I do like the CSR/Gold setup until you decide to add the Platinum. At that point the CSR has too much overlap with Amex to justify the $450 upfront costs. I think the best approach at that point is to replace CSR with The Ink Preferred, still have 3x travel, travel protection, and transfer partners for a much more modest annual fee.
I have a CSR/AP/AG as my main 3, Freedom and Discover IT for my 5X categories, and a 2% Cash Back from Citi for catch all. The only reason I would recommend this is if you're like me, and value Delta Lounge access and live near a Delta Hub (or Centurion Lounge). After all the credits, I eat my AP's actual cost back in a few trips at lounges. Since CSR overlaps with AP I have an effective cost of $150 left over that I must overcome before the 3X means anything. I justify it at the moment via Primary CDW when I do car rentals a few times a year.
This is my setup with some other no annual fee cards. The more I think about how Amex plays games with credits the more annoyed I get with them. I've been looking into ways to get 5X on groceries through the freedom and ink business cash so I can cancel the Gold. I would prefer all of my spending to be earning UR.
The airline credits are now very difficult to use. This is definitely influencing me to consider the Chase route. Where the CSP is much cheaper than CSR, the CSR does have a great, easily usable travel credit.
I'm trying the CSR + BCP pair. I prefer to use Chase for travel/dining and like using Amex for cash back in groceries/gas. I'll probably put miscellaneous spend on CSR since I don't feel like a third card and use Chase Shopping Portal every chance I get.
Lol I closed my Gold card and now run everything through my CSP. I’ve loved the ease of redeeming the URs so much that im considering upgrading to a CSR. AMEX points suck when redeeming.
When there's an overlap in rewards categories, that's where you want those cards to have Statement Due Dates that are two weeks apart. It gives more flexibility for purchases and payments.
So I got to this set up without really meaning to, and I have to say it works for me really well. Even with just the CSP. I have the CSP, freedom, and freedom unlimited, and added the amex gold because I couldn’t justify the Amex platinum with my spending habits, and while I got the CSP initially to try to upgrade to the CSR, I think I found my sweet spot of yearly fees/returns. Thanks for making a video on this Sebby I thought I was crazy for this combo!
This is the exact set-up I plan to run. I currently have the CSP and freedom unlimited. Gonna get the freedom this holiday season to max out the 5x points, then I'm gonna grab the Amex gold in 2021! Great minds think alike :)
That's what I did as well. Downgraded my Platinum to Gold and got CSR. That plus a couple of hotel cards that pay for themselves through the free night.
I’m questioning whether I should hold onto my Amex Gold considering not being able to use the incidental travel credit on gift cards. We’ll see if the multipliers make it worth it for now.
I have looked upon gold card due to its popularity, but turned down for a few reasons. I don't go out to eat that much (or try not to) and shop at costco for grocery. 4x grocery and restaurant is useless since costco only takes visa. Also, I don't like the gold card's monthly $10 dining credit. If you are obligated to spend that money each month, you will likely spend more than $10 each time, and it's basically training you to spend more money outside. Last but not least, I don't think gold card is good for early credit builder. As Sebby mentioned, there is no downgrade path like csp (to freedom or unlimited), and so you are stuck paying that annual fee until cancellation, which is not good for your credit.
Thought same about Gold card until I discovered a hack. I purchase a Visa gift card for a few hundred at grocery store. Then I purchase a Costco cash card with the Gift card. Works like a charm and get my 4x spend
I’ve been running my gold card on everything but because I’ve found a few places that wouldn’t take amx a added the reserve for the other transfer Partners and for some of the travel protection. Was just thinking of splitting uses between them evenly or cording to what kinda of trip I’m planing.
I use the CSR+Amex EDP set up. Restaurants and travel go on the CSR, groceries and gas on the EDP. I spend a lot at grocery stores so I've been able to get a lot of value from the EDP since it only has a $95 af. So far this year I've already earned about 25,000 MR points with the EDP
Do you mind explaining your logic with the EDP? The way I’m looking at it, you need to spend about $3000 on groceries just to cover the AF (I’m valuing the points at 1 cent). That leaves only $3,000 per year that you can profit from and gain 9,000 MR points. Even if you count all 6,000 eligible dollars per year, that would be a total of 18,000 MR points at 3x per dollar.
What if my flight was delayed for only one hour, but as a result I missed the connecting flight, which will be reschedule to the next day. Would the trip delay compensation cover such a case?
Happened to me and had regular travel insurance (with trip delay), this is not covered by “trip delay” but rather it needs to be covered by “missed connection” insurance, it’s pretty sneaky by the insurance companies so make sure you look for that exact wording. I was delayed only for 2 hours fight, missed my connecting flight and they weren’t able to rebook me until 2 days out. Needless to say, my policy didn’t have “missed connection” insurance.
@@danielbustos16 Interesting...your experience seems to be different than what one of my friends has had. Did they send you the metal Gold card or are you still on the plastic version? Maybe you have the "premiere rewards" version of the older Gold?
SFDJMark Yeah that is what it was called before they rebranded it. I had signed up for it about a month before they announced the changes. I originally had a plastic gold card.
