SEBASTIAN FUNG is a master of the credit card game. He just brings up all the data points /highlights of any card and benefits of one particular card over another. That is someone who plays the credit card game all the time! Great interview.
The problem with the Capital One Venture X Business card is the same as with all Capital One Business cards. It reports to your personal credit, therefore takes a 5/24 slot
I definitely think the Cap1 Savor1 is the best replacement because it doesn’t have an AF and the VentureX is still a fantastic card to pair even with the nerfs over the years.
thanks for the show. I remember spending a lot of time a year ago watching how you two went to Bora Bora. It sparked my curiosity. Keep up the good work
I’ve been Marriott Titanium for over 2 years and only got upgraded to suite once when the hotel was at capacity and it was my second stay at that hotel. So people need to be realistic with Marriott suite upgrades irrespective of what Marriott claims. Getting a room with a nicer view on a higher floor or more spacious layout is more common. I still find it valuable to be fed for free and being able to check out late. However, Marriott is consistently way more expensive than other hotels, so it’s not worth it for a lot people to chase that status.
I don’t think any of the chains enforce status perks. None will override local management, who can deny your request for any or no reason, and many managers seem to think it’s their duty to always say “no”. I’ve found Hilton managers especially aggressive when it comes to saying that “as available” really means “never”. The only status perk I really care about is late checkout, which I’ve found to be like pulling teeth. Even getting an extra hour is a chore, let alone the 2/4pm you’re supposed to get with status depending on chain, and you will rarely be able to confirm late checkout in advance of checkin. Sometimes you are forced to confirm late checkout only on checkout morning, which somewhat defeats the purpose.
I've had a 100% suite upgrade as a Marriott Platinum. Even at the Ritz. Travel a lot in South America and Asia. Titaniums should be an automatic suite.
There are so many points channels that push points and travel as the best value, but I wish more channels said what Sebby says here - the value is really only in the business and first class (especially longer overseas trips). That is not clear in most videos. Cash Back using 5% cards is really probably best for most. And his math on not getting the BILT card to hit the intro bonus on another card would have to assume you are doing that every month. You should still get the BILT card and just give up one month on BILT to hit the intro bonus. He makes it sound like it's all or nothing. Odd advice.
Bilt is going to take a 5/24 spot without offering a sub, that's a little heretical to people that are really into the credit game. Your strategy makes more sense for many, earn points on a category no one offers cashback on and has transfer partners for free
A comment was made that if you don’t get the value you want for your points and you end up using the portal is it still worth it going after more points. I don’t understand this line of thinking! If your going to travel at all why would you not use them regardless the bottom line value. By using them you are in essence taking a vacation, getting time away to relax and recharge and making memories for no cost or very little cost 💲 why would you not use them even if your only making 1.25 cents instead 12.5 cents per point! Is it still not in essence free travel regardless? Makes no sense! Is not the whole point of this game to use the points for travel if your so inclined? Sure if you can take aspirational trips go for it! but why look down at other forms of travel unless it meets some elevated metric. Makes no sense to me
Keep in my mind the Amex strategy that sebby mentioned will no longer work, you need to start with the green, then gold then . Platinum. Do not get the Platinum first or you will be ineligible for future MR bonus on the gold.
You can't continuously focus on intro bonuses bcuz 1*5/24 rule/Amex 5-card limit/life time rule. 2*Youre going to run out of intro bonuses. 3*You fail to fully learn about ur cards and and the difference ecosystems. Can you manage 4-5-6-7 ecosystems? 4*Multiple Hard Inquiries 5*Your velocity can get you flagged.
Also, he lives in the bay area, and that’s normal. I knew several middle-class people when I lived there that had an au pair, which is the same thing as a nanny. Most are pretty young and they don’t make a whole lot of money. The people that I knew that use them said it was because daycare was around the same amount yet the persons attention is split with many children rather than just yours.
