Affordabilty is one of the biggest considerations home buyers face today. Understanding what they can afford is critical to help buyers focus their search, shop within their means and make informed decisions during this emotional and consequential process.
That’s why Zillow Home Loans created BuyAbility. First and only offered on Zillow, BuyAbility gives buyers a personalized, real-time estimate of the home price and monthly payment that fits within their budget, all powered by real-time mortgage rates from Zillow Home Loans.
BuyAbility is the most accurate way for a buyer to understand what they can afford. The interplay between mortgage rates and credit score play a crucial role in determining affordability, but most online calculators don’t factor these in. Buyers just need to add a few simple inputs unique to their financial situation, such as income, credit score and the monthly amount they’re comfortable spending, into BuyAbility. Within seconds, a personalized, real-time estimate of the home price and monthly payment that fits within their budget pops up, along with insight into their likelihood of getting approved for a mortgage at this price point.
Buyers can get started on the Home Loans tab on Zillow’s app (available on IOS only, with Android launching later this year). A shopper’s BuyAbility calculation will update regularly with changes to mortgage rates and their credit score.
“What many people don’t realize is that your mortgage rate is highly dependent on your credit score,” says Orphe Divounguy, senior economist at Zillow Home Loans. “The better your credit score, the lower the rate you’ll qualify for, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars a month. BuyAbility is personalized to a buyer’s credit score, income and down payment, and updated regularly to reflect current mortgage rates, giving home shoppers a true understanding of their buying power. BuyAbility is a great starting point for buyers who may be hesitant to look under the hood of their finances, or share personal details with a loan officer.”
If mortgage rates change, it impacts the home price a buyer can afford and their likelihood of getting approved for a mortgage, and BuyAbility will adjust for this in real-time. For example, a median-income household would be able to afford a $380,000 home with rates at 7%; if rates went down to 6%, that same household could afford a $420,000 home. Checking their BuyAbility regularly gives shoppers a clear and current understanding of their financial picture at any given moment.
BuyAbility will change the way people shop for homes. Later this year, Zillow Home Loans will make it possible for buyers to shop for homes on Zillow using their BuyAbility — rather than a price range — allowing them to quickly identify homes that truly fit their budget. And since most people think about their finances in terms of monthly budgets, buyers will soon be able to see how much each home they look at on Zillow would cost them on a monthly basis, based on their BuyAbility.
Do you want to find ways to get free Walmart gift cards? Yes, you can get free Walmart gift cards and make some extra money for this popular store. Walmart gift cards are a convenient way to handle your shopping budget, give gifts, or treat yourself. You might be surprised to learn that there are…
Do you want to find ways to get free Walmart gift cards?
Yes, you can get free Walmart gift cards and make some extra money for this popular store.
Walmart gift cards are a convenient way to handle your shopping budget, give gifts, or treat yourself. You might be surprised to learn that there are ways to get these gift cards without paying for them. By joining rewards programs, taking surveys, or using trade-in services, you can earn points that can be redeemed for free gift cards to Walmart.
Before you think this isn’t real, let me tell you – I’ve earned over 110 free gift cards myself. It feels great to use a free gift card to get something I want.
How To Get Free Walmart Gift Cards
Here is a quick list of places to get free Walmart gift cards to get started with:
Below is more information on each method to get free Walmart gift cards.
This is a screenshot I took a couple of years ago of the free gift cards that I’ve earned from Swagbucks as proof. As you can see, it says I’ve earned 109 gift cards over the years! I mainly redeem for free Walmart gift cards, but you can do Starbucks just as easily too.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a great website to start with if you want to earn free gift cards to places like Walmart.
On Swagbucks, you can earn points (called “SB”) by doing tasks like answering surveys, playing games (like Candy Crush!), downloading apps, searching something on their search engine, and watching videos. Just sign up, fill out your profile, and start earning points to redeem for a free Walmart eGift Card code.
I’ve been using Swagbucks for years, and during that time, I’ve earned over 110 free gift cards myself. Earning points is easy, and the website is very user-friendly.
You can redeem your points for anywhere from a free $5 Walmart gift card to $500 at a time on Swagbucks.
Sign up for Swagbucks here and receive a $10 bonus.
2. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is an app for your phone (which I personally use at least once a week!) where you earn points by scanning receipts from grocery stores (any grocery store!). You can use these points to redeem Walmart gift cards.
You get points for every receipt no matter what, but you can earn more points if you buy specific items that they feature in their app. These include points for General Mills products (such as cereal), points for Tostitos chips, points for dog treats, and more.
Personally, I don’t really keep track of what I can earn extra points with – I just shop like I normally do and scan each and every receipt.
Fetch Rewards is one of my favorite ways to earn free gift cards as I don’t have to do much to get points. I just shop how I normally do, scan my receipt with my phone (I am literally just taking a picture of my receipt), and then I get points. You get points for every single grocery receipt too.
Sign up for Fetch Rewards here.
3. Sign up for the Walmart Rewards program
Walmart Cash is a rewards program for Walmart customers. You earn Walmart Cash by claiming offers on Walmart.com or in the Walmart app. Then, you can use your Walmart Cash for future purchases in-store or online.
Here’s an example of how it works:
If you want to use Walmart Cash in store:
Step 1 – Open your Walmart app and log in.
Step 2 – At the register, use the app to scan the QR code displayed there.
Step 3 – Choose “Use Walmart Cash” to turn your balance into a Walmart eGift Card and use it to reduce your bill.
It’s easy to use, but surprisingly, many people do not know about this rewards program.
4. Upside
Upside is an app that will help you get cash back for your fuel purchases (yes, from when you go to the gas station!). With Upside, you can get around $150 per year in estimated cash back.
Plus, the first time you use the app, you can get a higher amount of cash back in order to get you used to the platform. For my first time using this app, I was able to get $0.74 back per gallon. I bought 12.62 gallons, which means I saved $9.33 all by just using this app for the first time.
Not all gas stations are included in the Upside app, but you can earn rewards by choosing from the listed stations within the app. There are several gas stations that qualify near me, so I’m sure there are some that you go to as well.
