Bits: new IHG Spire Elite benefit launched, “Amex 2-4-1 – the Book” launches

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News in brief:

New IHG Spire Elite benefit launched

A few people have emailed me recently to ask if I know anything about the promised new benefits for IHG’s new Spire Elite top tier.

The answer is ‘No’.

However, thanks to an eagle-eyed HfP reader, we do have a lead on something.

On the Spire Elite Benefits page of ihg.com (click here), the following has appeared:

Enjoy an Upgrade to Five Star status with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

IHG Rewards Club has teamed up with Hertz to extend to Spire Elite members a complimentary upgrade to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status.

To take advantage of this special benefit, click Request Hertz Upgrade.

You can apply via the link on this page of the IHG website.

This is not the greatest offer in the world (American Express Platinum cardholders get the same deal, for example) but at least it is proof that IHG is out there trying to arrange something. Hint – free breakfast would be nice, IHG.

Amex 2-4-1 – The Book

It can only be a matter of time before we get “Amex 2-4-1 – The Movie” ….

“American Express has teamed up with Phaidon to create Companion, a free, unique online travel guide which features ten of the most exciting cities in the world explored from the differing perspectives of the insiders who live and work there, such as celebrated photographer Martin Parr.

Designed to satisfy the diverse interests of travelling companions, the guide is inspired by the Companion Voucher, a British Airways Amex Card benefit that provides a complimentary second seat companion on a British Airways flight.”

It is fair to say that this is probably the first book ever to be inspired by a Companion Voucher.

You can take a look – and, to be fair, BA has spent some money on this – by clicking here to visit the BA Amex application page. Scroll down to the section on ‘Companion Voucher’ and you can access the book.

Want to earn more points from credit cards? – December 2021 update

If you are looking to apply for a new credit or charge card, here are our November 2021 recommendations based on the current sign-up bonus.

You can see our full directory of all UK cards which earn airline or hotel points here. Here are the top current deals:

British Airways BA Amex American Express card

British Airways American Express

5,000 Avios for signing up, no annual fee and an Economy 2-4-1 voucher for spending ….. Read our full review

British Airways BA Premium Plus American Express Amex credit card

British Airways American Express Premium Plus

25,000 Avios and the UK’s most valuable credit card perk – the 2-4-1 companion voucher Read our full review

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 20,000 points, FREE for a year & two airport lounge passes Read our full review

The Platinum Card from American Express

30,000 points and an unbeatable set of travel benefits – for a fee Read our full review

Earning miles and points from small business cards

If you are a sole trader or run a small company, you may also want to check out these offers.

American Express Business Gold

20,000 points sign-up bonus and free for a year Read our full review

American Express Business Platinum

40,000 points sign-up bonus and a long list of travel benefits Read our full review

British Airways Accelerating Business American Express

30,000 Avios sign-up bonus – plus annual bonuses of up to 30,000 Avios Read our full review

Capital On Tap Business Rewards Visa

The most generous Avios Visa or Mastercard for a limited company Read our full review

For a non-American Express option, we also recommend the Barclaycard Select Cashback card for sole traders and small businesses. It is FREE and you receive 1% cashback on your spending: