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Hummm.... Got an offer from AMEX to upgrade my Gold to Platinum a couple of weeks ago to get 100K after spending 6K in 6 months. Jumped on that. Guess it might be waste of time to try to convince them to give me this 150K promotion? Oh well...
Some of those are not as valuable as similar offers provided by others. The $200 hotel credit is only on a 2 night prepaid stay booked through AMEX travel at "The Hotel Collection".
This isn't quite right.
Also applies to 1-night stays through the FHR collection too, which is how we used ours this year.
Quote
from tbuccelli
:
S
The airline credits - I only show $200 - are also only on "incidentals" - good if you pay for incidentals (baggage fees, onboard food), but not good towards plane tickets which would be easier to use.
It CAN be used toward tickets, though it requires a little more effort.
Quote
from malibuxboy
:
totally agree. did you transfer to an airline\hotel rewards program?
Amex isn't usually worth transferring points for hotels (unlike Chase, where Hyatt transfers can offer decent value).
The big value in Amex is airline transfers, which is how I use 99.9% of my amex points.
The other 0.1% is when Amazon, usually several times a year, offers some % off purchases if you use any MR points (so I spent 1 point to get the discount and pay the rest on a card)
Quote
from SiennaDeer8270
:
How come no one has pointed out you have to spend 6k in the first 6 months to get the 150k points? That's a lot of spend.
that's not remotely a lot of spend.
I'm knocking out a ton more than that on sign-ups this month alone just paying taxes!
Quote
from Texfinn
:
Hummm.... Got an offer from AMEX to upgrade my Gold to Platinum a couple of weeks ago to get 100K after spending 6K in 6 months. Jumped on that. Guess it might be waste of time to try to convince them to give me this 150K promotion? Oh well...
Amex does not typically match bonuses like that, no.
Also usually the "upgrade bonus" offers aren't worth doing at all unless it's on a card you've already had before (since they let you bypass the once per lifetime restrictions)
I love how Amex Platinum has a Walmart+ Membership and shopping credit. If you hold an Amex Platinum card, I am not thinking you do too much shopping at Walmart.....
The increased bonus here is due to the annual fee having increased so much in recent years.
Amex used to offer 100k signup bonuses back when the annual fee was only $450, a mere 5 years ago.
Then when they bumped the fee to $550 you'd start to sometimes see 125k offers.
Now the fee is up to $695, so they've bumped their top bonus to 150k.
Chase, FWIW, has seemed more interested lately in pushing their lower/mid range cards anyway--- the freedom flex changes, and the improvements to the CSP, were much more significant than anything they've seemed interested in doing for the CSR.
And over at Citi they've entirely abandoned the premium credit card market- shutting down the Prestige for new applicants some time ago.
Beyond those in this market you've got the USB Altitude Reserve which is... fine I guess? You can usually get annual retention offers of 5-10k points which on top of the broad travel credit means it's worth keeping- but it's not terribly exciting either, with the most interesting use being online spend, and the fact it's the only thing besides the CSR offering primary rental insurance for free.
And now you've got the Cap One high end card- which is actually pretty decent but has a very limited lounge network right now, and no domestic airline partners....Plus they seem super picky about giving out more than 1 or 2 cards to anybody.
Using the incidental travel credit on United Travel Bank credits is a good option if that's still available and you used United. Did it back in late January, although you should check that it is still working.
I've found MR points much more difficult to use however, as Chase/Capital One miles can be stupidly easy to use in comparison. Finding the juicy CPP redemptions with limited time and flexibility has been too difficult with MR. I plan to just redeem some business class flights for my retired parents to Asia and just trade them the cash they have spent on an economy flight, and/or cash out with Schwab.
The increased bonus here is due to the annual fee having increased so much in recent years.
Amex used to offer 100k signup bonuses back when the annual fee was only $450, a mere 5 years ago.
Then when they bumped the fee to $550 you'd start to sometimes see 125k offers.
Now the fee is up to $695, so they've bumped their top bonus to 150k.
Chase, FWIW, has seemed more interested lately in pushing their lower/mid range cards anyway--- the freedom flex changes, and the improvements to the CSP, were much more significant than anything they've seemed interested in doing for the CSR.
And over at Citi they've entirely abandoned the premium credit card market- shutting down the Prestige for new applicants some time ago.
Beyond those in this market you've got the USB Altitude Reserve which is... fine I guess? You can usually get annual retention offers of 5-10k points which on top of the broad travel credit means it's worth keeping- but it's not terribly exciting either, with the most interesting use being online spend, and the fact it's the only thing besides the CSR offering primary rental insurance for free.
And now you've got the Cap One high end card- which is actually pretty decent but has a very limited lounge network right now, and no domestic airline partners....Plus they seem super picky about giving out more than 1 or 2 cards to anybody.
Good point. The way to analyze this is the old deal was for a profit of $550 ($1000-$450). The new deal is $805 ($1500-$695). The increase is about $250. You guys can argue about the other benefits. Most people wouldn't be using those benefits if they didn't have the card so I don't consider them to be benefits. Just excuses to spend more money.
Also applies to 1-night stays through the FHR collection too, which is how we used ours this year.
It CAN be used toward tickets, though it requires a little more effort.
Amex isn't usually worth transferring points for hotels (unlike Chase, where Hyatt transfers can offer decent value).
The big value in Amex is airline transfers, which is how I use 99.9% of my amex points.
The other 0.1% is when Amazon, usually several times a year, offers some % off purchases if you use any MR points (so I spent 1 point to get the discount and pay the rest on a card)
that's not remotely a lot of spend.
I'm knocking out a ton more than that on sign-ups this month alone just paying taxes!
Amex does not typically match bonuses like that, no.
Also usually the "upgrade bonus" offers aren't worth doing at all unless it's on a card you've already had before (since they let you bypass the once per lifetime restrictions)
How much taxes do you pay? The only reason elon is paying billions in taxes this year is his options are expiring. Otherwise wealthy folks pay very little taxes. If you pay this much tax year after year, you are focusing on the wrong type of income and wealth. Plus, paying taxes with cc has fees.
How much taxes do you pay? The only reason elon is paying billions in taxes this year is his options are expiring. Otherwise wealthy folks pay very little taxes.
The rich pay the vast majority of all income tax
The top 10% of all earners pay 71.4% of it.
The top 1% alone pay about 40% of it.
Though FWIW a decent bit of the income I'm paying taxes on IS options related-- in this case generating significant income from selling weekly option spreads.
This year we're doing the Ink Preferred 100k signup for myself and my spouse- which is 15k spend on each, for 100k chase points....so 30k total spend.
Last year we did similar with Amex Plat business 15k spends.
Unfortunately the IRS only lets you do 2 credit card payments a year- so I can only do the 2 signup bonuses with this bill, and have to pay the rest via a bank transfer.
I do get to usually knock out one more for state tax bill at least.
I'm hoping next year Cap One brings back their big bonus on the Spark card which would have accommodated 50k spend per card.
Quote
from SiennaDeer8270
:
Plus, paying taxes with cc has fees.
yes they do.
1.87%
Which is vastly lower fees than the profit from doing signup bonuses of course. Usually the reward value just on the spend itself (without the bonus) offsets the fee.
Would like to hear more testimonials from current Amex Platinum card holders. My current credit card company just nuked my 2.5% rewards card, so I'm on the hunt for what's next. My wife might be traveling more with her career over the next decade and I'm interested in the fringe benefits of the Amex Platinum. I'm just slightly nervous they might raise the annual fee once I'm in their boat. I'm not sure we wouldn't benefit more just sticking to a Costco or airline credit card to negate the annoying baggage fees which are my biggest pet peeve.
Quote
from SiennaDeer8270
:
You forgot $300 equinox. Although $300 is only like a month and a half membership lol.
How come no one has pointed out you have to spend 6k in the first 6 months to get the 150k points? That's a lot of spend.
$1k/mo spending is NOT substantial. I'm at a point in life where $2.5k/mo is a baseline. Get a family and welcome to an adult's financial responsibilities.
Quote
from hublovesyou
:
I love how Amex Platinum has a Walmart+ Membership and shopping credit. If you hold an Amex Platinum card, I am not thinking you do too much shopping at Walmart.....
That's why they're offering the perk. Not many cardholders might redeem costing Amex less. Honestly, many high net-worth consumers are extremely interested in the catered treatment that these programs offer. I routinely shop at Walmart although I can afford better. If I can submit an online order, not have to walk around the zoo which is shopping at Walmart, and have them bring my purchase out to my car, that is an amazing service that many customers (rich and poor) currently utilize. Its a wonder that it took a global pandemic to get people to make that toggle. Many will never go back because the time savings are considerable.
Would like to hear more testimonials from current Amex Platinum card holders. My current credit card company just nuked my 2.5% rewards card, so I'm on the hunt for what's next. My wife might be traveling more with her career over the next decade and I'm interested in the fringe benefits of the Amex Platinum. I'm just slightly nervous they might raise the annual fee once I'm in their boat. I'm not sure we wouldn't benefit more just sticking to a Costco or airline credit card to negate the annoying baggage fees which are my biggest pet peeve.