I personally think it's an insane privilege for someone to hire help while most people can't. Obviously it happens all the time and people who do it, especially tech people, sound aloof and douchey. I would be ashamed of myself if I had kids and couldn't take care of them myself. It's a form of life cheating. But that's just my opinion.
@@crecasens They may not make a lot of money, but their lifestyle is typically much better than they could afford on their own with a regular job. At least these young women have this opportunity, young men in similar economic circumstances have no such out and are just screwed, not that anybody cares.
Let’s use deductive reasoning…because it’s comfortable. Come on, if you’re viewing this you probably could’ve come to that conclusion. This is an hour talk, of course they want to be comfortable when talking.
SEBASTIAN FUNG is a master of the credit card game. He just brings up all the data points /highlights of any card and benefits of one particular card over another. That is someone who plays the credit card game all the time! Great interview.
The problem with the Capital One Venture X Business card is the same as with all Capital One Business cards. It reports to your personal credit, therefore takes a 5/24 slot
That, and Cap1 cards, both personal and business, pull all three bureaus.
This was a great discussion between you two gentlemen! I’ll definitely be watching it again. Lots of excellent information!
37:47 Amtrak Guest Rewards as well?
I definitely think the Cap1 Savor1 is the best replacement because it doesn’t have an AF and the VentureX is still a fantastic card to pair even with the nerfs over the years.
Love this interview!
Dope interview sebby is very knowledgeable to the game drop a lot of gems 💎
Definitely saving this one!
Start with Amex Gold now due to the new Amex rules denying Gold SUB if you already have the Plat.
Thank you Sebastian, will definitely utilize the Venture X Business card more.
@38:30 Noooo lol (since they changed the language on the gold)
Maybe this has to do with the timing of the filming of this video.
This was such good content. And all in one place!!!
Thank you both for sharing all of your knowledge with us!
Awesome convo guys! Great insight.
Great information.
Why would you start AMEX with a platinum? If you do that you can’t get the green or gold bonus correct?
Where do you get? 10cents per point.
thanks for the show. I remember spending a lot of time a year ago watching how you two went to Bora Bora. It sparked my curiosity. Keep up the good work
I'm wearing those same Under Amour ankle socks.
There is also the retention bonuses 😅
ALL THE HACKS - You mentioned a credit card aggregator for tracking all purchases and balances etc - which is your best in class?
@@BRISTOLMANOR I use copilot and love it
Definitely be the group trip planner!
I’ve been Marriott Titanium for over 2 years and only got upgraded to suite once when the hotel was at capacity and it was my second stay at that hotel. So people need to be realistic with Marriott suite upgrades irrespective of what Marriott claims. Getting a room with a nicer view on a higher floor or more spacious layout is more common. I still find it valuable to be fed for free and being able to check out late. However, Marriott is consistently way more expensive than other hotels, so it’s not worth it for a lot people to chase that status.
Agreed chasing status not worth it . Upgrades rarely come.The opportunity cost is significant
I don’t think any of the chains enforce status perks. None will override local management, who can deny your request for any or no reason, and many managers seem to think it’s their duty to always say “no”. I’ve found Hilton managers especially aggressive when it comes to saying that “as available” really means “never”.
The only status perk I really care about is late checkout, which I’ve found to be like pulling teeth. Even getting an extra hour is a chore, let alone the 2/4pm you’re supposed to get with status depending on chain, and you will rarely be able to confirm late checkout in advance of checkin. Sometimes you are forced to confirm late checkout only on checkout morning, which somewhat defeats the purpose.
I've had a 100% suite upgrade as a Marriott Platinum. Even at the Ritz. Travel a lot in South America and Asia.
Titaniums should be an automatic suite.
Sebbi is one of the GOATS
This was excellent!
yes amex cards gold plat black are meant to encourage more spending 😅
I don't know how I missed this Sebby!!! #squuuuuuuuuuuuuuuad #iykyk
Get Amex platinum first? Wow!
Leather&Lace and the city vs the mountain man .Go get him MANDY 😂❤
And you having your leg folded under your other leg is killing me and get your shoes are on the couch 😂😂❤
Off ❤😂
Sebby is my fav!!!!
