"Yes people pay these rates". Uh, most seats in business are paid, and no, it's not limited to top execs and stars, geesh, what kind of broke mfers do you surround yourself with? $3500/business to Asia is totally worth it.
I wanna take my new wife to Japan for our 1 year anniversary. 450k MR points so I’m sitting pretty there but how would I book it and get the best value? Thx Seb!
I know that in state isn’t really worth the transfer partners but it would be helpful if you put one on there. I don’t really see anyone talk about the transfer partner use cases for in state travel
🦀 definitely started in the aspirational travel camp but now I'm after travel in general as far as my UR points can take me. I've definitely learned lots from your videos so please do a part 2.
A few days ago, I got approved for the Amex Platinum with the 150k signing bonus! I wouldn't normally think about booking business class, but I'm not sure I'll have another opportunity to do so, and so it may be worthwhile for someone like me to make the effort and find those ~10-20 cpp deals
It's either a once-in-a-lifetime business-class trip or a series of economy trips. A lot of people fly business class because they otherwise could not afford it. Also, some airlines will give you a higher redemption for certain seating, like American Airlines, where they would give you maybe 2 cents per point vs. 1.4 cents per point for redemption.
I definitely feel as though transferring point to airline FF programs - especially with those transfer bonuses! - is the best way to maximize the value of those points. This last November, I managed to book a one-way flight from Florence to Washington DC (FLR-IAD) in Air France business class for 40,000 points because Flying Blue was offering an award booking special for that route at the same time that Amex was offering a 1-1.4 transfer bonus! That exact flight was selling for USD 3,000, so really felt as though I was making off like a Points Bandit! 😃
Great vid as always, I’d love to see a part two. I always have to check myself and remember that not everyone is looking for aspirational travel (or even likes to travel). For us, that’s why we play the game and I’ll happily search for random award space daily 🕵🏻♂️
The confusing part is how to redeem them with airline partners for example using British Airways to go on American airlines or other partners a video like that would be great
Thank you for this very comprehensive video. Is there a video that covers the fundamentals of rebates? I am not familiar with those and how they work with the credit cards.
Fantastic video, I feel like it takes a while to wrap your head around all the different options but this made it very clear why transfer partners have the biggest upside but also slightly misleading because you don’t always get the dates you want and there is a non-trivial amount of effort required to finesse your points through the system like this
I’ve been learning the value of points before retiring in march this year, and that’s when I planned to start getting the cards I needed. I did 2 international trip this year, and a couple domestically in cash. I wanted to increase my point balance’s to start using possibly next year. I will always be using points for travel redemption.
I got my gold card in May so I haven't used any points yet. But 4x adds up really quick. Before the end of the month I will likely transfer some points to Qantas to fly American to Canada. Air Canada fees are too much
Sebby, I have 2 questions: 1) If I use AMEX points to book travel do I get both spend and airmiles? 2) if I transfer points to an airline partner, but list my primary partner in the data, do I get travel credit with my primary carrier? appreciate your thoughts
💳💳 Just got back from Oktoberfest in Munich, was able to score 4 business class lay down seats on Air Europa via Flying Blue for less than 40K points per person and only about $20 in fees. All in total 4 seats worth about 10-16K for roughly 160K MR plus $100 in fees. I'm totally hooked, cannot wait to fly on business class again. Totally looking forward to part 2 reviewing more partner redemptions. This redemption took hours of research and I can see why people give up and end up redeeming via portals or getting cashback/credits. Definitely a complicated game unless you have experience knowing all the different partner options. Next goal is figuring out a good sweet spot for 3 business class seats to Hawaii 😎
💳 Comprehensive list in this video. ...one question... how do we dependably hear about discounts or bonuses with transfer partners? Is simply being in the points/mileage program enough?
💳 thanks again Sebby, I'm with Amex but I get statement Credit. For people that on a fix income or limited their spending. Are always looking get some type of enjoyment in life. One day I will climb that ladder to upgrade to another Amex card.
Another great and informative vid Sebby. Due to Covid, I was doing absolutely ZERO traveling so I ended up transferring my points into my Schwab account with my Schwab Platinum card.
Same here. Schwab platinum is great no stress way if I don’t feel like dealing with the point hoops. 1.1 cents per point is fine with me if I end up not traveling.
