Business
Here’s How to Stop Missing Out on Business Credit Card Rewards
It was a small business credit card that finally convinced me to get serious about earning credit card rewards. Although I had been writing about credit for years, I only dabbled in my own efforts to earn rewards. I would enviously read stories about first-class international trips paid for with points, or business owners who managed to earn significant cash back rewards, but I’d find myself too busy to learn how to do the same.
Then I read about how small business owners could use a “travel hack” to earn a Southwest Rapid Rewards Companion Pass, which allows the cardholder to fly a companion with them for free for a year. I can do that, I thought.
Here’s how it worked: I applied for the business and consumer versions of Southwest Rapid Rewards cards—both of which were offering generous welcome bonuses for meeting minimum spending requirements within a certain period of time. By charging everything I could to those cards, I met those thresholds and earned a large number of Rapid Rewards points as well as progress toward the Companion Pass.
Those points, combined with the points I was earning by flying Southwest for business trips, allowed me to earn enough qualifying points to qualify for a Companion Pass. Even better, I was then able to maintain it for four years. I used it for well over a dozen flights, saving several thousands of dollars in airfare for trips where family members were able to join me.
Are you maximizing your credit card rewards?
Once I realized how easy it was, I regretted that I didn’t take rewards points more seriously sooner. But I’m not alone. In a January 2022 survey of prominent personal finance bloggers by Uthrive, 69% said they are not confident they are earning the most rewards, even though 80% of them said they actively manage their spending to maximize rewards.
Uthrive is the first personal finance app to generate customized rewards recommendations as opposed to general advice offered by blogs. It’s the kind of tool that would likely have made me a rewards aficionado a lot sooner.
“Small business owners are in a particularly good position to make the most of credit card rewards,” says Jason Steele, a credit card expert I have followed for years and who is consulting with Uthrive. “The credit card industry is extremely competitive, and most small business owners leave a lot of money on the table because they are not using the right credit card,” he notes.
Steele points out that many small business owners will spend far more on their business credit cards than their personal cards, and they may be eligible for spending bonuses on common business purchases, such as advertising, telecommunications, or fuel. But, he says, “It can be hard to memorize which merchants offer benefits for certain purchases. Uthrive enables small business owners to see exactly which card they have will offer the most rewards for a particular purchase, based on their geolocation.”
If, like me, you’re not sure you’re making the most of your credit card rewards, there are a number of apps, including Uthrive, that can help you choose the right cards, and then maximize the rewards you earn. I asked the creators of these apps to share their apps’ top features and what makes them unique, so that you can make the most of credit card rewards programs.
Apps to help you earn the most from your credit card rewards
Card Curator
Card Curator is a credit card rewards optimization app that helps users achieve their rewards goals, whether it be for travel or charitable giving, by helping them earn up to five times or more on their average monthly card spending through personalized and unbiased credit card recommendations. The app also offers users guidance on the right card to use for their purchases.
Cost: There are two versions of Card Curator: a free version and a premium version. The free version maximizes rewards for cash back, return [in points and miles], and charitable giving. The premium version maximizes rewards for cash back, return [in points and miles], charitable giving, travel, flights, and hotels.
What makes Card Curator unique? CEO John Garner says: “Users can set as well as track their rewards goals for travel, charitable giving, or cash back. They input their goal into the goal tracker, and sync up their current credit or debit cards into the app; Card Curator’s proprietary algorithm will then recommend which cards to apply for, downgrade, or cancel based on [a user’s] primary goal and spending habits.
“Card Curator also helps users keep up with sign-up bonuses by allowing them to track their bonuses. The app will notify users as well on what is needed to meet the minimum spend. By notifying and tracking the sign-up bonuses for users, the app ensures that users meet the minimum spend for their sign-up bonuses within the designated time frame.
“Furthermore, the app guides users on which credit card to use for every purchase. For instance, if you’re at a grocery store, the app will pick up on your geolocation and will then recommend you use your Amex Gold Card on your purchase as that card earns 4 times the points on groceries.
“Lastly, the app gives recommendations to users on the best way to combine or transfer points, which further maximizes a card’s reward value and minimizes the need to apply for new cards. The app also tells you whether to use your existing points or miles first.”
