.) Terms apply. This promotion is also available to holders of the Centurion card.

This card also previously offered a complimentary night or a statement credit at select properties for eligible AmEx Travel Fine Hotels + Resorts stays booked through American Express Travel by Dec. 18, 2020 (for stays through Dec. 20, 2020).

Bonus rewards on several spending categories

Through June 30, 2021, eligible cardholders can earn 4 bonus points per $1 spent on several spending categories including U.S. shipping, advertising, gas purchases, wireless expenses and office supplies (up to 80,000 points per category). Terms apply. Such spending typically only earns 1 point.

Several AmEx business cards are featuring similar limited-time AmEx Offers, also through June 30, 2021. Terms apply.

American Express® Green Card

Access to Eats Pass from Uber

As of Oct. 26, 2020, cardholders can get up to 12 months of Eats Pass from Uber for free. This is a monthly subscription that typically costs $119 a year ($9.99 per month) and offers deals on takeout. Enrollment by Dec. 31, 2021 is required; auto-billing will start 12 months from initial enrollment at the then-ongoing monthly rate. Learn more. Terms Apply.

From May through December 2020, this card also offered up to $80 in statement credits toward wireless telephone services from U.S. service providers.

American Express® Gold Card

Monthly Uber Cash and Access to Eats Pass

As of Oct. 26, 2020, cardholders can get up to 12 months of Eats Pass from Uber for free. This is a monthly subscription that typically costs $119 a year ($9.99 per month) and offers deals on takeout. Enrollment by Dec. 31, 2021 is required; auto-billing will start 12 months from initial enrollment at the then-ongoing monthly rate. Learn more. Terms Apply.

Starting early 2021, cardholders will also get $10 a month in Uber Cash (up to $120 a year), usable toward U.S. Uber Eats orders or for traditional Uber rides, when they add their card to the Uber app. Unused credit cannot be rolled over to the next month. Terms Apply.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express and The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

(see rates and fees for Blue Cash; see rates and fees for Blue Plus)

Additional statement credits

From Aug. 6 through Nov. 4, 2020, these cards offered new cardholders up to $300 in statement credits toward qualifying purchases with Dell Technologies, DocuSign and FedEx within the first three months of account opening. This offer is now expired.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

From Oct. 9, 2020, to June 30, 2021, eligible cardholders can get $10 back every month in statement credit toward a membership with at-home fitness program Variis by Equinox. Terms apply.

Delta credit cards issued by American Express

Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve cards

For a limited time, select Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve products can earn monthly credits on dining purchases and wireless services. This benefit is being offered by the following cards:

For a limited time, qualifying Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve products offered eligible existing cardholders 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases (up from 3 miles per $1 spent). This offer is now expired. Terms apply.

Delta Skymiles Gold cards

For a limited time, select Delta SkyMiles Gold products can earn monthly credits on dining purchases and wireless services. This benefit is being offered by the following cards:

Through Dec. 31, 2021, eligible Delta personal and business cards can also earn 5X miles per $1 spent on eligible Delta purchases.

For a limited time, qualifying Delta SkyMiles Gold products offered eligible existing cardholders 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases, plus an elevated 4 miles per $1 spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery (up from 2 miles per $1 spent in those categories). This offer is now expired.

Changes announced by Delta Air Lines

Delta, too, is extending certain benefits for eligible cardholders because of the impact from the pandemic, the airline said in a statement. (NOTE: American Express is Delta's credit card partner, but these extensions come from the airline, not the issuer.)

According to Delta, the extensions apply for any benefit listed below "that is valid now or has expired since March 1, 2020":

  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: This card offers a $100 Delta flight credit toward future travel when you spend $10,000 in purchases on the card during a calendar year. Typically, the credit expires one year from the date it's issued, but Delta notes that members who have earned a flight credit will get a six-month extension. Terms apply.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: This card grants an annual companion certificate upon renewal, which is good for one round-trip domestic flight in the main cabin for someone traveling with you (minus taxes and fees). Normally, travel for the companion certificate must be booked and completed by the date on the front of the certificate. But Delta says that members with companion certificates that have an original expiration date between March 1 and June 30, 2020, can use them when they book and fly by Dec. 31, 2020. And certificates that expire between July 1, 2020, and April 1, 2021, will receive an additional six months beyond the expiration date. Terms apply.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: This card also offers an annual companion certificate upon renewal, but it's good for one round-trip domestic flight in first class, Delta Comfort+ or the main cabin for someone traveling with you (minus taxes and fees). Usually, the same booking rules apply as with the Platinum version of the card, but Delta is granting the same extension terms. In addition, the Reserve card normally offers two one-time guest passes each year to Delta Sky Club lounges, and those guest passes typically expire within one year from the date they’re issued. But Delta is giving members a six-month extension for those passes. Terms apply.

"As coronavirus continues to dramatically impact travel across the globe, you don’t have to worry about your benefits — they’ll be extended so you can enjoy them when you are ready to travel again," said Sandeep Dube, Delta’s senior vice president of customer engagement and loyalty, in a statement.

Marriott cards issued by American Express

For a limited time, select Marriott cards issued by AmEx can earn monthly credits on dining purchases and wireless services. This benefit is being offered by the following cards:

Through Dec. 31, 2021, eligible Marriott personal and business cards are offering cardholders 7,500 bonus points (up to 10 times) when you spend $7,500 on purchases. You can earn up to 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points. Terms apply.

