The reason why a lot of ppl are gravitating to the CSR is because so many ppl have the CSP already and it’s easier to product change then getting approved for the VX or pay more for the Plat. And last they might be gardening their 5/24 rule.
Agreed, I find it easier to get more value from CSR than AmEx Plat. Plus the travel partners are more balanced than the VX. Main issue isn’t the annual fee, that value can be found from using the extras it offers such as Instacart, Lyft, Primary CDW, etc; the main “perceived” issue is the multipliers, they’re limited, and while not high and easily accessible for gas and groceries for example which could be gained on a weekly basis, Chase does offer a standard one cent per point cash back while others don’t. So Chase does offer a higher floor and thus an efficient trio, whereas AmEx uses MR points and reward dollars which cannot stack. VX is better focused on airport travel and require booking their travel credit via the portal so you have to use atleast once, which is not bad but not flexible.
I just found your channel, I was looking into the sapphire reserve. you’re the only video I didn’t get instantly annoyed by when I searched on the app. I think I’m gonna like your channel, I’m watching the platinum video right now. Awesome video. Not insta-annoyed by what feels like every nerd trying to make money making a video for TH-cam.
Gad you stumbled across it! Pleased to hear the videos did not inst-annoy you - I know what you mean. Welcome to the channel and thank you for the feedback! Glad to have you on board!
I recently just got this because it's a 75K bonus now, and as someone who travels mostly domestic and hotels, the 1.5X using their travel portal is sooooooooooooooo easy. No need to jump through the gauntlet of finding value on Airline transfer partners. Oh yeah, and Hyatt is awesome.
@@BirchFinancewhat would you pick between venture X and CSR? My home airport is PHL and they’re opening a chase lounge, that’s why I’m considering upgrading my CSP
@@Kgt112 In that case, I'd probably go with CSR if you'll be flying pretty regularly. But I would check two things: 1. What terminal will the CSR lounge be in and is that the same terminal that you'll mostly fly in/out of? And 2, just double check, credit cards "say" they're going to open a lounge but then it takes like 5 years for it to actually open.
Easy way to get the higher transfer value ... Transfer the points to Aeroplan! Good deals with Aeroplan points flying West towards Japan via Toronto, and of course East through the European carriers.
Good call. Knock on wood I haven't had to use the cell phone insurance option (yet), but agree it's at the top of the list. It's been a while since I dove into that insurance info, but if I recall, some cards only cover up to $1000, usually around 80% of a new phone - better than nothing!
@@newagain9964$250 only if you never travel. This is a travel card, remember. Heck, Instantcart $15 monthly credit is worth $180 a year for me last year, but it's going away soon.
I really appreciate the fact that you did not blindly use TPG point valuation! Well done!
Gotta trust but verify! And, in my opinion, the numbers just don't quite realistically get there. Thanks for the note!
I’ve just watched so many videos on this topic and this is the ONLY one that actually shows real monetary value examples. Thank you!
Hey Quinton, thanks for the note! It’s a pain crunching all those numbers, glad to hear it helped out! Have a good one!
The reason why a lot of ppl are gravitating to the CSR is because so many ppl have the CSP already and it’s easier to product change then getting approved for the VX or pay more for the Plat. And last they might be gardening their 5/24 rule.
Makes sense! When I bailed on the CSR, I downgraded to the CSP. Barely use it, but still has some decent perks!
Agreed, I find it easier to get more value from CSR than AmEx Plat. Plus the travel partners are more balanced than the VX. Main issue isn’t the annual fee, that value can be found from using the extras it offers such as Instacart, Lyft, Primary CDW, etc; the main “perceived” issue is the multipliers, they’re limited, and while not high and easily accessible for gas and groceries for example which could be gained on a weekly basis, Chase does offer a standard one cent per point cash back while others don’t. So Chase does offer a higher floor and thus an efficient trio, whereas AmEx uses MR points and reward dollars which cannot stack. VX is better focused on airport travel and require booking their travel credit via the portal so you have to use atleast once, which is not bad but not flexible.
Straight to the point and no bs. Greatly appreciated.
Absolutely. I try to keep the fluff to bare minimum.
I just found your channel, I was looking into the sapphire reserve. you’re the only video I didn’t get instantly annoyed by when I searched on the app. I think I’m gonna like your channel, I’m watching the platinum video right now. Awesome video. Not insta-annoyed by what feels like every nerd trying to make money making a video for TH-cam.
Gad you stumbled across it! Pleased to hear the videos did not inst-annoy you - I know what you mean. Welcome to the channel and thank you for the feedback! Glad to have you on board!
10x Lyft is VERY underrated. Went to Boston and racked up the points w that benefit
Man that's awesome to hear. Take full advantage when you can!!
Such an underrated account. Love your videos.
Hey Tyler, thanks so much! Glad you dig em! Appreciate you letting me know!
I recently just got this because it's a 75K bonus now, and as someone who travels mostly domestic and hotels, the 1.5X using their travel portal is sooooooooooooooo easy. No need to jump through the gauntlet of finding value on Airline transfer partners. Oh yeah, and Hyatt is awesome.
Glad to hear! Low friction is key. Now I'm thinking I may have to bring this card back into my wallet!
hell yeah a new video drop!
Not a moment too soon! Thanks for checking it out!!!
Like the take and breakdown 👍🏼👍🏼 Team Venture X. Love the free authorized users
Thanks for the note, glad you enjoyed it! And absolutely Venture X 👊 It just seems to pack the most punch for the price.
I currently have a venture X and a CSP. But I’m looking to keep venture X and upgrade to CSR from CSP.
CSR has some great perks if they work for your lifestyle. IMHO, both the X and CSR is a bit much, but whatever works for you!
@@BirchFinancewhat would you pick between venture X and CSR? My home airport is PHL and they’re opening a chase lounge, that’s why I’m considering upgrading my CSP
@@Kgt112 In that case, I'd probably go with CSR if you'll be flying pretty regularly. But I would check two things: 1. What terminal will the CSR lounge be in and is that the same terminal that you'll mostly fly in/out of? And 2, just double check, credit cards "say" they're going to open a lounge but then it takes like 5 years for it to actually open.
@@BirchFinance They mentioned it is expected to open in early 2025.
Awesome! Thanks for the update!
It’s 1 cent per point for statement credit not 0.5 cent
Thanks! 👍
Easy way to get the higher transfer value ... Transfer the points to Aeroplan! Good deals with Aeroplan points flying West towards Japan via Toronto, and of course East through the European carriers.
And/or to Hyatt
Good call - that 1 to 1 goes a long ways depending on the carrier!
I read there are some truly great deals when transferring points to Hyatt!
@@BirchFinance So far, I booked a $200 Hyatt Regency for 5000 BILT points 😄😄
They have rooms reserved every day for points bookings.
Well done! 🎉 I'm so locked into the Marriott ecosystem, but Hyatt's are certainly a cut above. Enjoy the trip!
Only insurance I have ever used on c/c is cell phone insurance
Only one I value imho
Good call. Knock on wood I haven't had to use the cell phone insurance option (yet), but agree it's at the top of the list. It's been a while since I dove into that insurance info, but if I recall, some cards only cover up to $1000, usually around 80% of a new phone - better than nothing!
@@BirchFinance I used delta reserve I think it was 800 benefit very easy to use
Thanks Amex
@brucelaw8574 Nice!
It’s only 600 isn’t it? Most phones are 2x that. Making it seem useless?
havent you heard about the news about CSR losing PP restaurants? almost all reviewers arent happy
Indeed. A most unfortunate roll back in benefits. I wonder how many card holders will renew for another year…
CSR has the best Travel Protections and CDW
Looking at all those protections - it is certainly quite robust!
Still not worth $250. And it’s portal card with coupons. And not even a good portal. 😂
@@newagain9964$250 only if you never travel. This is a travel card, remember. Heck, Instantcart $15 monthly credit is worth $180 a year for me last year, but it's going away soon.
Who's the Editor?
You’re talkin to him
@@BirchFinance Keep up the good work 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Thanks! Really appreciate the feedback !🙏👍