Membership Rewards Will End Relationship with Continental

American Express just recently announced they are ending its Membership Rewards points transfer program with Continental Airlines. This means they will no longer allow customers in the Continental OnePass program to redeem their Membership Rewards points for frequent flier miles.

This change is set to take place in exactly one year from now, at the end of September in 2011. For frequent Continental fliers this is going to be somewhat of an inconvenience. This change will also be applied to the American Express Corporate Card customers which means companies who use redeem their points for their employee travels on Continental will soon have to make other arrangements. Here is a summary of the change that are going to take place.

• Continental Airlines Presidents Club: – After 30th September 2011, Continental Airlines President Club will no longer be part of the Platinum Airport Club Access Program. However, you can still use the American Airlines Admiral Club, Delta Sky Club and US Airways Clubs with your Platinum Card.
• Continental OnePass Points Transfer: – After 30th September 2011, Continental OnePass will also no longer be part of Membership Rewards. This means you cannot transfer MR points into your Continental OnePass account. You can still use points (in their Pay with Points program) to buy a Continental Airlines ticket through their online travel site.

This changes adds a new appeal to the Chase Sapphire Preferred^SM Card because it offers Continental and British Airways transfers, along with their membership program called Ultimate Rewards. To some this change in the program is not a surprise because Continental will be merging with United and currently United has their rewards program with Chase. Continental has relationships both with Chase and American Express. After the merger, it appears as though Continental will only remain with Chase.

Chase Sapphire PreferredSM Card
	Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months - that's $500 toward travel rewards! 2 points per dollar spent on travel and at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Get 20% off airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises when you book through Ultimate RewardsSM No foreign transaction fees Receive a 7% annual dividend on all new points earned - even on points already redeemed 1:1 point transfer to participating frequent travel programs Direct access to expert service advisors anytime No Annual Fee for your first year - A $95 value
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee Balance Transfer Credit Needed N/A* N/A* 15.24% (Variable)* $0.00 1 year, then $95.00* Yes Excellent Credit*