Personal Finance News

Personal Finance News Round-Up: October 2023

by Kyle BurbankOct 5, 2023

Each month, the Money@30 YouTube channel rounds up the top personal finance, credit card, and travel news. Now, we here at Fioney are pleased to present these quick and to-the-point video digests with our readers. Dive into the October 2023 round-up video and go even deeper into the stories below.

Chase Announces Q4 5% Bonus Categories

On the heels of Discover revealing their fourth quarter bonus category picks, Chase has now announced their selection. From now through December, Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex customers can earn up to 5% back on purchases made using PayPal as well as on warehouse club purchases and donations to select charities.

Bilt Introduces Bilt Experiences and New Hotel Portal

Bilt has been busy over the past several months as it continually adds new features and tools. That trend continued last month as the platform not only introduced Bilt Experiences but also rolled out a new award hotel booking function. For the former, Bilt customers had a chance to snag last-minute NFL game tickets. Meanwhile, with the new search tool, users can find point redemption options for Hyatt and IHG.

Cardless Updates Simon American Express Card

The Simon American Express card may have only launched earlier this year but it’s already getting a revamp. Now, cardholders can earn 5% back on purchases at any store located at a Simon Center, Mall, Mills, or Premium Outlet. However, while that’s the good news, a couple of other tweaks — including a minimum transaction limit — are not as welcomed.

Varo Introduces New P2P Payment Feature

FinTech-turned-bank Varo is giving customers yet another way to send money to friends and family (following the addition of Zelle support last year). With Varo to Anyone, users can send cash just by using a person’s phone number or email while the recipients will need to a debit card in order to claim their funds.

Credit Bureaus Make Free Weekly Credit Reports Permanent

Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion will now continue to allow consumers to access their credit reports for free on a weekly basis. The decision follows multiple extensions to the pandemic-era program. Despite the updated timeframe, these reports can still be requested at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Delta Considers Changes Amid Backlash as Rivals Pounce

It’s fair to say that Delta’s recently announced Medallion Status updates were not well received by many fans. Now, it looks as though the airline could make some tweaks to their plans before they actually roll out. In the meantime, airlines such as Alaska and JetBlue are looking to lure disaffected Delta elites with special offers.

Author

Kyle Burbank

Head Writer ~ Fioney

Kyle is the head writer for Fioney. He is a personal finance nerd, constantly looking for new apps and services to test and incorporate into his own financial game plan. In addition to his role at Fioney, he's written for other publications including Born2Invest, Lifehack, and Laughing Place, as well as his own site Money@30. He also creates personal finance and travel-related videos for Fioney's YouTube channel, which has garnered more than 2 million views. Currently, Kyle resides in Springfield, Missouri with his wife of 10 years. Together, they enjoy traveling (including visiting Disney Parks around the world), dining, and playing with their dog Rigby.

Target Adds Markup-Free Shipt Benefit for Circle 360 Members

by Kyle BurbankMay 20, 2025

Target is rolling out a new benefit for members of its Circle 360 subscription that could save them money beyond the retailer itself. About the Shipt No Markups Delivery Benefit for Target Circle 360: This week, Target revealed its Target Circle 360 members could now take advantage of same-day delivery via Shipt — but without price markups. While Target itself hasn't utilized the practice of increasing prices for Shipt deliveries...

Credit Card Reviews

2025 American Express Platinum Card Review

by Kyle BurbankMay 19, 2025

In the fall of 2019, I took the plunge and decided to apply for the Platinum Card from American Express — also known as the Amex Platinum card, American Express Platinum, Plat, and other such variants. Despite that terrible timing (it is a travel card, after all), since then, I’ve been able to experience all of the travel benefits the card has to offer… as well as see how Amex...

Credit Card News

Chase Reveals Surprise Q2 Bonus Category for Freedom Cards

by Kyle BurbankMay 19, 2025

As Chase continues to celebrate its Freedom brand's 15th anniversary, the bank has unveiled another surprise bonus category for the second quarter. About Q2's Surprise Freedom Category: For one month only, Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex customers can earn up to 5% back on another spending category. Starting June 1st, Internet, Cable, & Phone Services will join this quarter's bonus category line-up. This category joins the previously announced second quarter...