This app does require you to select the gas station in the Upside app before you actually pump the fuel into your car, so this is an important step.
Then, you earn rewards that can be redeemed for free Walmart gift cards.
You can sign up for Upside here.
5. American Consumer Opinion
American Consumer Opinion is a company that pays people to share their opinions through surveys.
It’s free to join American Consumer Opinion, and surveys usually pay around $1 to $5 each. Once you reach a certain amount, you can redeem your earnings for free Walmart gift cards (or other rewards like PayPal cash).
Click here to join American Consumer Opinion.
6. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a popular website where you can earn free Walmart gift cards by taking surveys online in your spare time. Answering three surveys a day on Survey Junkie can get you about $40 worth of Walmart gift cards each month.
Please click here to sign up for Survey Junkie.
7. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys lets you earn points by answering questions in surveys. You can use these points to get free Walmart gift cards. Surveys take 5 to 15 minutes and pay between $0.50 and $5.00 each.
Click here to join Branded Surveys.
8. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel is a website where you earn points by doing tasks like surveys and watching videos. You can use these points to get free Walmart gift cards.
I logged in last week and I had enough points for around $150 in free gift cards. I redeemed them all at once, and it is definitely some nice extra spending money!
Click here to sign up for PrizeRebel.
9. PayPal Honey
PayPal Honey is a free browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes and promo codes when you shop online. By using it, you earn points that can be redeemed for extra money.
Here’s how it works:
Shop online as you normally would.
At checkout, Honey will find and apply the best coupon codes for you.
Sign up for PayPal Honey by clicking here.
10. Ibotta
Ibotta is an app that gives you cash back for shopping, such as at grocery stores. After you shop, simply upload your receipts to earn cash back that you can use for free Walmart gift cards.
Here’s a quick summary of how you use Ibotta:
Download the Ibotta app.
Check to see what the available offers are before you go to the grocery store (such as Honey Nut Cheerios or oranges).
Take a picture of your grocery receipt using your phone with the Ibotta app.
Some of the offers I see when in the app, so that you can get a better idea, include:
$1.00 cash back for buying General Mills cereal (such as Honey Nut Cheerios)
$0.50 cash back for buying mandarin oranges
$1.00 cash back for buying Starbucks Cold Brew
$5.00 cash back for buying Colgate toothbrushes
And so much more.
You need at least $20 in earnings for a free Walmart gift card. You can also redeem your points for many other gift cards, as well as PayPal cash or even a deposit straight to your bank account.
You may be wondering how Fetch Rewards and Ibotta differ. They are very similar and I use both. For me, I use Fetch Rewards and Ibotta at the same time for the same receipts. It’s a way to get even more points for doing something very similar.
You can join Ibotta here.
11. Rakuten
Rakuten lets you earn cash back on purchases from over 3,500 stores, such as Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Sephora, Old Navy, Chewy, Nike, and more.
When you buy something, you get a percentage of your purchase back in cash. You can receive your earnings through check or PayPal once a quarter.
While Rakuten doesn’t directly provide free Walmart gift cards, you can use the cash you earn from Rakuten for shopping at other stores like Walmart.
You can sign up for Rakuten for free here.
12. Find Walmart gift card giveaways
If you’re looking to get free Walmart gift cards, entering sweepstakes and giveaways can be a fun way to give it a shot.
To earn free Walmart gift cards through giveaways, you can:
Follow brands on social media like Instagram. Many companies host giveaways where you can win gift cards. Keep an eye out for their posts or stories announcing these giveaways.
Search hashtags like #freewalmart, #giveaway, #giveawayalert, #contest, and #freebie on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to find Walmart gift card giveaways.
Subscribe to online sweepstakes websites that list current giveaways to find opportunities to win Walmart gift cards.
Now, of course, entering giveaways isn’t a guaranteed way to get free Walmart gift card codes, but it doesn’t take a lot of time. I have personally entered giveaways through all of these methods (I used to spend probably an hour a week entering giveaways, haha!), and I have actually won quite a few things from free gift cards to cash, household goods, and more.
13. Prime Opinion
Prime Opinion is a survey website where you can earn money by sharing your opinions from home. They have many, many available surveys to complete, so there is a good chance that you can earn enough for regular free Walmart gift cards.
You need $5 in your account to redeem your points for Walmart gift codes on Prime Opinion.
Please click here to join Prime Opinion and get up to a $5 free bonus.
14. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a rewards site where you earn points by answering online surveys, playing games, signing up for their shopping offers, and more. Then, you can use your points to get free Walmart gift cards.
You can join InboxDollars and get a free $5 sign-up bonus.
15. Walmart’s trade-in program
Walmart’s trade-in program is for you if you have electronics that you no longer need. You simply go to the Walmart trade-in website and select the type of device you have from options like phones, tablets, game consoles, and more.
Then, just answer some questions about your item’s condition and specifications.
After that, you will see an offer for your item. If you agree with the offer, then you’ll get a Walmart eGift Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to get free Walmart gift cards.
How can I get a Walmart gift card without paying?
You can get free Walmart gift cards without paying by answering surveys, trading in your old electronics, joining the Walmart rewards program, and getting cash back at places like the gas station.
How do I know if a Walmart gift card promotion is real?
To verify if a Walmart gift card promotion is legitimate, you can always check the official Walmart website, contact their customer service directly, or search on the FTC’s website to see if anything pops up.
If it’s an app that you are wanting to sign up for, you can look for their reviews, such as on Trustpilot to see what real people like you and me think about the app. There are scams out there, so you will want to stay safe and prevent fraud from happening to you. If something sounds too good to be true, then it may be best to just skip it!
Can you really get a Walmart gift card worth $100 or more for free?
Yes, there are ways to get a free $100 Walmart gift card. Many of the sites and apps above can allow you to earn enough points to get free Walmart gift card codes. For me, I actually just redeemed $150 in free digital gift card codes at once, so I know that it is a real thing. I like to save my points up so that I have a large amount in gift cards to redeem at once, and then I can put it toward a larger purchase.
Can I use Walmart gift cards at Sam’s Club?
