Garret
Forum Replies Created
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My thoughts will probably be unpopular.
I’m new to this but here’s my recent experience.
Got the Chase Sapphire Preferred…because you have to right?
Already had Capital One Spark.
Last week I finished booking our February trip to and from the east coast to Tahiti.
Didn’t use one Chase point.
Used my Capital One and Bank of America Alaska Card.
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For years it was my Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
I bought Sony XM4 & XM5 but always ended up back using the QC’s, then I bought the Bowers & Wilkins and the active noise canceling was a joke and the headphones were too tight.
Last year I bought the Bose QC Ultra’s and love them.
I have given the QC 35 II’s to my wife as they are still after probably almost a decade still kicking strong.
Side note: Apple AirPods Pro are my alternates as I don’t like moving around with the cans on my head. They speak for themselves.
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Chase has the infamous 5/24 rule, which states that if you have at least 5 approvals for personal credit cards through any issuer within the past 24 months (not just Chase) you will very likely be denied for a new personal card with Chase.
Business credit cards do not fall under this rule.
Therefore, it makes sense to apply for any Chase cards early on, as you will likely be locked out from Chase if you have several successful applications in the past 2 years.
The only exception would be the Capital One Venture X, as Capital One is known for rejecting applicants with several new cards – even those with a high credit score (including 800+).
Due to this, I took advantage of an elevated 90k miles SUB and applied for the Venture X as my 2nd slot in 5/24 in September 2023 (the Chase Freedom Unlimited was my first card in July 2023) and was approved!
The Venture X has a $300 annual travel credit (via their portal) and a 10k miles anniversary bonus, which fully offsets the $395 annual fee and makes the card essentially free.
Technically better than free, as the miles are worth $185 per TPG’s valuation, meaning Capital One is paying you $80 yearly just to hold the card!
I plan on applying for 3 more Chase cards to finish my 5/24 slots, starting with the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve in April / May 2024, then moving onto a hotel card a few months later (likely the IHG Premier), and finally ending with the Chase Freedom Flex.
Besides that, the more premium American Express cards (especially the Platinum & Gold) are lifestyle-oriented cards, and get most of their value through memberships and credits with partners (i.e. Saks Fifth Avenue, Uber, GrubHub, partner restaurants).
If you can take advantage of the credits, you can offset most, if not all, of their annual fees.
For instance, the Amex Gold Card had a $250 annual fee, but includes $120 in yearly Uber credits and $120 in yearly credits for participating chain restaurants & delivery services (i.e. Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, GrubHub).
If you can use all of those credits, your effective annual fee is reduced to just $10, making the card nearly free.
However, I prefer Lyft as a rideshare service, use the Divvy bike-share system in Chicago, and avoid chain restaurants, preferring to support local businesses.
Therefore, I would get more value out of a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which has an automatic $300 travel credit and a Lyft Pink membership (normally $199, includes 5% off Lyft rides and free Lyft bikes [including Divvy, CitiBike, etc.]) to mostly offset the $550 annual fee, effectively bringing it down to $51 on my end.
Compare that to the Amex Gold, which would still have a $250 annual fee (since I am not interested in their partner credits), and the CSR is a better fit for my needs.
As the saying goes “your mileage may vary”.
I hope all that information helps!
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FYI PointsYeah is pretty good and it’s completely free!
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Depends on your itinerary.
If it is domestic you might not get a bag.
Avianca’s policy is the one you want to check.
If it is an international flight, then a checked bag and carry on is included.
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CShase Sapphire Reserve has some of the best travel insurance, so I would use that.
Check the terms and conditions for the Amex, but I believe if you use the Delta Amex, you have to pay for the entire trip on that card, not just fees and taxes, to get travel insurance benefits.
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Hands down Hyatt Ziva, plus you can use points!
You can stay in the adults-only tower called Turquoise while family with kids stay in the other areas.
It’s the best!
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Total scam.
If you read the fine print, it says:
“Voucher price does not include the cost of membership which is payable directly to Priority Pass.”
Would stay away from this “deal”
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I always chat with them via Whatsapp.
There was a chat bubble in the app during the booking process, it switched to Whatsapp, started as virtual then an agent came in.
They can hold reservations and send them via email.
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I would choose WestJet or Porter over Air Canada any day.
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Conrad.
Closer to Ginza shopping and restaurants.
Subway downstairs and if you can get access to the lounge. Well worth it.
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That’s kinda pricey.
$3,000 is more the normal price for an Alaska cruise.
Unless you’re adding on packages like drinks and internet.
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Yes Chase will express ship the card but don’t apply for cards without a plan you know will work to meet the spend.
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Yes, I agree a day trip to Isla Mujeres is a must! As a tip, walk a few blocks south of the ferry to get cheaper golf carts than right at the ferry entrance.
I’ll also say that the airport is INTENSE after exiting with your bag.
Dozens of people will try and get your attention to “help” you with your transportation.
Don’t listen to anyone unless they have an airport ID badge, and just don’t engage the rest.
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So my Priority Pass through the Ritz card will get me unlimited visits and my Priority Pass card through my Amex Platinum will get me an additional 1 free visit a year?
Does this also hold true for Authorized Users of both cards that have their own unique Priority Pass numbers?