The Amex lounges are definitely not being kept up and long wait times.
Bring sebby once a yr going forward OG subscriber for sebby and new sub for your channel
Europe has lower interchange fees, and still have reward cards
Damn that was nitro; gotta up my game 😎
There are so many points channels that push points and travel as the best value, but I wish more channels said what Sebby says here - the value is really only in the business and first class (especially longer overseas trips). That is not clear in most videos. Cash Back using 5% cards is really probably best for most. And his math on not getting the BILT card to hit the intro bonus on another card would have to assume you are doing that every month. You should still get the BILT card and just give up one month on BILT to hit the intro bonus. He makes it sound like it's all or nothing. Odd advice.
Bilt is going to take a 5/24 spot without offering a sub, that's a little heretical to people that are really into the credit game. Your strategy makes more sense for many, earn points on a category no one offers cashback on and has transfer partners for free
Hilton Diamond is great in SE Asia. I am always offered complementary uogrades when i am in Maynila
Yes like conrad manila!
@@marckervindeleon3765 - I always get complimentary upgrades at both the Conrad Manila and the Hilton Manila at the airport.
W Sebby
I don’t use credit cards I just buy first class all the time on American
Soon we will go to Italy 🇮🇹 in April 2024 for a month
A comment was made that if you don’t get the value you want for your points and you end up using the portal is it still worth it going after more points. I don’t understand this line of thinking! If your going to travel at all why would you not use them regardless the bottom line value. By using them you are in essence taking a vacation, getting time away to relax and recharge and making memories for no cost or very little cost 💲 why would you not use them even if your only making 1.25 cents instead 12.5 cents per point! Is it still not in essence free travel regardless? Makes no sense! Is not the whole point of this game to use the points for travel if your so inclined? Sure if you can take aspirational trips go for it! but why look down at other forms of travel unless it meets some elevated metric. Makes no sense to me
Keep in my mind the Amex strategy that sebby mentioned will no longer work, you need to start with the green, then gold then . Platinum. Do not get the Platinum first or you will be ineligible for future MR bonus on the gold.
@@terrancejackson5167 great point!
American status isn’t worth it anymore tbh.
You can't continuously focus on intro bonuses bcuz
1*5/24 rule/Amex 5-card limit/life time rule.
2*Youre going to run out of intro bonuses.
3*You fail to fully learn about ur cards and and the difference ecosystems. Can you manage 4-5-6-7 ecosystems?
4*Multiple Hard Inquiries
5*Your velocity can get you flagged.
Hot tip. Don't say you have an au pair if you don't want to sound like a douche lol
Lol, but what is wrong with that statement, isn’t that what those folks are called? Should he say nanny? How is that different?
Also, he lives in the bay area, and that’s normal. I knew several middle-class people when I lived there that had an au pair, which is the same thing as a nanny. Most are pretty young and they don’t make a whole lot of money. The people that I knew that use them said it was because daycare was around the same amount yet the persons attention is split with many children rather than just yours.
I personally think it's an insane privilege for someone to hire help while most people can't. Obviously it happens all the time and people who do it, especially tech people, sound aloof and douchey. I would be ashamed of myself if I had kids and couldn't take care of them myself. It's a form of life cheating. But that's just my opinion.
@@crecasens They may not make a lot of money, but their lifestyle is typically much better than they could afford on their own with a regular job. At least these young women have this opportunity, young men in similar economic circumstances have no such out and are just screwed, not that anybody cares.
Why do you guys sit like that across from each other?
Let’s use deductive reasoning…because it’s comfortable. Come on, if you’re viewing this you probably could’ve come to that conclusion. This is an hour talk, of course they want to be comfortable when talking.
@@abel.morelos comfort via cutting off your circulation? And then mirror each other. Unsolved mysteries. Click
I cannot believe you asked this question.
@@Moi_81 Why?
A holdover from the Covid madness, most likely.