CardWiz
CardWiz is a hyper-personalized credit card recommendation and comparison app. Users take a short quiz and get matched to cards based on the rewards value specific to them.
CardWiz can maximize whatever rewards a user is looking for—for both personal and business credit cards. If a user is looking for cash back, it will maximize that; if a user is looking for Delta SkyMiles, it can take into account points transfers and maximize Delta SkyMiles. As credit cards launch that offer alternative types of rewards, such as cryptocurrency, CardWiz will allow users to maximize opportunities to earn those rewards.
Cost: Free
What makes CardWiz unique? Founder Peter Gabbay says: “CardWiz is the only app that factors in the rewards the user already gets from their current cards and allows for high levels of customization like preferred rewards programs or custom point values. It’s simply more personalized and therefore more accurate and rewarding. It’s also the most fun!”
CashFreely
CashFreely is a free app that helps users find the best new credit cards; it also helps users track their credit cards, key dates for sign-up bonuses, and annual fees.
Cost: Free
What makes CashFreely unique? Founder Zac Hood says: “CashFreely’s approach to earning cash back is truly unique. It turns traditional cash back earning upside down by earning more cash back in less time. CashFreely maximizes a person’s regular monthly spending by leveraging big sign-up bonus offers. CashFreely users average $1,500 in cash back every year, while the average American household only earns $230 in cash back.
“CashFreely teaches users how to do this and keeps them organized. Our app is 100% free. We do not ask for bank logins. We do not store any confidential information.”
CashFreely member benefits include:
- Personalized, ranked card offers
- Email reminders and notifications for bonus deadlines or annual fees
- Ability to track multiple cards (up to two users) in one place
- Card details—stats, benefits, and spending categories
- Security—users never have to hand over bank details or passwords
MaxRewards
MaxRewards helps people manage their credit cards, monitor their credit scores, and maximize their rewards, cash back, and benefits. Users can adjust the valuation of points and miles, and translate them into dollars.
Cost: Free to download and most features are also free. MaxRewards Gold, which includes auto-activation of offers, has a choose-your-own-price model. The minimum price is $5/month on annual billing ($60/year) or $9/month on monthly billing.
What makes MaxRewards unique? CEO Anik Khan says: “Most other apps use third-party aggregators, which provide far less data and capability, or lack any connectivity. We’re the only solution that actually automates earning more rewards and cash back.”
Member benefits include:
- Auto-activation of Amex Offers, BankAmeriDeals, Citi Merchant Offers, Chase Offers, and more
- Ability to activate the same Amex Offer on multiple Amex cards (which is not possible by manually activating offers)
- Best card recommendation for nearby merchants
- Best card recommendation for every category
- Consolidated view of all credit cards and transactions, including exclusive data points such as rewards that are not available on other personal finance apps like Mint
- Benefits aggregation and tracking
- Unified view of credit scores from every issuer
- Tracking of qualified spend toward sign-up bonus
The Points Guy (TPG) App
Created by The Points Guy, a popular travel site, The Points Guy (TPG) App is a one-stop-shop where users can track all of their airline, hotel, and credit card loyalty points and miles in one place, and create personalized plans to book their dream vacations.
Users are provided with a curated news feed of travel, credit card, and aviation news. They can also monitor their spending habits, track their progress towards meeting their goals, and receive recommendations to help maximize their earning potential.
Note: The app is tailored to consumer cards. Business owners upload their points and miles data from their business credit cards to the TPG App. It is currently available on iOS.
Cost: Free
TPG App features: Head developer Mitchell Stoutin says: “Users get personalized recommendations on how to quickly rack up points and miles based on their spending habits, and have the ability to track earned rewards and learn how to use them before it’s too late. App users are able to earn, burn, and learn.”
In addition, the TPG App helps users to:
- Earn points and miles more effectively and efficiently by monitoring spending habits, tracking progress toward a personalized goal, and making recommendations to maximize earning potential (e.g., recommending which card to use when).
- Burn earned miles by providing personalized guidance and comprehensive booking instructions.
- Learn about travel news, opportunities, and offers through a curated news feed, as well as learn about points, miles, and loyalty programs.
Travel Freely
Travel Freely helps users find the best new credit cards and track key dates for sign-up bonuses and annual fees. Members are provided with a step-by-step beginner course which can help them earn $2,000 in free travel every year. Users learn how to optimize travel rewards, take control of their credit, and travel for free. The service can be used for both consumer and business credit cards.