Yes, Walmart eGift Cards can be used at Walmart.com and in Walmart stores. Sam’s Club members can also use them in-store or at Samsclub.com.
Best Ways To Get Free Walmart Gift Cards
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to get free Walmart gift cards.
There are many ways to earn free Walmart gift cards, as discussed above. From answering online surveys to uploading photos of your grocery receipts and using cash back sites, you can save money at Walmart by earning and using Walmart gift cards.
Plus, the gift cards can be used at both local Walmart stores and online, so you can get what you need and when you need it.
Walmart has low prices, but now you can save even more money.
Thinking about spending your college years in North Carolina? Well, the college towns on this list have the potential to spice up your studies. These spots are more than just classrooms and lecture halls; they’re the backdrop to your entire college experience.
From Chapel Hill to High Point, each college town below brings its own set of attributes to the table. Ready to check out some of North Carolina’s coolest college towns? Your tour starts now.
Chapel Hill is synonymous with the University of North Carolina, known for its law and medicine programs. The presence of UNC influences local businesses and social scenes, catering extensively to students and faculty.
In Chapel Hill, students often stick around after graduation to create their own paths and pursue their dreams. One shining example of this is Brandwein’s Bagels, a UNC grad-founded New York-style bagel shop that has taken Chapel Hill by storm in recent years.
Apartments near University of North Carolina | Houses for rent near University of North Carolina
Durham is primarily known as the home of Duke University, a prestigious figure in research and academia, particularly in business and environmental sciences. The student population heavily influences the local economy, with numerous shops and services tailored for them. The university’s partnerships with local businesses foster a mutually beneficial relationship.
Duke’s involvement in Durham extends well beyond the campus walls. A great example of Duke’s impact on Durham is the Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute. This institute fosters collaboration between Duke researchers and local healthcare providers to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into improved patient care.
Apartments near Duke University | Houses for rent near Duke University
Appalachian State University in Boone is known for its sustainability and renewable energy programs. The university’s focus on environmental issues influences the local community, which actively engages in green initiatives. This academic direction steers local policies and business practices towards sustainability.
Students often fall in love with Boone during their four years and find themselves sticking around after graduation. This investment in the natural beauty of the area and focus on environmental stewardship ensures the longevity of the resources that make living in Boone so appealing.
Apartments near Appalachian State | Houses for rent near Appalachian State
Greensboro is boosted by the presence of UNC Greensboro, which shines in visual and performing arts. The creativity stemming from the campus spills over into the city, fostering a creative community that supports galleries, theaters, and plenty of live music venues.
Additionally, Greensboro’s economy is bolstered by the university’s business programs. Graduates often stay in town, applying their skills to local enterprises and start-ups. There’s no better example of this than UNC Greensboro graduate-founded company, Xtern Software.
Apartments near UNC Greensboro | Houses for rent near UNC Greensboro
5. Greenville – East Carolina University
Population: 87,521 | Student population: 28,021| Average 1-bedroom rent: $999
East Carolina University in Greenville is respected for its medical and fine arts programs. The university influences local health services and ensures a strong culture through its arts community. This partnership enhances the quality of life in Greenville, making it an attractive place for students and professionals to find their way.
ECU’s Brody School of Medicine and College of Nursing contribute significantly to healthcare in Greenville and the surrounding region. Through partnerships with local healthcare facilities and clinics, ECU students and faculty provide essential medical services to underserved communities.
Apartments near East Carolina University | Houses for rent near East Carolina University
North Carolina State University is a hotspot for engineering and textiles in Raleigh. The Wilson College of Textiles leads the charge by contributing to Raleigh’s well-known textile industry. This connection keeps talented people in town and ensures Raleigh maintains its status as a titan in the textile industry.
NC State’s presence in Raleigh also bolsters technological innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. The university’s entrepreneurship program has garnered praise from all over and has resulted in the development of unique programs like the Wolfpack Investor Network. This program brings together the brightest minds and biggest pockets NC State has to offer to maximize their impact on Raleigh and the country.
Apartments near NC State | Houses for rent near NC State
Elon University is a pivotal part of its namesake town. Elon University is particularly respected for its communications and business programs. The university’s influence is visible in the town’s infrastructure and culture thanks to the Kernodle Center for Civic Life.
In Elon, the university’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates shapes local businesses and social initiatives. This close relationship promotes a seamless integration of student life and community growth, ensuring Elon’s small college town charm for years to come.
Apartments near Elon University | Houses for rent near Elon University
High Point University is famous for its pharmacy and interior design programs. The university’s strongest programs reflect the priorities of the local economy, especially since High Point is known as the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World.” This alignment between educational programs and local industry creates clear career pathways for students to find success while living in the High Point area.
The influence of High Point University also extends into the local community through its top-tier pharmacy program. Graduates often find opportunities right in town, helping to staff and manage local medical facilities.
Apartments near High Point University | Houses for rent near High Point University
Methodology
College towns are qualified as towns or cities with at least one college or university and fewer than 500,000 people according to U.S. Census data. Average rental data from Rent.com in May 2024.
This is not a comprehensive list of all of the towns and cities in the state meeting those requirements.
If you only had 1 day per month to allocate to watching the bond market and getting a sense of rate momentum, Wednesday, May 15th would be that day. Last month would have been April 10th. And here’s the rest of the list: https://www.bls.gov/schedule/news_release/cpi.htm. In other words, it has been and continues to be all about CPI. Today’s PPI appetizer left the bond market hungry for the main course. A big miss was offset by revisions and a favorable distribution of internal components. Wednesday is anyone’s guess in terms of directionality. All we know is that the size of the potential reaction is as big as it gets when it comes to scheduled economic data.
Core m/m PPI
0.5 vs 0.2 f’cast
last month revised to -0.1 from +0.2
Annual core PPI
2.4 vs 2.4 f’cast/prev
08:40 AM
Inconsequential strength ahead of PPI data. Initially weaker after the data, but recovering now. 10yr down 0.4bps at 4.485. MBS up 1 tick (.03).
10:12 AM
Additional strength at 9pm after OPEC headlines and fairly flat since then. 10yr down 2.6bps at 4.463. MBS up 3 ticks (.09).