@@danielbustos16 I think my friend has a "classic gold", he's had his for a lot longer. He was a little annoyed because a "request metal card" link appeared in his online account (apparently by mistake) but AMEX wouldn't send him a metal card without changing the account type to the current version/current fee. I think he only pays $150/year.
Right now I have the Amex Gold for grocery, dining & benefits. Use a Costo card for gas and the Citi double cash as a catch all. Can you throw some examples to fit a suburban family? I spend about $500 per month each on restaurants, grocery and fuel. About another $1500 on other misc items. Thanks!
Hey Sabastian! The one one place that doesn’t take the Amex that really hurts is Costco. We spend a TON at Costco each month so that stinks. Just FYI! Thanks for all the great info you crank out. Much appreciated
Is the Amex Platinum still worth it ? With all the latest change to the Amex benefit. Could you do an updated Amex Platinum VS Chase ...VS other premium.
I run a similar setup but I use my newly acquired Ritz card to book my flights. I just recently downgraded my preferred to the non preferred until I’m ready to transfer my points out.
If your going to run a chase and Amex mix match setup the Amex everyday preferred would make a lot more sense to pair with the chase sapphire reserve then the Amex gold card.
I own the Chase Trifecta (Sapphire, Flex and Unlimited) and the Amex Gold. I use the Sapphire for travel bookings. The Flex for rotating categories. The Amex Gold for dining and groceries…and the unlimited for everything else. Is that a good setup? Also considering on getting The Hilton aspire or Marriott bonvoy worth it in my case? If so, which one?…or is that too many cards? Awesome videos brother! I appreciate you
My concern is the dining overlap. Seems like a waste where one of the major categories is on both cards. So while I have the gold, I’m starting to think about Sapphire and Blue Cash Preferred instead.
One thing Amex Gold had not considered and I debated customer service on is these meal services like Hello Fresh, Marley Spoon etc. When I use these meal prep service, why is this not considered food or groceries? It qualifies as both actually. I do not get groceries for the week or buy minimal groceries because all ingredients for meals are included in the service. I feel cheated for the 6 months that I had Hello Fresh. Would you know who at Amex needs to know about this oversight?
I've been waiting on this video! How can you apply all of these points for travel? I travel to Japan every year, and looking for the best way to use them. Thanks!
If you have Primary Coverage for rentals via your CC, do you need to auto insurance at all other than that? Might be important for expats who return home occasionally and need to rent cars. Is there a way to present "Proof of insurance" if stopped by the police?
I have Amex Gold and BBP, plus I have CSP, Freedom, and Freedom Unlimited. I picked up all the Chase UR cards this year for the bonuses, so it's a no brainier to run both systems right now. We're trying to cut down our restaurant spend, so I may switch to Chase system. Have to run the numbers!
Amex Gold is better if you eat at home more (4x supermarket), chase doesn't have a supermarket card year round unless you get it for 1 quarter on the freedom, it's all just restaurants so the max you'd get would be 1.5% on the CFU.
@@jgalt99 The best year round Chase grocery loophole is to get the CIC and purchase supermarket gift cards from Office Supply stores at 5X (which turns into 7.5X when transferred to the CSR for UR portal purchases). This beats AMEX gold in grocery multipliers.
@@gervyNYC I don't have a lot of "other" spend, so they don't see much usage. I'm using the freedom unlimited for the 0% intro after the bonus. Other than that, it's a catch all. If I'm on vacation and want a t-shirt, Freedom Unlimited. I tend to use my BBP for actual business spend (excluding restaurants and travel), or for non-bonus cats like electronics stores, Walmart, Sam's Club, etc.
I have been a cash back kind of guy until recently. I am trying to start earning points for future travel at least once a year with my wife. So currently I have the CSP and freedom unlimited but have been looking into either getting the Gold or Platinum. Which combo would you recommend? Getting the CSR? (I don’t think I would be eligible for the bonus since I have the CSP) or the gold or platinum?
My current setup is: AMEX Plat: 5x Airfare + Benefits AMEX Gold: 4x Restaurants + Supermarkets AMEX BBP: 2x Catch all CSR: 3x on non airfare travel + more comprehensive PP
@@rasrar I've been thinking about that for awhile now! The 3x I want with lower AF. I'd lose the now better CSR PP over AMEX PP. But that isn't a big deal. I'll most likely go this route soon.
My local grocery store doesn’t take Visa CREDIT cards... but they take Amex credit cards. I want to start building my credit card portfolio with Chase cards, but I won’t even be able to use them at my local grocery store.
I wish Amex would just drop the 100 airline credit and lower the annual fee accordingly on the Gold card. It also makes no sense to offer 3x on airfare when the Platinum card is 5x. Maybe instead offer 1.5 x back on everything to compete with the FU. An Amex card that offers more than 1x on direct hotel purchase would be nice also. It makes no sense to give Hilton and Marriott status and then force the charges to another card to get status benefits and the corporate rates I get as well. That being said I really like Amex but there’s lots of gaps in X back and certain insurance that Chase and others offer.
cherrygarciafan Amex makes tons of money off people who don’t use all the benefits of the card, so while I agree with you, it’s unlikely this will happen :(
I find the $100 Gold AMEX airline credit easy to use. It covers checked bags for one trip. I am flying to Cancun in March for a week on Delta. The $100 will be used to pay checked bags for me and my GF. I am getting some great MR offers. 5x MR on Amazon and Sam's Club purchases. 1,5OO MR for spending $50 at California Pizza Kitchen etc. The points really add up.
I know this is an older video but I have made myself an odd set up of CSP with 75,000 mile bonus with AMEX Delta SkyMiles Gold that I got 70,000 bonus. ( The cost of AMEX Gold and the dining/uber credits I wouldn't fully use) For as of 2024 this set up is $245 year and would give me access to two portals for booking even if I can't book Delta flights or use credits from CSP for them I can use it for other carriers if the cost is better or direct flight). I don't know if my logic makes much sense but while I prefer to fly. Delta if possible I am not a hotel loyalist and like the flexibility to get cheaper flights from CSP if I want to save delta SkyMiles for other travel.
Great video review, I am considering applying for one three American Express Green, Gold, and Platinum cards. I just have a few questions on the best strategy for which I can apply to one of the three cards and later either downgrade or upgrade to the next. If I was approved for the Green card and was ended up earning the eligible welcome bonus to the card, next year wish to upgrade to the Gold card; am I eligible for whatever possible bonus that card may offer in the future? Does a similar strategy work out in the opposite; or is there a particular stipulation to receiving a welcome bonus if you received it from a different card the previous year, are not a new customer, and or need to wait a given period to qualify for the bonus again?
The water 🌊 analogy reminds me of mixing two radio frequencies. You get: Frequency A Frequency B The sum of the frequencies The difference of the frequencies
I have this setup too! is AMEX now not allowing you to purchase gift cards for the travel credit? Would me putting an Authorized User on my AMEX card later exclude them from getting an AMEX bonus on a their own card?
I am running this setup with a few other cards tagging along and I think you are right on. Have only found a couple places that didn't take AMEX but had the reserve ready for this too. Great video!!
This is my core setup; CSR trifecta plus Amex Gold. I’ll have to rethink the strategy now that gift cards are out for the travel credit. I anticipate I’ll be either downgrading to Green (if it gets the rumored overhaul) or transferring the points and closing the account. Too bad. I legitimately have been putting a lot of spend on the GC, and referring friends.
How much time should I wait between signing up for a business card and a personal card? I have an excellent credit score (upper 700's). I got my first card a few years ago. I got my first Chase card (freedom unlimited) 10 months ago. I got a business card (ink Preferred) 1.5 months ago. When should I sign up for the Chase Freedom?
Funny story, I ran into a problem that I need tons and tons of purchasing power to buy high end Rolex watches to my family member and clients, I'm talking about at least 25K per watch every other two weeks, so Amex charge cards comes in really handy in my situation, even just 1X MR for those watches. The combined total credit limit of all my chase cards won't even cover the price of one watch. Sad face, I want more UR points to have some flexibility in redemptions, but it's just not possible to get tons of URs!!!
I have the Chase trifecta + Amex Gold. After reaching the bonus from CSP, I don’t use it too often (only when my Amex gets rejected at a small restaurant). A second Amex focused on travel would be nice (Platinum or Hilton). I just need to save up the PTO from work first!
Sebby would love to see a video on alternative travel insurance. I remember kiosks at the airport with a form to fill out. Goggling brought up a couple companies that sell travel insurance. The insurance and better travel credit is the only thing I wish Amex would add (I’m not a chase fan but I’m going to end up getting the CSR at least to compare when I am not 5/24). Curious about options you may know about! Edit: also just found out google flights is going away. So maybe an overview of some of your fav sites and apps?
Would a similar setup to this be Chase sapphire preferred/chase sapphire reserve & Amex gold/Amex Charles schwab platinum. Or does it only have to be Csr/csp & Amex gold ?
What if most wellsfargo s and chase bank s closed down due to Federal money missing what do we do ? As well the credit union banks do to collecting Federal money back in the USA and finger prints Trails
CastrejonHDTV I’ll say exactly what I said before - I love this combo. I’ve gotten a ton of value from it because I learned to maximize it. If you don’t invest the time to learn HOW to maximize, it’s not worth it. I never intended to keep both long term, but I’ve gotten way more value than I expected from running them in tandem.
@@TuongNguyen-mx9nu CSP for all travel and airfare with a Freedom for 5x categories and a Freedom Unlimited for general spend, and AMEX Gold for groceries (including airline gift cards) and all dining. CSP as a backup for situations where a restaurant does not accept an AMEX. This is the combo I am running except I have a CSR instead of a CSP. I may downgrade my CSR to CSP if the CSR fee is raised to $550 as rumored.
rrt08 I would throw the bbp in there for everyday USA spend. I love the penfed power cash though. It’s a true chip and pin 2 percent card with no foreign transaction fees.
3:07 "..budget airlines, especially when they don't care about the customers as much." Showing those charts with American at the top, complete burn! 😂 American had it coming to be honest. Everybody I have talked to has said they are going cheap..
