IHG properties may not be the most aspirational but the 4th might free is huge - especially when you have kids and now need two rooms in Europe. Combined with buying points when they have promos you don’t even need to spend on the card to make it worthwhile.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant doesn’t make sense for my spend at hotels currently, I upgraded my Hilton Honors to the Hilton Surpass for some added travel value next to the Amex Platinum. The Bonvoy Brilliant has tons of value if it makes sense for your wallet, the Ritz-Carlton it probably the most valuable of most travel cards with it’s AF to Value!
@@LK_EBMBuild Hilton points quickly and if you use your Hilton Surpass at Hilton it’s 12x, 6x food, 6x on gas, 4x online shopping, 3x everything else. It’s a solid addition to the Amex Platinum for spend the Amex Platinum grabs 1x with.
I feel that! We'll see how my thoughts on these cards change over time, especially considering my spend/preferences will continue to evolve. Thanks for being here so early btw! 🥉
Here would be my 5 card set up to maximize to maximize hotel benefits 1. AMEX Bonvoy Brilliant to get Platinum Elite and an 85k FNA. Spend on Marriott stays to generate points at 21X. 2. AMEX Hilton Aspire to get FNC, Diamond Status and 2nd FNC at $30k spend. 3rd FNC at $60k spend 3. Hyatt Business card. Spend to achieve Globalist. Get 10% rebate up to 200,000 after $50k spend. 4. Bilt card to generate points to transfer to Hyatt. Rent at 1X. Rent day double bonus for Dining 6X, Insurance, Health Ins. 5. Chase Sapphire Reserve. 10X for hotel purchases not Hilton, Hyatt or Marriott.
Hey Spencer, Can you upgrade the Bold to the Ritz card? I've read conflicting dps on this. Some say you can, whilst others say you can't. Others again say if you can't, upgrade to Boundless and two days later upgrade to the Ritz Carlron.
I am just starting to discover hotel CC's. As an AMEX platinum card holder, I already have gold status with Hilton and Marriott. Is there any upside in getting a Hilton or Marriott CC, or would it simply be "redundant" in your opinion?
I just applied and was approved for the Hilton Honors card through Amex yesterday for the bonus points and free night. Did I mess up applying too early, or should I have waited? Love you work btw. Bravo!
Let's go! Congrats on your approval! To maximize Hilton card welcome offers, you went about it exactly as you should. And the offer on it is solid right now, so I'd say it was a great decision!
hi spencer, i’ve been watching your videos for over a year now, but nvr commented till now. ive learned so many tips and tricks from you and i just wanna say i rlly appreciate your continuous hard work!
is it worth getting Marriott Bonvoy Bold (not get sub bc I just got Marriot Biz AMEX), wait one year to upgrade to Ritz? Kind of don't want to wait two years, get sub, and then wait another one year to upgrade. Let me know how you feel Spencer, thank you!
Nice video Spencer. I understand the strategy if you’re looking to maximize Marriott Elite status. IMO while Marriott has best properties, elite status recognition is inconsistent. I have the Ritz Card really for lounge access with unlimited guests, travel protections to go along with my CSR. Personally it’s Hilton for the win 🏆 with Hyatt as secondary option and Marriott as tertiary option.
Thank you Juan! In reality, over time I plan on testing out all the different hotel statuses and seeing what I like the most, but for now I'll stick with the Marriott strategy. If I had enough paid stays, I'd go with Hyatt most likely. Glad to hear you like Hilton so much though!
Are you really going to wait until Dec 2025 to PC your Boundless to the Ritz, to be eligible for the SUB on the Brilliant in around Nov or early Dec 2025? Once I figured this out, I abandoned Stan's Luxury strategy. Also not sure of the hassle of using multiple FNC's for one stay. Do you have to call the front desk to combine? Will they make you check out and check back in?
More people should be discussing ROI vs. CPP. That MacBook Pro is a way more valuable redemption for most people than a lie-flat business class flight to the Maldives.
I agree about Hyatt. I don't see getting it except as a end game. Almost same using a csr 8 vs 9. Status isn't enough of a incentive.. I wanted the hilton Business to support my #2. But now I don't see it. If you already have a Aspire the business dosnt add. The hilton Business AF your positive only $45 with quarterly credits. If you just spent the af cost of the business $200 on the Aspire without the quarterly use hassle you would earn $34 at Aspire level use in points. So the hilton Business with credits adds only $11 in value if used 4 times during the year vs normal anytime Aspire use .. if you already have a Hilton personal the business will now not support having it. Argument against the x5 on the business if you had alot of this type of spend the Surpass would be better earning the 15k FNC.. Smart on waiting on the platinum. I think its a card that isnt ment for most people . I dont see it for myself either
As somebody that earns status the “hard way” via actual stays every year, I would prefer complimentary status from cards be capped. Hilton ruined diamond with their top card and Marriott has always been bad with upgrades (even with me being Lifetime Titanium). Exceptions being outside the US. This is the main reason I moved to Hyatt. Upgraded over 90% of the time with Globalist. Please don’t inflate the populations of elites. Their card also works fine for those that actually stay at the hotel. I wouldn’t mind seeing a higher tier version, but don’t change what status is given. More earning and more powerful FNCs would be good enough. Even then, it’s not that crucial. More earning could also inflate the rewards chart.
