American Express Claws Back Points from Hilton/Delta/Marriott Cards
American Express had added new benefits to many of its credit cards during the pandemic. One of those benefits is extra points for grocery spend. Some of the cards that earn extra points on groceries are:
- Hilton Surpass and Aspire Consumer Card Members will now earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at U.S. supermarkets (May through July 2020).
- Marriott Bonvoy and Brilliant Consumer Card Members will now earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $7,500 in eligible purchases (May through July 2020).
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Platinum, Gold and Blue Consumer Card Members will now earn 4X miles at U.S. supermarkets (May through July 2020).
Many people have been using their Hilton Surpass and Aspire cards for their spend at grocery stores to earn 12x Hilton points. And as you probably are aware, there have been lots of issues. Points are not posting or even worse, posting and then clawed back.
Miles to Memories reports of American Express delaying posting points for Hilton cards. On reddit there’s a data points of points clawed back even for $2,000 spend. Doctor of Credit reports clawbacks for Delta and Marriott cards as well. And from data points that I have seen so far, people are affected regardless of how much spend they put on their cards.
American Express is likely going after everyone who purchased gift cards and earned extra points with their cards during the increased earning period. The promotion terms state that “eligible purchases do NOT include… purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, purchases of gift cards, person-to-person payments, or purchases of other cash equivalents.”
Guru’s Wrap-up
With American Express not placing any limits for this limited time benefit on Hilton, Delta and Marriott cards, many people have put thousands of dollars in spend on these cards. Some people have had no issues, while others have not received points, or have had them clawed back. Even if you are not affected yet, you never know when Amex will get around to clawing back your points.
Let me know of any personal data points in the comments below.