Cost: Free
What makes Travel Freely unique? Founder Zac Hood says: “The Travel Freely approach is all about increasing your travel budget by earning the most amount of free travel in the least amount of time. Travel Freely comes with a simple and easy-to-follow guide. Our beginner’s course ‘Become a Free Traveler’ covers credit score monitoring, organizing rewards programs, and understanding the best practices for applying for credit cards.”
Travel Freely member benefits include:
- Personalized, ranked rewards card offers
- Email reminders and notifications for bonus deadlines or annual fees
- Beginner tools—a step-by-step guide for those new to optimizing free travel earning
- Ability to track multiple cards (up to two users) in one place
- Card details—stats, benefits, and spending categories
- Security—users never have to hand over bank details or passwords
Uthrive
Uthrive offers users personalized advice on how to maximize rewards based on their spending habits. The Uthrive app tells consumers the best card to use at popular merchants.
Cost: Free
What makes Uthrive unique? CEO Sameer Gupta says: “Uthrive recently rolled out a full suite of features for business credit cards so small business owners can also maximize rewards on their business expenses.”
Benefits for both consumers and business owners include:
- Advice on all rewards, including cash back, points, and miles
- Personalized advice on the best card to use—for both existing and new cards
- Updates on earned rewards and missed rewards for all transactions
- Prompts for the best card to use at both online and in-store merchants
Via AB
Business
Top 10 Upcoming Telegram Mini Apps to Rock the Crypto World
With the rise of Telegram as a hub for crypto enthusiasts, mini apps have emerged as powerful tools for engaging users and facilitating seamless interactions within the blockchain ecosystem. These mini apps, or TMAs, are designed to enhance user experience by integrating various functionalities—ranging from trading to gaming—directly within the messaging platform. Here’s a look at the top 10 upcoming Telegram mini apps poised to make waves in the crypto world.
1. Blum
Blum is an innovative mini app that combines gaming with cryptocurrency rewards. Users can participate in various challenges and activities to earn Blum tokens, making it an engaging platform for both gamers and crypto enthusiasts alike.
2. Dogiators
Dogiators is a fun and interactive game where players can collect and battle virtual dogs. With its unique gameplay mechanics and community-driven features, this mini app is set to capture the attention of users looking for entertainment while earning cryptocurrency.
3. Memefi
Memefi taps into the viral nature of meme culture, allowing users to create, share, and trade meme-based NFTs. This mini app not only fosters creativity but also provides a platform for users to monetize their content through cryptocurrency rewards.
4. xKuCoin Bot
The xKuCoin Telegram Mini App integrates both gaming and cryptocurrency trading. Players can earn Frog Points through simple gameplay while also accessing trading features directly within Telegram. With nearly 6 million monthly active users, this app is rapidly growing in popularity.
5. Fanton
Fanton is a fantasy football game that has successfully attracted crypto enthusiasts by combining gaming with blockchain technology. Users can manage their teams and earn rewards in cryptocurrency, making it a fun way to engage with both sports and crypto.
6. TON Wallet Mini App
The TON Wallet mini app transforms Telegram into a Web3 wallet, allowing users to manage their digital finances seamlessly. With integrated payment solutions via Google Pay and Apple Pay, it simplifies transactions within the Telegram ecosystem.
7. Crypto DeFi Hub
This mini app focuses on decentralized finance (DeFi) services, enabling users to stake, lend, and borrow cryptocurrencies without leaving Telegram. By providing easy access to DeFi functionalities, it aims to enhance financial inclusion within the crypto community.
8. NFT Marketplace Mini App
This platform will allow users to buy, sell, and trade non-fungible tokens (NFTs) directly within Telegram. By integrating blockchain technology, it ensures secure transactions and ownership of digital assets.
9. Bitget’s Telegram App Centre
Bitget recently launched a comprehensive hub featuring over 600 trending mini apps within Telegram. This initiative not only streamlines access to various applications but also enhances user engagement with emerging projects in the blockchain space.
10. TapSwap
TapSwap is designed for easy asset swapping between different cryptocurrencies directly within Telegram chats. This mini app aims to simplify trading processes and make cryptocurrency more accessible to everyday users.