Most definitely. The flights I've taken in America have been horrible compared to the ones I've taken in Europe and Asia. Night and day difference with service.
Thanks for making videos like this. Utilizing the strategies you provide have netted me thousands of dollars in signup bonuses this year alone through optimizing my card strategy to my typical monthly spend and the top reason why I subscribed. Your videos are packed with helpful tips and educational content that I can tell have required hours of research and preparation. I have unsubscribed from other channels as they become less about content and more about entertainment. Thanks for not becoming a clickbait channel like some other channels.
Amex mailed an offer to me for 50k Gold card bonus that expires at end of this month (Aug 2019) but I gonna pass for now. With the crackdown on not being able to use the Gold's incidental travel credit for airline gift cards.. I don't think I gonna get good value for the AF. I just earned my 50k bonus for CSR... and I think gonna get Chase Freedom Unlimited next instead. Gonna take advantage of the 3x bonus on 1st $20k spent. Since Plastiq will now recognize rent payments on Chase Visa as legit instead of cash advances.. I feel this is my best play. I live in major city and rent is $3k/mo. Figure its worth it for the Chase UR points.
Thanks Sebby ... I thought you were going to discuss the "common" transfer partners between the two setups, ie hotel or airlines. If you have discussed this topic in the past please include a "link". But as always ... See you next time. 🖖😊
You keep talking about groceries regarding the AMEX Gold card, but realistically, the AMEX Blue Cash Preferred crushes it. It has a higher multiplier and a lower fee. The AMEX Gold card is only good if you are an urbanite that dines or orders out a lot. Other than that, it's not a great card at all and certainly not worth the annual fee. My advice would be get the card, do minimum spend to get the bonus and dump it. If you travel, the CSR is a way better proposition even if you travel only once a year and the dining multiplier is almost as good. I really wish it weren't this bad because I'd like to like the AMEX gold but AMEX needs to improve this card a lot to get my interest.
But the BCP is only cash back..not points---I got the gold for the points and I'm a suburbanite. However I do travel for work on a fairly regular basis :)
I do like the CSR/Gold setup until you decide to add the Platinum. At that point the CSR has too much overlap with Amex to justify the $450 upfront costs. I think the best approach at that point is to replace CSR with The Ink Preferred, still have 3x travel, travel protection, and transfer partners for a much more modest annual fee.
JULIAN!
BRANDON!
@@julianlobert3679 HI GUYS
I have a CSR/AP/AG as my main 3, Freedom and Discover IT for my 5X categories, and a 2% Cash Back from Citi for catch all.
The only reason I would recommend this is if you're like me, and value Delta Lounge access and live near a Delta Hub (or Centurion Lounge).
After all the credits, I eat my AP's actual cost back in a few trips at lounges.
Since CSR overlaps with AP I have an effective cost of $150 left over that I must overcome before the 3X means anything.
I justify it at the moment via Primary CDW when I do car rentals a few times a year.
KEN!
This is my setup with some other no annual fee cards. The more I think about how Amex plays games with credits the more annoyed I get with them. I've been looking into ways to get 5X on groceries through the freedom and ink business cash so I can cancel the Gold. I would prefer all of my spending to be earning UR.
The airline credits are now very difficult to use. This is definitely influencing me to consider the Chase route. Where the CSP is much cheaper than CSR, the CSR does have a great, easily usable travel credit.
I'm trying the CSR + BCP pair. I prefer to use Chase for travel/dining and like using Amex for cash back in groceries/gas. I'll probably put miscellaneous spend on CSR since I don't feel like a third card and use Chase Shopping Portal every chance I get.
I've been thinking about this setup also but adding the CIC. 6% on groceries using the BCP is kind of hard to beat.
I have this setup and it is far superior to CSP + AMEX Gold.
What is BCP?
@@ItsWillTalk AMEX Blue Cash Preferred card
There's no perfect credit card for all situations. Researching the right pair (or trio) that works best for you is a great idea.
Yep. YMMV for everything.
Same concept with women lol
Lol I closed my Gold card and now run everything through my CSP. I’ve loved the ease of redeeming the URs so much that im considering upgrading to a CSR. AMEX points suck when redeeming.
When there's an overlap in rewards categories, that's where you want those cards to have Statement Due Dates that are two weeks apart. It gives more flexibility for purchases and payments.
So I got to this set up without really meaning to, and I have to say it works for me really well. Even with just the CSP. I have the CSP, freedom, and freedom unlimited, and added the amex gold because I couldn’t justify the Amex platinum with my spending habits, and while I got the CSP initially to try to upgrade to the CSR, I think I found my sweet spot of yearly fees/returns. Thanks for making a video on this Sebby I thought I was crazy for this combo!
This is the exact set-up I plan to run. I currently have the CSP and freedom unlimited. Gonna get the freedom this holiday season to max out the 5x points, then I'm gonna grab the Amex gold in 2021! Great minds think alike :)
What's the point of having Freedom and Freedom Unlimited? Why not just have FU?
Nothing beats getting the annual fees waived by being SCRA benefits, platinum/gold/CSR/delta platinum for me for no annual fee
That's what I did as well. Downgraded my Platinum to Gold and got CSR. That plus a couple of hotel cards that pay for themselves through the free night.
I’m questioning whether I should hold onto my Amex Gold considering not being able to use the incidental travel credit on gift cards. We’ll see if the multipliers make it worth it for now.
You can still use the travel credit on Delta. It worked for me a few weeks ago, Sebby did a video on it a few days ago
Ron White That’s awesome. Delta’s the airline I have chosen. I’ll give it a shot this week. Thanks!
You're welcome!
Do you have to use a desktop to purchase the gift card?
you don't check bags?
I have looked upon gold card due to its popularity, but turned down for a few reasons. I don't go out to eat that much (or try not to) and shop at costco for grocery. 4x grocery and restaurant is useless since costco only takes visa. Also, I don't like the gold card's monthly $10 dining credit. If you are obligated to spend that money each month, you will likely spend more than $10 each time, and it's basically training you to spend more money outside. Last but not least, I don't think gold card is good for early credit builder. As Sebby mentioned, there is no downgrade path like csp (to freedom or unlimited), and so you are stuck paying that annual fee until cancellation, which is not good for your credit.
Thought same about Gold card until I discovered a hack. I purchase a Visa gift card for a few hundred at grocery store. Then I purchase a Costco cash card with the Gift card. Works like a charm and get my 4x spend
I’ve been running my gold card on everything but because I’ve found a few places that wouldn’t take amx a added the reserve for the other transfer Partners and for some of the travel protection. Was just thinking of splitting uses between them evenly or cording to what kinda of trip I’m planing.
I have this setup. It’s pretty good. Can’t wait for Singapore Suites next year with my chase and amex points.
I use the CSR+Amex EDP set up. Restaurants and travel go on the CSR, groceries and gas on the EDP. I spend a lot at grocery stores so I've been able to get a lot of value from the EDP since it only has a $95 af. So far this year I've already earned about 25,000 MR points with the EDP
Do you mind explaining your logic with the EDP? The way I’m looking at it, you need to spend about $3000 on groceries just to cover the AF (I’m valuing the points at 1 cent). That leaves only $3,000 per year that you can profit from and gain 9,000 MR points. Even if you count all 6,000 eligible dollars per year, that would be a total of 18,000 MR points at 3x per dollar.
What if my flight was delayed for only one hour, but as a result I missed the connecting flight, which will be reschedule to the next day. Would the trip delay compensation cover such a case?
Happened to me and had regular travel insurance (with trip delay), this is not covered by “trip delay” but rather it needs to be covered by “missed connection” insurance, it’s pretty sneaky by the insurance companies so make sure you look for that exact wording. I was delayed only for 2 hours fight, missed my connecting flight and they weren’t able to rebook me until 2 days out. Needless to say, my policy didn’t have “missed connection” insurance.
I use CSR for all travel related, Amex Gold for restaurants and groceries and Ink Unlimited as catch all.
ditto
Who else here got grandfathered Gold card annual fee $195. Woo!
But doesn't that give you the "old" benefits and points multipliers?
SFDJMark Got all the current ones and 2x on gas till August I believe. They took away most of the old benefits and replaced them with new ones.
@@danielbustos16 Interesting...your experience seems to be different than what one of my friends has had. Did they send you the metal Gold card or are you still on the plastic version? Maybe you have the "premiere rewards" version of the older Gold?
SFDJMark Yeah that is what it was called before they rebranded it. I had signed up for it about a month before they announced the changes. I originally had a plastic gold card.
@@danielbustos16 I think my friend has a "classic gold", he's had his for a lot longer. He was a little annoyed because a "request metal card" link appeared in his online account (apparently by mistake) but AMEX wouldn't send him a metal card without changing the account type to the current version/current fee. I think he only pays $150/year.
Right now I have the Amex Gold for grocery, dining & benefits. Use a Costo card for gas and the Citi double cash as a catch all. Can you throw some examples to fit a suburban family? I spend about $500 per month each on restaurants, grocery and fuel. About another $1500 on other misc items. Thanks!
Hey Sabastian! The one one place that doesn’t take the Amex that really hurts is Costco. We spend a TON at Costco each month so that stinks. Just FYI! Thanks for all the great info you crank out. Much appreciated
The credits are hard to redeem on the gold card
Is the Amex Platinum still worth it ? With all the latest change to the Amex benefit. Could you do an updated Amex Platinum VS Chase ...VS other premium.
I run a similar setup but I use my newly acquired Ritz card to book my flights. I just recently downgraded my preferred to the non preferred until I’m ready to transfer my points out.
Could you please talk about the Capital One Breach and plans about how to protect ourselves
22 credit/charge cards. I’m running the perfect combo.
😱
What cards?
If your going to run a chase and Amex mix match setup the Amex everyday preferred would make a lot more sense to pair with the chase sapphire reserve then the Amex gold card.
Thanks for the information and calculator, im still in my first year of the gold card but looking forward to getting my Chase card as well.
I own the Chase Trifecta (Sapphire, Flex and Unlimited) and the Amex Gold. I use the Sapphire for travel bookings. The Flex for rotating categories. The Amex Gold for dining and groceries…and the unlimited for everything else. Is that a good setup?
Also considering on getting The Hilton aspire or Marriott bonvoy worth it in my case? If so, which one?…or is that too many cards? Awesome videos brother! I appreciate you
Gold gives you 3x for airfare. Unless you're talking about hotel or booking through Chase portal n
My concern is the dining overlap. Seems like a waste where one of the major categories is on both cards. So while I have the gold, I’m starting to think about Sapphire and Blue Cash Preferred instead.
One thing Amex Gold had not considered and I debated customer service on is these meal services like Hello Fresh, Marley Spoon etc. When I use these meal prep service, why is this not considered food or groceries? It qualifies as both actually. I do not get groceries for the week or buy minimal groceries because all ingredients for meals are included in the service. I feel cheated for the 6 months that I had Hello Fresh. Would you know who at Amex needs to know about this oversight?
I’m just tryna collect them all like Ash ya feel
Amex Gold Biz seems far preferable in conjunction with this kind of setup (CSR). 4x supermarket and 4x flex category.
I've been waiting on this video! How can you apply all of these points for travel? I travel to Japan every year, and looking for the best way to use them. Thanks!
If you have Primary Coverage for rentals via your CC, do you need to auto insurance at all other than that? Might be important for expats who return home occasionally and need to rent cars. Is there a way to present "Proof of insurance" if stopped by the police?
I have the CSP but got denied the gold card. If you are deciding to which one to get, gold card in my opinion.
I have Amex Gold and BBP, plus I have CSP, Freedom, and Freedom Unlimited. I picked up all the Chase UR cards this year for the bonuses, so it's a no brainier to run both systems right now. We're trying to cut down our restaurant spend, so I may switch to Chase system. Have to run the numbers!
Amex Gold is better if you eat at home more (4x supermarket), chase doesn't have a supermarket card year round unless you get it for 1 quarter on the freedom, it's all just restaurants so the max you'd get would be 1.5% on the CFU.
Fornthe BBP and Freedom Unlimited what do you pay with those. I have the same set up and I alternate monthly everything else on those cards
@@jgalt99 The best year round Chase grocery loophole is to get the CIC and purchase supermarket gift cards from Office Supply stores at 5X (which turns into 7.5X when transferred to the CSR for UR portal purchases). This beats AMEX gold in grocery multipliers.
@@gervyNYC I don't have a lot of "other" spend, so they don't see much usage. I'm using the freedom unlimited for the 0% intro after the bonus. Other than that, it's a catch all. If I'm on vacation and want a t-shirt, Freedom Unlimited. I tend to use my BBP for actual business spend (excluding restaurants and travel), or for non-bonus cats like electronics stores, Walmart, Sam's Club, etc.
This is the setup I run. CSP, Freedom Unlimted, Freedom, Amex Gold, and a 5% cash back gas card for when the freedom doesn’t cover it 👌
What’s your 5% cash back gas card? Nice setup 👍
I have been a cash back kind of guy until recently. I am trying to start earning points for future travel at least once a year with my wife. So currently I have the CSP and freedom unlimited but have been looking into either getting the Gold or Platinum. Which combo would you recommend? Getting the CSR? (I don’t think I would be eligible for the bonus since I have the CSP) or the gold or platinum?
Does this still work now? I've been thinking about running this set up or maybe replace the gold with the blue cash
I just got the Sapphire preferred and I have the CSP. Was thinking of doing this at up but wonder if it still makes since with the new CSP update
My current setup is:
AMEX Plat: 5x Airfare + Benefits
AMEX Gold: 4x Restaurants + Supermarkets
AMEX BBP: 2x Catch all
CSR: 3x on non airfare travel + more comprehensive PP
Why not get the Ink Preferred for non-airfare travel? It's a lower annual fee.
@@rasrar I've been thinking about that for awhile now! The 3x I want with lower AF. I'd lose the now better CSR PP over AMEX PP. But that isn't a big deal. I'll most likely go this route soon.
My local grocery store doesn’t take Visa CREDIT cards... but they take Amex credit cards. I want to start building my credit card portfolio with Chase cards, but I won’t even be able to use them at my local grocery store.
I wish Amex would just drop the 100 airline credit and lower the annual fee accordingly on the Gold card. It also makes no sense to offer 3x on airfare when the Platinum card is 5x. Maybe instead offer 1.5 x back on everything to compete with the FU. An Amex card that offers more than 1x on direct hotel purchase would be nice also. It makes no sense to give Hilton and Marriott status and then force the charges to another card to get status benefits and the corporate rates I get as well. That being said I really like Amex but there’s lots of gaps in X back and certain insurance that Chase and others offer.
cherrygarciafan Amex makes tons of money off people who don’t use all the benefits of the card, so while I agree with you, it’s unlikely this will happen :(
I find the $100 Gold AMEX airline credit easy to use. It covers checked bags for one trip. I am flying to Cancun in March for a week on Delta. The $100 will be used to pay checked bags for me and my GF. I am getting some great MR offers. 5x MR on Amazon and Sam's Club purchases. 1,5OO MR for spending $50 at California Pizza Kitchen etc. The points really add up.
I know this is an older video but I have made myself an odd set up of CSP with 75,000 mile bonus with AMEX Delta SkyMiles Gold that I got 70,000 bonus. ( The cost of AMEX Gold and the dining/uber credits I wouldn't fully use) For as of 2024 this set up is $245 year and would give me access to two portals for booking even if I can't book Delta flights or use credits from CSP for them I can use it for other carriers if the cost is better or direct flight). I don't know if my logic makes much sense but while I prefer to fly. Delta if possible I am not a hotel loyalist and like the flexibility to get cheaper flights from CSP if I want to save delta SkyMiles for other travel.
I have the CSP, freedom and CFU And just picked up the gold card today for the 75k offer 😊
How can we be reimbursed when a flight is delayed using CSR? Should we hang around in the airport for 6 hours then move to a hotel?
The Chase trifecta and Amex Gold is the set up I am aiming to finish. The Cap One Savor also hangs out in my wallet for entertainment purchases.
Sebby can you use the Gold card for travel if your not a chase credit card holder
I found a U.S. supermarket that didn't take AMEX. It's one of the Asian supermarkets in Colorado Springs, CO. Just FYI...
Great video review, I am considering applying for one three American Express Green, Gold, and Platinum cards. I just have a few questions on the best strategy for which I can apply to one of the three cards and later either downgrade or upgrade to the next. If I was approved for the Green card and was ended up earning the eligible welcome bonus to the card, next year wish to upgrade to the Gold card; am I eligible for whatever possible bonus that card may offer in the future? Does a similar strategy work out in the opposite; or is there a particular stipulation to receiving a welcome bonus if you received it from a different card the previous year, are not a new customer, and or need to wait a given period to qualify for the bonus again?
The water 🌊 analogy reminds me of mixing two radio frequencies.
You get:
Frequency A
Frequency B
The sum of the frequencies
The difference of the frequencies
Yessss. I've been waiting for this video for ages. This is the setup I am currently running.
I have this setup too! is AMEX now not allowing you to purchase gift cards for the travel credit? Would me putting an Authorized User on my AMEX card later exclude them from getting an AMEX bonus on a their own card?
I am running this setup with a few other cards tagging along and I think you are right on. Have only found a couple places that didn't take AMEX but had the reserve ready for this too. Great video!!
I'm running something similar. Gold/BBP/Freedom/CIP. Probably cancelling Gold Card in year 2.
This is my core setup; CSR trifecta plus Amex Gold. I’ll have to rethink the strategy now that gift cards are out for the travel credit. I anticipate I’ll be either downgrading to Green (if it gets the rumored overhaul) or transferring the points and closing the account. Too bad. I legitimately have been putting a lot of spend on the GC, and referring friends.
How much time should I wait between signing up for a business card and a personal card?
I have an excellent credit score (upper 700's). I got my first card a few years ago. I got my first Chase card (freedom unlimited) 10 months ago. I got a business card (ink Preferred) 1.5 months ago. When should I sign up for the Chase Freedom?
Funny story, I ran into a problem that I need tons and tons of purchasing power to buy high end Rolex watches to my family member and clients, I'm talking about at least 25K per watch every other two weeks, so Amex charge cards comes in really handy in my situation, even just 1X MR for those watches. The combined total credit limit of all my chase cards won't even cover the price of one watch. Sad face, I want more UR points to have some flexibility in redemptions, but it's just not possible to get tons of URs!!!
I don’t have a business so what will be good replace card for this setup?
My set up is the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Gold Card. Other than my mortgage and bills. My money is spent on food and travel!
Confused - what insurance did he use for the laptop charger and how was this used?
for every video in which you don't wear a black t shirt, I'll pause right at the beginning, open it in IE and watch all the ads and click everything.
Hello @askshebby I filled out the consultation form a week ago. I still have not received a reply.
What do you think about the CSP with the Amex BCP?
Sebastian, I have a suggestion. When you say "See ya guys, next time" instead of raising up one hand......do jazz hands instead (lol).
This is absolutely gold! ...but I can see the Mandy veto coming from a mile away
omg yes
I have the Chase trifecta + Amex Gold. After reaching the bonus from CSP, I don’t use it too often (only when my Amex gets rejected at a small restaurant).
A second Amex focused on travel would be nice (Platinum or Hilton). I just need to save up the PTO from work first!
Sebby would love to see a video on alternative travel insurance. I remember kiosks at the airport with a form to fill out. Goggling brought up a couple companies that sell travel insurance. The insurance and better travel credit is the only thing I wish Amex would add (I’m not a chase fan but I’m going to end up getting the CSR at least to compare when I am not 5/24). Curious about options you may know about! Edit: also just found out google flights is going away. So maybe an overview of some of your fav sites and apps?
Would a similar setup to this be
Chase sapphire preferred/chase sapphire reserve & Amex gold/Amex Charles schwab platinum.
Or does it only have to be
Csr/csp & Amex gold ?
Excellent video. Please make a video on how to spend MR points on the global website for Amex card that are issued outside the USA.
Can you combine UR and MR points into a single Singapore Airlines miles?
Yes. You can transfer UR and MR into the same SQ account.
What if you got your ticket from a transfer partner with UR point s are you still covered through CSP??
What does catch all card mean?
What if most wellsfargo s and chase bank s closed down due to Federal money missing what do we do ? As well the credit union banks do to collecting Federal money back in the USA and finger prints Trails
Thank you for this. I've been torn on whether or not to have CSR, Amex Platinum, & Amex Gold.
Amex is hard to use out of the US
Personally, I would use Ink Unlimited and AmEx Platinum
What do you think of AMEX blue cash?
Amex gold doesn’t cover hotels for 4x?
Does anybody think Venture X and CAP or CSR are good together?
I’ve really enjoyed this combo. There is a lot of value to this combo, it just takes time to learn to maximize it
Really? I think it makes no sense when you have 2 cards that kinda do the same.
CastrejonHDTV I’ll say exactly what I said before - I love this combo. I’ve gotten a ton of value from it because I learned to maximize it. If you don’t invest the time to learn HOW to maximize, it’s not worth it.
I never intended to keep both long term, but I’ve gotten way more value than I expected from running them in tandem.
Wampler Photo can you explain how you use it? CSP for travel and Amex gold for food?
@@TuongNguyen-mx9nu CSP for all travel and airfare with a Freedom for 5x categories and a Freedom Unlimited for general spend, and AMEX Gold for groceries (including airline gift cards) and all dining. CSP as a backup for situations where a restaurant does not accept an AMEX. This is the combo I am running except I have a CSR instead of a CSP. I may downgrade my CSR to CSP if the CSR fee is raised to $550 as rumored.
LETSSSSS GOOOOOO SEBBBBB I BEEN WAITING ON THIS!!!!!!! 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙
what does travel incidental mean
What is the Cheapest Annual Card that Offers Free Baggage Fees at the Airport for any Airline ?
Hi Sebastian, just want to take a moment to thank you for your videos, they are great and clear and very useful information! THUMBS UP!!!
Chase just pulled out of Canada no more credit card in the country!
CSP, CFreedom, Amex Gold, PenFed 2%
rrt08 I would throw the bbp in there for everyday USA spend. I love the penfed power cash though. It’s a true chip and pin 2 percent card with no foreign transaction fees.
3:07 "..budget airlines, especially when they don't care about the customers as much."
Showing those charts with American at the top, complete burn! 😂
American had it coming to be honest. Everybody I have talked to has said they are going cheap..
Most definitely. The flights I've taken in America have been horrible compared to the ones I've taken in Europe and Asia. Night and day difference with service.
Thanks for making videos like this. Utilizing the strategies you provide have netted me thousands of dollars in signup bonuses this year alone through optimizing my card strategy to my typical monthly spend and the top reason why I subscribed. Your videos are packed with helpful tips and educational content that I can tell have required hours of research and preparation. I have unsubscribed from other channels as they become less about content and more about entertainment. Thanks for not becoming a clickbait channel like some other channels.
Amex mailed an offer to me for 50k Gold card bonus that expires at end of this month (Aug 2019) but I gonna pass for now. With the crackdown on not being able to use the Gold's incidental travel credit for airline gift cards.. I don't think I gonna get good value for the AF. I just earned my 50k bonus for CSR... and I think gonna get Chase Freedom Unlimited next instead. Gonna take advantage of the 3x bonus on 1st $20k spent. Since Plastiq will now recognize rent payments on Chase Visa as legit instead of cash advances.. I feel this is my best play. I live in major city and rent is $3k/mo. Figure its worth it for the Chase UR points.
I got 3x back from Expedia on a recent purchase
Yep, I am running this set up!
How come your haircut looks the same 365 days a year? lol
Yeah I have this setup
love your vids, we have the chase trifecta w/ csp , and amex gold & blue everyday
This is the combination that i have used for about a year now..so far so good👍, i made a video revealing my spending limit too🙈
Do a Citi trifecta
CSR+ gold=. Best of both world for me.
Thanks Sebby ... I thought you were going to discuss the "common" transfer partners between the two setups, ie hotel or airlines. If you have discussed this topic in the past please include a "link".
But as always ... See you next time. 🖖😊
You keep talking about groceries regarding the AMEX Gold card, but realistically, the AMEX Blue Cash Preferred crushes it. It has a higher multiplier and a lower fee. The AMEX Gold card is only good if you are an urbanite that dines or orders out a lot. Other than that, it's not a great card at all and certainly not worth the annual fee. My advice would be get the card, do minimum spend to get the bonus and dump it. If you travel, the CSR is a way better proposition even if you travel only once a year and the dining multiplier is almost as good. I really wish it weren't this bad because I'd like to like the AMEX gold but AMEX needs to improve this card a lot to get my interest.
But the BCP is only cash back..not points---I got the gold for the points and I'm a suburbanite. However I do travel for work on a fairly regular basis :)
points have more value than cashback
I easily broke even and then some with the Amex Gold in the year I had it so far.
This is exactly what I have as a setup
SEBBY FOR PRESIDENT 2020!!
I think he gives this nation positive expected value