Last week, we had a flight from LaGuardia Airport, so we used our CSR card to access the Chase Sapphire lounge. Our first experience with this nice lounge. We had a nice free lunch plus free beverages. It was much nicer than sitting at the gate.
Thanks for this very timely video. Just what I needed. I will be retiring in June next year and thanks to your channel and one or two others, we will be starting our slow (and occasionally quick) travel journey pretty much immediately afterwards. Just applied and was accepted for my Amex Gold card. The journey begins!
Great credit card setup for retiree travel. I’ve been thinking about the IHG card. I have all the others except the Chase, I use the Costco Citi Executive since I spend most of the year in Sarasota, FL. Happy Travels!
I like the Capital Venture X … it seems to pair well with my Chase Preferred. But I’m just a frequent retirement traveler and not a full time traveler. I know there some issues with the mail boxes overseas. But I won’t be using mail boxes. So right now, unless things change these 2 cards are my favorites. I especially like the 2x miles /points. on everything else. I haven’t decided the next cards besides these 2 yet. The ones you suggested sound good. Especially the IHG
Just a note on IHG, you will pay resort fees even when you book nights with points (comparable to Marriott) but you will not pay resort fees when you book on points with Hyatt or Hilton.
I just got approved for the IHG card through your link. Thank you! Question . . . the IHG is 5x on travel and dining. Is there a reason why you said you would use the AMEX for dining when it's only 4x? I also completed your UA-cam course and will be working on getting that up and running in the next month or so. Even though I'm about 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 years out for full-time travel, I'm getting myself positioned for the future. You two are making a world of difference in people's lives. Keep it up!
Unfortunately I used their link as well and completed the spend requirements, but instead of the 160,000 points, I was given 4 free night certificates instead. Not quite the same value if you were hoping to use points for cheaper point-redemption hotels. :(
The Amex Gold gives you 4x points for dining and groceries, while the Platinum gives you incredible status and lounge access, so it works perfectly to have both!
Great content and presentation! What do you use to keep track of all points [and other accounts] in one place? How is that reflected in your estate plan docs? Thanks!
Great video, thank you for the effort you put into it. I understand using the hotel cards at the appropriate hotel, but assuming you only have the big 5 (no business or others) cards what is your "everyday" card, amex or sapphire? I may have overlooked it in the video, but what determines when you use chase and when you use amex? Thank you!
This is great information! For your third card, you recommended either the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the AmEx Platinum. You were discussing that this card is for status. Your preference is the AmEx Platinum. Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve also give the status, upgrades and priority experience at Hiltons, Marriott's and for rental cars as well? Your comments seemed both general to both cards but more specific to the AmEx platinum.
Hey guys, thanks for the great info. We got our first travel card this Spring. We got the Capital One Venture X card. It gives "Priority Pass" status. Is that the same pass you are speaking about or are there different ones? We used it for the first time at Orlando airport this week. It was wonderful. We had been up at 4:30AM for an early flight and were able to hang out there for about an hour and twenty minutes, relaxed and had a lovely breakfast. Really made such a difference. We got that card first because we heard it can be harder to get once you have many cards. We will do IHG next. Cant really afford to stay at Hyatt until we retire, but IHG has affordable options.
I watch all of your channels, and I wasn't certain where I should ask this question. In a few months, I'm taking a Transatlantic cruise to Rome. I plan to stay there for about a week. What should I do to have reasonably priced cell service. I assume an e-sim, but I'm not sure which one and where to get it. I would appreciate your input. I love your information here in West Virginia. By the way, I saw you in an older video wearing a Marshall garment. Being that I live in Huntington, I'm a huge fan of the Thundering Herd
Thanks for sharing all your experience! Here's a newbie question. We have a Chase Sapphire Reserve Card and signed up with Priority Pass. We had a flight (Economy Plus) on TAP and thought we could walk into an affiliated lounge at SFO however the said we didn't have "status" so we couldn't enter. What exactly is status and how do you get it and show it"
Wow you guys are amazing! Does Amex gold work in other countries ? I’ve heard you can transfer Chase points to Hyatt. So you have info on that? Can you do an example video on how you use all 5 while traveling?
The Capital One Venture X also gives you Priority Pass, access to Capital One’s lounges, Hertz status, and several other perks, in addition to a $300 annual travel credit and a 10,000 point bonus at each anniversary, virtually wiping out the $395 annual fee.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel We are not full time traveling yet, but I would love to know why Capital One is a problem keeping it while traveling. Please share. Thanks much.
