Discover, Chase enhance rewards programs

Two major credit card issuers - Discover and Chase - have announced new rewards perks just in time for holiday shopping and traveling.

Discover teams with Amazon.com

Shopping on the giant retail site is now possible using Discover's Cashback Bonus points. Discover card members who link their credit card to their Amazon accounts can pay for their purchases, either in part or in full, with their Cashback Bonus. If there is any remaining balance, the remainder is charged to the Discover card.

The Cashback Bonus is good dollar for dollar, meaning every reward point can be redeemed for one dollar. Through the end of 2011, Discover card will pay 2 percent Cashback Bonus points for each dollar spent on Amazon up to $250 in purchases; the normal rate is 1 percent in Cashback Bonus points. The company's Miles by Discover and Escape brand cards will earn double miles during this period. American Express also offers members the ability to pay for Amazon purchases with cash back reward points from its Membership Rewards program.

Chase cards and United Airlines ink new rewards deal

In other travel reward news, United's MileagePlus has been added to Chase Ultimate Rewards lineup of point-transfer partners. Cardholders who carry the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Ink Plus and Ink Bold lines can now transfer their Ultimate Rewards points to the airline's frequent flier program.

The programs offer an even value transfer with one Ultimate Reward point equal to one MileagePlus award mile. Once the points are turned into miles they can be used for travel on United or any Star Alliance partner. Other Star Alliance network members include Continental Airlines, Air China, Air Canada, US Airways, Lufthansa and many others. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers two points in its Ultimate Rewards program for every dollar spent on dining and travel.

Important Note! The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we can not guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.

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