AMEX Platinum, CHASE Ritz Carlton, Capital One Venture X, Hilton Aspire, and CHASE United Club. You're definitely right about the pay to play. Thanks for the info + video!
Great setup Jimmy James! I think realistically, this is one that I would also consider because all of these cards have some very nice benefit coverage across multiple airline, hotel, and lounge programs!
5/5 with uncle Luke :) same setup as you. Just have the aa executive card additionally for the admirals club lounge access as well given I am in a AA hub.
Love the response to my question & really appreciate it Stan & Luke! Definitely agree with the setups geared toward lounge access & elevated statuses. I think my 5 would be the Amex Plat, Hilton Aspire, Chase Ritz Carlton, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant & Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Thanks so much Matt! That would be a great setup! You get a lot of lounge access plus those elevated hotel perks and higher-tier free night awards for your travels. Your travel setup is like a blend between myself and Luke!
Wait a second really even carnival cruise cause I have a cruise coming up this year can would love more MR points cause I have planning on just using BBP
Amex Platinum, CSR (beast on the ground Int'l), Marriot Bus, Citi Premier, and Ritz Carlton. Preferring the Chase RC over the Amex Brilliant, as I think the restaurant credit is misplaced & superfluous. I have Marriot Platinum status thru end of 2025, and no doubt will maintain it without the $650 Brilliant fee. Great synopsis Stan👍🏾
Thank you so much Nkosi! Yeah, I definitely like the annual credit on the Ritz compared to this dining credit on the Brilliant card, ugh! That's awesome you have Platinum status for basically two years! I have Titanium status for the rest of this year (got it last year) so I'm excited to give that a spin since I'll be doing some international travel coming up! I've also toyed with the idea of the CSR. It's definitely a great option for domestic travel!
@TheCreditFrog Titanium! When I grow up, I wanna be like you Stan😀 CSR also good for world wide restaurants (including take-out & delivery), all travel (including Airbnbs). Also noticed U incl CSR question in the clip - so cool man😊
I have to give it to Luke 🥇with the 5 premium travel cards setup. Not even close, sorry Stan. Although I loved that Stan mentioned my “holy grail” card, Ritz Carlton. Still waiting on the countdown for getting this card.
Haha! Leoprieto I know how you roll... the more annual fees the better!! That's fine. I will admit that Luke's setup is much more generalizable for high-value premium travel, but it all comes down to what you're looking for!
if don’t count the requirements to get the card, my set up is on par with Luke but slightly better. It’s Schwab/Morgan Standley/Goldman Sachs Platinum, JPMR(CSR with United Club access), VX, Hilton Aspire, Bonvoy Brilliant
Yeah, the Schwab/Morgan Stanley Platinum gives it that extra boost. I'm super happy I got the Morgan Stanley Platinum when I did, because that free AU is $195 value back every year. And all I have to do is keep that Access Investing account open and I'm good!
Do either of you think the AMEX Delta Reserve is worth the AF with the Resy Credits, Ride Share credits, four Delta Sky Club Lounge passes, and one free First Class Companion Certificate given annually? Asking since luxury and lounges are the must haves in 2024.
I think it will depend on how much you fly on Delta. I hear that the Delta Stays credit is pretty easy to use, but the Companion Certificate doesn't have a lot of availability. If you're really looking for Sky Club access, it may be worthwhile to consider the Amex Platinum card instead!
Yes this is a must have card. 8 x on gas, 5 x on utilities and 15k yearly bonus. That only gets you 70k to 75k points a year. Diamond status that you can match also.
Honestly maybe I missed something but the absence of any transfer point earning cards makes these choices all head scratchers to me. They all strike me as cards intended only for short term harvest (gratification) and none for long term planting (earning for future traveling).
It really depends on what you're looking for! If you're ok with putting your spend in a co-branded system - provided you use that system a lot, this may make a lot of sense. Flexible points are great, but then it's on you to make sure you do the best redemption that you can that fits your travel habits. Cash back is the easiest because there's no thought involved when it comes to redemption side.
