How much value have you received from credit card points? 💳 Sebby's Card Picks: www.asksebby.com/credit-cards 💳 Learn more about Ink Unlimited: asksebby.com/go/ciu 💳 Learn more about Ink Cash: asksebby.com/go/cic
☕️ They didn't even discuss the extra value of CCs.. like Insurance, lounge access, free nights, etc... this last year I got at least $500 in value from my Venture X from lounge access and restaurants (really bummed PP restaurants are gone) This year I am traveling to Europe (first time in business class!), L.A. , Boston (layover in Dallas 🙌) Denver (Sept hoping new C1 lounge is open!) So I know I'll be seeing the same kind of value this year as well!
I put my debit card in my sock drawer, and put all of my regular spending on my Amex Plat, Gold, Green, Everyday Preferred, and Amex Blue Business. Paid it off every month. AMEX points I have accrued paid for a 10K vacation with alot of points left over. Ask Sebby is the one I followed to teach me how to think differently about spending. It made me think of all the years i've been using cash, checks and got nothing back for it. I shake my head wishing I would have started 10 years ago and how much I could have accrued in points.
I completely agree. you are actually losing money if you pay anything with cash. but it's a dangerous game. you have to know what you are doing and you have sufficient self-discipline.
Took 2 trips to Mexico last year, flights on Southwest with Companion Pass. Did 6 days/5 nights @ Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive w/flights for $230. Did 6 days/5 nights @ Hyatt Ziva Cabo all-inclusive w/flights for $240. My +1 and I can't live in our midwest city for $230-240 per week - we'd be driving, going to grocery store, etc. We went on those trips to save money.
I am personally one of those who don't trust credit cards since it's not so common in my country but when my mentor at work informed me of the perks, I decided to give it a try. At first I got so excited and bought stuff I didn't really need but now I'm starting to control my spending habits and it even made me more practical.
I think you should always pay the credit card each month and never buy anything with it unless you already have the money. Paying interest is like throwing your cash in a fire. I use my credit card for everything because if my credit card gets stolen and they spend 10000 on it I can call the credit card company and they will very quickly close the card and they will pay for that 10000. If my bank card was robbed for 10000 I might not get it back.
I have low/mid spend and I made about the same, $1700 in value in a year. That's without going too far out of the way. Everyone who hates on cards either doesn't understand them or doesn't understand how easy it is to keep track of 10+ cards.
☕️ I’m new to credit carding. I consider it a new (expensive) hobby. For years I was dealing with financial illiteracy and being in debt. After learning how credit works and how it should be used, I’ve cleaned up. I’m taking what once used to cripple me and making it into something positive.
On a quick mental calculation, I earned somewhere around $4000 towards travel from various rewards last year, and paid $1190 in annual fees (but only $540 in effective annual fees after credits). And that's just with fairly normal spend and no new cards or sign up bonuses. I've saved rewards up for a few years over the pandemic and we've already booked $5000+ worth of "free" travel for this year, plus more to come. Hoping to get some new cards later this year as well which should probably add a few thousand more. It's a pretty lucrative way to finance travels and I wish more people could see the value.
I understand what you mean by you wish more people would see the value of playing the game, but undoubtedly if everyone would be doing it, these programs would all get devalued pretty quickly
☕️ I’ve been a credit card point nerd for years. I think people they don’t enjoy the point system just aren’t meant for the game.😂 we have accumulated so many points and use so many on excellent travel opportunities. I do agree that the point system it is mostly geared towards people that have the luxury of putting things on credit cards due to good credit. Keep up the good work Sebby!
I mean I always tell my friends why use a debit card instead of a CC and getting rewards but they're too afraid to overspend but I told them keep the same financial mindset as you are paying with a debit card
I try to think of my credit card as a debit. I want all the points but I don’t want to go outside of what I can pay off each month. I get nothing back if I pay in cash or with debit!
I got over $12,000 in value from my points last year, on an average income! I think the biggest mistake people with higher income make with their points is they don’t optimally use them. I know a lot of business owners with a huge stash of points that travel, but they only redeem their points for gift cards 🤦🏼♂️ with a small shift in the way they use their points they could travel way better and way cheaper.
Had some solid redemptions last year, flight to/from Denver with 3 night stay at Hyatt and First Class tickets to Hawaii. I love the flexibility credit card points give you. This year looking at tickets to/from Paris (coach unfortunately since I’ll be traveling with non-credit card people). I will expose them to the lounge life though.
Great reaction video. Speaking as a mortgage lender: manual underwriting doesn’t impact your interest rate. Loan program, down payment, occupancy, property type, credit score and debt to income ratio will.
They failed to mention the main reason I stick with credit cards, which is security. Also, less activity on your checking account means you're less likely to overdraft because an auto payment hit at the same time as you made a large purchase or a hold was put on a debit card charge. ☕
Beginning of 2022 I opened a Hilton honors surpass card, and a BoA premium travel rewards card. I was able to fly direct, round trip to San Diego from Chicago for $10 and stay in the city for 3 nights for $250 including card annual fees I paid $430 for the weekend (not included food/drink lol) a few weeks ago I also used my free night to stay the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Learning to leverage credit card points is worth it.
Do you have a video or a system to stay organized when paying everything on cards? Just started this method, but figuring out a good way to keep track of due dates and annual fees and card benefits to make sure I use. Thanks! Love all the content! Keep up the great work!