Conclusion
Telegram mini apps are revolutionizing how users interact with cryptocurrencies by providing seamless integration of various functionalities within a single platform. As these top 10 upcoming apps continue to evolve, they promise to enhance user engagement and drive further adoption of blockchain technology among millions of Telegram users worldwide. Whether you’re a gamer, trader, or crypto enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in this burgeoning ecosystem.
Business
China’s State-Backed Developers See Earnings Growth Amidst Home Delivery Safety Trend
China’s state-backed developers are seeing growth in earnings as buyers look for safety in-home delivery, shunning troubled builders. According to report cards from Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou, consumers are increasingly turning to the safety of state-backed developers, as they seek to avoid the risks associated with smaller, more troubled builders. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years, as buyers become increasingly cautious in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty.
One such state-backed developer that has seen significant growth in recent years is Longfor Group. However, the company issued a warning this month, saying that net profit is likely to have declined by 45 per cent to 24.4 billion yuan in 2023. Despite this setback, Longfor Group remains one of the largest and most successful state-backed developers in China and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Overall, the trend towards state-backed developers is likely to continue in the coming years, as buyers seek safety and security in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty. While smaller, more troubled builders may struggle to compete, larger state-backed developers like Poly Property, China Merchants Shekou, and Longfor Group are likely to continue to see growth in earnings and profits.
Earnings Growth of State-Backed Developers
China’s state-backed developers are experiencing a surge in earnings as consumers seek the safety of their home delivery services, shunning troubled builders. The report cards from Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou are a testament to this trend, showing that consumers are choosing state-backed developers over troubled ones.
Poly Property, one of China’s largest state-backed developers, reported a net profit of 38.7 billion yuan ($5.6 billion) in 2023, up 35% year-on-year. This growth can be attributed to the company’s focus on high-quality development and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Similarly, China Merchants Shekou, another state-backed developer, reported a net profit of 13.3 billion yuan ($1.9 billion) in 2023, up 26% year-on-year. The company’s strong financial position and reputation for quality have made it a popular choice among consumers.
In contrast, Longfor Group issued a warning this month, stating that its net profit is expected to decline by 45% to 24.4 billion yuan in 2023. This decline can be attributed to the company’s heavy reliance on the property market and its inability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Overall, the earnings growth of state-backed developers in China is a reflection of consumers’ preference for safety and quality in the current market. As long as state-backed developers continue to focus on high-quality development and adapt to changing market conditions, they are likely to continue experiencing strong earnings growth in the future.
Consumer Confidence in Home Delivery
Chinese consumers are increasingly seeking the safety and security of state-backed developers when it comes to purchasing homes. This trend has been reflected in the recent report cards from Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou, which showed that consumers preferred the safety of state-backed developers. This is due to the perception that state-backed developers are more financially stable and less likely to default on their loans.
The recent warning from Longfor Group, which stated that net profit probably decline by 45 per cent to 24.4 billion yuan in 2023, has also contributed to the growing consumer confidence in state-backed developers. Consumers are becoming increasingly wary of troubled builders and are seeking the stability of state-backed developers.
As a result of this trend, state-backed developers such as Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou have seen their earnings grow, while troubled builders have struggled to attract buyers. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years as consumers prioritize safety and security in their home purchases.
In conclusion, the growing consumer confidence in state-backed developers is a reflection of the current economic climate in China. Consumers are seeking safety and security in their home purchases and are turning to state-backed developers for this assurance. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years and will have a significant impact on the Chinese real estate market.
Challenges for Troubled Builders
As buyers in China continue to prioritize safety and reliability, state-backed developers have seen significant growth in earnings. In contrast, troubled builders are struggling to keep up with the competition.
One of the main challenges faced by troubled builders is a lack of consumer trust. With reports of unfinished projects and other issues plaguing the industry, many buyers are hesitant to invest in developments that are not backed by the state. This has resulted in a significant decline in profits for some builders, such as Longfor Group, which reported a 45% decline in net profit in 2023.
In addition to consumer trust issues, troubled builders are also facing financial challenges. Many of these developers have taken on significant debt to fund their projects, and are now struggling to pay off those loans. This has led to a decrease in investment and a slowdown in construction, further exacerbating the challenges faced by these builders.
