Dec 6American ExpressActive
Pop-up jail: Bonus denials documented even when no pop-up appeared
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Yearly archive
2018 in points.
2 devaluations, 1 improvement, 1 offer change, 18 rule changes — the month's biggest: SPG–Marriott merger conversion and program integration losses
December 2018
1 eventNovember 2018
2 eventsOctober 2018
2 eventsOct 8American ExpressActive
Pop-up jail: Denials intensified, reaching applicants with light Amex histories
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Oct 1CitiStale — last documented April 1, 2025
Citi Strata Premier: 50,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
Source: awardwallet.com
September 2018
1 eventSep 10ChaseActive
48-month Sapphire rule: Referral links updated to 48-month terms
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Aug 24American ExpressActive
Pop-up jail: Two pop-up variants confirmed; bypass via phone judged unreliable
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Aug 18MarriottMajor
SPG–Marriott merger conversion and program integration losses
Source: thepointsguy.com
Aug 1American ExpressActive
Family welcome-offer rule: Cross-issuer SPG/Marriott bonus restrictions documented
Source: thepointsguy.com
Aug 1American ExpressActive
Pop-up jail: Rule first documented (in-application eligibility pop-up on personal cards)
Source: doctorofcredit.com
July 2018
2 eventsJul 25American ExpressActive
Source: thepointsguy.com
June 2018
1 eventApril 2018
1 eventMarch 2018
1 eventMar 14American ExpressRelaxed
Credit-card count limit: Reports of sixth-card approvals
Source: doctorofcredit.com
January 2018
2 eventsJan 1Alaska AirlinesModerate
American Airlines partnership restricted; award chart and earning changes
Source: uscreditcardguide.com
Questions
What changed in points in 2018?
On our documented record: 2 devaluations, 1 improvement, 1 offer change, 18 rule changes — the month's biggest: SPG–Marriott merger conversion and program integration losses