TL;DR
CardPointers received a major iOS 26-focused update adding a Liquid Glass redesign, on‑device Apple Intelligence via Foundation Models, passkey sign‑in and expanded Apple ecosystem features. 9to5Mac readers are offered an exclusive 50% discount and a savings‑card sign‑up bonus (the update references $100 and $200 figures).
What happened
CardPointers, an iPhone app that helps users decide which credit card to use to maximize points and offers, rolled out a significant update optimized for iOS 26. The release includes a visual overhaul with a Liquid Glass interface and new on‑device Apple Intelligence powered by Foundation Models, which users can access through an in‑app “Ask AI” action or via Siri. The update adds interactive snippet intents and widgets, broader keyboard‑shortcut and menu‑bar support for iPad and Mac, one‑tap passkey sign‑in including automatic upgrades for some manual logins, and improvements to the Watch and CarPlay experiences. Other changes include an Offer Streak chart, better search, the ability to mark cards as Primary or Authorized User, and continued convenience features such as automatic import of Amex Offers and a Safari extension that highlights the best card to use while shopping online. The app remains available on the App Store, with a limited 50% discount and a savings‑card incentive noted for 9to5Mac readers.
Why it matters
- Automates and centralizes credit‑card offers and credits, reducing manual tracking and missed opportunity costs.
- On‑device AI features aim to analyze user data locally, which can limit cloud exposure compared with server‑side models.
- Deeper integration across Apple platforms (Siri, Watch, CarPlay, iPad/Mac shortcuts) makes reward guidance available in more shopping contexts.
- Passkey and one‑tap sign‑in options reduce reliance on passwords, aligning with current security best practices.
Key facts
- Update date reported: December 29, 2025.
- CardPointers 7 redesign adopts a Liquid Glass visual style and iOS 26 optimizations.
- Adds on‑device Apple Intelligence using Foundation Models with an Ask AI feature and Siri integration.
- Introduces passkey 1‑tap sign‑in and automatic passkey upgrades for users who previously logged in manually.
- Watch app now shows nearby stores by default via a new API while keeping location data on‑device, per the app notes.
- New features include interactive widgets, snippet intents, Offer Streak chart, improved search, and Primary/Authorized User card labels.
- CardPointers can automatically add available Amex Offers and offers a Safari extension that highlights which card to use for online purchases.
- 9to5Mac readers are offered an exclusive 50% discount on annual and lifetime plans; the lifetime plan is described as including a free $200 savings card in the article.
- CardPointers is available on the App Store for iPhone; the update also expands keyboard and menu‑bar functionality for iPad and Mac.
What to watch next
- How long the 50% promotional discount and the savings‑card sign‑up bonus will remain available — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether CardPointers will extend this iOS‑focused feature set to non‑Apple platforms or a broader web client — not confirmed in the source.
- Details about exactly how Foundation Models handle financial and card data on‑device, and any third‑party data sharing practices — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Passkey: A modern authentication credential that replaces passwords with cryptographic keys and one‑tap sign‑in to improve security and usability.
- Foundation Models: Large pre‑trained machine learning models that provide a base for specialized on‑device or server‑side AI features.
- On‑device processing: Computations and AI inferences that occur locally on a user’s device rather than being sent to external servers, which can reduce data exposure.
- Safari extension: A browser add‑on for Apple’s Safari that can enhance web shopping, display contextual information, or interact with sites.
- Widget: A small, glanceable app view that displays live information or quick actions on the home screen, lock screen, or other places in the OS.
Reader FAQ
Which devices does CardPointers support?
The app is available on the App Store for iPhone; the update also adds keyboard and menu‑bar support for iPad and Mac and a Watch app.
How can I get the 50% discount?
The article states 9to5Mac readers can save 50% off annual and lifetime plans, but the specific redemption steps are not confirmed in the source.
Will my card data be uploaded to the cloud for AI features?
The update describes on‑device Apple Intelligence and notes that location data for the Watch app remains private on‑device; details about other data uploads are not confirmed in the source.
Does CardPointers work with Amex Offers automatically?
Yes — the app can automatically add available Amex Offers, according to the reporting.
Here are six exciting Apple product launches to look forward to in 2026 Michael Burkhardt Dec 27 2025 APPS CardPointers helps you maximize your credit card rewards [Save 50%] Chance…
Sources
- CardPointers helps you maximize your credit card rewards [Save 50%]
- CardPointers updated for iOS 26 with Liquid Glass design …
- iOS 26 Liquid Glass Design & AI Features Transform iPhone
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