Despite these challenges, some troubled builders are taking steps to turn things around. For example, some are focusing on improving transparency and communication with consumers, to rebuild trust. Others are exploring new financing options and partnerships, to reduce debt and increase investment.
Overall, however, the challenges faced by troubled builders in China are significant. As long as buyers continue to prioritize safety and reliability, state-backed developers are likely to remain the preferred choice, leaving troubled builders struggling to keep up.
Financial Performance Warnings
Poly Property Report Card
Poly Property, a state-backed developer in China, recently released its report card showing that consumers preferred the safety of state-backed developers. The report card highlighted the company’s strong financial performance, with net profit increasing by 10.8% to 12.3 billion yuan in 2023. The company’s total revenue also increased by 17.6% to 98.9 billion yuan in the same period.
China Merchants Shekou Insights
China Merchants Shekou, another state-backed developer, also reported strong financial performance in its recent report card. The company’s net profit increased by 17.3% to 10.9 billion yuan in 2023, while its total revenue increased by 14.8% to 73.5 billion yuan in the same period. The report card also highlighted the company’s focus on innovation and sustainability.
Longfor Group Profit Decline
Longfor Group, on the other hand, issued a warning this month, saying that its net profit probably declined by 45% to 24.4 billion yuan in 2023. The company attributed the decline to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the tightening of government regulations on the property market. Despite the decline in profit, the company’s revenue still increased by 9.5% to 143.7 billion yuan in the same period.
Overall, the report cards from Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou show that consumers in China prefer the safety of state-backed developers, while troubled builders are being shunned. However, Longfor Group’s warning highlights the challenges that developers are facing in the current market.
Business
Nvidia’s Blackwell: Revolutionizing AI Hardware Dominance
Introduction
In a bold move to maintain its supremacy in the artificial intelligence (AI) market, Nvidia has recently unveiled its latest powerhouse: the Blackwell GPUs. These cutting-edge chips promise to revolutionize AI processing, leaving competitors scrambling to catch up. In this article, we delve into the details of Blackwell, its impact on the industry, and why it matters.
What Is Blackwell?
- Blackwell is not just another chip; it’s a seismic shift in AI hardware. Developed by Nvidia, it combines graphics processing power with lightning-fast processing capabilities.
- Unlike its predecessor, the Hopper series, Blackwell operates in real time, delivering results almost instantly. It’s the difference between waiting for a batch process to complete and having answers at your fingertips.
Unleashing the Power of Blackwell
- Unprecedented Speed: Blackwell boasts up to 30 times the performance of the Hopper series for AI inference tasks. Imagine the leap—from crawling to supersonic speeds.
- Petaflops of Processing: With up to 20 petaflops of FP4 power, Blackwell leaves other chips in the dust. It’s like strapping a rocket to your data center.
- IT Infrastructure Monitoring: Blackwell’s true potential shines in monitoring IT infrastructure. Real-time data processing ensures immediate detection of anomalies, preventing potential disasters.
Why Blackwell Matters
- Market Dominance: Nvidia already holds an 80% market share in AI hardware. Blackwell cements its position as the go-to provider.
- Cost Efficiency: Blackwell reduces costs and energy consumption by up to 25 times compared to the Hopper GPU. Efficiency meets excellence.
- Cybersecurity: Immediate detection of cyber threats is crucial. Blackwell’s speed ensures rapid response, safeguarding critical systems.
- Sales Insights: Real-time data empowers sales teams. Imagine predicting customer behavior as it happens.
Real-Time Data: The Fuel for Blackwell
- What Is Real-Time Data?
- Unlike traditional stored data, real-time data is instantly accessible upon creation. It fuels live decision-making.
- Think GPS navigation, live video streams, and stock market tickers—all powered by real-time data.
- Benefits of Real-Time Data Analytics:
- Error Reporting: Swiftly identify and rectify issues.
- Improved Services: Real-time insights enhance customer experiences.
- Cost Savings: Efficient resource allocation.
- Cybercrime Detection: Immediate threat response.
- Sales Optimization: Understand customer behavior in the moment.
Conclusion
Nvidia’s Blackwell isn’t just a chip; it’s a paradigm shift. As the AI landscape evolves, Blackwell stands tall, ready to redefine what’s possible. Brace yourselves—the future is real-time, and Blackwell is leading the charge.
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