02:51 PM
Slow, steady gains all day. MBS up 6 ticks (.19) and 10yr down 4.4bps at 4.445
Download our mobile app to get alerts for MBS Commentary and streaming MBS and Treasury prices.
Today’s average mortgage rates on May. 15, 2024, compared with one week ago. We use rate data collected by Bankrate as reported by lenders across the US.
Mortgage refinance rates change every day. Experts recommend shopping around to make sure you’re getting the lowest rate. By entering your information below, you can get a custom quote from one of CNET’s partner lenders.
About these rates: Like CNET, Bankrate is owned by Red Ventures. This tool features partner rates from lenders that you can use when comparing multiple mortgage rates.
Current refinance rate trends
A vast majority of US homeowners already have mortgages with a rate below 6%. Because mortgage refinance rates have been averaging above 6.5% over the past several months, households are choosing to hold on to their existing mortgages instead of swapping them out with a new home loan.
If rates fell to 6%, at least a third of borrowers who took out mortgages in 2023 could reduce their rate by a full percentage point through a refinance, according to BlackKnight.
Refinancing in today’s market could make sense if you have a rate above 8%, said Logan Mohtashami, lead analyst at HousingWire. “However, with all refinancing options, it’s a personal financial choice because of the cost that goes with the loan process,” he said.
Where will refinance rates end up in 2024?
Mortgage rates have been sky-high over the last two years, largely as a result of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive attempt to tame inflation by spiking interest rates. Experts say that decelerating inflation and the Fed’s projected interest rate cuts should help stabilize mortgage interest rates by the end of 2024. But the timing of Fed cuts will depend on incoming economic data and the response of the market.
For homeowners looking to refinance, remember that you can’t time the economy: Interest rates fluctuate on an hourly, daily and weekly basis, and are influenced by an array of factors. Your best move is to keep an eye on day-to-day rate changes and have a game plan on how to capitalize on a big enough percentage drop, said Matt Graham of Mortgage News Daily.
What to know about refinancing
When you refinance your mortgage, you take out another home loan that pays off your initial mortgage. With a traditional refinance, your new home loan will have a different term and/or interest rate. With a cash-out refinance, you’ll tap into your equity with a new loan that’s bigger than your existing mortgage balance, allowing you to pocket the difference in cash.
Refinancing can be a great financial move if you score a low rate or can pay off your home loan in less time, but consider whether it’s the right choice for you. Reducing your interest rate by 1% or more is an incentive to refinance, allowing you to cut your monthly payment significantly.
Choosing the right refinance type and term
The rates advertised online often require specific conditions for eligibility. Your personal interest rate will be influenced by market conditions as well as your specific credit history, financial profile and application. Having a high credit score, a low credit utilization ratio and a history of consistent and on-time payments will generally help you get the best interest rates.
30-year fixed-rate refinance
The average 30-year fixed refinance rate right now is 7.22%, a decrease of 9 basis points compared to one week ago. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) A 30-year fixed refinance will typically have lower monthly payments than a 15-year or 10-year refinance, but it will take you longer to pay off and typically cost you more in interest over the long term.
15-year fixed-rate refinance
The average 15-year fixed refinance rate right now is 6.80%, a decrease of 3 basis points from what we saw the previous week. Though a 15-year fixed refinance will most likely raise your monthly payment compared to a 30-year loan, you’ll save more money over time because you’re paying off your loan quicker. Also, 15-year refinance rates are typically lower than 30-year refinance rates, which will help you save more in the long run.
10-year fixed-rate refinance
The average 10-year fixed refinance rate right now is 6.80%, a decrease of 7 basis points compared to one week ago. A 10-year refinance typically has the lowest interest rate but the highest monthly payment of all refinance terms. A 10-year refinance can help you pay off your house much quicker and save on interest, but make sure you can afford the steeper monthly payment.
To get the best refinance rates, make your application as strong as possible by getting your finances in order, using credit responsibly and monitoring your credit regularly. And don’t forget to speak with multiple lenders and shop around.
Reasons you might refinance your home
Homeowners usually refinance to save money, but there are other reasons to do so. Here are the most common reasons homeowners refinance:
To get a lower interest rate: If you can secure a rate that’s at least 1% lower than the one on your current mortgage, it could make sense to refinance.
To switch the type of mortgage: If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage and want greater security, you could refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage.
To eliminate mortgage insurance: If you have an FHA loan that requires mortgage insurance, you can refinance to a conventional loan once you have 20% equity.
To change the length of a loan term: Refinancing to a longer loan term could lower your monthly payment. Refinancing to a shorter term will save you interest in the long run.
To tap into your equity through a cash-out refinance: If you replace your mortgage with a larger loan, you can receive the difference in cash to cover a large expense.
To take someone off the mortgage: In case of divorce, you can apply for a new home loan in just your name and use the funds to pay off your existing mortgage.
Steve Resch, vice president of retirement strategies at leading reverse mortgage industry lender Finance of America, knows a lot about the intersection between the interests of financial planning professionals and reverse mortgage industry members.
Financial planners have been, and remain, one of the most sought-after referral partnerships for reverse mortgage professionals to establish ties with. That has certainly not diminished in the current business environment.
To get a better understanding of the kinds of concerns and interests financial planners have at the moment, RMD sat down with Resch to discuss some of what he is seeing right now.
Chris Clow/RMD: The reverse mortgage business in general is going through a time of reduced volume. But it seems like things are starting to pick back up. Conversations I’ve had with a lot of front-line originators have been more optimistic over the past few months. And I’m curious how this combines with what you do for Finance of America.
Steve Resch: In my position, I work directly with financial advisers. We have not really seen much change in our business recently, because a lot of what we do with the advisers involves using home equity for strategic planning purposes, and that doesn’t really go away in high interest rate environments.
We have still had numerous conversations and activity with the advisers. However, we’re finding — and I’ve seen this for a while, and it’s becoming more and more prevalent — that the most receptive part of our conversations is the use of home equity for long-term care management.
Clow: That’s interesting. Why is that?