I have had The Ritz Carlton for 3 years, is it a good idea to downgrade the card to the boundless, wait 30 days and apply for the Amex brilliant to get the bonus then product change the boundless back to the Ritz? Just trying to get around the 30 day rule for having the ritz and wanting to apply for the Amex Bonvoy carda
I think downgrading the card for 30 days would certainly open you up to getting access to the Brilliant welcome offer! I'm not sure about the rules about product changing back after 30 days so I would look into that. The downside is that you'll lose out on 1 year of 85k FNA on the Ritz, but I guess that's the price you have to pay to get the Brilliant welcome offer. Also, I'd wait for a limited time offer on the Brilliant to pop up before starting this journey!
Hey guys, thanks for sharing the video. Great job. Can anyone shed light on the chase experiences that comes with the Ritz Carlton card (ex: sporting events)? And also does the Ritz Carlton and capital one X card have access to the same lounges?
Of course! I'm not sure about sporting events, but yeah, the Ritz Carlton card has a different PP as compared to the one from C1VX. The same lounges can be accessed, but the Ritz Carlton card has the added benefit of getting into both PP restaurants as well the Chase Sapphire Lounge (excluding the Sapphire Terrace lounge).
Great setup! You've got some general coverage plus lounges on the Platinum and VX, Alaska as the airline card, and good hotel status coverage with Hilton and IHG - two awesome properties! Bonus points for the 2X catch-all on the VX, which is a great card to take abroad! (Unless the VX turns into a Discover 🤣)
It is interesting to see other people fit their preferences to the cards that match them. Here is me. I couldn't care less about hotels so long as they are centrally located and clean. I have no airline loyalty as my trips are usually very confined to times/dates I can use last minute, so whoever fits that wins. I rarely travel within the US. I frequently rent cars while traveling. So my combo is: 1. Amex Schwab platinum for airfare and occasional hotel at 5x and lounge access 2. Amex green for international restaurants, tolls, and car rental at 3x 3. US Bank business Triple Cash for US restaurants at 3% cash back or Amex green for 3x 4. BILT or Apple Card for international purchases in general like gas, groceries, etc. Only the 2 Amex cards have annual fees.
Very cool setup! There's a lot of options here for cashing out since you have the Schwab Platinum, which is a nice touch. Amex Green is a great overall travel credit card with broad travel/transit categories and can cover restaurants for a much lower AF than the Gold. Love having a mobile wallet category, so the Apple card is great for that 2% catch all!
For Luke, i think you have too much overlap on the 3 general cards. Being lounge centric wouldnt a card like the united club card opened the lounges of all the star alliance lounges up to you.. and similar in other card alliances with other high end air lounge cards. I watch all that you guys post.
AMEX Platinum, CHASE Ritz Carlton, Capital One Venture X, Hilton Aspire, and CHASE United Club. You're definitely right about the pay to play. Thanks for the info + video!
Great setup Jimmy James! I think realistically, this is one that I would also consider because all of these cards have some very nice benefit coverage across multiple airline, hotel, and lounge programs!
I click on this one expecting great content but had no idea I'd be looking at two of the most handsome men in the game - woooo!
5/5 with uncle Luke :) same setup as you. Just have the aa executive card additionally for the admirals club lounge access as well given I am in a AA hub.
Haha! You got that right Luke! Such good-looking men right here! Content is just ok 🤣
You both look so good you raise my annual fee.
@@milkshed27 🤣
@@milkshed27 Haha! 💯
Love the response to my question & really appreciate it Stan & Luke! Definitely agree with the setups geared toward lounge access & elevated statuses. I think my 5 would be the Amex Plat, Hilton Aspire, Chase Ritz Carlton, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant & Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Thanks so much Matt! That would be a great setup! You get a lot of lounge access plus those elevated hotel perks and higher-tier free night awards for your travels. Your travel setup is like a blend between myself and Luke!
Haha yes exactly!@@TheCreditFrog
Amex Green is very valuable for Cruises and onboard Cruise Purchases with a 3x multiplier. No other AMEX card offers a Cruise multiplier.
Great point Kevin! If you want MR points for cruises, the Green card is the card to use for that.
@@TheCreditFrogmore info
Wait a second really even carnival cruise cause I have a cruise coming up this year can would love more MR points cause I have planning on just using BBP
I travel there for carnival at least once a year and the green one serves me better
Your editing is the best out of all the credit card UA-camrs. Keep up the great work Stan!