I am a higher tier credit card customer by your definitions, but extremely humble upbringings. We can talk points and perks all day long, but what Amex can do that no other credit card company has done from my experience is as their CEO put it: "the card always works, the card always works, the card always works". I also hold Capital One and Chase cards. Fine cards. But if it were not for the VIsa / MC networks they have let me down.
Sebby, there’s also the option for redeeming for cash in the rewards checking which is 0.8 CPP. I took this option personally with a 100k upgrade bonus because I wanted to help pay off debt to get closer to being debt free and I wouldn’t go back personally now. I personally just don’t vacation a lot either, and especially since I only do that with family and they don’t like hotels and prefer vrbo/Airbnb, and I’m limited on my vacation time as well. I’m also single so I don’t think I’d go on vacation without family and it’s just not my preference. I personally prefer cash back as well, I buy a bit of tech products and whatnot more so than thinking when I have the next vacation opportunity come next.
💳 As usual, my head is spinning after one of Sebby’s videos. Will have to replay it on the weekend. 😝. I haven’t used my points yet because not traveling but intend to transfer them out to travel partners eventually. All the other options don’t sound as appealing.
Great Video Thanks! So I only have the Amex Plat Business card. If I transfer my points to Amex Checking account how much would I have to keep in that account. Monthly fees?
Probably an unpopular opinion, but many other banks will match 1:1 ratio for statement credit which makes their credit cards better than the Amex gold card.
If you transfer points to Virgin and book ANA, do you get to skip fuel surcharges? Also, how can you find reward flights for ANA on Virgins point redemption page? I don’t see any showing up.
💳 I use Amex points exclusively for transfer to partners. I booked my first transatlantic business class award on Air France and flew it from Miami to Marrakech, Morocco earlier this year, and flew an AF Promo Reward on the return, both capitalizing on a 30% transfer bonus, so that was an epic first-time experience. I've also transferred points to BA to fly QSuites on separate legs back to the US from Cape Town with a stopover in Doha for a 2023 trip. I picked up the EveryDay Preferred to replace the Gold card and Freedom Unlimited as my go-to points factory, and Amex are my favorite points (Chase is a close second).
Looking to fly international next summer. I only have Discover and Chase cash-back cards (both for 10 years+). I just applied for a Freedom. FICO=800+, so what Amex should I apply for out the gate and when should I apply for a Chase Sapphire Preferred?
I am using my AMEX points for travel. Utilized the transfer bonus to Hawaiian Airlines to book first class tickets (one way) for my wife and I to Hawaii in lay flat seats. Secondly, scoping out transfers for business class to Italy. This one has been a bit tougher to find but trip wouldn’t be for a while.
Hey Seb! @13:27 you talk about ecom spending $100k a month with 4x MR card bonus - I thought the 4x points was on AMEX Gold only and capped at $400k per year spend on a platform (e.g. FB) can you let me know which card you are referring to here. Thanks
Business Gold. You're capped at 10 hybrid cards (Gold/Plat/Green/etc.) Not unusual to have multiple Biz Gold cards for the same company, especially as you ramp up spend over time: www.flyertalk.com/forum/28520424-post3.html
💳 Very informative video you got yourself a new Sub. Im new to this i got my very first Amex gold 5 months ago and today i get my Platinum , i’ve been able to save 115k points and looking to maximize my points as much as possible so thanks for the video.
💳 💳 💳 Currently hoarding all my points for a dream trip one day. I’m sitting on 212k MR points right now. Just have to decide when to pull the trigger 😁
Please make a video about best value transfer partners. And the process of booking a flight. Me and the family are currently considering going to Tokyo.
Steer me in the direction I need to go for a trip to Africa. I have American Express Gold, Platinum and Business Platinum. --How do we "Pay with points," 35% rebate? Thanks for amazingly valuable videos...
This video is SUPER valuable. I’d love to see some more mock redemptions in the future. I’m personally saving up my Amex points for travel in the future or possibly use them for cash back if I get the CS Platinum down the line. Great video as always Sebby! 💳
💳 Helpful video as usual. Well done, you! Please do Part 2. I want to know exactly how you search the partners and a step-by-step on how to transfer points and acquire the plane ticket. 💳
💳 Before watching the rest of the video I’d like to see a video on the transfer partners and best use cases for each. I know the transfer partners but wondering what would be best for each.
