Pro tip 📝 You can book your flights through the travel portal, then contact the airline to add your itinerary to your membership. 3rd party airline bookings count as PAID flights, but you can’t do it with hotels for status.
When I traveled with my companies travel agent through concurs travel portal I'd call Hilton to add the booking # to my hilton honors account and got credit plus a few upgrades when I arrived at the hotel. It was during covid so I was 1 of very few travelers
I feel the same. AMEX used to be seen as exclusive or as the top credit card brand. Now, there's just not much value in their cards. How would you revamp some of their cards to revitalize them?
The Amex Trifecta allows my points to be pooled together. I can’t combine Sapphire Reserve card points with Savor card points with Autograph card points, with Active Cash card points.
That's right, and definitely worth considering 👍 For those playing the travel game on a bigger scale, they could indirectly combine points from different issuers via common transfer partners.
One thing I do like about my Amex Gold, is getting a free room upgrade and $100 credit with select hotels just for having the card. Then using my Green card to pay for the room to get the 3x points. Did this for a trip to Los Angeles over Memorial weekend.
@newagain9964 I just checked the Hotel Collections terms and conditions, and here's what it states...Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room.
@@newagain9964According to the Hotel Collections terms and conditions from the Amex website...Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked.
Thanks for the informative video. Been with Wells Fargo over 20 years. 0 problems. Currently have the Autograph, Active Cash and Attune. Considering the Journey. (6 months since I got the Attune). Have the AmEx Blue Cash Preferred and get offers for the Platinum all the time. Not sure I can justify its cost considering I’m getting nearly the same for zero annual fee. Never experienced an airport lounge, I’m sure I can live without it.
Good review. AMEX appeals to a clientele that may not care about their fees. Others might as a matter of principle or due to budget constraints. Your alternatives make sense. Some might hate WF, but their new low or no-fee cards are a.good alternative. Glad you have given them a shoutout.
I think it’s time for a new video on which card for each category! I have lost track of what cards currently offer. I have like 11. I’m downsizing soon for 2025 so I can start over.
I'm working on getting the Venture X and Savor combo. I'm a truck driver and plan on traveling at least once a year and I think this combo would be in my best interest. I enjoyed this video, so I became a subscriber and will get all of your notifications.
Think the gold card info incorrect in terms of showing it earns 2x on hotels direct bookings or via portal when it’s *ONLY* through the portal it gives that
@@TheTravelingHatterAmex so far ahead (and still building) it will take chase and cap1 will more than 5 yrs just to catch up. And the hip know they ain’t in it to win it. Besides, cap1 already stating nerfing lounge rules.
Mark what about a review of the new US Bank Smartly Visa Signature cash back card? 2% cash back with up to 4% with $100k+ in deposits including investment accounts. Seems unmatched in the industry at the top level! No annual fee to boot.
I've been moving away from AMEX. I cancelled my Gold last month and my Business Gold today. I'm planning on cancelling my Platinum next month. I'm tired of dealing with credit to offset the annual fees and the Centurion lounge in my airport is always full so I've been going to PP lounges more now
@ thanks. Downside to airline cards is they are points specific to the airline and to be used as redemption only. I prefer currency like cash back or being able to apply the points as cash towards other charges. Realistically, the number of people that can take a flight when they want/need on points only is extremely small despite what all these channels make you believe.
@@dgasmd1 - Since you prefer cash back / flexible points, check out the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey and the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect (personal & business versions).
Excellent video. The competition is catching up with Amex. I prefer running multiple ecosystems to generate points and to have more options when building travel schedules. Having said that, if Amex nukes the 35% flight rebate on the Business Platinum, I’ll likely drop Amex entirely. At that point I would only lose Centurion Lounge access, and (sadly) those lounges have fallen behind their Chase and CO counterparts
Let’s hope Amex puts rebate on diff card (biz green, give it reason to exist. lol). I will start to move away if it goes away. Not sure why it’s on a biz card anyways.
@@newagain9964 As the 35 % rebate is obviously aimed at business travelers, it makes little sense to move the benefit to the lesser green card. Also, the business gold had previously had a 25% rebate. This benefit has been eliminated which leads me to suspect the 35 % rebate will be removed from the Amex Plat Business
@@newagain9964 The rebate is aimed at business travelers; hence that’s why it is included on the business card. The Gold Business had a 25% rebate but that has been discontinued
@@newagain9964Even with rebates, the expectation is that Amex will increase annual fees in the near future. I like Amex and have used the hell out of them in past years, but when I did my end-of-year expense review, even with the Amex offers, I would have had better value elsewhere. The interesting part is that I'm an avid traveler. At this point, the only saving grace is the Amex lounge but even then CapOne and Chase lounges have rendered a better experience than Amex for me. Of course this entire thing is YMMV
Thank you for the video mark. It is worth mentioning that, (with Capital one Savor) I get 3x on dining, 3x on restaurants and dining including takeouts and 3x on steaming (Netflix) here in AUSTRALIA!!! 🇦🇺 So I believe it is worldwide which is much much better than ANY Amex card!!