$1k/mo spending is NOT substantial. I'm at a point in life where $2.5k/mo is a baseline. Get a family and welcome to an adult's financial responsibilities.
That's why they're offering the perk. Not many cardholders might redeem costing Amex less. Honestly, many high net-worth consumers are extremely interested in the catered treatment that these programs offer. I routinely shop at Walmart although I can afford better. If I can submit an online order, not have to walk around the zoo which is shopping at Walmart, and have them bring my purchase out to my car, that is an amazing service that many customers (rich and poor) currently utilize. Its a wonder that it took a global pandemic to get people to make that toggle. Many will never go back because the time savings are considerable.
Not everyone wants a family for that exact reason lol. Why would anyone WANT to have 2500 a month as baseline expenses for other humans?
Not everyone wants a family for that exact reason lol. Why would anyone WANT to have 2500 a month as baseline expenses for other humans?
You have a lot to learn. I guarantee you a vast majority of people value their families regardless of expense and wouldn't have life any other way. Obviously not what you want, but to convince anybody that $1k spending is significant or that spending even more to have a family/lifestyle is a foolish decision is even less informed. Unless you are trying to live frugally for spiritual/philosophical reasons, life costs money and it would appear to me that capitalism isn't interested in making pleasant experiences cost less. Play the game or sit on the sidelines is how I would succinctly describe life as an American.
Though FWIW a decent bit of the income I'm paying taxes on IS options related-- in this case generating significant income from selling weekly option spreads.
This year we're doing the Ink Preferred 100k signup for myself and my spouse- which is 15k spend on each, for 100k chase points....so 30k total spend.
Last year we did similar with Amex Plat business 15k spends.
Unfortunately the IRS only lets you do 2 credit card payments a year- so I can only do the 2 signup bonuses with this bill, and have to pay the rest via a bank transfer.
I do get to usually knock out one more for state tax bill at least.
I'm hoping next year Cap One brings back their big bonus on the Spark card which would have accommodated 50k spend per card.
yes they do.
1.87%
Which is vastly lower fees than the profit from doing signup bonuses of course. Usually the reward value just on the spend itself (without the bonus) offsets the fee.
Then why does Elizabeth Warren wake up everyday and start complaining how musk and bezos don't pay any tax? I'm sure she'd ream you if you stated your numbers to her lol.
I have the 150K offer from Amex. Can someone please help me understand the benefits of applying through Schwab? I see only 100K offer there. Do they waive the annual fee etc?
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Also applies to 1-night stays through the FHR collection too, which is how we used ours this year.
The airline credits - I only show $200 - are also only on "incidentals" - good if you pay for incidentals (baggage fees, onboard food), but not good towards plane tickets which would be easier to use.
The big value in Amex is airline transfers, which is how I use 99.9% of my amex points.
The other 0.1% is when Amazon, usually several times a year, offers some % off purchases if you use any MR points (so I spent 1 point to get the discount and pay the rest on a card)
that's not remotely a lot of spend.
I'm knocking out a ton more than that on sign-ups this month alone just paying taxes!
Amex does not typically match bonuses like that, no.
Also usually the "upgrade bonus" offers aren't worth doing at all unless it's on a card you've already had before (since they let you bypass the once per lifetime restrictions)
The increased bonus here is due to the annual fee having increased so much in recent years.
Amex used to offer 100k signup bonuses back when the annual fee was only $450, a mere 5 years ago.
Then when they bumped the fee to $550 you'd start to sometimes see 125k offers.
Now the fee is up to $695, so they've bumped their top bonus to 150k.
Chase, FWIW, has seemed more interested lately in pushing their lower/mid range cards anyway--- the freedom flex changes, and the improvements to the CSP, were much more significant than anything they've seemed interested in doing for the CSR.
And over at Citi they've entirely abandoned the premium credit card market- shutting down the Prestige for new applicants some time ago.
Beyond those in this market you've got the USB Altitude Reserve which is... fine I guess? You can usually get annual retention offers of 5-10k points which on top of the broad travel credit means it's worth keeping- but it's not terribly exciting either, with the most interesting use being online spend, and the fact it's the only thing besides the CSR offering primary rental insurance for free.
And now you've got the Cap One high end card- which is actually pretty decent but has a very limited lounge network right now, and no domestic airline partners....Plus they seem super picky about giving out more than 1 or 2 cards to anybody.
I've found MR points much more difficult to use however, as Chase/Capital One miles can be stupidly easy to use in comparison. Finding the juicy CPP redemptions with limited time and flexibility has been too difficult with MR. I plan to just redeem some business class flights for my retired parents to Asia and just trade them the cash they have spent on an economy flight, and/or cash out with Schwab.