💳 I'm in for the part 2 and in case it matters I'm interested in Europe with no desire to go to Asia. Sitting on a decent stash of MR and UR points accumulated over the last few years and looking forward to finally using them.
Flying Blue is a great option, transfer partner to both MR and UR, they constantly have transfer promos. You should be able to find descent award availability for starting in either Paris via Air France, Amsterdam via KLM or Spain via Air Europa. The trick is avoiding high fuel surcharges.
💳💳 Keep it up. Your delivery is clear and info-packed. I try to be frugal so my annual spend is pretty low. When I use my points I want to make it count. Currently have biz gold, but may be upgrade to platinum as annual benefits may justify annual cost plus extra points benefit.
What if the flight isn't on Virgin when you want to book a flight? ANA Shows a flight from lax to Tokyo. But on Virgin it says no flight are available that day
Hi Sebby any chance you can do a video on how to book using MR points from SFO to Europe Spain / France / London by transferring to airline partners ? 💳💳
I would like to see a video on how to best use MR Points to travel from LA to Switzerland. Would Air Canada be the best transfer partner to use in this circumstance or which other airline partner(s) would you recommend? 💳
So how hard is it to find ANA biz/first class flights on virgin? I tried using Aeroplan's loyalty program and it's virtually impossible to find ANA flights to japan.
💳 Sebby's Card Picks: www.asksebby.com/credit-cards
Blog Post: www.asksebby.com/guides/use-amex-points
Amex Platinum Calculator: www.asksebby.com/credit-card-reviews/amex-platinum-card
"Yes people pay these rates". Uh, most seats in business are paid, and no, it's not limited to top execs and stars, geesh, what kind of broke mfers do you surround yourself with? $3500/business to Asia is totally worth it.
💳
I wanna take my new wife to Japan for our 1 year anniversary. 450k MR points so I’m sitting pretty there but how would I book it and get the best value? Thx Seb!
So helpful, Please do a part 2 showing mock redemptions and include economy rates as well 👍
I know that in state isn’t really worth the transfer partners but it would be helpful if you put one on there. I don’t really see anyone talk about the transfer partner use cases for in state travel
Yes please please make the party 2. Cuz eventually I want to be more than a beginner lol
After all of Sebby’s YOLO trips, this video is 100% Expert Certified ✈️💯😁
Yes lol
I know I'm jealous!
Absolutely
Would love to see a video going over AMEX's transfer partners!
🦀 definitely started in the aspirational travel camp but now I'm after travel in general as far as my UR points can take me. I've definitely learned lots from your videos so please do a part 2.
As an Amex MR churning veteran, this video is insanely accurate. Great work.
A few days ago, I got approved for the Amex Platinum with the 150k signing bonus! I wouldn't normally think about booking business class, but I'm not sure I'll have another opportunity to do so, and so it may be worthwhile for someone like me to make the effort and find those ~10-20 cpp deals
It's either a once-in-a-lifetime business-class trip or a series of economy trips. A lot of people fly business class because they otherwise could not afford it. Also, some airlines will give you a higher redemption for certain seating, like American Airlines, where they would give you maybe 2 cents per point vs. 1.4 cents per point for redemption.
Going to Japan in December and hoping some ANA first class flight become available for our flight back 🤞🏿
I definitely feel as though transferring point to airline FF programs - especially with those transfer bonuses! - is the best way to maximize the value of those points. This last November, I managed to book a one-way flight from Florence to Washington DC (FLR-IAD) in Air France business class for 40,000 points because Flying Blue was offering an award booking special for that route at the same time that Amex was offering a 1-1.4 transfer bonus! That exact flight was selling for USD 3,000, so really felt as though I was making off like a Points Bandit! 😃
Great vid as always, I’d love to see a part two. I always have to check myself and remember that not everyone is looking for aspirational travel (or even likes to travel). For us, that’s why we play the game and I’ll happily search for random award space daily 🕵🏻♂️
definitely want the pt 2!!!!!
💳
The confusing part is how to redeem them with airline partners for example using British Airways to go on American airlines or other partners a video like that would be great
Thank you for this very comprehensive video. Is there a video that covers the fundamentals of rebates? I am not familiar with those and how they work with the credit cards.