Currently 7: - Aer Lingus AerClub - Air France-KLM Flying Blue - Avianca LifeMiles - British Airways Executive Club - Iberia Plus - Virgin Atlantic Flying Club/Virgin Red - Choice Privileges
This was my thoughts a few months ago. I proceeded to open a checking,savings, and brokerage account. After two weeks, I closed all three and never applied for the Smartly card when it came out. Such a back asswards company. My local credit union puts them to shame.
It means paid up front. For example, the Amex Platinum Card earns 5X on prepaid hotels via the Amex Travel portal. That means you pay for the full stay up front during the booking process instead of having your card charged at the hotel.
Thanks for this interesting video Mark! 👍🏼 You mention that the video attached to this video will explain how to convert the cash back from the Savor card to Capital One miles if we have a Venture X card but I can t find this video. Did you release it?
I think reducing the comparison to a single variable "cost" distorts the value proposition of these companies. Truth is not all points & partner transfer systems are created equal. Nor are other components: customer service, lounge access, transfer partners, bonuses, "offers", direct Flts, etc., etc. Perhaps too long a video to do, and I do realize some factors are qualitative. Imo, other factors weighed in, Amex is still the flawed 👑 Thanks👍🏾
Also Amex Trifecta allows my points to be pooled together. I can’t combine Sapphire Reserve card points with Savor card points with Autograph card points, with Active Cash card points.
Amex customer service has been on a consistent downward spiral for 3 years now. I’ve been a “member” for 25 years now and counting… Amex has had to give me $100 statement credits as an apology for various f-ups over the past 6 months alone. It’s a shame. That said, the company went woke in several unbecoming ways, so I’m on a path to reduce my Amex footprint as well. Way too many right now.
Citi hasn't been really putting out the same as other cards/banks. Just compare Citi's lackluster transfer partners program compared to others. Not even comparable. That might change though now that Citi is the exclusive card for American Airlines. We'll see.
💥 *CORRECTION:* At 3:00, the CSR also earns 3X on Dining.
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Pro tip 📝 You can book your flights through the travel portal, then contact the airline to add your itinerary to your membership. 3rd party airline bookings count as PAID flights, but you can’t do it with hotels for status.
Pro tip you can add your membership # through your portal profile and its add with booking. You cam also apply your tsa precheck #
When I traveled with my companies travel agent through concurs travel portal I'd call Hilton to add the booking # to my hilton honors account and got credit plus a few upgrades when I arrived at the hotel. It was during covid so I was 1 of very few travelers
Nice! Many portals also allow you to add your loyalty # during the booking process.
Excellent point 👍🏽
Don’t understand
I feel the same. AMEX used to be seen as exclusive or as the top credit card brand. Now, there's just not much value in their cards. How would you revamp some of their cards to revitalize them?
lol. You must not travel much.
The Amex Trifecta allows my points to be pooled together. I can’t combine Sapphire Reserve card points with Savor card points with Autograph card points, with Active Cash card points.
That's right, and definitely worth considering 👍 For those playing the travel game on a bigger scale, they could indirectly combine points from different issuers via common transfer partners.
One thing I do like about my Amex Gold, is getting a free room upgrade and $100 credit with select hotels just for having the card. Then using my Green card to pay for the room to get the 3x points. Did this for a trip to Los Angeles over Memorial weekend.
Enjoy it while it last. Cause technically ur supposed to pay for stay with gold if getting the benefit.
@newagain9964 I just checked the Hotel Collections terms and conditions, and here's what it states...Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room.
@newagain9964 So in other words, you can use any other Amex card in the eligible members name and still get the benefit.
@@newagain9964According to the Hotel Collections terms and conditions from the Amex website...Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked.
I think Amex has the non travel category taken care of well
Good examples of this are the BCE and BCP
Thanks for the informative video. Been with Wells Fargo over 20 years. 0 problems. Currently have the Autograph, Active Cash and Attune. Considering the Journey. (6 months since I got the Attune).
Have the AmEx Blue Cash Preferred and get offers for the Platinum all the time. Not sure I can justify its cost considering I’m getting nearly the same for zero annual fee. Never experienced an airport lounge, I’m sure I can live without it.
Great setup with WF!
Good review. AMEX appeals to a clientele that may not care about their fees. Others might as a matter of principle or due to budget constraints. Your alternatives make sense. Some might hate WF, but their new low or no-fee cards are a.good alternative. Glad you have given them a shoutout.