I like this stacks since it’s also what I have lol. The only difference is that I have the CSR and not the business ink. I also have the Marriott Bonvoy boundless but that was for the free nights sign on bonus and to upgrade to the ritz at some point. I feel like most credit card UA-camrs suggest trifecta’s but I didn’t see the need for my personal situation. Tfs
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!! I did get the IHG card two months ago and used it in Ireland for our trip. They are offering buying points up to 250,000 for the year and get 80 percent extra with that. Do you think that is the best deal for the year? Thank You!
Great review as always!! On the Platinum with that being $695 per year and no longer allowing guests into the Centurion lounge do you predominantly use other lounges like priority pass and Escape which allow guests with the one card or do you have an authorized user card on that primary card for the additional $195 per year?
Do you have to show your Amex to gain entry into the airport lounges, or how does that work? What if only 1 of you has the Amex Platinum? Will they not allow your partner/spouse into the lounge with you?
AmEx has Centurion Lounge in some airports. With the AmEx platinum card, you automatically get a Priority Pass membership that you must activate. Once activated, you get access to a plethora of lounges that are part of Priority Pass. You use your Priority Pass card to access those lounges.
Sorry but I am from EU and from years ALL my cards are stored in Apple Wallet and all cards have chip inside. Why You can’t do the same with those cards? Is it the problems with cards readers?
Hi! Quick question. My wife and I each have our own Amex Platinum cards that are about a year and a half old. We wanted to get the Amex Gold card for the restaurant and grocery 4x points and the 60k points offer bonus. However, because we each have a Platinum, we aren't eligible for the 60k bonus point offer. Do you know if there is a time frame where we would be eligible or are we never going to be eligible for the bonus points?
Once you get Amex Platinum, you cannot get the welcome offer for Amex gold card. But if you have the Amex gold card, you can get the Amex Platinum welcome offer.
I am still in the United States. I spend about $1000 a month on groceries and eating out. When I start traveling next year full-time slow traveling my budget is about $2500 a month. I do not plan to come home. Is it worth getting the MX gold card and IHG card With the little spending that I do thanks
The IHG for sure as the yearly free night is worth more than the annual fee, the Amex would get you 4k points per month, or 48k points plus the welcome offer would put it over 100k points. At 2 cents per point that is around 2k dollars in value. I'd say it's worth it if you put all your dining/grocery spend on it.
Can you share your thoughts on the transaction fees cards charge for overseas transactions? I have a Visa Travel card from Bank of America that does not hit me with those transaction fees. Is there a downside to using this type of card?
Buying points might be better than paying for the hotel with cash with all the taxes and fees you mentioned. Maybe talk about this more. Or maybe I should just listen and rewatch this. Thanks
@@alvaroalvarez5009the Gold card gets the 4x points on U.S. grocery stores only and a lot of locations in Asia will not accept metal cards and add Amex to the mix and you are lowering the rate of acceptance.
1. AmEx Gold
2. Chase IHG Premier
3. AmEx Platinum
4. Chase World of Hyatt
5. Chase Ink Preferred
Last week, we had a flight from LaGuardia Airport, so we used our CSR card to access the Chase Sapphire lounge. Our first experience with this nice lounge. We had a nice free lunch plus free beverages. It was much nicer than sitting at the gate.
We need to try that one. We are hitting up the Singapore lounges next month, it is supposed to be a great experience!
So many gems in this! Signing up for the course soon🤙🏾
It looks like you no longer have links to IHG or Hyatt cards in the video description. Are these cards no longer worth having?
Thanks for this very timely video. Just what I needed. I will be retiring in June next year and thanks to your channel and one or two others, we will be starting our slow (and occasionally quick) travel journey pretty much immediately afterwards. Just applied and was accepted for my Amex Gold card. The journey begins!
Awesome!
Great credit card setup for retiree travel. I’ve been thinking about the IHG card. I have all the others except the Chase, I use the Costco Citi Executive since I spend most of the year in Sarasota, FL. Happy Travels!
Thank you for the information looking at that IHG card
I like the Capital Venture X … it seems to pair well with my Chase Preferred. But I’m just a frequent retirement traveler and not a full time traveler. I know there some issues with the mail boxes overseas. But I won’t be using mail boxes. So right now, unless things change these 2 cards are my favorites. I especially like the 2x miles /points. on everything else. I haven’t decided the next cards besides these 2 yet. The ones you suggested sound good. Especially the IHG
Just a note on IHG, you will pay resort fees even when you book nights with points (comparable to Marriott) but you will not pay resort fees when you book on points with Hyatt or Hilton.
@@ryanccc777 ok… maybe Hyatt. 😁
Very interesting advice! The trick, of course, is paying off the totals each month. If an emergency occurs, that may not be possible.
I pay as I charge.....
Is there any expiration of points? Are business class airline tickets less expensive depending on the country?