Spreadsheets help a ton. I made a (free) Notion template and showed how to use it on this video: th-cam.com/video/3oBpBXGbmpY/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=AskSebby
lol, actually i don’t begrudge ramsey. there are people who just want to be told what to do. thinking for themselves is hard. those types are better off just using their debit. better that than them getting into cc debt and then raging about evil credit cards😂. ramsey serves a purpose
@Shawn lol, yeah but think about ramseys audience. You can argue until you’re blue in the face. They. Just. Wont. Get. It. So I say, thank goodness for Ramsey keeping them out of homelessness. Hes a godsend for that.
@Shawn that’s true, but 90% of people will never be educated or simply don’t have the willpower. I used to trash DR but I’ve come to the realization that most people suck with money and should not use credit cards.
@@Rolando-SE a good portion of his audience is either working class or lower-end of middle class. His advice is aimed at that demographic. Much of it is probably good if you’re in that situation, since credit card debt is a huge barrier to entering the middle class. But if you have enough discretionary income that you never carry a balance in the first place, then not having a track record of responsible credit use puts you at a disadvantage. One size does not fit all. Plus, aggressive debt repayment when you only have $1k as an emergency fund is a joke. Maybe $1k is enough in Frog Crotch, TN where his audience lives, but in the rest of the country, that won’t even cover a month’s rent.
☕most of the people I talk to about having a lot of credit cards have old school mindsets. I like the single digit credit utilization. Also, I cannot agree more that sign up bonuses are great. Cash back rewards helped me furnish and decorate my house for stuff I wanted/needed regardless. 😁
☕️ Thanks for showing me the ropes. I’ve had some amazing experiences between hyatts, the FHR collection, xfer bonuses and more. I used to be team Airbnb but now am 100% team hotels
☕ #squad. Last year was a good year. Venture X SUB and Citi Premier SUB. 160,000 points at a modest 1.5 cpp is an easy $2400 in value. That doesn't include my other spend. I just booked a trip for later this year where I transferred some of those very points to travel partners for approximately 3 cpp. The true value has been wonderful. Thanks Sebby! Lastly, I don't argue with people about finances/CC. Those that are close to me are comfortable asking and I provide answers. One of my closest friends used to always, in good faith, critique this hobby.....until we had a delayed departure in Vegas. This was about two years ago when guests were complementary. A few hours In Vegas enjoying the Platinum Life changed his tune 😂
Took a trip to the Andaz Maui last year for 7 days. Had Globalist from the challenge in 2021. Used 240k UR/WoH points for a cash value of $6600 plus the additional savings for daily breakfast of $100 per day, free parking, and waived resort fees. All in all, I think I got around $8k in value. I also purchased flights through SWA and had companion pass. So yeah, to Sebby's point, it's possible to get a ton of value from points and way above $1700.
Yeah I was wondering about that, if there is a service that i can pay rent/utilities is less-- like plastique but they stopped accepting my amex gold as of feb
I still use it to for utilities because for me the amount of cash back exceeds the processing fee. It’s a flat fee of $1.50 but I get 2% back with the card that I use. I’m considering applying for the US Bank Cash plus just for utilities because you get 5% back.
☕️ Have you considered paying utilities via PayPal Bill Pay? You could add one of your existing CC or apply for the PP Cashback MC that earns 2/3% cash back.
☕️❤☕️ Hey Sebby, My Pro-Tip… I fast forward to the end of the video to see what emoji we’re using this video, then rewind and watch the contact. Also thumbs up several times on different devices, my TV and iPhone. Love the content, love the channel, always enjoy the new angles! PS come visit Monterey!!!
This past year I've earned around $3500 in points mostly from SUBs (CSP, CFF, CFU, Venture, Hilton surpass, and Prime card). So far I've only paid $190 in annual fees. Haven't redeemed much yet though. A night at a Holiday Inn Express and a weekend at an Air Bnb. But hey I'm stocked up for my next vacation.
As an average consumer, I get about $500 in value every year from my credit card spend. That’s in cash value alone, not elevated value for transferring points. That’s also not counting any signup bonuses.
I still use my debit card for some transactions like paying bills. There are Credit Cards that don't have reward points. So it's meaningless if I use my C.O. Platinum Card over my Debit Card. However I make more purchases on that card than my Debit card. Even with my Platinum card I don't even use the cash back links on Capital One Card. Like Adidas. For that I would just complete the transaction on my TD Bank Cash Card. I have a Credit Card ladder goal in the next year.
☕️ Thought process has absolutely changed over the last year as I’ve realized how much aspirational travel I’ve missed out on; but circumstances have only gotten better over the last couple of years, so; now it’s about higher cash back or joining team rewards and getting my player two into a better mindset with cards.
Out of curiosity, what triggered this change? I think the "cash back for every transaction" to aspirational travel jump is super interesting. Might use it for a #futurevideo if you're comfortable :)
So I went from a very transitory “have bag and skill, will travel” life (nothing international, all political campaign work) that was all contract to a more established “traditional” work life, so I did the stupid thing of living off cards and carrying balances between campaigns; but then I took out a loan to clear that debt and was able to pay off balances with ease. Now that I seem to be in a better place to do that; it makes collecting reward points significantly easier. Watching credit card content also has me intrigued as I keep gardening and working on my player 2s credit profile so we can travel more as a family in the next few years.
@@AskSebby also, in my experience, Wells gives me cash back into my accounts, I’ve had a long term relationship with them and they’re finally lifting their $25 increments. I also bank with Capital One and my cash back through them is harder to put into my account. One of the reasons I’m not into AmEx’s cashback is they only do a statement credit on the BCE/BCP & there’s no mechanism I’m aware of to turn that into MR points , so while I can bank big statement credit; it isn’t really money I can use beyond AmEx. So if they give you cash back that isn’t cash; what’s the point?
☕️ Sebby you should make a video clarifying business vs personal expenses with your business card channel. I feel like a lot of people, even business owners, are confused about that topic.
About 12 years ago I ruined my great credit when I took some really bad advice from some well meaning, but credit ignorant, people. Once I dug myself out of the trenches and started to see enough of incline in my score that credit card companies were willing to take a chance on me again, I decided that I would immerse myself in credit knowledge in order to ensure that I never made the same mistakes again. Since that day I haven't touched my debit cards. I strictly use credit cards and make sure that my credit works me instead of me working for my credit.
☕ I just don't bother trying to explain credit cards to people anymore... They always hear x annual fee and immediately get turned off even after I lay out the effective annual fee
I see transfer fees on a lot of the cards that say months of no transfer fees. In the fees and costs side of the paperwork' they claim 3-5% fees for a transfer 0r a 30-50$ charge (whichever is greater). UHHH, you are speaking of "transferring bonus rewards", right? I don't recall, but, do they charge for those pts transferred? UH, could you do a review on the Sam's 5% cash back bonus reward card with perks for travel and accommodations?
☕️ a lot of people that don’t like credit cards seem to fall into two camps. On one side, it’s almost like a morality issue if you use credit. These are usually the Dave Ramsey types. On the other side, there is a lot of arrogance. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people scoff at me for paying an annual fee on a card. “Why would you pay a fee to a bank to spend you own money?” When you show them the numbers, the goal posts shift and all of a sudden I’m overvaluing all these benefits I get. Meanwhile, the same people criticizing have memberships to places like Costco, Sam’s Club, or Amazon prime. Zero awareness 😂
☕️, the video you reacted to is so old school thinking in credit card managing. I'm so shocked that people with little to no knowledge will be watching this video. Keep up the amazing work sebby!
☕️ I use my points in 2 ways: Everyday items like clothes for my kids as they grow like weeds… so using my gold card for groceries and dinner/lunch can acquire crazy points and then just put back into my pocket with buying clothes for family. The other piece is on flights / hotels / events So I have co-branded cards to earn specific points and then can save up and go on trips / stays for limited upfront cost. Even if points are devalued I’m still spending way less money by using saved points.
Lol. I got way more than $1700 in points last year. My first year in the game. Just with SUB's I got 405k points. Add in spend and referrals and it's close to 650k total annual fees? Well year $395 for my Venture X. CSP waived FY, United waved first year, 2 Inks with no annual fee... this game can be rewarding for sure!
Last year: Round trip to Tahiti business class: 4500 One way business class to Bkk: 2000 One way first class Bkk to KIX: 2000 One way first class NRT to Sfo: 10k 9 nights of hotels in Thailand 1500 Easily 20k+ last year…
I do use credit cards to pay for everything but the CNBC video felt like it was product placement and didn't focus on some of the darker side of credit cards and financial stability. Best strategy seems to be to switch every couple of years to get the sign up bonuses and do downgrades on the high end cards.
☕️☕️ I am new to the credit card game but i’m very excited to start it really just seems fun, strategizing cards, building points, transfer to partners. on top of that there’s a lot of different setups and new cards that change the arena lmao i see why they call it the credit card GAME.
☕️ & what’s your thoughts on the AMEX Gold ? Can’t see myself atm paying the annual fee on the platinum & using it to its full potential as I don’t travel as often
Getting mixed messages as to paying off balances before the statement closing date versus paying off statement balance before the due date. What’s the favorable approach?
☕ Excellent video! Thanks! How often do you think is a good span for opening a new card? I have a very good hotel card (got in on a 175,000 points offer), met the minimum spend but would now like to open either a Chase or Amex. Which would you do first?
I would do Chase first given opportunity cost. Depends on your spend more than anything. Some people do every 6 months. Others every 3. Some 2 cards every 3 months.
I think the rewards utilization is kind of a J-curve. The poorest tend to leave them on the table because they are very small amounts, and then utilization rises rapidly with income, probably reaching a peak in that lower end of the upper-middle class… where people are used to perks and upgrades but maximize the rewards to pad it for luxury experiences. Then from there, it slowly falls off again, as the super wealthy don’t care about plonking down $10,000 for airfare.
I'm debating whether I should open a bunch of 1% credit cards because they're sign up bonus is from $100 $150 $200 Yeah it sucks that they only give you 1% back but the sign up bonus is good though. I have a bunch of other credit cards that give me better returns than 1% already.
☕️ I'd like to save up for a big Europe trip with my wife, is there a good methodology? You say use points as soon as possible. How else am insuppose to save up 4 or 500k points for a big trip? I have about 160k Chase points at the moment.
☕This is a great reaction vid; very well-suited for a lot of CC naysayers out there, especially those who don't see the value of pay-as-you-go. Oh, how I wish there was an affordable way to pay rent by CC. Is there or is it just YMMV?
I am trying to convert to this strategy. Any suggestions on how to do this and not overspend? I find myself doing it unintentionally and read an article that on average we spend 20-30% more using credit cards. Thanks for any advice I get!
If you know credit cards won't work for you, then don't. If you accumulate credit card debt you'll lose more than you'll gain in rewards. Still you can focus on getting the intro bonuses (20,000-60,000 pts means $200-$600 per card towards travel). So open one card at a time and put your fixed costs (not extra spending, only the money you already are guaranteed to spend every month) just to hit the spending requirement. Now you've got the points, you never have to use the card again if you don't want to (don't cancel cards until a year after opening) and you're free to transfer your fixed expenses onto the next card and get another 20,000-60,000 points or $200-600. The key is you are not overspending here, you are ONLY putting charges you are already making onto the card. Any additional charges do not need to be put on the card if you know you can't trust yourself right now (and good for you for knowing your limits).