Resch: This is something the advisers are very open to. I just came back from an investment conference last week, where I spoke on this topic, and they were very receptive, very open to it, because the advisers all need to figure out how to manage long-term care expenses for our clients. The clients are very hesitant to pay for an insurance solution, which can be very expensive — we could be talking $10,000 to $15,000 per year for an insurance solution.
Steve Resch, VP of retirement strategies at Finance of America, the leading reverse mortgage lender.
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Steve Resch
” data-medium-file=”https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/stephenresch_far.jpg?w=300″ data-large-file=”https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/stephenresch_far.jpg?w=800″ src=”https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/stephenresch_far.jpg?w=800″ alt=”Steve Resch, VP of retirement strategies at Finance of America, the leading reverse mortgage lender.” class=”wp-image-434884″ srcset=”https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/stephenresch_far.jpg 800w, https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/stephenresch_far.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/stephenresch_far.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/stephenresch_far.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/stephenresch_far.jpg?resize=650,650 650w” sizes=”(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px”>Steve Resch
So, if we can manage that risk by using home equity to manage the risk, and our only costs involved there are setting up, for example, a line of credit, then we’ve had limited costs. We’ve got cash-flow savings for the next 20 years that we would have been spending on an insurance solution. And yet, we’ve still managed the risk because we have a portion of home equity reserved for long-term care planning.
And that, of course, grows and compounds over time. It has an inflation factor built in just like an insurance policy does, because it’s tied to interest rates, which, of course, are tied to inflation. So, the advising community is very open and very excited about this because again, it’s managing the risk at low cost.
Clow: One of the predominant things I’ve heard from people in the business is that HECM for Purchase (H4P) is a sleeping giant just waiting for the right opportunity. How, if at all, has H4P entered the conversation with the financial planner partners you know?
Resch: It is definitely becoming more prevalent as well. Circling back to the conference I attended, I had two female advisers come up to me after the presentation. They told me they both used H4P in their divorce settlements. I think this is a phenomenal opportunity.
In fact, we’re working on a presentation about using H4P for divorce settlements, but aside from that, it’s a phenomenal opportunity. Your investment assets are what provide income; you don’t live off of home equity. Home equity is where you live and stay. So, using the reverse for purchase, they were able to get into homes they wanted to be in and not drain down any invested assets, which provide revenue for that. It’s a great opportunity.
Clow: Is it a “sleeping giant” in the business, or is that potentially overblown?
Resch: I do believe it’s a sleeping giant. I think it probably would have been more prevalent even a few years ago, if we hadn’t had the massive explosion in home appreciation brought on by COVID. I think that pushed a lot of people to the sidelines because it was really a cash purchase market. You didn’t have time to really go through financing — at least that’s the way it was in my area. everything was being purchased for cash and then you finance later.
So, I think the real estate markets in general, while still strong, have settled down. And you have opportunities to negotiate; you have opportunities to do financing. And I think this is an ideal time for the reverse for purchase to really start moving to the forefront.
Clow: I’m curious about the evolutions that you’ve observed in the conversation since the pandemic. There was a huge refinance volume that dropped off, and then you’ve also had industry consolidation, and home prices have not ticked down significantly at a national level. What, to you, is the most identifiable evolution of your conversations since the pandemic?
Resch: Our goal, or our objective, is always to teach, educate and present the opportunity of using home equity as a strategic component in a financial plan. So, prior to COVID, through COVID, that has still been our messaging: Let’s use home equity. We’re not paying attention to interest rates or changes in PLFs; we’re looking at the concept of using home equity to safeguard and enhance the retirement plan.
To that end, I would say that, over the past several years, that education is getting out there, and I do believe we are starting to turn that learning curve where advisers are much more open to it. Circling back to the conference I was at, we had numerous advisers who came up and what they said was, “Thank you for being here, it’s really great to be able to talk to someone in the industry in person.”
A lot of the issues that they had were that if they wanted to find out information about a reverse mortgage, and they would start Googling it, everything that popped up was from a lender. But we had an opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation without the pressure of a sale.
Clow: Is that important?
Resch: Yes, this is what these people need. They still need to be educated; you can read about it, you can run through scenarios, but they still need that conversation, that education. And I think we are still evolving toward that, where they’re much more open to talking, much more open to listening and asking questions, because they see the reality as well that we have the demographics that demand that we look at home equity as far as retirement planning goes.
So, again, our evolution, I don’t think I can tie it to anything that’s really happened as far as COVID or anything else. It’s all a learning curve, and I think we are really starting to move up that S-curve.
The average homeowner with a mortgage ended 2023 with $299,000 in home equity, according to ICE Mortgage Monitor, which also estimates that the average funds homeowners could tap by borrowing against their home equity is $193,000.
Obviously, that number varies for each individual and depends on factors such as the original down payment, local property values, and the amount of time in the home. But if you have more than 20% equity in your home, using a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to build wealth is a strategy to consider.
Ways to Build Wealth With a HELOC
A home equity line of credit lets you borrow funds as needed (up to a prearranged limit) through a credit draw. This is different from a home equity loan, in which you would borrow a one-time sum of cash. Drawing on your home equity for certain expenses could help grow your wealth over time, if it financially makes sense. Here are some options to consider.
1. Home Improvements
A HELOC works well for larger home improvement projects and renovations because you can draw funds to pay for materials and contractors as needed. You accrue interest only on the outstanding balance, so it could be cheaper to opt for a HELOC vs. a home equity loan. And if you itemize your taxes, you could deduct HELOC interest payments when the money is used to improve the home.
Plus, a renovation project could build wealth by increasing the value of your home. Home improvement experts estimate that a kitchen refresh could deliver a 377% return on investment and refinishing hardwood floors could have a 348% ROI.
2. Debt Consolidation
You can’t deduct HELOC interest when you use the funds to consolidate debt, but you could still build your wealth. Paying off debt with a lower interest rate could save you a lot of money over the long run. Let’s look at an example.
Say you qualify for a HELOC with an 8% APR but you have a $10,000 credit card balance with a 22% APR. In order to pay off that card in five years, you’d pay $276.19 per month and pay $6,571.35 in interest.