I just got approved for the IHG card through your link. Thank you! Question . . . the IHG is 5x on travel and dining. Is there a reason why you said you would use the AMEX for dining when it's only 4x? I also completed your UA-cam course and will be working on getting that up and running in the next month or so. Even though I'm about 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 years out for full-time travel, I'm getting myself positioned for the future. You two are making a world of difference in people's lives. Keep it up!
IHG point is worth 0.5 cent per point. Amex MR point is worth 2 cents per point.
@@kingstoncheung1046 I see. Thank you!
Awesome, yes, it is the point values Amex being very high. All the best to you!
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravelThank you!
Unfortunately I used their link as well and completed the spend requirements, but instead of the 160,000 points, I was given 4 free night certificates instead. Not quite the same value if you were hoping to use points for cheaper point-redemption hotels. :(
Great video! I'm a credit card newbie though, and wonder why you would want AMEX gold AND AMEX platinum? Isn't the platinum just better than the gold?
The Amex Gold gives you 4x points for dining and groceries, while the Platinum gives you incredible status and lounge access, so it works perfectly to have both!
Thanks for sharing these insights. What card do you think it’s the best for car rental outside of the US? Thanks.🙏
Great content and presentation! What do you use to keep track of all points [and other accounts] in one place? How is that reflected in your estate plan docs? Thanks!
Great video, thank you for the effort you put into it. I understand using the hotel cards at the appropriate hotel, but assuming you only have the big 5 (no business or others) cards what is your "everyday" card, amex or sapphire? I may have overlooked it in the video, but what determines when you use chase and when you use amex? Thank you!
This is great information! For your third card, you recommended either the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the AmEx Platinum. You were discussing that this card is for status. Your preference is the AmEx Platinum. Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve also give the status, upgrades and priority experience at Hiltons, Marriott's and for rental cars as well? Your comments seemed both general to both cards but more specific to the AmEx platinum.
It doesn't give it at the hotels, and the lounges are slightly less. That's the reasoning for liking Amex more.
Love love our World of Hyatt Card
It is great!
Hey guys, thanks for the great info. We got our first travel card this Spring. We got the Capital One Venture X card. It gives "Priority Pass" status. Is that the same pass you are speaking about or are there different ones? We used it for the first time at Orlando airport this week. It was wonderful. We had been up at 4:30AM for an early flight and were able to hang out there for about an hour and twenty minutes, relaxed and had a lovely breakfast. Really made such a difference. We got that card first because we heard it can be harder to get once you have many cards. We will do IHG next. Cant really afford to stay at Hyatt until we retire, but IHG has affordable options.
I watch all of your channels, and I wasn't certain where I should ask this question.
In a few months, I'm taking a Transatlantic cruise to Rome. I plan to stay there for about a week.
What should I do to have reasonably priced cell service. I assume an e-sim, but I'm not sure which one and where to get it.
I would appreciate your input. I love your information here in West Virginia. By the way, I saw you in an older video wearing a Marshall garment. Being that I live in Huntington, I'm a huge fan of the Thundering Herd
We use an esim, and we get them from Airalo. There should be a link in the description to them. They have reasonably priced sims for most countries.
You should add which cards are available to Canadians or exclusively USA, but I’m a lazy Canadian, carry on. Great info, thanks🍻
Thanks for sharing all your experience! Here's a newbie question. We have a Chase Sapphire Reserve Card and signed up with Priority Pass. We had a flight (Economy Plus) on TAP and thought we could walk into an affiliated lounge at SFO however the said we didn't have "status" so we couldn't enter. What exactly is status and how do you get it and show it"
Wow you guys are amazing! Does Amex gold work in other countries ? I’ve heard you can transfer Chase points to Hyatt. So you have info on that? Can you do an example video on how you use all 5 while traveling?
Do you have two Am X cards? Do you have a spread sheet with all this info. So much info and I can’t keep it straight! I love watching you two!!
Yes but only 1 platinum between us. We've been thinking of making one!
I can get the AmEx gold or platinum - should I get both?
Very useful information! Are you able to deduct any of your travel/business expenses related to your UA-cam channels on your taxes?
The Capital One Venture X also gives you Priority Pass, access to Capital One’s lounges, Hertz status, and several other perks, in addition to a $300 annual travel credit and a 10,000 point bonus at each anniversary, virtually wiping out the $395 annual fee.
It's the worst card for full time travel though, as there are major issues with keeping it while travelling.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel We are not full time traveling yet, but I would love to know why Capital One is a problem keeping it while traveling. Please share. Thanks much.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel- what makes it the worse card?