☕ I think the points users tend to be nouveau riche (and primarily thrifty Asians like me because free/discounted is good!😂) where our parents didn't have such things/earned less and we earn a lot more in comparison. Why someone may or may not use credit cards makes a difference. Those that poo-poo others it's more ignorance, but some people don't trust themselves to use credit responsibly or may have past credit problems and might avoid it and that's just smart.
How many cards can you signup for in one weekend? I know you get inquiries but if you are pre approved sometimes a bank will give you two different cards aroun the same time.
I don't know the exact value and dollars I've gotten in value from credit card points, particularly chase ultimate reward points, but in the last year I've been able to book flights to Rome, the returning trip being business class, 6 days in a five Star hotel in Rome, two nights at a Hyatt hotel in Orlando, and one night at a Hyatt resort in Orlando. I absolutely would have never had the money to do all of this if it weren't for points. The caveat is, it's mostly from sign up bonuses not earn points. Still, I earn about 12,000 points a month on spend with Chase, so I expect to have enough points to do something decent in the next couple years. Overall the credit card game has been good to me because of the rewards. Also I don't consider myself particularly savvy when booking hotels and flights. Hyatt hotels was a no-brainer, but I booked my flights through United, which doesn't really offer any particularly outsized value.
☕️ getting into the game. Looking at going for the CSP as it seems Chase will be increasing the sign up bonus from 60,000 to 90,000 reward points after the business brand boost is up
☕☕Until I recently picked up the Skymiles Reserve card for lounge access, I was in the mindset they outlined in the special. Now I'm wanting to diversify my cards as I primarily have co-branded cards which limit my rewards usage and I want to branch out to the rewards points ecosystems like Amex and/or Chase. I travel frequently for work so I organically build up points with a primary airline, hotel and rental car but want to ability to be able to venture outside of those brands for aspirational travel if necessary. I find your videos informative and would like to see more travel videos to give me ideas of things we need to do.
☕️ My husband and I along with my brother we use our credit cards for spending as much as we can. We like it for security purposes and getting something in return and we each have specific credit card systems which helps us analyze spending. We are new to this but I can say confidently we have benefited and really do enjoy it. For the people who are not into credit cards I think after my first few times trying to explain what we do and them not listening I just stop. Leave them be. 🤷🏻♀️
I think a lot of people discount / forget the security aspect. Debit card fraud is so much more annoying to deal with, especially if the bank doesn't side with you. Even if it "typically" doesn't happen, not worth the risk :)
I e des up having to make payments on mines in over 3 months as soon as I pay it I can use my card again but not closing it it took me a 18 months tog et this w no deposit but I set up my payments wrong I needed instant pay I did t realize the cc did t take money out for my payment til 5 days after it took to pull via a payment by account and I spent the money not knowing it did t pull yet I’m so stupid I. Worked hard about 2 years to get to almost 650
How much value have you received from credit card points?
💳 Sebby's Card Picks: www.asksebby.com/credit-cards
💳 Learn more about Ink Unlimited: asksebby.com/go/ciu
💳 Learn more about Ink Cash: asksebby.com/go/cic
☕️ They didn't even discuss the extra value of CCs.. like Insurance, lounge access, free nights, etc... this last year I got at least $500 in value from my Venture X from lounge access and restaurants (really bummed PP restaurants are gone) This year I am traveling to Europe (first time in business class!), L.A. , Boston (layover in Dallas 🙌) Denver (Sept hoping new C1 lounge is open!) So I know I'll be seeing the same kind of value this year as well!
I put my debit card in my sock drawer, and put all of my regular spending on my Amex Plat, Gold, Green, Everyday Preferred, and Amex Blue Business. Paid it off every month. AMEX points I have accrued paid for a 10K vacation with alot of points left over. Ask Sebby is the one I followed to teach me how to think differently about spending. It made me think of all the years i've been using cash, checks and got nothing back for it. I shake my head wishing I would have started 10 years ago and how much I could have accrued in points.
I completely agree. you are actually losing money if you pay anything with cash. but it's a dangerous game. you have to know what you are doing and you have sufficient self-discipline.
Took 2 trips to Mexico last year, flights on Southwest with Companion Pass. Did 6 days/5 nights @ Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive w/flights for $230. Did 6 days/5 nights @ Hyatt Ziva Cabo all-inclusive w/flights for $240. My +1 and I can't live in our midwest city for $230-240 per week - we'd be driving, going to grocery store, etc. We went on those trips to save money.
Nice!!
What cards do you use?? I new
I am personally one of those who don't trust credit cards since it's not so common in my country but when my mentor at work informed me of the perks, I decided to give it a try. At first I got so excited and bought stuff I didn't really need but now I'm starting to control my spending habits and it even made me more practical.
I think you should always pay the credit card each month and never buy anything with it unless you already have the money. Paying interest is like throwing your cash in a fire. I use my credit card for everything because if my credit card gets stolen and they spend 10000 on it I can call the credit card company and they will very quickly close the card and they will pay for that 10000. If my bank card was robbed for 10000 I might not get it back.
I have low/mid spend and I made about the same, $1700 in value in a year. That's without going too far out of the way. Everyone who hates on cards either doesn't understand them or doesn't understand how easy it is to keep track of 10+ cards.
☕️ I’m new to credit carding. I consider it a new (expensive) hobby. For years I was dealing with financial illiteracy and being in debt. After learning how credit works and how it should be used, I’ve cleaned up. I’m taking what once used to cripple me and making it into something positive.
On a quick mental calculation, I earned somewhere around $4000 towards travel from various rewards last year, and paid $1190 in annual fees (but only $540 in effective annual fees after credits). And that's just with fairly normal spend and no new cards or sign up bonuses. I've saved rewards up for a few years over the pandemic and we've already booked $5000+ worth of "free" travel for this year, plus more to come. Hoping to get some new cards later this year as well which should probably add a few thousand more. It's a pretty lucrative way to finance travels and I wish more people could see the value.
I understand what you mean by you wish more people would see the value of playing the game, but undoubtedly if everyone would be doing it, these programs would all get devalued pretty quickly
☕️ I’ve been a credit card point nerd for years. I think people they don’t enjoy the point system just aren’t meant for the game.😂 we have accumulated so many points and use so many on excellent travel opportunities. I do agree that the point system it is mostly geared towards people that have the luxury of putting things on credit cards due to good credit. Keep up the good work Sebby!
#teamoptimizer :)
CNBC should be using Ask Sebby for this type of videos
I have been watching your videos for a couple of years now and I always redeem through airline partners!!
Thanks for being such an awesome teacher!!
I mean I always tell my friends why use a debit card instead of a CC and getting rewards but they're too afraid to overspend but I told them keep the same financial mindset as you are paying with a debit card
☕ Great video brotha. I am still crazy about credit cards too.
I try to think of my credit card as a debit. I want all the points but I don’t want to go outside of what I can pay off each month.
I get nothing back if I pay in cash or with debit!
I got over $12,000 in value from my points last year, on an average income!
I think the biggest mistake people with higher income make with their points is they don’t optimally use them.
I know a lot of business owners with a huge stash of points that travel, but they only redeem their points for gift cards 🤦🏼♂️ with a small shift in the way they use their points they could travel way better and way cheaper.
I buy everything with credit card and enjoying those cash back..the key is to make sure you pay off your balance every month
Had some solid redemptions last year, flight to/from Denver with 3 night stay at Hyatt and First Class tickets to Hawaii.
I love the flexibility credit card points give you. This year looking at tickets to/from Paris (coach unfortunately since I’ll be traveling with non-credit card people). I will expose them to the lounge life though.
Great reaction video.
Speaking as a mortgage lender: manual underwriting doesn’t impact your interest rate. Loan program, down payment, occupancy, property type, credit score and debt to income ratio will.
They failed to mention the main reason I stick with credit cards, which is security. Also, less activity on your checking account means you're less likely to overdraft because an auto payment hit at the same time as you made a large purchase or a hold was put on a debit card charge. ☕
Same. If I’m in a shady area or have a big charge, I’d rather use a credit card because it’s the banks’ money on the line, not mine.
Exactly. Credit cards are the safest method of payment.
Beginning of 2022 I opened a Hilton honors surpass card, and a BoA premium travel rewards card.
I was able to fly direct, round trip to San Diego from Chicago for $10 and stay in the city for 3 nights for $250 including card annual fees I paid $430 for the weekend (not included food/drink lol) a few weeks ago I also used my free night to stay the Waldorf Astoria Chicago.
Learning to leverage credit card points is worth it.
Do you have a video or a system to stay organized when paying everything on cards? Just started this method, but figuring out a good way to keep track of due dates and annual fees and card benefits to make sure I use. Thanks!
Love all the content! Keep up the great work!
Spreadsheets help a ton. I made a (free) Notion template and showed how to use it on this video: th-cam.com/video/3oBpBXGbmpY/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=AskSebby
Thank you for everything you do, Sebby! Big fan!
I appreciate that! :)
We will need horcruxes to defend against the Dave Ramsey types!
😂🙊
lol, actually i don’t begrudge ramsey. there are people who just want to be told what to do. thinking for themselves is hard. those types are better off just using their debit. better that than them getting into cc debt and then raging about evil credit cards😂. ramsey serves a purpose
@Shawn lol, yeah but think about ramseys audience. You can argue until you’re blue in the face. They. Just. Wont. Get. It. So I say, thank goodness for Ramsey keeping them out of homelessness. Hes a godsend for that.
@Shawn that’s true, but 90% of people will never be educated or simply don’t have the willpower. I used to trash DR but I’ve come to the realization that most people suck with money and should not use credit cards.
@@Rolando-SE a good portion of his audience is either working class or lower-end of middle class. His advice is aimed at that demographic. Much of it is probably good if you’re in that situation, since credit card debt is a huge barrier to entering the middle class. But if you have enough discretionary income that you never carry a balance in the first place, then not having a track record of responsible credit use puts you at a disadvantage. One size does not fit all.
Plus, aggressive debt repayment when you only have $1k as an emergency fund is a joke. Maybe $1k is enough in Frog Crotch, TN where his audience lives, but in the rest of the country, that won’t even cover a month’s rent.
☕most of the people I talk to about having a lot of credit cards have old school mindsets. I like the single digit credit utilization. Also, I cannot agree more that sign up bonuses are great. Cash back rewards helped me furnish and decorate my house for stuff I wanted/needed regardless. 😁
☕️
Thanks for showing me the ropes. I’ve had some amazing experiences between hyatts, the FHR collection, xfer bonuses and more. I used to be team Airbnb but now am 100% team hotels
Everything you say is true, thank you so much for posting.
☕️ I listen/watch your videos often:). I always learn something new and beneficial. Your website is incredibly helpful as well! TY!
☕ #squad. Last year was a good year. Venture X SUB and Citi Premier SUB. 160,000 points at a modest 1.5 cpp is an easy $2400 in value. That doesn't include my other spend. I just booked a trip for later this year where I transferred some of those very points to travel partners for approximately 3 cpp. The true value has been wonderful. Thanks Sebby!
Lastly, I don't argue with people about finances/CC. Those that are close to me are comfortable asking and I provide answers. One of my closest friends used to always, in good faith, critique this hobby.....until we had a delayed departure in Vegas. This was about two years ago when guests were complementary. A few hours In Vegas enjoying the Platinum Life changed his tune 😂
over 40k including 3 business class The room tickets RT to Japan. In 5 weeks going to Turkey in Q suite 2 tickets RT.
Took a trip to the Andaz Maui last year for 7 days. Had Globalist from the challenge in 2021. Used 240k UR/WoH points for a cash value of $6600 plus the additional savings for daily breakfast of $100 per day, free parking, and waived resort fees. All in all, I think I got around $8k in value. I also purchased flights through SWA and had companion pass. So yeah, to Sebby's point, it's possible to get a ton of value from points and way above $1700.
How was the trip to andaz maui? My brother is stationed around there and was planning on going. Would you recommend it? Never been to Hawaii before
The only cost I cannot justify is paying utilities since the companies in my area pass on the processing charges to us.
Yeah I was wondering about that, if there is a service that i can pay rent/utilities is less-- like plastique but they stopped accepting my amex gold as of feb
The BUILT Mastercard will offset the transaction fee for rent payments! And the points are transferable to a number of partners.
I still use it to for utilities because for me the amount of cash back exceeds the processing fee. It’s a flat fee of $1.50 but I get 2% back with the card that I use. I’m considering applying for the US Bank Cash plus just for utilities because you get 5% back.
@@boondoggle4820 nice. I would get a three percent charge smh
☕️ Have you considered paying utilities via PayPal Bill Pay? You could add one of your existing CC or apply for the PP Cashback MC that earns 2/3% cash back.
☕️❤☕️ Hey Sebby, My Pro-Tip… I fast forward to the end of the video to see what emoji we’re using this video, then rewind and watch the contact. Also thumbs up several times on different devices, my TV and iPhone. Love the content, love the channel, always enjoy the new angles! PS come visit Monterey!!!
This past year I've earned around $3500 in points mostly from SUBs (CSP, CFF, CFU, Venture, Hilton surpass, and Prime card). So far I've only paid $190 in annual fees. Haven't redeemed much yet though. A night at a Holiday Inn Express and a weekend at an Air Bnb. But hey I'm stocked up for my next vacation.
As an average consumer, I get about $500 in value every year from my credit card spend. That’s in cash value alone, not elevated value for transferring points. That’s also not counting any signup bonuses.
I do not pay cash for anything unless I absolutely have to. I have cards for everything, Groceries, Restaurants, Flights, Everyday Purchases.
☕️ ☕️☕️ I agree with you … could you provide the link to the CNBC video please?
I still use my debit card for some transactions like paying bills. There are Credit Cards that don't have reward points. So it's meaningless if I use my C.O. Platinum Card over my Debit Card. However I make more purchases on that card than my Debit card. Even with my Platinum card I don't even use the cash back links on Capital One Card. Like Adidas. For that I would just complete the transaction on my TD Bank Cash Card.
I have a Credit Card ladder goal in the next year.
Value over the last year: $1,200 Air France Atlanta to Cairo Egypt, $1,724 the Nile Ritz Carlton 4 nights with club access. All booked with points
☕️ Thought process has absolutely changed over the last year as I’ve realized how much aspirational travel I’ve missed out on; but circumstances have only gotten better over the last couple of years, so; now it’s about higher cash back or joining team rewards and getting my player two into a better mindset with cards.
Out of curiosity, what triggered this change? I think the "cash back for every transaction" to aspirational travel jump is super interesting. Might use it for a #futurevideo if you're comfortable :)
So I went from a very transitory “have bag and skill, will travel” life (nothing international, all political campaign work) that was all contract to a more established “traditional” work life, so I did the stupid thing of living off cards and carrying balances between campaigns; but then I took out a loan to clear that debt and was able to pay off balances with ease. Now that I seem to be in a better place to do that; it makes collecting reward points significantly easier. Watching credit card content also has me intrigued as I keep gardening and working on my player 2s credit profile so we can travel more as a family in the next few years.
@@AskSebby also, in my experience, Wells gives me cash back into my accounts, I’ve had a long term relationship with them and they’re finally lifting their $25 increments. I also bank with Capital One and my cash back through them is harder to put into my account.
One of the reasons I’m not into AmEx’s cashback is they only do a statement credit on the BCE/BCP & there’s no mechanism I’m aware of to turn that into MR points , so while I can bank big statement credit; it isn’t really money I can use beyond AmEx.
So if they give you cash back that isn’t cash; what’s the point?
How much did I earn in rewards in 2022? Probably $9,000+ with business spend.
Awesome Review ..and yes I agree with you . !!
Your channel has taught me so much !!☕️
☕ Hey Sebby, informative as usual. You mentioned 'catch all cards' in this video. In your opinion, what are the top 3 catch all cards?
Chase Freedom Unlimited (CFU), Citi Double Cash (CDC), Amex BBP (Blue Business Plus).
☕️ Sebby you should make a video clarifying business vs personal expenses with your business card channel. I feel like a lot of people, even business owners, are confused about that topic.