With the HELOC, on the other hand, let’s say you made interest-only payments for one year, then spread out the principal and remaining interest over four years, for a total of five years. During the interest-only period, your payment would be $66.67, followed by $244.13 for the remaining four years. On top of that, you’d only pay a total of $2,518.19 in interest for the entire five years. That’s a potential savings of $4,053.16 in interest payments by consolidating to a lower rate!
3. Real Estate Investments
Using a HELOC to finance an investment property can help you start climbing the real estate ladder. Homeowners could use the funds to make a down payment, cover closing costs, and/or make some upgrades before renting out the property.
You’ll still need to qualify for the new property’s monthly mortgage loan payments, particularly if there isn’t a current rental income history for the lender to review. Assuming you’re eligible for the loan, the goal is to use the rental income to pay off the HELOC and make a profit. On top of that, the property itself could increase in value over time, building your overall wealth.
4. Education and Skills Development
Investing your home equity in your education or skills development could increase your earning power and, consequently, your wealth. Research shows that people with advanced degrees tend to earn more than those without them.
For instance, a study published in Demography revealed that women with bachelor’s degrees earn $630,000 more in a lifetime than those with a high school degree. For men, the increase in lifetime earnings is $900,000. The numbers are even more dramatic with graduate degrees. Women’s lifetime earnings are $1.1 million higher than their high school graduate counterparts, whereas men earn $1.5 million more. Clearly, investing in your professional skills can translate into greater wealth.
5. Start or Expand a Business
The majority of small business owners invest their personal funds in the growth of their companies. Research also shows that upfront funding correlates with greater revenue. So while there’s no way to know that home equity financing you use for your business will guarantee success, it could improve your odds to scale more quickly.
6. Investment Portfolio Growth
Growing a diversified investment portfolio is another option for using a HELOC to build wealth. Obviously, there is risk involved when funding investments. Focusing on long-term investments could help reduce the risk of short-term market volatility. Remember, though, that for investments made with money from a HELOC to truly pay off, you would have to earn more on the investment than you pay in interest for the HELOC.
7. Emergency Fund or Cash Reserve
Most financial experts recommend having three to six month’s worth of savings on hand in cash in case you lose a job or the ability to earn an income. However, the economic volatility that came during the pandemic has people rethinking that number and even recommending up to a year of expenses in savings. Using a type of home equity loan like a HELOC could give you the peace of mind of having a financial cushion to fall back on, while allowing you to carefully invest that six months of savings instead of keeping it in cash.
Turn your home equity into cash with a HELOC brokered by SoFi.
Access up to 95% or $500k of your home’s equity to finance almost anything.
What to Consider Before Getting a HELOC
There are several factors to consider before you decide on a HELOC instead of some other type of financing, such as a cash-out refinance or unsecured personal line of credit.
• Your home is used as collateral: In other words, if you default on your HELOC payments, you could lose your house.
• You must maintain 10% to 20% equity in your home: You can’t tap into your entire equity amount; lenders require you to keep some, which means you may not be able to borrow as much as you originally thought.
• Rates are usually variable: Your interest won’t stay the same and could increase if rates rise. That could mean a bigger balance and bigger payments down the road.
• HELOCs have two stages: The first is the draw period, in which you only have to make interest payments. After the draw period, you’ll make payments on both principal and interest.
Pros and Cons of Taking Equity Out of Your Home
It’s certainly possible to build wealth using a HELOC, but there are advantages and disadvantages to think about.
Pros:
• Low interest rate compared to other financing
• Interest accrues only on the balance, not available credit
• Borrow again when you replenish the credit line
• No restrictions on how you use the money you borrow
Cons:
• Home is used as collateral, putting it at risk
• Payment amount increases after draw period is over
• May come with closing costs and maintenance fees
The Takeaway
Tapping into your home equity using a HELOC is one way to potentially build wealth, especially because rates tend to be low when compared to other forms of borrowing. It’s always worth weighing the pros and cons, since defaulting on payments could result in losing your house. But if you have the financial confidence to move forward, there are several ways that your home equity could help you build wealth.
SoFi now offers flexible HELOCs. Our HELOC options allow you to access up to 95% of your home’s value, or $500,000, at competitively low rates. And the application process is quick and convenient.
Unlock your home’s value with a home equity line of credit brokered by SoFi.
FAQ
Is it smart to use a HELOC for investment property?
Using a HELOC for an investment property could help you fund the transaction sooner than if you used other types of financing. You may be able to make a bigger down payment or even make an all-cash offer. Just be sure that you feel confident in your real estate market research and your ability to make payments even if a worst-case scenario occurs.
What should you not use a HELOC for?
A HELOC should not be used for depreciating assets, especially when your goal is to build wealth. Things like vacations and car purchases aren’t usually recommended since they don’t hold their financial value.
What are the pitfalls of a HELOC?
The biggest pitfall is that your home is used as collateral to secure a HELOC and can go into foreclosure if you miss payments. On top of that, variable interest rates result in the potential for larger-than-expected payments if rates increase over time.
Photo credit: iStock/nortonrsx
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Airbnb’s CEO Brian Chesky has gone full Willy Wonka.
I was watching him at a live press event, describing the company’s over-the-top new “Icon” experiences. This program includes a full-scale replica of the colorful house from the Pixar film “Up,” which his team lifted over the New Mexico desert with an enormous crane.
Chesky explained that regular houses can’t be lifted like that, so a special team of structural engineers had been hired to make sure the replica wouldn’t break apart on liftoff.
The flying “Up” house won’t make money for Airbnb or its shareholders anytime soon. It can be booked for $0 by fans who write the most compelling notes for why they want to stay there. All eligible entrants will be placed into a drawing, with up to 20% chosen at random as finalists.
From there, Airbnb has partnered with a third-party company to review answers. The “winners” will be notified of their successful booking with — you guessed it — a golden ticket.
I was ready to dismiss Chesky’s Wonka-ish stunts as the fever dream of a billionaire who had grown profoundly tired of dealing with his platform’s real-world problems, including restrictive local regulations, guest horror stories and the proliferation of corporate megahosts.