Would want to see a capital one version as well for the venture x. Also interested in part 2
Bro please please do a part 2 with specific use cases
💳 thank you so much for these tips! I am excited to start using these points. I am going to search your page for the part 2
Fantastic video, I feel like it takes a while to wrap your head around all the different options but this made it very clear why transfer partners have the biggest upside but also slightly misleading because you don’t always get the dates you want and there is a non-trivial amount of effort required to finesse your points through the system like this
I’ve been learning the value of points before retiring in march this year, and that’s when I planned to start getting the cards I needed. I did 2 international trip this year, and a couple domestically in cash. I wanted to increase my point balance’s to start using possibly next year. I will always be using points for travel redemption.
💳
Can you make a video with many examples on booking first and business with points (aspiration trips)
Will probably run through 1-2 options for each partner; generally people lean on the highest value ones though (for obvious reasons).
I got my gold card in May so I haven't used any points yet. But 4x adds up really quick. Before the end of the month I will likely transfer some points to Qantas to fly American to Canada. Air Canada fees are too much
Hey Sebby. Why do you transfer points to Virgin to book an ANA flight, instead of transfering directly to ANA? Thanks!
Thanks for reposting. I was 11 minutes in when you deleted it. I was pissed. I was like DAMMIT SEBASTIAN!!!
Lol! Thanks for your patience :)
💳 thanks Sebby. I am getting a 150k Amex Plat offer and needed to understand how many points get a two 1st class round trip flights to Japan or Paris
Sebby, I have 2 questions: 1) If I use AMEX points to book travel do I get both spend and airmiles? 2) if I transfer points to an airline partner, but list my primary partner in the data, do I get travel credit with my primary carrier? appreciate your thoughts
Which tools do you use to identify the transfer partners?
Thanks for reuploading Sebby, it’s working fine now 👌🏼
Yay!
💳💳 Just got back from Oktoberfest in Munich, was able to score 4 business class lay down seats on Air Europa via Flying Blue for less than 40K points per person and only about $20 in fees. All in total 4 seats worth about 10-16K for roughly 160K MR plus $100 in fees. I'm totally hooked, cannot wait to fly on business class again. Totally looking forward to part 2 reviewing more partner redemptions.
This redemption took hours of research and I can see why people give up and end up redeeming via portals or getting cashback/credits. Definitely a complicated game unless you have experience knowing all the different partner options. Next goal is figuring out a good sweet spot for 3 business class seats to Hawaii 😎
💳 Comprehensive list in this video. ...one question... how do we dependably hear about discounts or bonuses with transfer partners? Is simply being in the points/mileage program enough?
Waiting for episode 2. Thanks
💳 thanks again Sebby, I'm with Amex but I get statement Credit. For people that on a fix income or limited their spending. Are always looking get some type of enjoyment in life. One day I will climb that ladder to upgrade to another Amex card.
Another great and informative vid Sebby. Due to Covid, I was doing absolutely ZERO traveling so I ended up transferring my points into my Schwab account with my Schwab Platinum card.
Same here. Schwab platinum is great no stress way if I don’t feel like dealing with the point hoops. 1.1 cents per point is fine with me if I end up not traveling.
I am a higher tier credit card customer by your definitions, but extremely humble upbringings. We can talk points and perks all day long, but what Amex can do that no other credit card company has done from my experience is as their CEO put it: "the card always works, the card always works, the card always works". I also hold Capital One and Chase cards. Fine cards. But if it were not for the VIsa / MC networks they have let me down.
💳 Not sure how I want to use my points yet. But this video definitely gave me some insight.
Sebby, you are phenomenal! Great content researched smartly. Good stuff
Sebby, there’s also the option for redeeming for cash in the rewards checking which is 0.8 CPP. I took this option personally with a 100k upgrade bonus because I wanted to help pay off debt to get closer to being debt free and I wouldn’t go back personally now. I personally just don’t vacation a lot either, and especially since I only do that with family and they don’t like hotels and prefer vrbo/Airbnb, and I’m limited on my vacation time as well. I’m also single so I don’t think I’d go on vacation without family and it’s just not my preference. I personally prefer cash back as well, I buy a bit of tech products and whatnot more so than thinking when I have the next vacation opportunity come next.
Great content like usual, part 2 please!
💳 As usual, my head is spinning after one of Sebby’s videos. Will have to replay it on the weekend. 😝. I haven’t used my points yet because not traveling but intend to transfer them out to travel partners eventually. All the other options don’t sound as appealing.
Great Video Thanks! So I only have the Amex Plat Business card. If I transfer my points to Amex Checking account how much would I have to keep in that account. Monthly fees?
Great overview and tips! Thanks and subscribe!
Unfortunately AE is not widely accepted in Italy. What do you suggest instead
Great video, thanks Sebby! I was doing my own research and video saved me a lot of time! Please do the 2nd part, I am looking forward to it already!
Definitely interested in a Pt 2! Great as always! 🎉
Probably an unpopular opinion, but many other banks will match 1:1 ratio for statement credit which makes their credit cards better than the Amex gold card.
If you transfer points to Virgin and book ANA, do you get to skip fuel surcharges? Also, how can you find reward flights for ANA on Virgins point redemption page? I don’t see any showing up.
Yes we want a part 2!!!!! Go through each transfer partner pls
💳 I use Amex points exclusively for transfer to partners. I booked my first transatlantic business class award on Air France and flew it from Miami to Marrakech, Morocco earlier this year, and flew an AF Promo Reward on the return, both capitalizing on a 30% transfer bonus, so that was an epic first-time experience. I've also transferred points to BA to fly QSuites on separate legs back to the US from Cape Town with a stopover in Doha for a 2023 trip. I picked up the EveryDay Preferred to replace the Gold card and Freedom Unlimited as my go-to points factory, and Amex are my favorite points (Chase is a close second).
the American Express Personal checking account (not just the business checking account) also allows you to cash out your points at 0.8 cpp !
💳 thank you fo this. Would love something like this for Chase points and Aeroplan! Thanks 🙏🏾
💳 I’m still earning points for international travel I plan to do in 2024. Thank you for producing this video because it was concise and informative.
Looking to fly international next summer. I only have Discover and Chase cash-back cards (both for 10 years+). I just applied for a Freedom. FICO=800+, so what Amex should I apply for out the gate and when should I apply for a Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Also, regarding the purchase with the business gold points for flights transfer amount, is it that same amount with amex platinum?
Great video. This is the kind of stuff I am here for. Thanks Sebby
I am using my AMEX points for travel. Utilized the transfer bonus to Hawaiian Airlines to book first class tickets (one way) for my wife and I to Hawaii in lay flat seats.
Secondly, scoping out transfers for business class to Italy. This one has been a bit tougher to find but trip wouldn’t be for a while.
This is very helpful as I'm looking to take advantage of the transfer partner bonus AMEX is running this month.
Yep! Lots of options this month :)
I would want to see a part two sebby🙌🏼
Hey Seb! @13:27 you talk about ecom spending $100k a month with 4x MR card bonus - I thought the 4x points was on AMEX Gold only and capped at $400k per year spend on a platform (e.g. FB) can you let me know which card you are referring to here. Thanks
Business Gold. You're capped at 10 hybrid cards (Gold/Plat/Green/etc.)
Not unusual to have multiple Biz Gold cards for the same company, especially as you ramp up spend over time: www.flyertalk.com/forum/28520424-post3.html
@@AskSebby Awesome response! Very clear and something I had overlooked! Thank you!
What are your thoughts about amex is 1X points for spending... I want the amex platinum card for its benefits but this is all that is holding back.
How do you find deal like booking ANA from Virgin?
💳 Very informative video you got yourself a new Sub. Im new to this i got my very first Amex gold 5 months ago and today i get my Platinum , i’ve been able to save 115k points and looking to maximize my points as much as possible so thanks for the video.
💳 💳 💳
Currently hoarding all my points for a dream trip one day. I’m sitting on 212k MR points right now. Just have to decide when to pull the trigger 😁
Great video! Would love to see a deep dive into examples for Capital One's Transfer Partners
💳 Great video! Taught me a lot more about Amex points.
Please make a video about best value transfer partners. And the process of booking a flight. Me and the family are currently considering going to Tokyo.
I’m asking Sebby, I have Hilton Aspire and Delta Platinum should I get the Hyatt top card? What do you think?