About 12 years ago I ruined my great credit when I took some really bad advice from some well meaning, but credit ignorant, people. Once I dug myself out of the trenches and started to see enough of incline in my score that credit card companies were willing to take a chance on me again, I decided that I would immerse myself in credit knowledge in order to ensure that I never made the same mistakes again. Since that day I haven't touched my debit cards. I strictly use credit cards and make sure that my credit works me instead of me working for my credit.
☕️ have you done a deep dive on transfer partners - an example ( Amex and chase) thanks
☕ I just don't bother trying to explain credit cards to people anymore... They always hear x annual fee and immediately get turned off even after I lay out the effective annual fee
I see transfer fees on a lot of the cards that say months of no transfer fees. In the fees and costs side of the paperwork' they claim 3-5% fees for a transfer 0r a 30-50$ charge (whichever is greater). UHHH, you are speaking of "transferring bonus rewards", right?
I don't recall, but, do they charge for those pts transferred? UH, could you do a review on the Sam's 5% cash back bonus reward card with perks for travel and accommodations?
Just make sure you have money put the side to cover your statement due date
☕️ a lot of people that don’t like credit cards seem to fall into two camps. On one side, it’s almost like a morality issue if you use credit. These are usually the Dave Ramsey types. On the other side, there is a lot of arrogance. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people scoff at me for paying an annual fee on a card. “Why would you pay a fee to a bank to spend you own money?” When you show them the numbers, the goal posts shift and all of a sudden I’m overvaluing all these benefits I get. Meanwhile, the same people criticizing have memberships to places like Costco, Sam’s Club, or Amazon prime. Zero awareness 😂
☕️ think Chase will come out with any new products better or between the CSR - CSP?
Appreciate you SEBBY!!
☕️, the video you reacted to is so old school thinking in credit card managing. I'm so shocked that people with little to no knowledge will be watching this video. Keep up the amazing work sebby!
☕️ I use my points in 2 ways:
Everyday items like clothes for my kids as they grow like weeds… so using my gold card for groceries and dinner/lunch can acquire crazy points and then just put back into my pocket with buying clothes for family.
The other piece is on flights / hotels / events
So I have co-branded cards to earn specific points and then can save up and go on trips / stays for limited upfront cost. Even if points are devalued I’m still spending way less money by using saved points.
Thanks for your passion on this Sebby! 🍫
☕️ can't you save points over time longer than a year or 2 for a GIGANTIC aspirational trip? Or several trips say for retirement
Bonus credit cards are not in my future. Don't really want to even try to apply even with a soft pull.
☕️ great information as always!
Lol. I got way more than $1700 in points last year. My first year in the game. Just with SUB's I got 405k points. Add in spend and referrals and it's close to 650k total annual fees? Well year $395 for my Venture X. CSP waived FY, United waved first year, 2 Inks with no annual fee... this game can be rewarding for sure!
Last year:
Round trip to Tahiti business class: 4500
One way business class to Bkk: 2000
One way first class Bkk to KIX: 2000
One way first class NRT to Sfo: 10k
9 nights of hotels in Thailand 1500
Easily 20k+ last year…
I do use credit cards to pay for everything but the CNBC video felt like it was product placement and didn't focus on some of the darker side of credit cards and financial stability. Best strategy seems to be to switch every couple of years to get the sign up bonuses and do downgrades on the high end cards.
☕ uh, what travel cards do you recommend? I messed up and only have cash back cards :/
Hey Sebby with all those cards what do you pay in annual fees
Loved the Suntory 🤙🏽
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I am new to the credit card game but i’m very excited to start it really just seems fun, strategizing cards, building points, transfer to partners. on top of that there’s a lot of different setups and new cards that change the arena lmao i see why they call it the credit card GAME.
☕️ & what’s your thoughts on the AMEX Gold ? Can’t see myself atm paying the annual fee on the platinum & using it to its full potential as I don’t travel as often
Calculator here to crunch your numbers: www.asksebby.com/credit-card-reviews/amex-gold-card
Getting mixed messages as to paying off balances before the statement closing date versus paying off statement balance before the due date. What’s the favorable approach?
Paying before closing date will make your credit utilization on your credit report lower.
We need a video on how to use them points with these partners.
☕ Excellent video! Thanks! How often do you think is a good span for opening a new card? I have a very good hotel card (got in on a 175,000 points offer), met the minimum spend but would now like to open either a Chase or Amex. Which would you do first?
I would do Chase first given opportunity cost.
Depends on your spend more than anything. Some people do every 6 months. Others every 3. Some 2 cards every 3 months.
My opinion on credit card s is what ever Sebby tells me it is!
I think the rewards utilization is kind of a J-curve. The poorest tend to leave them on the table because they are very small amounts, and then utilization rises rapidly with income, probably reaching a peak in that lower end of the upper-middle class… where people are used to perks and upgrades but maximize the rewards to pad it for luxury experiences. Then from there, it slowly falls off again, as the super wealthy don’t care about plonking down $10,000 for airfare.
I'm debating whether I should open a bunch of 1% credit cards because they're sign up bonus is from $100 $150 $200
Yeah it sucks that they only give you 1% back but the sign up bonus is good though.
I have a bunch of other credit cards that give me better returns than 1% already.
Just use credit card as cash while you budget then keep that balance paid... Not very hard to do...
Why leave $1 on the balance and not just pay off the whole balanec?
Have you seen the SoFi rate changes?? Savings bumped from 3.75% APY to 4% but checking dropped from 2.5% APY to 1.2% yikes!
Hard to keep up these days. Rates are constantly changing each month.
