Recently, American Express introduced a 'Apply With Assurance' option, where you can know beforehand that you’re approved before the final application. After confirming your card approval, you can then authorize Amex to access the needed credit report. This ensures you only take the inevitable credit score hit with the assurance your card application will be approved. This is a similar feature seen with the Apple Card as well. To be honest, Amex generally doesn't request a credit pull for existing customers, rendering this feature somewhat irrelevant for most of us. Nevertheless, it's an intriguing feature. Bear in mind, not everyone has this option available, you can confirm if it is when you fill out the original card application.

Buzz is reaching a fever pitch that Chase may be set to up its signup bonus for the INK Preferred card from 100,000 to 120,000 Ultimate Rewards points on the 23rd of June. The spending requirement is expected to stay static, however, at $8,000, if the rumor holds true. The previous offer of 100,000 points with an $8,000 spend has been fantastic to start with. This potential upswing takes it to a whole new level. Meanwhile, referrer perks remain at 40,000 points until September. It's yet unclear whether or not the speculated new deal will be accessible through referral. It may become available or it might be possible to secure a match. Given that the mentioned date of June 23rd coincides with other changes at Chase, I'm inclined to lend some weight to the speculation. Yet, even if it's accurate, it might turn out that the 120,000 offering is exclusive to physical branches or targeted individuals. We will patiently watch the space for more information.