The USBAR is best because of that 3X mobile pay. The amount of earning you can put on that with category or non-category spend just adds up so much. Looking forward to when I'm ready to apply for one.
I don't know too much about the Citi Prestige Card just because I've really accelerated my CC focus over the past 3 years (after the card was discontinued), but wow the 2 4th Night Free Benefits + The Travel Credit can easily really get you a lot of value. Very valid rankings with the next two as well, the USBAR is definitely a Card I anticipate getting after I start to settle out of bonus hunting and into a Core setup. Like you, I'm very fortunate to have a P2 that lets my lead with our strategy as well, and as long as the benefits like Nice Hotel Stays & Biz Class Flights are happening there are no complaints at all haha! Great video Stan!
Thanks Matt! Yeah, that 4th night free benefit was definitely a big one! I wish I had the opportunity to have this card, but I was not really into the game when it was there either. Yeah USBAR is a great catch-all card so whenever your done bonus hunting or you need a solid card for the core setup, USBAR is 10/10, highly recommend! It's nice that Lucia lets you lead - it's definitely nice to be able to strategize and then take her on all those awesome trips you have planned out!
@@MattWelterOfficial no, 4th night free is not that valuable anymore, since you need to book via TYP portal. It was valuable when it was possible to book via concierge.
@@yurig2530agree. I thought I was the last one with this card… primarily keep it for the 5x restaurants. And you don’t get status on lost bookings since you have to book through their portal
The Altitude Reserve is definitely my favorite travel card, but another one of my favorites (that I know a lot of people are hesitant about) is the Choice Privileges Select MC. It has decent multipliers, but getting 30k annual points as opposed to an annual free night is super flexible with budget stays, and the TSA Precheck/Global entry makes it a nice secondary travel card to cover my P2.
Very nice card for those who stay with Choice! They have a great rewards program, but I wish they had more available properties. I've personally never stayed with them, but maybe one day!
That Q4 is the story of my life, haha. My P2 thinks I'm nuts but I'm *slowly* pulling her in; especially as I'm AD and we get all fees waived. She currently has the Gold, Plat, and Venture right now (can't PC the Venture to the X for another year or so) and I've added her as an AU to a few of my cards which will hopefully help boost her credit score, a probable reason why she got Denied for the Brilliant. Next up for her, when she's ready, is the United Club Infinite (she travels more than me and needs the free baggage).
That's great! Yeah, if you show her how valuable credit cards can be and what they can get you, she'll turn around! It's nice that you have fees waived!! The United Club Inifinite is an excellent card! Eve more excellent without that annual fee, haha!
EDP was one of the best Amex cards and one of the best grocery cards, and one of the best gas cards, and the best catchall card when it was introduced.
I’m surprised the Aspire was #2 over the Ritz. I’m still contemplating whether to stay with Marriott or Hilton. I’m eligible for both the Ritz and Aspire cards.
The Aspire card is a better card overall given the value, but the Ritz is Marriott's version of this, although not as good. The Ritz is still a powerful card, but just not at the level of the Aspire. It also depends on if you value Marriott or Hilton more! Hilton has the better hotel program and Marriott has the better physical product, as Luke would say!
@@TheCreditFrog being based out of NYC region the access to the Sapphire lounges is a factor for me. Only issue is we fly JetBlue a lot and there is no easy access to Sapphife lounge at JFK that way. Would you go with the Ritz over the Reserve?
@MattMcGrathOfficial Personally, I would. Unless you use 1.5X Chase travel portal airport or fly through AUS a lot, the RC has the same benefits as the CSR but cheaper in terms one annual fee
I feel that the EDP rarely gets looked at from a more casual POV. I agree that the $95 is a bit much for what it is but 30 charges a month isn’t some high bar. It’s only a hassle imo to maximizers who’d rather die than get 1x per dollar.
It's definitely a hassle for me since unless you're using the card, on average, once per day, or using it for a lot of things, I would hate to have to count my transactions on my card every month to make sure I got the 50% boost! But that's just me - I know others may feel differently.
Marriott will go exclusive to one issuing bank in 2027, I’m assuming this is why chase keeps the ritz card around…if they win the bid all the brilliant card holders will likely get switched to a ritz
@@DCGEMINI202- wells switched people from the propel (amex) to the active cash (visa), but it was easier since both cards were issued from the same bank
The USBAR is best because of that 3X mobile pay. The amount of earning you can put on that with category or non-category spend just adds up so much. Looking forward to when I'm ready to apply for one.
Absolutely! It’s such a monster card!
Man I need to join these livestreams more! A lot of great information here!
Appreciate it Eric! Yeah, you should joinus sometime 👍!
My P2 doesn't know which cards she has. I replace cards in her wallet as needed, each card has a sticker where to use it.
lol
My best cards ever: Altitude Reserve, Priceline 2x, AT&T Access More, Sears.
Nice Yuri!
I don't know too much about the Citi Prestige Card just because I've really accelerated my CC focus over the past 3 years (after the card was discontinued), but wow the 2 4th Night Free Benefits + The Travel Credit can easily really get you a lot of value. Very valid rankings with the next two as well, the USBAR is definitely a Card I anticipate getting after I start to settle out of bonus hunting and into a Core setup. Like you, I'm very fortunate to have a P2 that lets my lead with our strategy as well, and as long as the benefits like Nice Hotel Stays & Biz Class Flights are happening there are no complaints at all haha! Great video Stan!