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The increased bonus here is due to the annual fee having increased so much in recent years.
Amex used to offer 100k signup bonuses back when the annual fee was only $450, a mere 5 years ago.
Then when they bumped the fee to $550 you'd start to sometimes see 125k offers.
Now the fee is up to $695, so they've bumped their top bonus to 150k.
Chase, FWIW, has seemed more interested lately in pushing their lower/mid range cards anyway--- the freedom flex changes, and the improvements to the CSP, were much more significant than anything they've seemed interested in doing for the CSR.
And over at Citi they've entirely abandoned the premium credit card market- shutting down the Prestige for new applicants some time ago.
Beyond those in this market you've got the USB Altitude Reserve which is... fine I guess? You can usually get annual retention offers of 5-10k points which on top of the broad travel credit means it's worth keeping- but it's not terribly exciting either, with the most interesting use being online spend, and the fact it's the only thing besides the CSR offering primary rental insurance for free.
And now you've got the Cap One high end card- which is actually pretty decent but has a very limited lounge network right now, and no domestic airline partners....Plus they seem super picky about giving out more than 1 or 2 cards to anybody.
Also applies to 1-night stays through the FHR collection too, which is how we used ours this year.
It CAN be used toward tickets, though it requires a little more effort.
Amex isn't usually worth transferring points for hotels (unlike Chase, where Hyatt transfers can offer decent value).
The big value in Amex is airline transfers, which is how I use 99.9% of my amex points.
The other 0.1% is when Amazon, usually several times a year, offers some % off purchases if you use any MR points (so I spent 1 point to get the discount and pay the rest on a card)
that's not remotely a lot of spend.
I'm knocking out a ton more than that on sign-ups this month alone just paying taxes!
Amex does not typically match bonuses like that, no.
Also usually the "upgrade bonus" offers aren't worth doing at all unless it's on a card you've already had before (since they let you bypass the once per lifetime restrictions)
The top 10% of all earners pay 71.4% of it.
The top 1% alone pay about 40% of it.
Though FWIW a decent bit of the income I'm paying taxes on IS options related-- in this case generating significant income from selling weekly option spreads.
This year we're doing the Ink Preferred 100k signup for myself and my spouse- which is 15k spend on each, for 100k chase points....so 30k total spend.
Last year we did similar with Amex Plat business 15k spends.
Unfortunately the IRS only lets you do 2 credit card payments a year- so I can only do the 2 signup bonuses with this bill, and have to pay the rest via a bank transfer.
I do get to usually knock out one more for state tax bill at least.
I'm hoping next year Cap One brings back their big bonus on the Spark card which would have accommodated 50k spend per card.
yes they do.
1.87%
Which is vastly lower fees than the profit from doing signup bonuses of course. Usually the reward value just on the spend itself (without the bonus) offsets the fee.
How come no one has pointed out you have to spend 6k in the first 6 months to get the 150k points? That's a lot of spend.
$1k/mo spending is NOT substantial. I'm at a point in life where $2.5k/mo is a baseline. Get a family and welcome to an adult's financial responsibilities.
That's why they're offering the perk. Not many cardholders might redeem costing Amex less. Honestly, many high net-worth consumers are extremely interested in the catered treatment that these programs offer. I routinely shop at Walmart although I can afford better. If I can submit an online order, not have to walk around the zoo which is shopping at Walmart, and have them bring my purchase out to my car, that is an amazing service that many customers (rich and poor) currently utilize. Its a wonder that it took a global pandemic to get people to make that toggle. Many will never go back because the time savings are considerable.
The top 10% of all earners pay 71.4% of it.
The top 1% alone pay about 40% of it.
Though FWIW a decent bit of the income I'm paying taxes on IS options related-- in this case generating significant income from selling weekly option spreads.
This year we're doing the Ink Preferred 100k signup for myself and my spouse- which is 15k spend on each, for 100k chase points....so 30k total spend.
Last year we did similar with Amex Plat business 15k spends.
Unfortunately the IRS only lets you do 2 credit card payments a year- so I can only do the 2 signup bonuses with this bill, and have to pay the rest via a bank transfer.
I do get to usually knock out one more for state tax bill at least.
I'm hoping next year Cap One brings back their big bonus on the Spark card which would have accommodated 50k spend per card.
yes they do.
1.87%
Which is vastly lower fees than the profit from doing signup bonuses of course. Usually the reward value just on the spend itself (without the bonus) offsets the fee.
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