☕️ I'd like to save up for a big Europe trip with my wife, is there a good methodology? You say use points as soon as possible. How else am insuppose to save up 4 or 500k points for a big trip? I have about 160k Chase points at the moment.
I wonder if there will ever be a card that will include Walmart and target in the grocery category.
US Bank has a new card where Walmart and Target are their own category
I have a lot of people tell me they have perfect credit because they have no credit cards. How is that possible?
$1,700 is for rookies, I broke $10k last year in total value. ☕️
☕️ Would love to see more reaction videos like this
☕This is a great reaction vid; very well-suited for a lot of CC naysayers out there, especially those who don't see the value of pay-as-you-go.
Oh, how I wish there was an affordable way to pay rent by CC. Is there or is it just YMMV?
Bilt CC for paying rent. Sebby recently did a vid about it. I got it a few months ago and I'm a fan.
@@sharoky13 Great. Thanks.
☕️sebby next time plz watch the video in 1080p 60fps or just in good quality, Thxs
I am trying to convert to this strategy. Any suggestions on how to do this and not overspend? I find myself doing it unintentionally and read an article that on average we spend 20-30% more using credit cards. Thanks for any advice I get!
If you know credit cards won't work for you, then don't. If you accumulate credit card debt you'll lose more than you'll gain in rewards. Still you can focus on getting the intro bonuses (20,000-60,000 pts means $200-$600 per card towards travel). So open one card at a time and put your fixed costs (not extra spending, only the money you already are guaranteed to spend every month) just to hit the spending requirement. Now you've got the points, you never have to use the card again if you don't want to (don't cancel cards until a year after opening) and you're free to transfer your fixed expenses onto the next card and get another 20,000-60,000 points or $200-600. The key is you are not overspending here, you are ONLY putting charges you are already making onto the card. Any additional charges do not need to be put on the card if you know you can't trust yourself right now (and good for you for knowing your limits).
☕ I think the points users tend to be nouveau riche (and primarily thrifty Asians like me because free/discounted is good!😂) where our parents didn't have such things/earned less and we earn a lot more in comparison. Why someone may or may not use credit cards makes a difference. Those that poo-poo others it's more ignorance, but some people don't trust themselves to use credit responsibly or may have past credit problems and might avoid it and that's just smart.
How many cards can you signup for in one weekend? I know you get inquiries but if you are pre approved sometimes a bank will give you two different cards aroun the same time.
I like to put the reward cash towards my bill. It’s a win, win for me.
Another great video ☕️
Security! And points but yes if there’s a hack it’s their money not yours
I don't know the exact value and dollars I've gotten in value from credit card points, particularly chase ultimate reward points, but in the last year I've been able to book flights to Rome, the returning trip being business class, 6 days in a five Star hotel in Rome, two nights at a Hyatt hotel in Orlando, and one night at a Hyatt resort in Orlando. I absolutely would have never had the money to do all of this if it weren't for points. The caveat is, it's mostly from sign up bonuses not earn points. Still, I earn about 12,000 points a month on spend with Chase, so I expect to have enough points to do something decent in the next couple years. Overall the credit card game has been good to me because of the rewards.
Also I don't consider myself particularly savvy when booking hotels and flights. Hyatt hotels was a no-brainer, but I booked my flights through United, which doesn't really offer any particularly outsized value.
☕️ getting into the game. Looking at going for the CSP as it seems Chase will be increasing the sign up bonus from 60,000 to 90,000 reward points after the business brand boost is up
Do you know know when that’ll be? I was thinking about applying tonight actually lol but I think I’m gonna wait 😅
☕☕Until I recently picked up the Skymiles Reserve card for lounge access, I was in the mindset they outlined in the special. Now I'm wanting to diversify my cards as I primarily have co-branded cards which limit my rewards usage and I want to branch out to the rewards points ecosystems like Amex and/or Chase. I travel frequently for work so I organically build up points with a primary airline, hotel and rental car but want to ability to be able to venture outside of those brands for aspirational travel if necessary. I find your videos informative and would like to see more travel videos to give me ideas of things we need to do.
Does a chase business card count for the 5/24?
No, but it’s affected by it.
☕️ My husband and I along with my brother we use our credit cards for spending as much as we can. We like it for security purposes and getting something in return and we each have specific credit card systems which helps us analyze spending. We are new to this but I can say confidently we have benefited and really do enjoy it.
For the people who are not into credit cards I think after my first few times trying to explain what we do and them not listening I just stop. Leave them be. 🤷🏻♀️
I think a lot of people discount / forget the security aspect. Debit card fraud is so much more annoying to deal with, especially if the bank doesn't side with you. Even if it "typically" doesn't happen, not worth the risk :)
can a chase INK card be downgraded to freedom
No
i focus on taking advantage of the zero % intro. you can get 4.5% to 5% just putting aside the money you would have paid the balance off with.
☕️ I’m drinking coffee now too, but it’s instant coffee supplied by the hotel. 😞
I enjoyed this video!☕️
Love when Sebby says “Support the Channel” 😂
That's how the content is free and not behind a $500+ course. Plus it allows me to be picky with sponsors 😛
I got about $15,000 in value last year with points redemption. Tax bill was tough :(.
I e des up having to make payments on mines in over 3 months as soon as I pay it I can use my card again but not closing it it took me a 18 months tog et this w no deposit but I set up my payments wrong I needed instant pay I did t realize the cc did t take money out for my payment til 5 days after it took to pull via a payment by account and I spent the money not knowing it did t pull yet I’m so stupid I. Worked hard about 2 years to get to almost 650