Thanks Hugh! Will do!! 🫡
Both setups are stimulating😀😀
Haha thanks! There’s something for everyone when it comes to travel setups!
Amex Platinum, CSR (beast on the ground Int'l), Marriot Bus, Citi Premier, and Ritz Carlton. Preferring the Chase RC over the Amex Brilliant, as I think the restaurant credit is misplaced & superfluous. I have Marriot Platinum status thru end of 2025, and no doubt will maintain it without the $650 Brilliant fee. Great synopsis Stan👍🏾
Thank you so much Nkosi! Yeah, I definitely like the annual credit on the Ritz compared to this dining credit on the Brilliant card, ugh! That's awesome you have Platinum status for basically two years! I have Titanium status for the rest of this year (got it last year) so I'm excited to give that a spin since I'll be doing some international travel coming up! I've also toyed with the idea of the CSR. It's definitely a great option for domestic travel!
@TheCreditFrog Titanium! When I grow up, I wanna be like you Stan😀 CSR also good for world wide restaurants (including take-out & delivery), all travel (including Airbnbs). Also noticed U incl CSR question in the clip - so cool man😊
@@nubianpwr Of course, thanks again for the Super!
I have to give it to Luke 🥇with the 5 premium travel cards setup. Not even close, sorry Stan. Although I loved that Stan mentioned my “holy grail” card, Ritz Carlton. Still waiting on the countdown for getting this card.
Haha! Leoprieto I know how you roll... the more annual fees the better!! That's fine. I will admit that Luke's setup is much more generalizable for high-value premium travel, but it all comes down to what you're looking for!
@@TheCreditFrog 👍🍻
CSR + FrUL 2.25X
I really like the efficiency of an optimized Chase setup.
That's a nice simple duo that anyone can understand! Great travel benefits and value too!
I didn’t even know you could hold all those Marriott cards simultaneously. 🤔
Oh yes, you absolutely can!
if don’t count the requirements to get the card, my set up is on par with Luke but slightly better. It’s Schwab/Morgan Standley/Goldman Sachs Platinum, JPMR(CSR with United Club access), VX, Hilton Aspire, Bonvoy Brilliant
Yeah, the Schwab/Morgan Stanley Platinum gives it that extra boost. I'm super happy I got the Morgan Stanley Platinum when I did, because that free AU is $195 value back every year. And all I have to do is keep that Access Investing account open and I'm good!
I’m the REAL first place. Thanks
Almost CJ! Almost.🥈
@@TheCreditFrog oh I was early…it took like 1 min for my YT to load up 😢….but that’s okay, because I’m always first regardless 🤷🏾♂️
Do either of you think the AMEX Delta Reserve is worth the AF with the Resy Credits, Ride Share credits, four Delta Sky Club Lounge passes, and one free First Class Companion Certificate given annually? Asking since luxury and lounges are the must haves in 2024.
I think it will depend on how much you fly on Delta. I hear that the Delta Stays credit is pretty easy to use, but the Companion Certificate doesn't have a lot of availability. If you're really looking for Sky Club access, it may be worthwhile to consider the Amex Platinum card instead!
Can we get a Wyndham business earners card video and an update on status matching to diamond with Caesar’s? Also if mgm still matches as well
Mgm no, Caesars yes
That's a great topic to cover! Definitely need to feature the Wyndham Business Earner card in more videos! Agreed with what David said.
Would love that! Nobody’s really covered it in the last year and so much has changed!! Thanks
Yes this is a must have card. 8 x on gas, 5 x on utilities and 15k yearly bonus. That only gets you 70k to 75k points a year. Diamond status that you can match also.
@@madbreakers5853 Definitely an amazing card!
Honestly maybe I missed something but the absence of any transfer point earning cards makes these choices all head scratchers to me. They all strike me as cards intended only for short term harvest (gratification) and none for long term planting (earning for future traveling).
It really depends on what you're looking for! If you're ok with putting your spend in a co-branded system - provided you use that system a lot, this may make a lot of sense. Flexible points are great, but then it's on you to make sure you do the best redemption that you can that fits your travel habits. Cash back is the easiest because there's no thought involved when it comes to redemption side.