Hyatt’s CEO even recognized the relative “exclusivity” of their hotel program and that people tend to spend more with Hyatt. The problem is - Hyatt is probably looking at leisure travellers paying to stay at higher end Marriott and Hilton properties and they’re thinking how can we convert those customers to Hyatt? I think the 100K base points to globalist is a pretty good carrot for their highest leisure spenders but I suspect management wants an easier way to convert these customers. For credit card enthusiasts it’s easy. Just spend some money on your WoH cards but I suspect this isn’t something a lot of people do outside the points and miles community.
I understand where you're coming from. That's why I know if worse comes to worse, I like how Marriott gives elite nights with their cards to make getting status easier. For me that's honestly enough for me to play the game but since there are cards that just straight up give you straight up Diamond, there's no reason to play. Just get the card and call it a day. 😂
I completely get where you're coming from! If I had enough paid stays, Hyatt would be the top of my list to get status with since they're still one of those that respect the people that ACTUALLY stay the nights they're supposed to for status. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Manufactured Spending. Think buying gift cards with CIP at staples or cards at a grocery with amex gold card. It used to be worse with buying wire transfers to funnel the spending back in your bonk. Now, it's generally used to purchase something from somewhere that doesn't have an elavated spending catagory. Think electronics or appliances. There was a video by another tuber that kinda showcases this posted recently
Looks like Woodzy answered it perfectly! True MS has to do with creating fake purchases basically. So think of buying gift cards with a credit card and then paying off the credit card balance with liquidated funds from said gift card. Definitely something that credit card companies have cracked down on like crazy.
I'm pretty early in my credit journey. I have the Chase Trifecta with an Amazon Prime Card all through chase. I'm thinking about getting a Southwest card or a Hyatt card, because those are the transfer partners I use the most and allow me to travel with my family more. Also seems those two travel partners allow my points to go farther. Do you think this is a good idea or should I try opening other company cards and move away from Chase?
I always recommend getting cards in ecosystems with transfer partners you like which is why I like Chase so much. You could definitely go the SW and Hyatt card route if you'd like, but remember that since they're transfer partners of Chase, you don't NEED their cards to book free trips with them. You could always get more Chase UR point earning cards (like the Ink cards) and transfer those points to SW or Hyatt. But if you don't want to go that route, getting their cards directly could be a good move.
Jeez what did Capital One do to hurt you😂 Personally I think they will raise the AF but their partners aren't great, so it will actually improve not decline overall in the future Edit: also worse multipliers than the competition
@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial can you do a short or update video on it? Cause I really am curious why Cause in my mind there's 3 nerfs 1) $300 statement credit moved to POS credit 2) PP restaurants/spas 3) Hertz Presidents Circle expiring soon Which mostly just brings it in line with CSR and Platinum which are both more expensive and harder to get value from. And there's no guarantee Presidents circle is leaving or it's possible it gets 5 star status instead. And honestly, I think they'll improve transfer partners in the future. Maybe start a partnership with AA since they clearly don't like Citi.
🎥 To see more Q&A’s, watch this playlist next: spencerjohnsonofficial.com/askmeanything
IHG properties may not be the most aspirational but the 4th might free is huge - especially when you have kids and now need two rooms in Europe. Combined with buying points when they have promos you don’t even need to spend on the card to make it worthwhile.
Agreed!
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant doesn’t make sense for my spend at hotels currently, I upgraded my Hilton Honors to the Hilton Surpass for some added travel value next to the Amex Platinum. The Bonvoy Brilliant has tons of value if it makes sense for your wallet, the Ritz-Carlton it probably the most valuable of most travel cards with it’s AF to Value!
Just curious, but what added value does the Surpass give you? You get Hilton Gold with the Amex Platinum
@@LK_EBMBuild Hilton points quickly and if you use your Hilton Surpass at Hilton it’s 12x, 6x food, 6x on gas, 4x online shopping, 3x everything else. It’s a solid addition to the Amex Platinum for spend the Amex Platinum grabs 1x with.