But then he said something that struck a nerve in my cold, cynical heart.
“As life becomes increasingly digital, what we’re focused on is creating more magic in the real world,” Chesky said. “The best way to experience Icons is not on a screen, it’s not even in a presentation — it’s in real life.”
It’s true. The best thing about Airbnbs is that they are real things in the real world — not images or reels shared by strangers in the digital swamp. At its best, Airbnb offers an antidote to social media: meaningful in-person connections with family and friends.
And that’s why we get so annoyed when it falls short of its potential.
My rom-com relationship with Airbnb
Yet, like the protagonist in a romantic comedy, all my complaining about Chesky’s short-term rental platform veils an obvious truth: I actually love it.
I’m not alone. The short-term rental industry, which Airbnb dominates, nearly doubled its share of the lodging market between 2018 and 2023, according to a 2023 report from AirDNA, a short-term rental analytics company, and STR, a hospitality industry analytics service.
Far from the “Airbnbust” some predicted, vacation rentals are more popular than ever.
As Chesky explained his reasons for meticulously re-creating a computer-generated movie in the real world, it became clear why we’re all so invested in the platform and harbor such strong feelings about it.
We yearn to connect with real people in real houses.
Reflecting on my favorite memories with family and friends over the last decade, so many stories begin with, “Remember that time at the Airbnb when …” Even my not-so-great Airbnb rental experiences — like when my friends and I cowered in the basement all night to avoid a loose bat — become treasured tales of mutual hardship.
Lost in the media hoopla around Chesky’s flying house was a quieter product launch: new tools to help groups find and book properties together, including shared wishlists and trip invitations. It’s clear that Chesky’s heart is in the right place, and he knows what Airbnb can be at its best. But the pressure of earning profits has clouded that vision.
The profit pickle
Less than two decades ago, Chesky and his co-founders created Airbnb as a way to solve two parallel problems:
Many people had guest bedrooms and vacation homes that, much of the time, went unused.
Many travelers were looking for affordable lodging options beyond hotels.
By setting adventurous travelers up with otherwise unused spaces, the platform was creating a win-win situation. Guests got what they wanted and hosts earned some extra money to pay their mortgages.
Then, an unfortunate thing happened: Airbnb became extraordinarily popular.
More than 1.5 billion guests have now checked into Airbnb properties, according to the company — more than 18% of the entire world population. This success has bred a new kind of Airbnb host, one who wasn’t interested in sharing a basement room for a few bucks: institutional investors.
More than 30% of short-term rental listings in the U.S. are now listed by hosts with 21 or more properties, according to May 2023 data provided by AirDNA. That’s compared with 26% of listings from single-property hosts.
From a business standpoint, this all makes sense. There’s money to be made in buying single-family homes and converting them into short-term rentals, so that’s what has (and will continue) to happen. But for those of us who see Airbnb as a way to connect with friends and family, it’s a catastrophe.
“Saturday Night Live” recently skewered the “bland, generic, downright uninviting” interior design of these megahost properties, but it’s about more than uninspired wall art. It’s hard to make meaningful memories in a home that doesn’t feel like a home.
Holding out hope
At some level, I think Chesky wishes he could put the Airbnb genie back in the bottle (though probably not his fortune) and go back to the days when it was making life more enjoyable for backpacking cheapskates.
That won’t happen anytime soon, so he has turned his attention to more interesting projects, like making houses fly.
I still think Airbnb can be better.
By regulating itself (rather than putting the onus on local governments), the platform could limit how many properties a host can run and give preferential treatment to real hosts listing real homes. It could also do more to build and support local communities rather than extract maximum profit from them.
Chesky may have moved on to shinier toys, but I’m still rooting for Airbnb.
(Top photo courtesy of Airbnb)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Everybody loves a relaxing vacation, but the chaotic nature of an airport terminal can induce anxiety in even the most zen of travelers. Loudspeaker announcements, beeping golf carts and crying children create a cacophony — wouldn’t it be nice to wait for your flight in a peaceful environment instead? Enter airport lounges.
Hanging out in an airport lounge before a trip or on a long layover can enhance your travel experience by a mile. And these havens aren’t just for those flying in fancy cabins.
What are airport lounges?
Airport lounges are quiet areas inside the terminal where passengers can relax before a flight or during a layover, eat snacks, work using the lounge’s Wi-Fi network, and sometimes even shower. Typically only paying members, passengers flying in business or first class, or cardholders of certain travel cards are allowed access. Here’s how to get in to airport lounges.
How to get in to airport lounges
There are six ways to get access to airport lounges.
1. Fly in a premium cabin
One of the most reliable ways to get airport lounge access is to fly in first or business class (typically on international routes and select transcontinental flights). This may sound like an expensive way to access a lounge, but if you purchase your flight with airline miles, your ticket still grants you entry to a lounge — either the one for your carrier or for one of its partners.
2. Reach elite status with an airline loyalty program
Frequent flyers are typically rewarded for their loyalty, and if you fly enough with one carrier or multiple carriers in the same alliance, you can enter airline lounges when flying on select routes.
For example, Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro or Platinum elite members of the American Airlines AAdvantage program can enter an Admirals Club on departure or arrival on qualifying international flights operated by American or Oneworld partners, even if they fly economy — and they can bring one guest with them.
Additionally, if you reach status with an alliance, which usually requires earning status with a specific airline, you’re able to get free airport lounge access when flying on a member airline.
3. Purchase a day pass
Another option for accessing an airport lounge is to pay for it.
United Airlines sells one-time passes that allow you to enter a United Club a single time, either before your flight or on a layover. Alaska Airlines also sells single-entry passes to passengers wishing to enter an Alaska Lounge. American Airlines sells day passes that are valid for 24 hours and allow you to enter multiple Admirals Clubs within that period.
Here’s how much airline lounge access will cost you with the following carriers:
Alaska — $60.
American — $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles.
United — $59.
Delta Air Lines no longer sells single-visit passes to Delta Sky Clubs, and annual membership is available to Medallion members only, meaning holding certain credit cards is the only way to access Delta lounges for general SkyMiles members (more on that later).
