Card Talk Volunteers Wanted:
Need help earning points for a fantastic trip? Are you spending too much on credit card annual fees? Every two weeks we pick a new victim! In the comments below, let us know why you want to be on Card Talk.
Card Talk
Card Talk: Honeymoon to Bora Bora or Maldives & Australia
In this week's episode of Card Talk, Frequent Miler's bi-weekly series in which Greg and I meet with a reader to do a credit card intervention, we met with Parker, a groom-to-be planning a dream...
Traveling with six & credit cards for four: a Card Talk intervention
Frequent Miler's Card Talk is a new bi-weekly series in which Nick and I meet with a reader to do a credit card intervention. What credit cards should you get and which should you...
Saving $2,897 in annual fees: a Card Talk intervention
Kenny Rogers once said that you've gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to close 'em. Hmm...maybe that wasn't exactly right. It was something close. Yesterday, Greg and I talked to a reader...
Not sure I’d be a representative guest, but I do have an unusual problem. I have held (or hold) almost all the cards I’d want to get. I am now at 1/24 (!) because I have been refinancing, so limiting myself to business cards or opportunistic cards (like the Platinum 100k).
A lot of cards have waiting periods, so I am still shut out. For example, I love Alaska, but closed the personal 12 months ago (and need to wait 24 months) and still have the biz card (don’t think I can justify having a second).
For Chase, I just passed the 48 month for Sapphire Reserve, and waiting for a big offer (or return of 80k on CSP). For business cards, I’d love to pick up an Ink Biz Unlimited or Biz Cash, but already have both.
For American Airlines cards (I love having a store of AA miles precisely because I value them so little and can easily use them on Alaska), I have to wait 48 months for Citi (so one more year to go) and Aviator (have to wait another 18 months).
So–do I cancel existing cards (like Alaska and Chase Biz)? Do I continue to wait until I pass the waiting periods? Or plunge forward on new, different cards. My preferred miles are Chase, Amex, Hilton, Alaska and American (I happen to have a ton of Marriott points from SPG days, but don’t think they are worth the spend these days). Thanks guys.
Hey team, love the site/show/podcast/etc. Hoping to join a cardtalk to talk about business cards.
I’ve been gathering/spending points for maybe 6 or 7 years, but I’m just dipping my toes into the world of business cards (just got approved for my first one, been rejected a few times), with a new and unproven business but good personal credentials.
My girlfriend is interested in starting to get into miles and points, but she doesn’t have much credit history, so there’s a bit of a player-2 component as well (although, honestly I think I know what personal cards she should target).
Primarily going after miles, with the goal of flying to India and back in Business class (probably multiple times over the next 2-3 years), along with other travel. Secondary target of hotel points, I typically prefer Airbnbs and often travel to low COA areas, but I wouldn’t mind having some opportunities for more luxury stays or stays in the US where Airbnbs are often expensive.
¡App-O-Rama Opportunity!
Hello Frequent Miler! I have a fun one for you.
I am a points and miles enthusiast looking to do an app-o-rama with Barclays, Bank of America, and Citibank.
My goal is business class redemptions for two to Asia and/or Europe—but not on mediocre products (looking at you Lufthansa, China Eastern).
My question is, how many cards do you think I can get away with and which would you choose from each bank? Minimum spend is a non-issue.
Credit Details
Point Balance Details
Appreciate all you guys do!
Hey Greg and Nick!
Great site and have been following for a few years. Got into the game a few years ago as a way to get great travel redemptions. My son is a huge fan of the NFL and of recent, my son has been obsessed with going to all of the NFL stadiums and would like a strategy session on how to achieve this on points. I’ve a ton of UR points and building MR points. Would like a chance to discuss how to build these points during COVID as their may not be a season this year but to plan for future years. I also thought Greg might have some great input being from Michigan as I’m also in Michigan. Look forward to your response.
Thanks Guys!
Hey guys- Here’s why I think I would be an interesting guest on Card Talk. My wife and I discovered the hobby in 2018 and I became pretty obsessed. I attended Chicago Seminars last year, and became even more interested. We have too many annual fees, a bunch of cards we’re not sure what to do with (super old Citi card and Chase card that I’m embarrassed to have). I’m tied up in the Chase ecosystem for transferable points. I don’t MS at all. We travel as a family of 4. With two kids that have plenty of domestic flights under their belts, we’re gearing up for international travel as soon as we can. Thanks for all of the great information!
Three reasons you should pick me for a Card Talk therapy session: (1) Left one job with a lot of travel in 2019 for a new job in 2020 with far less travel, and then no travel (!) in the COVID-19 era. Between the job change and travel reduction — and the new COVID-19 retention bonuses on several cards — not sure which of my 20 cards to keep vs. toss. (2) I have a spreadsheet where I’ve tracked fees as well as redeemed benefits for all cards for the past 3+ years, so I know exactly what each card costs (or earns me). It’s been lucrative. (3) I learned everything I know about points and miles from both of you in person. Was a newbie and enjoyed your sessions at the 2017 Minneapolis Freq Flyer University, so you can grade my lessons learned!
I’m 78 years old and have the Chase Reserve card. Your explanations regarding credit cards is really helpful for me. This whole field regarding credit cards is so complex and for me too much for me to decide which cards would be the best for me. Your discussions regarding credit cards takes a lot of pressure off me in understanding why I should keep or not keep the cards that I have. Thanks a million!!