Steer me in the direction I need to go for a trip to Africa. I have American Express Gold, Platinum and Business Platinum. --How do we "Pay with points," 35% rebate? Thanks for amazingly valuable videos...
great video Seb.
💳Thanks for the great info! I appreciate all of the work you put in and thanks for sharing it.
What about transporting Points to Canadian AMEX cards like Cobalt?
This video is SUPER valuable. I’d love to see some more mock redemptions in the future. I’m personally saving up my Amex points for travel in the future or possibly use them for cash back if I get the CS Platinum down the line. Great video as always Sebby! 💳
💳 Helpful video as usual. Well done, you!
Please do Part 2. I want to know exactly how you search the partners and a step-by-step on how to transfer points and acquire the plane ticket. 💳
I'll probably run through 1-2 use cases for each vs. necessarily step-by-step (otherwise it would be like 10+ minutes for EACH partner).
@@AskSebby very interested in all the best transfer partner use cases for chase, Amex, and citi.
Hi Sebby. if I added my wife as an authorized user, does that disqualify her to earn sign up bonus when she applies her own card in the future?
I got 5.3cpp with Hilton! Booked Waldorf Cancun, 146k MR for a $7900 hotel (5 nights).
🎉🎉🎉
SeBBBBBBBB! love the content please do part 2
💪💪💪
Great video/topic!! Could you do the same thing for Chase? 💳
The video i been waiting years for
definetly need that part 2
Thank you! Love this type of content.
💳 Always love the videos! Thank you!
Could you also cover the increased AMEX signup offer points? I just wonder if I still need to card match.
💳 Before watching the rest of the video I’d like to see a video on the transfer partners and best use cases for each. I know the transfer partners but wondering what would be best for each.
Always found Singapore Air business from NYC to Maldives to be a nice return at saver fares…
💳 love the channel have over 1 million points between my wife & I we need to use!
Great video 💳
Please do part 2. I have been trying to boo business flight but no luck😢
💳 I'm in for the part 2 and in case it matters I'm interested in Europe with no desire to go to Asia. Sitting on a decent stash of MR and UR points accumulated over the last few years and looking forward to finally using them.
I'll probably run through 1-2 examples for each partner :)
Flying Blue is a great option, transfer partner to both MR and UR, they constantly have transfer promos. You should be able to find descent award availability for starting in either Paris via Air France, Amsterdam via KLM or Spain via Air Europa. The trick is avoiding high fuel surcharges.
How do you book ANA? I created an account but everytime I try to find any type of flight no matter what destinations it won't find anything
Really helpful! Thank you, Sebby!
Thanks for watching Merkur :)
You dig deep in this video
Thanks Sebby! 💳
💳💳 Keep it up. Your delivery is clear and info-packed.
I try to be frugal so my annual spend is pretty low. When I use my points I want to make it count.
Currently have biz gold, but may be upgrade to platinum as annual benefits may justify annual cost plus extra points benefit.
idk these company's did rebates for points does chase do that too?
what are your thoughts about the Charles Schwab debit card? Will you do an updated video?
Debit is an easy pickup; no real downside.
Hey sebby could you go over the Navy Federal Credit Union AMEX card?
What if the flight isn't on Virgin when you want to book a flight? ANA Shows a flight from lax to Tokyo. But on Virgin it says no flight are available that day
ANA has more availability for their own program. That would be the case / argument to transfer to ANA. It'll cost more points but more availability.
💳 Great Video! 👍 Super interesting...Still saving points to book a business class for 3.
Hopefully Player 2 (or someone else) is helping accrue points as well! 🥂
@@AskSebby I got 220 MR with 3 Amex Cards ...😍😍😍
Hi Sebby any chance you can do a video on how to book using MR points from SFO to Europe Spain / France / London by transferring to airline partners ? 💳💳
Can't wait for Part 2!
YESSSSSS GIVE US THE USE CASES SEBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB - LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
LET'S GO JUSTIN! 🎉
I would like to see a video on how to best use MR Points to travel from LA to Switzerland. Would Air Canada be the best transfer partner to use in this circumstance or which other airline partner(s) would you recommend? 💳
So how hard is it to find ANA biz/first class flights on virgin? I tried using Aeroplan's loyalty program and it's virtually impossible to find ANA flights to japan.