Marriott cards issued by AmEx previously offered these limited-time benefits in 2020:

From Aug. 3 to Oct. 31, 2020, the select Marriott cards issued by AmEx earned 10X points at U.S. gas stations, U.S. restaurants and participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, on up to $7,500 in eligible purchases in each category: This offer is now expired.

In Dec. 2020, holders of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card could also earn an extra 6 points per $1 spent at Amazon, Walmart and Target, on up to $3,500 in purchases. Terms apply.

Hilton cards issued by American Express

For a limited time, American Express is offering varying amounts of monthly statement credits on dining purchases. This benefit is being offered by the following cards:

Holders of the The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card can also earn $10 in wireless credits each month (up to $110 in credits over eleven months) when you use the card to pay your wireless bill. Terms apply (see rates and fees).

Additionally, through June 30, 2021, eligible Hilton personal and business cards are offering cardholders 10,000 bonus points (up to 10 times) when you spend $5,000 on purchases. You can earn up to 100,000 bonus Hilton Honors points. Terms apply.

Previous limited-time benefits offered by AmEx

  • Limited-time statement credit for Variis by Equinox: From Oct. 9, 2020, to April 1, 2021, eligible cardholders could get $10 back every month in statement credit toward a membership with at-home fitness program Variis by Equinox. Terms apply.

  • More time to earn bonuses: AmEx announced in early April 2020 that new cardholders would get more time to earn the welcome bonus on eligible credit cards. The three-month extension was phrased this way: "Due to the impact of COVID-19, for eligible card accounts approved from December 1, 2019, through May 31, 2020, for which you are eligible for a welcome offer, the period to make eligible purchases to earn your welcome bonus will be extended for an additional 3 months. Eligible cards are U.S. consumer and business cards issued by American Express National Bank to a basic card member." Terms apply. This offer extended to AmEx’s co-branded hotel and airline cards, too.

  • Limited-time bonus rewards on multiple cards: In May 2020, American Express unveiled multiple limited-time offerings across a number of its credit cards, including bonus rewards on groceries plus statement credits in new categories such as select streaming services. See our story for a full list of cards affected. Terms apply.

  • Limited-time statement credit for purchases at small businesses: From June 20 through Sept. 20, 2020, qualifying AmEx cardholders who made a purchase of $10 or more at participating small businesses could earn a $5 statement credit.

  • Limited-time bonus on Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors points transfers: AmEx announced that eligible consumer cardholders would get 40% more Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points when transferring Membership Rewards points through Oct. 31, 2020. Terms apply.

  • Limited-time statement credit for Marriott Bonvoy: Eligible consumer and business cardholders could earn a $75 statement credit when they enrolled their card in the featured AmEx Offer online and then used their card to spend $250 or more on stays at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties through Dec. 31, 2020. Terms apply.

Bank of America®‎

Bank of America®‎ also previously offered these limited-time benefits:

  • Payment deferrals: The issuer offered payment deferrals for 60 days to cardholders who requested them. To do so, customers could visit the issuer’s dedicated coronavirus resource page, click the "request payment deferral" button and follow the prompts for information. “We are committed to working with our clients through this crisis,” a Bank of America®‎ representative told NerdWallet.

  • More time to earn bonuses: Like American Express, Bank of America® extended the amount of time eligible cardholders had to earn sign-up bonuses. The issuer's 90-day extension applied to consumer and business cards opened between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2020.

Barclays

Payment deferrals: Barclays is allowing eligible cardholders to skip the minimum payment due on their next two payment due dates, noting that interest will continue to accrue during those two months. (The issuer also notes that you'll need to cancel repeat payments on your account yourself.)

Barclays previously offered these limited-time benefits:

Arrival cards

Starting in 2020 and offered through Jan. 31, 2021, all three cards in Barclays' portfolio of Arrival products allowed cardholders to redeem miles at the rate of a penny each toward purchases made at qualifying grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants. Miles are typically worth about half-a-cent each when redeemed toward non-travel expenses. This limited-time benefit applied to the following cards:

Additionally, holders of the Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard® and the Barclays Arrival® Premier World Elite Mastercard® could redeem a minimum of 5,000 miles, instead of the usual minimum redemption threshold of 10,000, also through Jan. 31.

🤓Nerdy Tip

The Barclaycard Arrival™ World Mastercard®, the Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard® and the Barclays Arrival® Premier World Elite Mastercard® stopped accepting new applications in June 2019, but current cardmembers can continue using their cards as before.

American Airlines credit cards issued by Barclays

In early May 2020, Barclays announced changes meant to help customers who hold its co-branded AAdvantage Aviator credit card products:

  • AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Eligible cardholders who earned a flight discount certificate that expires between March 31, 2020, and May 31, 2021, got a six-month extension to redeem it from that initial expiration date. In addition, eligible cardholders who had a companion certificate that expired anytime between those dates got an extension through June 30, 2021.

  • The same companion certificate extension terms applied to eligible holders of the AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard® and the AAdvantage® Aviator® Business Mastercard®.

Brex

In late March 2020, Brex announced the following changes for holders of the Brex Card:

  • New limited-time bonus reward categories: For a limited time, customers who have the Brex Card can opt in to new bonus rewards categories. Normally, the card offers bonus rewards on things like rideshares, travel and restaurants. The new rewards structure focuses on categories such as remote collaboration tools and food delivery. In a news release, the corporate card issuer noted that the move reflects "the new operational and business climate borne from the effects of COVID-19." The new rewards structure is optional, available upon request, and you can switch back to the old rewards at any time. You’ll automatically revert back to the card’s original rewards on Sept. 30, 2020.

  • New discounts: Brex also rolled out additional one-time discounts with select vendors, accessible to all Brex cardholders. They included deals for Amazon Web Services, Slack and Dropbox.

"The economic and public health ramifications of COVID-19 are devastating to many, and Brex wants to do everything it can to help its customers during this time," said Henrique Dubugras, co-founder and co-CEO of Brex, in a statement.

Capital One

CARD

DETAILS

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Bonus rewards on streaming: Through Dec. 31, 2020, cardholders could earn 4% back on eligible streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+.

• Bonus rewards on Uber Eats: Through Jan. 31, 2021, cardholders could earn an unlimited 5% cash back per $1 spent on Uber Eats orders.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Bonus rewards on streaming: Through Dec. 31, 2020, cardholders could earn 3% back on eligible streaming services.

• Bonus rewards on Uber Eats: Through Jan. 31, 2021, cardholders could earn an unlimited 5% cash back per $1 spent on Uber Eats orders.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Redemption flexibility: Through April 30, 2021, cardholders can redeem miles for eligible restaurant takeout and delivery, plus qualifying streaming services. Miles will be worth one cent each when used this way.

• Bonus rewards on Uber Eats: Through Jan. 31, 2021, cardholders could earn an unlimited 5 miles per $1 spent on orders via Uber Eats.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Redemption flexibility: Through April 30, 2021, cardholders can redeem miles for eligible restaurant takeout and delivery, plus qualifying streaming services. Miles will be worth one cent each when used this way.

• Bonus rewards on Uber Eats: Through Jan. 31, 2021, cardholders could earn an unlimited 5 miles per $1 spent on orders via Uber Eats.

Capital One Spark Cash for Business

• Discount on Uber Freight: Through June 30, 2021, eligible customers can get $500 off when they ship their first full truckload order with Uber Freight.

Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit

• Discount on Uber Freight: Through June 30, 2021, eligible customers can get $500 off when they ship their first full truckload order with Uber Freight.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

• Redemption flexibility: Through April 30, 2021, cardholders can redeem miles for eligible restaurant takeout and delivery, plus eligible phone services. Miles will be worth one cent each when used this way.

• Discount on Uber Freight: Through June 30, 2021, eligible customers can get $500 off when they ship their first full truckload order with Uber Freight.

Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business

• Redemption flexibility: Through April 30, 2021, cardholders can redeem miles for eligible restaurant takeout and delivery, plus eligible phone services. Miles will be worth one cent each when used this way.

• Discount on Uber Freight: Through June 30, 2021, eligible customers can get $500 off when they ship their first full truckload order with Uber Freight.

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

• Discount on Uber Freight: Through June 30, 2021, eligible customers can get $500 off when they ship their first full truckload order with Uber Freight.

Journey Student Rewards from Capital One

• Streaming credit for new cardholders: As of Oct. 21, 2020, new cardholders are eligible for a $60 streaming credit after the first on-time payment — $5 each month for one year, after purchases made on qualifying music and video streaming services.

Contactless card payments: As of Oct. 21, 2020, the card is offering a contactless payment option for new and existing cardholders.

Capital One previously offered these limited-time benefits:

Capital One previously offered these limited-time benefits in 2020:

Here are more details on these temporary changes:

Venture cards

Through April 30, 2021, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card will allow redemption for eligible restaurant takeout and delivery, plus qualifying streaming services. Miles will be worth a penny apiece for these categories.

Through January of 2021, both cards will also earn an unlimited 5 miles per $1 spent on orders via Uber Eats.

Spark cards

Through April 30, 2021, the Capital One Spark Miles for Business and the Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business will also allow redemption toward qualifying takeout and delivery, but instead of streaming services the offer includes eligible phone services. Miles will be worth a penny apiece for these categories.

“We understand that our customers’ day-to-day lives have changed, so we’re continually looking at providing value in new and different ways,” a Capital One representative tells NerdWallet.

Through the end of 2020 — and later extended through June 30, 2021 — the following Spark cards are offering eligible customers $500 off when they shipped their first full truckload order with Uber Freight:

Savor cards

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card will earn 4% back on eligible streaming services. The card will also continue to earn 4% back on dining and entertainment; 2% back at grocery stores; and 1% back on all other purchases.

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card will earn 3% back on eligible streaming services. The card will also continue to earn 3% cash back on dining and entertainment; 2% back at grocery stores; 1% back on all other purchases.

Through Jan. 31, 2021, both cards will also earn an unlimited 5% cash back per $1 spent on Uber Eats orders.

🤓Nerdy Tip

As of May 2021, both the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card earn 3% cash back at grocery stores (previously 2%). In addition, both cards got a boost in rewards for eligible streaming services, to 4% and 3%, respectively. Previously, streaming services did not count as entertainment and were classified with "everything else," earning just 1% back.

Journey Student Rewards Card

As of Oct. 21, 2020, the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One is offering a $60 streaming credit for new cardholders: After the first on-time payment, new account openers will receive a $5 statement credit each month for one year, after purchases made on qualifying music and video streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and Spotify. The statement credits can only be earned within the first 18 months of opening the account.