I think it’s time for a new video on which card for each category! I have lost track of what cards currently offer. I have like 11. I’m downsizing soon for 2025 so I can start over.
I'm working on getting the Venture X and Savor combo. I'm a truck driver and plan on traveling at least once a year and I think this combo would be in my best interest. I enjoyed this video, so I became a subscriber and will get all of your notifications.
Awesome, make it happen! Thanks for subscribing, too!
Think the gold card info incorrect in terms of showing it earns 2x on hotels direct bookings or via portal when it’s *ONLY* through the portal it gives that
Thanks, Mark. This comparison was very helpful to see some really good alternatives to the Amex cards.
I must have lost it in my old days. I pay some 2800 in annual fees.
Sapphire reserve also gets most air canada lounge now too, though Amex still has much wider lounge footprint. For now.
Good observation with “For now” with Amex. I suspect in 5 years there will be numerous “Amex - what happened to them” content videos
Good catch!
Air Canada lounges. lol. Super niche perk.
@@TheTravelingHatterAmex so far ahead (and still building) it will take chase and cap1 will more than 5 yrs just to catch up. And the hip know they ain’t in it to win it.
Besides, cap1 already stating nerfing lounge rules.
@@newagain9964 @ Nope. Amex lounges pale in comparison to CO and Sapphire lounges. Your “hip” are uninformed 😀
Mark what about a review of the new US Bank Smartly Visa Signature cash back card? 2% cash back with up to 4% with $100k+ in deposits including investment accounts. Seems unmatched in the industry at the top level! No annual fee to boot.
I made an early video about it ~ 3 months ago here: th-cam.com/video/VRxo7S4Ffbw/w-d-xo.html
A full review may happen if I decide to get the card.
@ thanks! Just applied for it today. Moving over my IRA from Merrill/BofA to get the 4%!
@@lhattend - Enjoy it!
I've been moving away from AMEX. I cancelled my Gold last month and my Business Gold today. I'm planning on cancelling my Platinum next month. I'm tired of dealing with credit to offset the annual fees and the Centurion lounge in my airport is always full so I've been going to PP lounges more now
I upgraded to the plat from gold because of bonus offer but I’m definitely downgrading to green after one year
You missed the 3% on dining with the CSR.
You also get 3x on dining with the freedom flex and unlimited
And you get 3x on the WF autograph. And these three don’t have annual fees
I sure did 😂
Great options Mark!
Is there any high end CC, other than the Amex plat, that you can book airline tickets directly with the airline that gives at least 4-5x/$???
If you are willing to look at airline cards then yeah
But I just remembered the WF autograph journey has 4x on flights from the airline
@ thanks. Downside to airline cards is they are points specific to the airline and to be used as redemption only. I prefer currency like cash back or being able to apply the points as cash towards other charges. Realistically, the number of people that can take a flight when they want/need on points only is extremely small despite what all these channels make you believe.
@@dgasmd1 - Since you prefer cash back / flexible points, check out the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey and the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect (personal & business versions).
@@naveenthemachineautograph is not a “high end” card tho. Not even a travel card.
Excellent video. The competition is catching up with Amex. I prefer running multiple ecosystems to generate points and to have more options when building travel schedules. Having said that, if Amex nukes the 35% flight rebate on the Business Platinum, I’ll likely drop Amex entirely. At that point I would only lose Centurion Lounge access, and (sadly) those lounges have fallen behind their Chase and CO counterparts
Let’s hope Amex puts rebate on diff card (biz green, give it reason to exist. lol). I will start to move away if it goes away. Not sure why it’s on a biz card anyways.
@@newagain9964 As the 35 % rebate is obviously aimed at business travelers, it makes little sense to move the benefit to the lesser green card. Also, the business gold had previously had a 25% rebate. This benefit has been eliminated which leads me to suspect the 35 % rebate will be removed from the Amex Plat Business
@@newagain9964 The rebate is aimed at business travelers; hence that’s why it is included on the business card. The Gold Business had a 25% rebate but that has been discontinued
@@newagain9964test
@@newagain9964Even with rebates, the expectation is that Amex will increase annual fees in the near future.
I like Amex and have used the hell out of them in past years, but when I did my end-of-year expense review, even with the Amex offers, I would have had better value elsewhere. The interesting part is that I'm an avid traveler. At this point, the only saving grace is the Amex lounge but even then CapOne and Chase lounges have rendered a better experience than Amex for me.
Of course this entire thing is YMMV
Thank you for the video mark. It is worth mentioning that, (with Capital one Savor) I get 3x on dining, 3x on restaurants and dining including takeouts and 3x on steaming (Netflix) here in AUSTRALIA!!! 🇦🇺
So I believe it is worldwide which is much much better than ANY Amex card!!