I have had The Ritz Carlton for 3 years, is it a good idea to downgrade the card to the boundless, wait 30 days and apply for the Amex brilliant to get the bonus then product change the boundless back to the Ritz? Just trying to get around the 30 day rule for having the ritz and wanting to apply for the Amex Bonvoy carda
I think downgrading the card for 30 days would certainly open you up to getting access to the Brilliant welcome offer! I'm not sure about the rules about product changing back after 30 days so I would look into that. The downside is that you'll lose out on 1 year of 85k FNA on the Ritz, but I guess that's the price you have to pay to get the Brilliant welcome offer. Also, I'd wait for a limited time offer on the Brilliant to pop up before starting this journey!
Hey guys, thanks for sharing the video. Great job. Can anyone shed light on the chase experiences that comes with the Ritz Carlton card (ex: sporting events)? And also does the Ritz Carlton and capital one X card have access to the same lounges?
Of course! I'm not sure about sporting events, but yeah, the Ritz Carlton card has a different PP as compared to the one from C1VX. The same lounges can be accessed, but the Ritz Carlton card has the added benefit of getting into both PP restaurants as well the Chase Sapphire Lounge (excluding the Sapphire Terrace lounge).
Top 5 Travel Cards:
American Express Platinum
Alaska Business
Hilton Aspire
IHG
Venture X
Great setup! You've got some general coverage plus lounges on the Platinum and VX, Alaska as the airline card, and good hotel status coverage with Hilton and IHG - two awesome properties! Bonus points for the 2X catch-all on the VX, which is a great card to take abroad! (Unless the VX turns into a Discover 🤣)
It is interesting to see other people fit their preferences to the cards that match them. Here is me. I couldn't care less about hotels so long as they are centrally located and clean. I have no airline loyalty as my trips are usually very confined to times/dates I can use last minute, so whoever fits that wins. I rarely travel within the US. I frequently rent cars while traveling. So my combo is: 1. Amex Schwab platinum for airfare and occasional hotel at 5x and lounge access 2. Amex green for international restaurants, tolls, and car rental at 3x 3. US Bank business Triple Cash for US restaurants at 3% cash back or Amex green for 3x 4. BILT or Apple Card for international purchases in general like gas, groceries, etc. Only the 2 Amex cards have annual fees.
Very cool setup! There's a lot of options here for cashing out since you have the Schwab Platinum, which is a nice touch. Amex Green is a great overall travel credit card with broad travel/transit categories and can cover restaurants for a much lower AF than the Gold. Love having a mobile wallet category, so the Apple card is great for that 2% catch all!
Maybe make the criteria 695 and under total Annual fee
Yeah, those annual fees keep rising so having a total cap for the strategy may be the move.
Luke, I love ya man, but suggesting $2,840 in annual fees is bonkers nuts crazytown.
Yeah, it's a lot of annual fees, but BIG Value if you're maximizing travel upside!
For Luke, i think you have too much overlap on the 3 general cards. Being lounge centric wouldnt a card like the united club card opened the lounges of all the star alliance lounges up to you.. and similar in other card alliances with other high end air lounge cards.
I watch all that you guys post.
Uncle Luke likes to go big or go home! I respect that. But yes, there is a lot of overlap!
Big Spender Luke. $2840/yr in AF. 😱 Am I the peasant? I don't think I'm the peasant.
Uncle Luke likes to go big or go home! 🤣
Idk I love my aa status
So does Luke! He made a recent video how he has AA Platinum status but didn't fly a single segment yet!
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First
Dang! Ahmad you're on the ball today! 🥇
@@TheCreditFrog I was waiting and READY this week, I shall never let CJ beat me.
Until now 😉
@@AhmadKhwajazada You didn't dissappoint! I'm sure CJ will be unhappy with your promptness.
@@ItsMeCJ Haha, early bird gets the worm CJ!
Stan the credit frog 😎
Hi there 🐸
@@TheCreditFrog hey buuuuuddy I hope you're having a safe n fantastic day 😎
@ToboeKey309 Thanks haha! You as welll 🐸