The card will continue to earn 1% cash back on all purchases and a 0.25% bonus every month you pay on time.

The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® will also feature a design change, from red to blue, in addition to a contactless payment option for cardholders. New account openers will receive the updated card upon approval, while existing cardholders will receive the new version near their current card's expiration date.

Chase

CARD

DETAILS

All eligible Chase cards

• Extended time to earn new sign-up bonuses: If you were approved for a new credit card between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2020, and were eligible for a sign-up bonus, Chase granted an extra three months to spend enough to earn that bonus.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Increased earnings at grocery stores: From Nov. 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021, in addition to the card’s ongoing rewards, it earns 3X back at grocery stores, on up to $1,000 in purchases per month.

• Elevated rewards and redemptions via Chase dinning portal: Through June 30, 2021, cardholders will earn 10X points on up to $500 in combined purchases when you order takeout or make a prepaid reservation at a restaurant through Chase Dining in the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.

Through Sept. 30, 2021, points are worth 50% more for cardholders when they redeem for purchases through Chase Dining (including takeout, prepaid reservations and more).

Peloton Statement credit and elevated Peloton rewards: Through Dec. 31, 2021, cardholders are eligible for up to $120 in statement credits toward Peloton Digital and All-Access memberships. Through March 2022, cardholders can earn 10 points per $1 spent on each Peloton Bike, Tread, and accessory purchase of over $1,800, up to 50,000 points.

• Redemption flexibility: Through Sept. 30, 2021, cardholders can redeem points for statement credit against purchases at grocery stores, restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and home improvement stores at a value of 1.5 cents per point.

• Travel Flexibility: From June 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2021, purchases at gas stations and grocery stores will count toward the card's $300 annual travel credit.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Grocery credit: New cardholders will earn a one-time $50 statement credit on grocery store purchases. This offer is available for 12 months from the time of account opening.

• Elevated rewards and redemptions via Chase dinning portal: Through June 30, 2021, cardholders will earn 10X points on up to $500 in combined purchases when you order takeout or make a prepaid reservation at a restaurant through Chase Dining in the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.

Through Sept. 30, 2021, points are worth 25% more for cardholders when they redeem for purchases through Chase Dining, including takeout, prepaid reservations and more.

• Increased earnings at grocery stores: From Nov. 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021, in addition to the card’s regular rewards, it also earns 2X back at grocery stores, on up to $1,000 spent per month.

• Elevated rewards and Peloton statement credit: Through Dec. 31, 2021, cardholders are eligible for up to $60 in statement credits toward Peloton Digital and All-Access memberships.

Through March 2022, cardholders can earn 5 points per $1 spent on each Peloton Bike, Tread, and accessory purchase of over $1,800, for a maximum of 25,000 points.

• Redemption flexibility: Through Sept. 30, 2021, cardholders can redeem points for statement credit against purchases at grocery stores, restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and home improvement stores at a value of 1.25 cents per point.

Chase Freedom®

• Richer bonus for new cardholders: New applicants are eligible for the following sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. NOTE: The Chase Freedom® has stopped accepting applications. Its successor card, the Chase Freedom Flex℠, offers the same bonus opportunities for new cardholders.

• Redemption flexibility (aka 'Pay Yourself Back'): As of Oct. 1, 2020, cardholders can redeem points for statement credit against donations to qualifying charitable organizations at a value of 1.25 cents per point.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

• Redemption flexibility (aka 'Pay Yourself Back'): As of Oct. 1, 2020, cardholders can redeem points for statement credit against donations to qualifying charitable organizations at a value of 1.25 cents per point.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

• Richer bonus for new cardholders: New applicants are eligible for the following sign-up bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

• Redemption flexibility (aka 'Pay Yourself Back'): As of Oct. 1, 2020, cardholders can redeem points for statement credit against donations to qualifying charitable organizations at a value of 1.25 cents per point.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

• Redemption flexibility (aka 'Pay Yourself Back'): From Oct. 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, cardholders could redeem points for statement credit against spending on select shipping purchases, home improvement stores and contributions to qualifying charitable organizations, at a value of 1.25 cents per point.

Ink Plus® Business Credit Card

• Redemption flexibility (aka 'Pay Yourself Back'): From Oct. 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, cardholders could redeem points for statement credit against spending on select shipping purchases, home improvement stores and contributions to qualifying charitable organizations, at a value of 1.25 cents per point.

AIRLINE CARDS ISSUED BY CHASE

Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card

• Bonus rewards at gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores: From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020, cardholders earned 7 Avios per dollar spent in those three categories, on up to $1,500 per month in combined spending.

• Bonus rewards at grocery stores: From May 1 through June 2020, cardholders could earn 3 Avios per dollar spent on up to $1,500 in purchases per month.

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

• Bonus rewards at gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores: From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020, cardholders could 7 Avios per dollar spent in those three categories, on up to $1,500 per month in combined spending.

• Bonus rewards at grocery stores: From May 1 through June 2020, cardholders could earn 3 Avios per dollar spent on up to $1,500 in purchases per month.

Iberia Visa Signature® Card

• Bonus rewards at gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores: From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020, cardholders could earn 7 Avios per dollar spent in those three categories, on up to $1,500 per month in combined spending.