Awesome to hear that! Worldwide functionality is awesome 🌏
@ sorry forgot to mention, 3x on groceries too.
Great video as always, Mark!
Great video Marked as always! TopNotch! Really are a lot better options then Amex and you prove your point!
How many transfer partners does Wells Fargo have?
Currently 7:
- Aer Lingus AerClub
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- Avianca LifeMiles
- British Airways Executive Club
- Iberia Plus
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club/Virgin Red
- Choice Privileges
Thinking for 2025 moving away from AMEX Trifecta to Cap1 Duo and getting some Aspire cards for FNCs
Very helpful. Thanks.
United Club should be included for the Reserve or 5-10 visits a year.
Lmao. Def not happening. United isn’t a fool.
Or USB Smartly 4% one card setup???
This was my thoughts a few months ago. I proceeded to open a checking,savings, and brokerage account. After two weeks, I closed all three and never applied for the Smartly card when it came out. Such a back asswards company. My local credit union puts them to shame.
The only one alive is the platinum for those who can really use the benefits organically. You are right, the rest are oh so replaceable 😊😊
What does prepay mean? When using credit cards
It means paid up front. For example, the Amex Platinum Card earns 5X on prepaid hotels via the Amex Travel portal. That means you pay for the full stay up front during the booking process instead of having your card charged at the hotel.
Thanks! 👍
Thanks for this interesting video Mark! 👍🏼 You mention that the video attached to this video will explain how to convert the cash back from the Savor card to Capital One miles if we have a Venture X card but I can t find this video. Did you release it?
Just added it, thanks! Here's the link: th-cam.com/video/u6KeBn6qtxY/w-d-xo.html
Also note the pinned comment on that video, too.
Hi Mark, are you still using citi trifecta?
I am!
I think reducing the comparison to a single variable "cost" distorts the value proposition of these companies. Truth is not all points & partner transfer systems are created equal. Nor are other components: customer service, lounge access, transfer partners, bonuses, "offers", direct Flts, etc., etc. Perhaps too long a video to do, and I do realize some factors are qualitative. Imo, other factors weighed in, Amex is still the flawed 👑 Thanks👍🏾
Also Amex Trifecta allows my points to be pooled together. I can’t combine Sapphire Reserve card points with Savor card points with Autograph card points, with Active Cash card points.
@@UTubeVidWatcher - Correct. However, you could indirectly do so via common transfer partners among those programs.
Fr. Because I actually travel, my net annual fee for Amex plat alone is in negative. Amex pays me to use card.
Hey Mark, this may be an unusual question but would you consider an "airport lounge" like a work break room? 🤔
I don't.
Amex = best customer service.
Next best is us bank.
Chase and other cards may have some goodies but treat people like cash cows.
Amex customer service has been on a consistent downward spiral for 3 years now. I’ve been a “member” for 25 years now and counting… Amex has had to give me $100 statement credits as an apology for various f-ups over the past 6 months alone. It’s a shame. That said, the company went woke in several unbecoming ways, so I’m on a path to reduce my Amex footprint as well. Way too many right now.
love this
Thanks
I just don’t like Wells Fargo so I would never consider doing any business with them
Holy crap! You just destroyed Amex. 👍🏽 Did they do you wrong or something? 😂
Nah, I'm just valuing simpler setups these days with lower AFs and without having a dozen credits to keep track of 👍
I guess you don’t get kickbacks from Citi?
That's all most youtubers are
Nope. Nor Wells Fargo.
Citi hasn't been really putting out the same as other cards/banks. Just compare Citi's lackluster transfer partners program compared to others. Not even comparable. That might change though now that Citi is the exclusive card for American Airlines. We'll see.
Do you get free lounge access?
Oh I see now
Can closing an account affect your credit score?
It can. See this video: th-cam.com/video/UcWqixdQk30/w-d-xo.html
Nice comparison keep that content-coming appreciate that
That’s dumb ur earning different points instead of one Amex points. You also don’t mention the credits which are what makes Amex card strong
This video was focused on the rewards only.
Is Amex Worth it in 2025?
Hell nah, Team Amex all day.
This was good. 👏🏽
Great video as usual
American Express 💕,… Don’t Live Life Without It 🥇
having amex platinum with delta boarding pass main cabin they do not allow in any of the delta lounges need confort+ and more which is a disadvantage
Not true. As long as you’re not flying basic economy, u can get in.
when is your 2025 plan coming out?
Not sure yet...
we need a roadmap!@@MarkReese
Excellent options, but pulling out anything other than an AMEX doesn’t feel as special and rewarding!
It's all in your head
@@ow5966 I’ve been happy with Amex in general for years, Amex is more niche imo they all spend the same to each their own.
@@ow5966Personal preference each ecosystem varies person to person.
👍🏻
Trust you your content 😮especially this content 👌