I like this stacks since it’s also what I have lol. The only difference is that I have the CSR and not the business ink. I also have the Marriott Bonvoy boundless but that was for the free nights sign on bonus and to upgrade to the ritz at some point. I feel like most credit card UA-camrs suggest trifecta’s but I didn’t see the need for my personal situation. Tfs
Awesome!
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!! I did get the IHG card two months ago and used it in Ireland for our trip. They are offering buying points up to 250,000 for the year and get 80 percent extra with that. Do you think that is the best deal for the year? Thank You!
100 percent should be the best deal, they already did that in January.
When do the Points expire?
What's your view of the Gold CC with it's fee increasing to $325.00? Don't think many of this CCs benefits serve out of country.
Great review as always!! On the Platinum with that being $695 per year and no longer allowing guests into the Centurion lounge do you predominantly use other lounges like priority pass and Escape which allow guests with the one card or do you have an authorized user card on that primary card for the additional $195 per year?
Priority Pass only usually.
Another great breakdown. 👍 Do you both have these 5 cards? Or do you recommend a somewhat adjusted version for couples? 🤔💪🌎
We have them, 1 per couple, just spread between us.
We don’t have a business so we can’t get those business cards. Is there a way around this?
do you have a link for the chase Hyatt card ?
One question World Of Hyatt allow to purchase points? Like IHG, Marriott or Hilton.
Thank you
Do you have to show your Amex to gain entry into the airport lounges, or how does that work? What if only 1 of you has the Amex Platinum? Will they not allow your partner/spouse into the lounge with you?
AmEx has Centurion Lounge in some airports. With the AmEx platinum card, you automatically get a Priority Pass membership that you must activate. Once activated, you get access to a plethora of lounges that are part of Priority Pass. You use your Priority Pass card to access those lounges.
Sorry but I am from EU and from years ALL my cards are stored in Apple Wallet and all cards have chip inside.
Why You can’t do the same with those cards?
Is it the problems with cards readers?
Yes, for instance at most hotels in Asia you can't pay with Apple Pay, you have to hand them the physical card.
Does the new Wells Fargo autograph journey have a place for perpetual travel?
Hi! Quick question. My wife and I each have our own Amex Platinum cards that are about a year and a half old. We wanted to get the Amex Gold card for the restaurant and grocery 4x points and the 60k points offer bonus. However, because we each have a Platinum, we aren't eligible for the 60k bonus point offer. Do you know if there is a time frame where we would be eligible or are we never going to be eligible for the bonus points?
We aren't sure off hand how that works
Once you get Amex Platinum, you cannot get the welcome offer for Amex gold card. But if you have the Amex gold card, you can get the Amex Platinum welcome offer.
@@phungn02Thanks for the info 👍
Your link for Chase Inc Business Referred has expired. Do you have another link?
Yes! www.referyourchasecard.com/21q/TYEFW0P9UJ
Marriott is running an offer for buying points. 10k plus 4500 more for a total of 14,500 points for $125. Does this seem like a good deal?
It is about what they are worth.
I am still in the United States. I spend about $1000 a month on groceries and eating out. When I start traveling next year full-time slow traveling my budget is about $2500 a month. I do not plan to come home. Is it worth getting the MX gold card and IHG card With the little spending that I do thanks
The IHG for sure as the yearly free night is worth more than the annual fee, the Amex would get you 4k points per month, or 48k points plus the welcome offer would put it over 100k points. At 2 cents per point that is around 2k dollars in value. I'd say it's worth it if you put all your dining/grocery spend on it.
Can you share your thoughts on the transaction fees cards charge for overseas transactions?
I have a Visa Travel card from Bank of America that does not hit me with those transaction fees. Is there a downside to using this type of card?
Most of the major cards don't have transaction fees, you do want to avoid them.
Buying points might be better than paying for the hotel with cash with all the taxes and fees you mentioned. Maybe talk about this more. Or maybe I should just listen and rewatch this. Thanks
Yes you are correct, points is always the best and cheapest way. There is a limit to how many you can buy in a year though.
Do you have to be in the US. We are in Canada and wanted the IHG card
You do to get the card, but you can use the points
So are you saying we can get the card but we can’t use it? A bit confused
Question. With "American" Expess, other countries take that card? I always here that many merchants doesn't take it
Same question. Do restaurants and grocery stores take Amex internationally?
Not many do in Europe. They do take Visa and Mastercard
I'm a rough traveler and can tell you Amex suckes. Visa and Mastercard rule in my world. I travel off the beaten path.
I was wondering why recommended Amex Gold
@@alvaroalvarez5009the Gold card gets the 4x points on U.S. grocery stores only and a lot of locations in Asia will not accept metal cards and add Amex to the mix and you are lowering the rate of acceptance.