• Bonus rewards at grocery stores: From May 1 through June 2020, cardholders could earn 3 Avios per dollar spent on up to $1,500 in purchases per month.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Bonus rewards at gas stations, grocery stores: From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020, cardholders could earn 5X per $1 spent at gas stations and grocery stores, on up to $1,500 per month in combined spending.

• Bonus rewards at grocery stores: From May 1 through June 2020, cardholders could earn 3 points or miles per dollar spent on up to $1,500 in purchases per month.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

• Bonus rewards at gas stations, grocery stores: From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020, cardholders could earn 5X per $1 spent at gas stations and grocery stores, on up to $1,500 per month in combined spending.

• Bonus rewards at grocery stores: From May 1 through June 2020, cardholders could earn 3 points or miles per dollar spent on up to $1,500 in purchases per month.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

• Bonus rewards at gas stations, grocery stores: From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020, cardholders could earn 5X per $1 spent at gas stations and grocery stores, on up to $1,500 per month in combined spending.

• Bonus rewards at grocery stores: From May 1 through June 2020, cardholders could earn 3 points or miles per dollar spent on up to $1,500 in purchases per month.

United℠ Explorer Card

• Bonus rewards at gas stations, grocery stores: From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020, cardholders could earn 5X per $1 spent at gas stations and grocery stores, on up to $1,500 per month in combined spending.

• Bonus rewards at grocery stores: From May 1 through June 2020, cardholders could earn 3 points or miles per dollar spent on up to $1,500 in purchases per month.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

• Bonus rewards at grocery stores: From May 1 through June 2020, cardholders could earn 5 points or miles per dollar spent on up to $1,500 in purchases per month.

HOTEL CARDS ISSUED BY CHASE

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Bonus rewards at gas stations, grocery stores: From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020, cardholders could earn 5X per $1 spent at gas stations and grocery stores, on up to $1,500 per month in combined spending.

• Bonus rewards at grocery stores: From May 1 through June 2020, cardholders could earn 3 points or miles per dollar spent on up to $1,500 in purchases per month.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

• Bonus rewards at gas stations, grocery stores: From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020, cardholders could earn 5X per $1 spent at gas stations and grocery stores, on up to $1,500 per month in combined spending.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

• Bonus rewards: From July 15 to Sept. 15, 2020, cardholders could earn 10 points per $1 spent on up to $3,500 in purchases at restaurants and gas stations combined. (From May 1 through July 2020, cardholders could also earn 6 points per dollar spent on up to $5,000 in purchases.)

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

• Bonus rewards at grocery stores: From May 1 through July 2020, cardholders could earn 6 points per dollar spent on up to $5,000 in purchases during the promotion.

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Statement credit towards Boutique brand stays: From Nov. 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021, cardholders are eligible for $75 in savings when they spend $250 or more on stays at Hyatt’s Independent Collection brands in the U.S.

Bonus rewards at Amazon, grocery purchases: From Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020, cardholders could can get 5 points per $1 spent at Amazon.com and 3 points per $1 spent at grocery stores, on up to a combined $1,500 per month.

Path to a free night: From Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020, cardholders were eligible for a free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel after spending a total of $4,000 on the card.

OTHER CO-BRANDED CARDS ISSUED BY CHASE

Disney Premier Visa

• Bonus rewards at gas stations, grocery stores: From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020, cardholders could earn 5X per $1 spent at gas stations and grocery stores, on up to $1,500 per month in combined spending.

• Bonus rewards at grocery stores: From May 1 through June 2020, cardholders could earn 3 points or miles per dollar spent on up to $1,500 in purchases per month.

Starbucks® Rewards Visa® Card

• Bonus Stars: On May 21, 2020, cardholders received 150 bonus Stars deposited into their accounts automatically.

Chase offered cardholders these limited-time benefits in 2020:

  • Grace period, fee waivers/refunds: In Chase's Q1 2020 earnings call, held in mid-April, CEO Jamie Dimon discussed some general the ways the bank was helping struggling customers, including credit cardholders. "We're providing relief such as a 90-day grace period for mortgage, auto and card payments as well as waiving or refunding certain fees," Dimon noted.

  • More time to earn bonuses: The week of April 13, Chase began notifying eligible cardholders that they would be getting more time to earn welcome bonuses, much like AmEx and Bank of America® are doing. Chase's three-month extension applied to credit card accounts opened from Jan. 1 through March 31, 2020, a Chase representative confirms.

  • Limited-time bonus rewards on multiple cards: On May 1, Chase announced that more than two-dozen travel credit cards in its portfolio would start earning bonus rewards on groceries for a limited time. See our story for a full list of cards affected. Also, from July 15 through Sept. 15, 2020, multiple Chase-issued Marriott and Ritz-Carlton credit cards earned 10 points per $1 spent on up to $3,500 in purchases at restaurants and gas stations combined. And from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020, multiple Chase co-branded airline and hotel cards earned either 5X or 7X back — depending on the card — per dollar spent on groceries, gas and/or restaurants, on up to $1,500 per month in combined spending. See our story for a full list of cards affected.

Chase is also offering targeted help for specific cardholders, as follows:

Freedom cards

New sign-up bonus, with an incentive on grocery purchases

As of July 24, 2020, both the Chase Freedom® and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® were offering new cardholders a cash sign-up bonus on top of a massive 5% back on grocery store purchases in the first year of card ownership, on up to $12,000 in spending. That 5% promotion expired in January 2021, then returned in July 2021.

🤓Nerdy Tip

The Chase Freedom® stopped accepting new applications in September 2020 and was effectively replaced by a new card, the Chase Freedom Flex℠. The same bonus offer above applies to the new card. Cardholders with the "old" Chase Freedom® can continue using their cards as before, or they can product-change to the new Flex card.

Redemption flexibility (aka 'pay yourself back')

As of Oct. 1, 2020, holders of any of the three Freedom products can redeem points for statement credit against donations to qualifying charitable organizations at a value of 1.25 cents per point.

Last-minute tweak to 5% bonus calendar

When the Chase Freedom® announced its bonus categories for the second quarter of the year in mid-March 2020, initially there were only two:

  • Grocery stores.

  • Gym memberships and fitness clubs.

But by the time the quarter officially began April 1, "select streaming services" had been added to the list — or rather held over from the previous quarter’s bonus categories. Eligible services include Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Sling, YouTube TV, SiriusXM, Spotify and more.

"We wanted to provide our customers opportunity for additional earning given the current environment where we are all looking for creative ways to stay occupied," a Chase spokesperson said.

The Chase Freedom® earns 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending per quarter in categories that rotate (activation required). All other purchases earn 1% back. The card's bonus categories for Q1 2021 are wholesale clubs, select streaming services, and internet, cable and phone services.

Through February 2021, as part of the Chase's “Month of More” promotion, qualifying Freedom credit cardholders can also earn 5% back on gas, on up to $150 in combined purchases.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Annual fee tweaks

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is making accommodations for eligible cardholders, including a temporary rollback of an increase in the annual fee.

In January 2020, the card increased its already steep annual fee to $550, from $450. That new fee applies to all new cardholders.

But for existing cardholders, the timing of the fee increase depended on your card renewal date. Those with cards that renewed after April 1, 2020, were to be charged the new $550 fee. (Cards renewed before then retained the $450 fee for another year, before incurring the $100 increase.)

The fee increase took effect April 1, but Chase sent a notification to some cardholders that day, noting that it would be issuing a $100 statement credit to offset the increase and acknowledging that "COVID-19 has affected people in many different ways." To be eligible for that credit, your card renewal date had to be from April 1 to July 31, 2020.

Chase then said in May that cardholders whose accounts renewed between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31, 2020, would be charged a renewal fee of only $450 — in other words, no increase and no offsetting credit. Presumably, the fee upon renewals will return to $550 in 2021.

» MORE: See Chase's trip management hub if you need to change or cancel travel

Elevated rewards on select purchases via Chase Dining

Through Sept. 30, 2021, points are worth 50% more for Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders when they redeem for purchases through Chase Dining (including takeout, prepaid reservations and more).

Chase also previously announced that through June 30, 2021, cardholders will earn 10X points on up to $500 in combined purchases when you order takeout or make a prepaid reservation at a restaurant through Chase Dining in the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.

Triple grocery rewards

From Nov. 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® will earn 3 points per $1 spent at grocery stores, on up to $1,000 in purchases per month. Previously, from May 1 to June 30, 2020, the card earned 5 points per $1 spent at grocery stores on up to $1,500 in purchases per month.

Redemption flexibility (aka 'Pay Yourself Back')

Through April 20, 2021 — and later extended through Sept. 30, 2021 (and again through Mar. 31, 2022 on certain cards)— holders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can redeem points for statement credit against purchases at grocery stores, restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and home improvement stores at a value of 1.5 cents per point. (Typically, that rate applies only to travel purchases made via the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.) Read our story for more details on current offers.

Travel credit flexibility

From June 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2021, purchases at gas stations and grocery stores will count toward the Chase Sapphire Reserve®'s $300 annual travel credit. (Normally, only eligible travel expenses count toward that credit.)

Elevated rewards and statement credit toward Peloton

Through March 2022, Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can earn 10 points per $1 spent on each Peloton Bike, Tread, and accessory purchase of over $1,800, up to 50,000 points.

Additionally, in 2020 Peloton announced that through April 20, 2021, cardholders are eligible for up to $120 in statement credits toward Peloton Digital and All-Access memberships. (The all-access membership typically costs $39 a month and the digital membership, $12.99 a month.)

The card offered these limited-time benefits in 2020:

Bonus rewards in new categories

From July 1 through Sept. 30, 2020, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® will earn:

  • 5 points per $1 spent on Instacart delivery and pickup orders on up to $3,000 in spending over those three months.

  • 5 points per $1 spent at gas stations on up to $1,500 spent over the three-month period.

  • 10 points per $1 spent on up to $1,500 in purchases with select streaming services like Spotify and Netflix over the three months.

Cardholders are also eligible to receive up to $50 in statement credits toward an Instacart Express membership during this time.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Grocery for new cardmembers

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is offering a one-time $50 statement credit on grocery store purchases for new cardholders. This offer is available only for 12 months from the time of account opening. Chase has yet to publicly disclose if the offer is for a limited time only.

Elevated rewards on select purchases via Chase Dining

Through Sept. 30, 2021, points are worth 25% more for cardholders when they redeem for purchases through Chase Dining (including takeout, prepaid reservations and more).

Additionally, through June 30, 2021, holders of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card will earn 10X points on up to $500 in combined purchases when you order takeout or make a prepaid reservation at a restaurant through Chase Dining in the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.

Double grocery rewards

Redemption flexibility (aka 'Pay Yourself Back')

Through Sept. 30, 2021 — an extension from the offer's initial April 2021 end date — holders of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can redeem points for statement credit against purchases at grocery stores, restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and home improvement stores at a value of 1.25 cents per point. (Usually, that rate applies only to travel purchases made via the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.)

Elevated rewards and statement credit toward Peloton

Through March 2022, cardholders can earn 5 points per $1 spent on each Peloton Bike, Tread, and accessory purchase of over $1,800, for a maximum of 25,000 points.

Chase previously announced in 2020 that through April 20, 2021, cardholders are eligible for up to $120 in statement credits toward Peloton Digital and All-Access memberships. (The all-access membership normally costs $39 a month and the digital membership, $12.99 a month.)

The card offered these limited-time benefits in 2020:

Bonus rewards in new categories

From July 1 through Sept. 30, 2020, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card will earn:

  • 3 points per $1 spent on Instacart delivery and pickup orders on up to $3,000 in spending over those three months.

  • 3 points per $1 spent at gas stations on up to $1,500 spent over the three-month period.

  • 5 points per $1 spent on up to $1,500 in purchases with select streaming services like Spotify and Netflix over the three months.

The same $50 statement credit for an Instacart Express membership also applies.

Ink Business cards

Redemption flexibility (aka 'Pay Yourself Back')

Through June 30, 2021 — an extension from the offer's initial 2020 end date — holders of the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and Ink Plus® Business Credit Card can redeem points for statement credit against select shipping purchases, home improvement stores and contributions to qualifying charitable organizations, at a value of 1.25 cents per point.

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Statement credit towards boutique brand stays

From Nov. 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021, holders of the World of Hyatt Credit Card are eligible for $75 in savings when they spend $250 or more on stays at Hyatt’s Independent Collection brands in the U.S., which include the Unbound Collection, Destination Hotels and Residences, and Joie de Vivre hotels.

The card offered these limited-time benefits in 2020:

Bonus rewards on grocery purchases and at Amazon

From Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020, cardholders can get 5 points per $1 spent at Amazon.com and 3 points per $1 spent at grocery stores, on up to a combined total of $1,500 in purchases per month. Activation by Dec. 31, 2020 is required.

Previously, from May 1 through June 2020, holders of the World of Hyatt Credit Card could earn 3 points or miles per dollar spent on up to $1,500 in purchases per month.

Path to a free night

Starting Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020, cardholders are eligible for a free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel after spending a total of $4,000 on the card. Registration by Nov. 30, 2020 is required.

Starbucks® Rewards Visa® Card

Chase announced that on May 21, 2020, holders of the Starbucks® Rewards Visa® Card would be getting 150 bonus Stars (the card's rewards currency) deposited into their accounts automatically. No action is required.

Chase notes that the rewards can be used to buy a beverage, breakfast item or parfait.

"Everyone could use a little surprise and delight right now," a Chase representative said in an email.

Citi

CARD

DETAILS

All eligible Citi cards

• Extended time to earn new sign-up bonuses: All new cardholders who opened an account between Dec. 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020, are eligible for a three-month extension.

Citi Prestige® Card

• Travel credit flexibility: Until Dec. 31, 2021, customers can use the card's $250 travel-credit benefit toward purchases at supermarkets and restaurants, including takeout.

• Bonus rewards on online purchases: Through Aug. 31, 2020, cardholders can earn 5 ThankYou Points per dollar spent on online purchases up to 7,500 points.

• Bonus rewards on eligible online, cable and streaming services: Through Dec. 31, 2020, cardholders can earn 5 ThankYou Points per $1 spent on qualifying online, cable and streaming services up to a maximum of 7,500 points.

Citi Premier® Card

• Expedited change in rewards structure: As of June 2, 2020 — instead of the originally scheduled Aug. 23 — existing cardholders earn 3X back on supermarket and restaurant purchases.

AMERICAN AIRLINES CARDS ISSUED BY CITI

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

• Courtesy credit: Upon card renewal, eligible cardholders who had an open account as of March 31, 2020, or before will receive a one-time "courtesy credit" of $225.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

• Flight Discount certificate extension: Eligible cardholders who have earned the card's $125 Flight Discount certificate will get a six-month extension to use it. (Certificate must have an expiration date between March 31, 2020, and May 31, 2021.)

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®

• Companion certificate extension: Eligible cardholders who earned a companion certificate with an expiration date of Dec. 31, 2020, will get a six-month extension, making the new expiration date June 30, 2021.

Citi says it ended its formal COVID-19 assistance program on Dec. 31, 2020, but assistance may still be available on a case-by-case basis. (Earlier in 2020, Citi offered options such as late-fees waivers and minimum-payment deferrals.) You can send a secure message to Citi customer service when you sign into your account. Alternately, you can call Citi's payment assistance team at 866-905-2784.

Other general moves Citi announced in 2020 have also expired, but they included:

Citi also rolled out the following tweaks for specific cardholders:

Citi Prestige® Card

Citi Premier® Card

  • Starting June 2, 2020 — instead of the originally scheduled Aug. 23 — existing Citi Premier® Card cardholders will earn 3X points on supermarket and restaurant purchases.

American Airlines credit cards issued by Citi

In early May 2020, Citi announced changes in benefits for the following airline credit cards, to ensure that they "continue to drive value for our customers throughout these unprecedented times."

  • Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Eligible cardholders who had an open account as of March 31, 2020, or before will receive a one-time "courtesy credit" of $225 credit upon renewal of the card. Citi notes this is in recognition of the fact that Admirals Club lounges have been temporarily closed as a result of the pandemic. "Cardmembers will see the credit within two billing statements after the annual fee bills to their account," Citi said.

  • Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Eligible cardholders who have earned the card's $125 Flight Discount certificate will get a six-month extension to use it, as long as the certificate has an expiration date between March 31, 2020, and May 31, 2021.

  • CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Eligible cardholders who earned a companion certificate with an expiration date of Dec. 31, 2020, will get a six-month extension, meaning the new expiration date is June 30, 2021.

» MORE: Visit Citi’s coronavirus resource page for more information

Discover

Possible payment deferrals: Discover hasn't released specifics about COVID-19-related relief, but the issuer confirmed to NerdWallet that help may be available and that it varies by customer. "Qualified customers who are experiencing financial difficulty caused by the spread of the COVID-19 [virus] may receive assistance that can include support related to payment timing, fees and late payments," Discover said via email. To learn more about your possible options, call Discover customer service or message the issuer, either via your account on desktop or via Discover's mobile app.

More flexible redemptions: On July 23, 2020, Discover announced that Discover it® Miles cardholders would be able to redeem their miles as a statement credit toward travel purchases that now include restaurants and gas stations. This applied to all eligible transactions posted on or after June 9, 2020.

Goldman Sachs (Apple Card)

Payment deferrals: In March 2020, the Apple Card, issued by Goldman Sachs, offered customers the option to defer that month's payments by enrolling in a "customer assistance program." That option was also made available for April, May, June and July.

"We understand that the COVID-19 situation poses unique challenges for everyone and some customers may have difficulty making their monthly payments," Apple told cardholders via email. "Should you need assistance, please click here to be connected to Apple Card Support via Messages and enroll in our Customer Assistance Program, which will allow you to skip your June payment without incurring interest charges." Apple says your account will still be reported as current to credit bureaus.

HSBC

HSBC offered cardholders these limited-time benefits in 2020:

Payment deferrals, fee waivers: In an email to customers in early April, HSBC noted that help was available. "We can defer or reduce your payments during the hardship, and waive cash advance, insufficient funds, overdraft protection and late fees for 60 days from the time you enroll," the message noted. "We're also protecting your credit by preventing negative credit reporting."

To take advantage of the assistance, HSBC said credit cardholders should log into their personal banking accounts and send a secure message, or call 866-949-2351, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.

Also, HSBC announced "COVID-related product changes" for the following credit cards, from May 1 through June 30, 2020:

HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard® credit card:

  • Earn 3X points at grocery stores, convenience stores and wholesale clubs. (These are not typically bonus categories for this card.)

  • The card's annual $100 rideshare statement credit now extends to Uber Eats orders. Cardholders will automatically receive a statement credit worth up to $20 per order.

HSBC Premier World Mastercard® credit card

  • Earn 2X points at grocery stores, convenience stores and wholesale clubs. (These are not typically bonus categories for this card.)

  • The card's annual $50 rideshare statement credit now also includes Uber Eats orders. Cardholders will automatically get a statement credit worth 20% per order.

Also, from April 1 to June 30, all of HSBC's consumer cards — except for the HSBC Gold Mastercard® credit card and HSBC Platinum Mastercard® credit card — offered the following reward redemption promotions:

  • 10% off all charity items (Red Cross donations or CharityChoice gift cards).

  • 20% off all merchandise.

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

In July 2020, U.S. Bank announced that holders of the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card would earn 3 points back per $1 spent on dining purchases, which are normally not a bonus category for the premium travel card. The offer, which was originally available through the end of 2020, has been extended through June 30, 2021. The rest of the card's rewards structure remained unchanged:

  • 5 points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center.

  • 3 points per $1 spent on eligible travel and mobile wallet spending.

  • 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo offered these limited-time benefits in 2020:

Payment deferrals, fee waivers: Wells Fargo is offering credit card payment deferrals for three billing cycles, although terms and conditions apply. During this time, your balance won't accrue interest, and all fees will be waived — including annual fees in some cases.

"If you have an annual fee, that fee will be waived if your annual fee would have posted to your account between the payment assistance activation date and September 30, 2020," Wells Fargo says on its website.

During a deferral period, the issuer notes you'll still be able to use your credit card as normal within your credit limit, assuming your account is in good standing.

Wells Fargo suggests applying online via your account, which will be faster than by phone given high call volumes.

Where to start if you need assistance

All major credit card issuers have coronavirus resource pages, which discuss generally how they may be able to help cardholders experiencing hardships. For more specific assistance, contact your issuer directly.

NerdWallet writers Sara Rathner, Claire Tsosie, Melissa Lambarena and Greg Karp contributed to this report. We will continue to update this page as developments unfold.


Information related to the Citi Prestige® Card and the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of these cards.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page. To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page. All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The American Express® Green Card is no longer available through NerdWallet. To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, see this page. All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet. To view rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, see this page.

All information about the Capital One Spark Cash for Business has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Capital One Spark Cash for Business is no longer available through NerdWallet.

Find the right credit card for you.

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Get Started
Get more smart money moves – straight to your inbox
Sign up and we’ll send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money.