Thanks Matt! Yeah, that 4th night free benefit was definitely a big one! I wish I had the opportunity to have this card, but I was not really into the game when it was there either. Yeah USBAR is a great catch-all card so whenever your done bonus hunting or you need a solid card for the core setup, USBAR is 10/10, highly recommend! It's nice that Lucia lets you lead - it's definitely nice to be able to strategize and then take her on all those awesome trips you have planned out!
@@MattWelterOfficial no, 4th night free is not that valuable anymore, since you need to book via TYP portal. It was valuable when it was possible to book via concierge.
@@yurig2530agree. I thought I was the last one with this card… primarily keep it for the 5x restaurants. And you don’t get status on lost bookings since you have to book through their portal
Absolutely agree Stan on P2.
My wife has the USBAR for mobile wallet and the CFU for sit down dining and everything else.
Keeps her happy.
Very easy setup! I think this is the way that most of these dynamics should be - 2-3 cards max!
The Altitude Reserve is definitely my favorite travel card, but another one of my favorites (that I know a lot of people are hesitant about) is the Choice Privileges Select MC.
It has decent multipliers, but getting 30k annual points as opposed to an annual free night is super flexible with budget stays, and the TSA Precheck/Global entry makes it a nice secondary travel card to cover my P2.
Very nice card for those who stay with Choice! They have a great rewards program, but I wish they had more available properties. I've personally never stayed with them, but maybe one day!
I just got my p2 the USBAR. She tends to use Apple Pay most of the time anyways so it makes sense for her and is the least confusing way to do it.
Definitely a great way to go. If Apple Pay is already the norm, this is an easy shoe-in card!
That Q4 is the story of my life, haha. My P2 thinks I'm nuts but I'm *slowly* pulling her in; especially as I'm AD and we get all fees waived. She currently has the Gold, Plat, and Venture right now (can't PC the Venture to the X for another year or so) and I've added her as an AU to a few of my cards which will hopefully help boost her credit score, a probable reason why she got Denied for the Brilliant. Next up for her, when she's ready, is the United Club Infinite (she travels more than me and needs the free baggage).
That's great! Yeah, if you show her how valuable credit cards can be and what they can get you, she'll turn around! It's nice that you have fees waived!! The United Club Inifinite is an excellent card! Eve more excellent without that annual fee, haha!
Still have my Prestige Card, one of the best cards ever.
That’s awesome! One of greats!
EDP was one of the best Amex cards and one of the best grocery cards, and one of the best gas cards, and the best catchall card when it was introduced.
yes, key phrase was "when it was introduced." Times have changed!
@@TheCreditFrog yes, it was outdated when, first BBP was introduced, then Citi DC converted to TYP and when CCC was introduced.
I’m surprised the Aspire was #2 over the Ritz. I’m still contemplating whether to stay with Marriott or Hilton. I’m eligible for both the Ritz and Aspire cards.
The Aspire card is a better card overall given the value, but the Ritz is Marriott's version of this, although not as good. The Ritz is still a powerful card, but just not at the level of the Aspire. It also depends on if you value Marriott or Hilton more! Hilton has the better hotel program and Marriott has the better physical product, as Luke would say!
@@TheCreditFrog being based out of NYC region the access to the Sapphire lounges is a factor for me. Only issue is we fly JetBlue a lot and there is no easy access to Sapphife lounge at JFK that way. Would you go with the Ritz over the Reserve?
@MattMcGrathOfficial Personally, I would. Unless you use 1.5X Chase travel portal airport or fly through AUS a lot, the RC has the same benefits as the CSR but cheaper in terms one annual fee
The CSR when it first launched might of been the best back in 2016
Yeah, definitely! Especially with the 100k welcome offer which was groundbreaking at that time!
I feel that the EDP rarely gets looked at from a more casual POV. I agree that the $95 is a bit much for what it is but 30 charges a month isn’t some high bar. It’s only a hassle imo to maximizers who’d rather die than get 1x per dollar.
It's definitely a hassle for me since unless you're using the card, on average, once per day, or using it for a lot of things, I would hate to have to count my transactions on my card every month to make sure I got the 50% boost! But that's just me - I know others may feel differently.
Marriott will go exclusive to one issuing bank in 2027, I’m assuming this is why chase keeps the ritz card around…if they win the bid all the brilliant card holders will likely get switched to a ritz
That will be very interessting if that happens! 2027 will come faster than we think!
What? Citation/details on this if you'd be so kind?
Going from a amex card to a visa card? Has that ever been done before?
@@DCGEMINI202- wells switched people from the propel (amex) to the active cash (visa), but it was easier since both cards were issued from the same bank
Been trying to apply for the Aspire but can’t seem to get around pop up jail. 😢
Dang, sorry, PUJ is the worst!😕
Millennial's are a large group. I'm 43 and considered a millennial. Some say "geriatric" millennial though lol.
Hah! I hear you on that one. I’m definitely one of those older millennials. I got my groups mixed up and meant to say GenZ and later 😂.
Stan youre not a millennial? Lol
lol!! I am. I identify more with Gen X though. I definitely said it wrong than proceeded to make fun of myself, oops 😂
@@TheCreditFrog 😂😂
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