I feel that! We'll see how my thoughts on these cards change over time, especially considering my spend/preferences will continue to evolve. Thanks for being here so early btw! 🥉
Here would be my 5 card set up to maximize to maximize hotel benefits
1. AMEX Bonvoy Brilliant to get Platinum Elite and an 85k FNA. Spend on Marriott stays to generate points at 21X.
2. AMEX Hilton Aspire to get FNC, Diamond Status and 2nd FNC at $30k spend. 3rd FNC at $60k spend
3. Hyatt Business card. Spend to achieve Globalist. Get 10% rebate up to 200,000 after $50k spend.
4. Bilt card to generate points to transfer to Hyatt. Rent at 1X. Rent day double bonus for Dining 6X, Insurance, Health Ins.
5. Chase Sapphire Reserve. 10X for hotel purchases not Hilton, Hyatt or Marriott.
With enough spend, that setup would be sweet!! I like where your head is at!
You should get 4 aspires, get 4 FNC, flight credits to get there, food credits to eat. $2200
Hey Spencer, Can you upgrade the Bold to the Ritz card? I've read conflicting dps on this. Some say you can, whilst others say you can't. Others again say if you can't, upgrade to Boundless and two days later upgrade to the Ritz Carlron.
I am just starting to discover hotel CC's. As an AMEX platinum card holder, I already have gold status with Hilton and Marriott. Is there any upside in getting a Hilton or Marriott CC, or would it simply be "redundant" in your opinion?
I just applied and was approved for the Hilton Honors card through Amex yesterday for the bonus points and free night. Did I mess up applying too early, or should I have waited? Love you work btw. Bravo!
If this is your first Hilton card and you got the FNA intro offer, then you made the best decision in applying. Congratulations!
Let's go! Congrats on your approval! To maximize Hilton card welcome offers, you went about it exactly as you should. And the offer on it is solid right now, so I'd say it was a great decision!
hi spencer, i’ve been watching your videos for over a year now, but nvr commented till now. ive learned so many tips and tricks from you and i just wanna say i rlly appreciate your continuous hard work!
is it worth getting Marriott Bonvoy Bold (not get sub bc I just got Marriot Biz AMEX), wait one year to upgrade to Ritz? Kind of don't want to wait two years, get sub, and then wait another one year to upgrade. Let me know how you feel Spencer, thank you!
You're correct on Hilton easy to get status butt one thing to consider is other countries outside of the USA don't have access
Nice video Spencer. I understand the strategy if you’re looking to maximize Marriott Elite status. IMO while Marriott has best properties, elite status recognition is inconsistent. I have the Ritz Card really for lounge access with unlimited guests, travel protections to go along with my CSR. Personally it’s Hilton for the win 🏆 with Hyatt as secondary option and Marriott as tertiary option.
Hyatt needs a higher tier card offering higher status, more credit and perks.
Thank you Juan! In reality, over time I plan on testing out all the different hotel statuses and seeing what I like the most, but for now I'll stick with the Marriott strategy. If I had enough paid stays, I'd go with Hyatt most likely. Glad to hear you like Hilton so much though!
Hilton. For the Stay. Thanks for the info + video!
Fair enough!! Thanks for being here as always man!
Are you really going to wait until Dec 2025 to PC your Boundless to the Ritz, to be eligible for the SUB on the Brilliant in around Nov or early Dec 2025? Once I figured this out, I abandoned Stan's Luxury strategy. Also not sure of the hassle of using multiple FNC's for one stay. Do you have to call the front desk to combine? Will they make you check out and check back in?
You should do a video on your road map of where your going to travel this year
Great idea!!
Thanks for answering a lot of my questions that I had.
Of course! Thanks for asking great questions!
Did someone say free nights???
Hahah thanks for being here so early brotha 🥈
100% agree regarding Hyatt! Super informal 🤙🏻
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
More people should be discussing ROI vs. CPP. That MacBook Pro is a way more valuable redemption for most people than a lie-flat business class flight to the Maldives.
Agreed!!
Good job ❤
What’s your favorite airline and airline rewards program?
what does fnc mean ?
Free night certificate
I agree about Hyatt. I don't see getting it except as a end game. Almost same using a csr 8 vs 9. Status isn't enough of a incentive.. I wanted the hilton Business to support my #2. But now I don't see it. If you already have a Aspire the business dosnt add. The hilton Business AF your positive only $45 with quarterly credits. If you just spent the af cost of the business $200 on the Aspire without the quarterly use hassle you would earn $34 at Aspire level use in points. So the hilton Business with credits adds only $11 in value if used 4 times during the year vs normal anytime Aspire use .. if you already have a Hilton personal the business will now not support having it.
Argument against the x5 on the business if you had alot of this type of spend the Surpass would be better earning the 15k FNC..
Smart on waiting on the platinum. I think its a card that isnt ment for most people . I dont see it for myself either
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Bill! I agree with a lot of your takes here. Great minds think alike! 😆
As somebody that earns status the “hard way” via actual stays every year, I would prefer complimentary status from cards be capped. Hilton ruined diamond with their top card and Marriott has always been bad with upgrades (even with me being Lifetime Titanium). Exceptions being outside the US. This is the main reason I moved to Hyatt. Upgraded over 90% of the time with Globalist. Please don’t inflate the populations of elites. Their card also works fine for those that actually stay at the hotel. I wouldn’t mind seeing a higher tier version, but don’t change what status is given. More earning and more powerful FNCs would be good enough. Even then, it’s not that crucial. More earning could also inflate the rewards chart.
Hyatt’s CEO even recognized the relative “exclusivity” of their hotel program and that people tend to spend more with Hyatt. The problem is - Hyatt is probably looking at leisure travellers paying to stay at higher end Marriott and Hilton properties and they’re thinking how can we convert those customers to Hyatt? I think the 100K base points to globalist is a pretty good carrot for their highest leisure spenders but I suspect management wants an easier way to convert these customers. For credit card enthusiasts it’s easy. Just spend some money on your WoH cards but I suspect this isn’t something a lot of people do outside the points and miles community.
I understand where you're coming from. That's why I know if worse comes to worse, I like how Marriott gives elite nights with their cards to make getting status easier. For me that's honestly enough for me to play the game but since there are cards that just straight up give you straight up Diamond, there's no reason to play. Just get the card and call it a day. 😂
I completely get where you're coming from! If I had enough paid stays, Hyatt would be the top of my list to get status with since they're still one of those that respect the people that ACTUALLY stay the nights they're supposed to for status. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
What is MS? The “MS side of things”?
Manufactured Spending. Think buying gift cards with CIP at staples or cards at a grocery with amex gold card. It used to be worse with buying wire transfers to funnel the spending back in your bonk. Now, it's generally used to purchase something from somewhere that doesn't have an elavated spending catagory. Think electronics or appliances. There was a video by another tuber that kinda showcases this posted recently
@@woodzy883 thanks, I appreciate it
Looks like Woodzy answered it perfectly! True MS has to do with creating fake purchases basically. So think of buying gift cards with a credit card and then paying off the credit card balance with liquidated funds from said gift card. Definitely something that credit card companies have cracked down on like crazy.
I'm pretty early in my credit journey. I have the Chase Trifecta with an Amazon Prime Card all through chase. I'm thinking about getting a Southwest card or a Hyatt card, because those are the transfer partners I use the most and allow me to travel with my family more. Also seems those two travel partners allow my points to go farther. Do you think this is a good idea or should I try opening other company cards and move away from Chase?
I always recommend getting cards in ecosystems with transfer partners you like which is why I like Chase so much. You could definitely go the SW and Hyatt card route if you'd like, but remember that since they're transfer partners of Chase, you don't NEED their cards to book free trips with them. You could always get more Chase UR point earning cards (like the Ink cards) and transfer those points to SW or Hyatt. But if you don't want to go that route, getting their cards directly could be a good move.
😊
The champ! 👑
Are you not entertained?? Why yes I was.
Hahah I love it
Possible categories: car repairs, healthcare
Absolutely!
How often do you get car repairs? Even an oil change is twice a year. $60-100 depending on the vehicle.
@@SC_XOLOs when you drive paid off cars they happen occasionally and can be a big charge. Or you can spend on maintenance more frequently
Jeez what did Capital One do to hurt you😂
Personally I think they will raise the AF but their partners aren't great, so it will actually improve not decline overall in the future
Edit: also worse multipliers than the competition
Capital One has been nothing but good to me! They just seem to be trending in a negative direction with the changes they're making to the VX.
@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial can you do a short or update video on it? Cause I really am curious why
Cause in my mind there's 3 nerfs
1) $300 statement credit moved to POS credit
2) PP restaurants/spas
3) Hertz Presidents Circle expiring soon
Which mostly just brings it in line with CSR and Platinum which are both more expensive and harder to get value from. And there's no guarantee Presidents circle is leaving or it's possible it gets 5 star status instead. And honestly, I think they'll improve transfer partners in the future. Maybe start a partnership with AA since they clearly don't like Citi.
A benefit I would want for credit cards is mortgage payments for people who own their homes .
Absolutely! Bilt should be doing that for us soon I hope!
You dont need 12
12 cards are overkill
Chase sucks