4. Purchase an annual membership
If you’re a frequent traveler, buying an annual lounge membership instead of repeatedly buying day passes can make sense. Of course, the value will depend on how often you fly with that specific airline.
Let’s take a look at how much an annual airline lounge membership will cost for individual, non-elite status flyers.
Alaska — $550.
American — $850 or 85,000 AAdvantage miles.
Delta — $695 or 69,500 SkyMiles.
United — $650 or 85,000 MileagePlus miles.
So, for example, if you’re going to fly round-trip with United six times in a year (12 individual flights), buying a day pass to the lounge each time would cost you $708 total ($59 x 12); an annual membership at $650 would be a better deal.
5. Present your military ID
Sometimes, being a military member can get you access to airport lounges. For example, the USO airport lounges are designed for active-duty service members and their families who are stationed around the globe.
Additionally, some airline lounges, like Admirals Clubs, offer complimentary access to U.S. military personnel in uniform traveling on American Airlines flights. United also provides complimentary access to U.S. military personnel at its United Club locations.
6. Open a credit card with airport lounge access
Many premium cards on the market offer some kind of lounge access to cardmembers. Premium co-branded airline cards typically offer access to the respective airlines’ lounges, and bank cards typically offer access to their own lounges and to lounges in the Priority Pass network.
Travel cards that give you lounge access
Let’s take a look at some of the best credit cards with lounge access.
Co-branded airline credit cards
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
By paying the $595 annual fee for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, you get access to the Admirals Club without having to pay the annual membership (a $255 savings), plus you get all of the other cardmember perks.
Standout perks include getting the first checked bag free for up to nine passengers booked on the same reservation, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit of up to $100 every four years, a 25% savings on in-flight purchases, and the opportunity to earn AAdvantage miles on purchases made with the card.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers access to Delta Sky Clubs for primary cardmembers and holders of four annual one-time guest passes (in conjunction with a same-day Delta ticket). As of Feb. 1, 2025, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders will get a total of 15 Sky Club Passes per year. Terms apply.
Additionally, the card offers access to The Centurion Lounges by American Express, but access comes with restrictions. First, you must be flying that day with Delta, and second, you must have paid for the flight with an American Express card. A cardmember may bring up to two guests to The Centurion Lounges for $50 per person ($30 per child ages 2-17). Terms apply.
United Club℠ Infinite Card
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a premium co-branded United card that comes with United Club membership for the primary cardholder and eligible guests (two adult guests, or one adult and dependent children under the age of 21).
You must be flying United or a Star Alliance partner to access United Clubs.
United Club℠ Infinite Card
NerdWallet Rating
Annual fee
$525
General travel cards
The Platinum Card® from American Express
As a cardmember, you can access the following airport lounges:
Airspace Lounge.
Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta).
Escape Lounge.
Lufthansa Business Lounge (regardless of ticket class when flying with Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines or Austrian Airlines).
Lufthansa Senator Lounge (when flying business class with Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines or Austrian Airlines).
Plaza Premium Lounge.
Priority Pass Select (enrollment required).
The Centurion Lounge.
As of Feb. 1, 2025, Sky Club access for The Platinum Card® from American Express members will be reduced to 10 visits per year, unless your yearly purchases on the card total $75,000 or more. And if you do spend that much on The Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll receive complimentary access for up to two guests to Centurion Lounges. Otherwise, the Centurion Lounges charge a guest fee of $50 per adult and $30 per child ages 2-17. Terms apply.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
When it comes to free airport lounge access, travelers who hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card have fewer options than those who hold other cards, but there are still a couple of options. With this credit card, you can enter the following lounges at no extra cost:
Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club.
Priority Pass Select.
Although only four Chase Sapphire Airport Lounges are currently open, the network is expanding. To gain access to these lounges, you must activate your Priority Pass Select membership, which includes access to more than 1,500 airport lounges around the world. Up to two guests are allowed for free.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Lounge.
Plaza Premium Lounge.
Priority Pass Select lounges.
Capital One Lounge locations are at just a few U.S. airports at the moment. Primary cardholders have unlimited access and can bring up to two guests. Entry for additional guests costs $45 each.
How the cards compare
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
on Chase’s website
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Annual fee
Welcome offer
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Still not sure?
Which banks offer airport lounge access?
Several banks offer card options with airport lounge access. If you’re looking for a card that includes lounge access as one of the benefits, consider the following credit card issuers.
American Express
As mentioned, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers lots of lounge options for travelers seeking some peace and quiet. However, if you don’t want to pay a high annual fee, we recommend the American Express® Green Card. It comes with an up-to-$100 statement credit for LoungeBuddy purchases. Terms apply.
LoungeBuddy, a lounge booking platform, sells limited-time access to select lounges in airports around the world. Depending on the airport, you might be able to get a couple of one-times passes with your annual credit.
Capital One
Capital One offers lounge access with its premium Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Cardholders receive complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, Plaza Premium Lounge access, and unlimited access to Capital One’s own Capital One Lounges.
Chase
For general travelers, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card is going to offer the most convenient lounge access with its Priority Pass Select membership and access to the Chase Sapphire Lounges.
United flyers will find what they need with co-branded United cards. As we’ve discussed, the United Club℠ Infinite Card offers unlimited United Club access to primary cardholders, but if you’re a casual traveler, the United℠ Explorer Card will do the job. It comes with two one-time United Club passes every card membership year, so you can use it twice or enter once with a guest.
United℠ Explorer Card
NerdWallet Rating
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Citibank
Though the Citi Prestige® Card is no longer open for new applications, those who currently hold it can take advantage of Priority Pass Select perks.
American Airlines flyers will enjoy unlimited Admirals Club access with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.
U.S. Bank
How to get airport lounge access recapped
Leave the crowded gates behind you and head to an airport lounge to wait out the layover. There are many ways to gain entry, even for passengers sitting in economy cabins — and you might be able to treat your travel companions to some peace and quiet as well.
Credit card memberships, elite status and lounge passes can transport you from a chaotic airport terminal to a serene lounge, making your next connection less stressful.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for: