A little off topic, but still wallet related. So my trusty leather wallet was starting to fall apart and I decided to jump ship and purchase a Code 118 version. You can "load" about 5-6 cards into this thing, and then it has a strap for any extra cards/cash. I have this thing for about a month, and I'm still trying to decide if I like it or not. The down side for me is that I don't have a place to store receipts.
What's in your wallet?
- Thread starter pcbuck
- Start date
Orin Swift
Well-known member
It always takes me awhile to decide if I like a new wallet or not. But when I get a new one I usually try a new style of wallet so there’s an adjustment period.
Been rocking a small card holder style wallet - can fit 2 cards on both sides and an inside pocket that can hold another 4 cards inside. Down side is it doesn’t leave much room for cash so I usually only have $20-$50 on me at any one time and almost never singles. Would prefer to carry a touch more without needing $50s or $100s.
Orin Swift
Well-known member
My wife and I used to do a good amount of credit card churning but got to the point it wasn’t worth the time anymore. I just dropped the Chase Sapphire Reserve, most of the benefits had expired and wasn’t getting as much value in the higher annual fee. But I still have it because I referred my wife and we both got some extra points out of it before I transferred the points and cancelled my card. Great card when you utilize the benefits though. $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass for 3 years, Lyft Pink for 2 years, InstaCart membership for 1 year. That’s the main card we both use for just about anything.
Currently have a Chase United Visa for free checked baggage. Had a weird number of United flights this year and it’ll be cheaper to get the card than pay for checked bags. I’ll cancel it after the last flight on the airline as I’ve solely used it to book the United flights and not pay for checked bags.
Other: Drivers license. Gym ID. Zoo membership card. Krohns Conservatory membership card. Health insurance ID card. Dental insurance ID card. $25 cash.
Currently have a Chase United Visa for free checked baggage. Had a weird number of United flights this year and it’ll be cheaper to get the card than pay for checked bags. I’ll cancel it after the last flight on the airline as I’ve solely used it to book the United flights and not pay for checked bags.
Other: Drivers license. Gym ID. Zoo membership card. Krohns Conservatory membership card. Health insurance ID card. Dental insurance ID card. $25 cash.
pcbuck
Well-known member
I've been looking into the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Chase probably has the best transfer partners and there's plenty of benefits to justify the $550 annual fee. However, a lot of those benefits, like the Global Entry reimbursement and the Priority Pass membership, overlap with my American Express Platinum. I'll probably just go with the Chase Sapphire Preferred (same sign up bonus and only $95 annual fee) to get exposure to the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem. I can always product change to the Sapphire Reserve if I ever get rid of my Amex Platinum.
pcbuck
Well-known member
One underrated benefit of the premium credit cards is return protection. Even if the merchant denies your return or if the product was bought with no returns you can file with your credit card (obviously if you purchased the item with that credit card within 90 days).
Credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve, Hilton Aspire, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, and American Express Platinum (among others) offer this benefit. It generally applies to items up to $300 ($500 for Chase Sapphire Reserve) for a total of $1000 in a year.
Credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve, Hilton Aspire, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, and American Express Platinum (among others) offer this benefit. It generally applies to items up to $300 ($500 for Chase Sapphire Reserve) for a total of $1000 in a year.
pcbuck
Well-known member
My priority this year for credit cards is “ Earn and Burn”. I’ve seen several cards undergo devaluation and didn’t want to get stuck with points with diminishing value.
I’ve redeemed over 220,000 points so far this year on flights and a hotel stay, so mission accomplished.
I’ve redeemed over 220,000 points so far this year on flights and a hotel stay, so mission accomplished.
pcbuck
Well-known member
Earlier this week I got the sign up bonus of 35K Hyatt points. They also give an extra point per dollar spent in the 1X category in the first 6 months, up to 15K points. Because of this and because of the extra free night at a Category 1-4 hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year, I've decided to put a lot of my catch all spending on this card. Obviously these hotels aren't the best hotels at Hyatt but some in this range can go up to $380 a night during the weekend.
pcbuck
Well-known member
One of the nice, unique benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve just got cancelled. Starting July 1, Chase Sapphire Reserve ( and Ritz Carlton) card holders will lose Priority Pass restaurant access. They'll still get Priority Pass lounge access but lose the $28 restaurant benefit/use (up to $56 for 2 travelers). Only a few cards still have this restaurant access, like US Bank Altitude Reserve, Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite, and the Capital One Venture X Business.
pcbuck
Well-known member
The credit card points and miles game can be very rewarding but as we've seen in this thread you need to pay off your balance every month for credit card churning to make any sense at all. Recently the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia released some eye opening numbers. Credit card delinquency rates reached their highest level in Q4 2023. Nearly 3.5 % of credit card balances were at least 30 days past due as of Q4 end.
10 different cards for different places. 1 balance.
Bank card.
Insurance card.
Medical card that explains to people why I set off metal detectors and no, I can't take THAT off and put it in a basket. .
All kept in the Superman Wallet I bought from the Warner Brothers store in Tower City in the summer of 1993.
Bank card.
Insurance card.
Medical card that explains to people why I set off metal detectors and no, I can't take THAT off and put it in a basket. .
All kept in the Superman Wallet I bought from the Warner Brothers store in Tower City in the summer of 1993.
pcbuck
Well-known member
Starting May 2, Chase increased the sign up bonus (SUB) for their Sapphire cards, the Sapphire Reserve ($595 annual fee) and the Sapphire Preferred ($95 AF). The new offer is 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points if you spend $4,000 dollars in the first 3 months. The usual SUB is 60,000 after $4K spend in 3 months. The Points Guy values Chase UR points at 2.05 cents per points, giving this bonus a value of $1,537.
The last time Chase offered an elevated offer was from April-May 2023 so this may be something to apply for now if you are looking at these cards.
You may also be able to get a higher SUB offer if you apply for one of the Sapphire cards in person at a Chase branch.
The last time Chase offered an elevated offer was from April-May 2023 so this may be something to apply for now if you are looking at these cards.
You may also be able to get a higher SUB offer if you apply for one of the Sapphire cards in person at a Chase branch.
pcbuck
Well-known member
I applied for and was accepted to get the Chase Sapphire Preferred to get the elevated sign up bonus (SUB) of 75K points if you spend 4K in the first 3 months. This elevated bonus is expected to end soon but Chase hasn't officially announced the date. I've heard June 22 but that's only a rumor.
The main reason I signed up for this card is the transfer partners. The main two I would transfer to are Hyatt and Southwest. I recently booked a Hyatt hotel in Europe using points at 2.31 cents per point. Using that valuation and the 1:1 transfer rate, the SUB is worth over $1,700.
I also signed up using a link sent to me by my dad, who will get 10K points for this referral.
pcbuck
Well-known member
I recently read an article written by folks at the Federal Reserve titled "Who Pays For Your Rewards? Redistribution in the Credit Card Market".
Their analysis showed that the general idea that the poor subsidize the rich (Reverse Robin Hood) is not entirely true. They found that financial sophistication is a better indicator than just using income. This is defined as understanding and knowledge of how credit cards, interest, budgeting, and payments work. FICO score is a better measure for this than just income.
The one point in the article that was mind blowing was that the authors surmised that high-FICO consumers benefitted from rewards programs at the expense of low-FICO consumers to the tune of $15.1 Billion annually.
The credit card game can be very lucrative but you need to pay your bills on time without paying any interest and you need to keep your spending in check. The largest banks in the US gave out $35 Billion in rewards in 2019, but they do this to entice you to spend more and not pay off your balances monthly.
Their analysis showed that the general idea that the poor subsidize the rich (Reverse Robin Hood) is not entirely true. They found that financial sophistication is a better indicator than just using income. This is defined as understanding and knowledge of how credit cards, interest, budgeting, and payments work. FICO score is a better measure for this than just income.
The one point in the article that was mind blowing was that the authors surmised that high-FICO consumers benefitted from rewards programs at the expense of low-FICO consumers to the tune of $15.1 Billion annually.
The credit card game can be very lucrative but you need to pay your bills on time without paying any interest and you need to keep your spending in check. The largest banks in the US gave out $35 Billion in rewards in 2019, but they do this to entice you to spend more and not pay off your balances monthly.
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EagleFan
Fan of Eagle
My wife has the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, which gives her Platinum Elite, but at $695 I don't think it's worth it.
I have the Bonvoy Boundless Visa, but have Titanium Elite status even without it. I could just get a 2nd Amex off the wife's card I guess.
We also have Delta Amex and United Visa. (The free bags help pay for the annual fee). We probably should consolidate. Amazon might be a good one since that may be our biggest spend spot. Key point as mentioned is pay it off every month.
I have the Bonvoy Boundless Visa, but have Titanium Elite status even without it. I could just get a 2nd Amex off the wife's card I guess.
We also have Delta Amex and United Visa. (The free bags help pay for the annual fee). We probably should consolidate. Amazon might be a good one since that may be our biggest spend spot. Key point as mentioned is pay it off every month.
pcbuck
Well-known member
Without knowing your entire situation, the Bonvoy Brilliant isn’t worth it for you guys since you have Titanium Elite status unless your wife travels without you and stays at Marriott often. The other possible reason to keep it is if you use the free night award every year (up to 85K points) and stay at a hotel that costs more than $350 for a night.
pcbuck
Well-known member
If you don't have the Chase Sapphire Reserve anymore and haven't received the Sign Up Bonus in the last 4 years, you could sign up again and get the SUB again. The usual bonus is 60K Ultimate Rewards points if you spend 4K in 3 months. Or you could wait until the spring possibly for an elevated bonus. This last one was 75K points for the same spend.
Thavoice
Well-known member
Eexactly.
Exactly. Key is paying them off so you do not have interest which is what I do but the fact remains....most.people don't hence they keep.offering more and more.rewards. I get 40-50.bucks a month on reward points with no yearly fee...works for me.
Smoove Mooves
Well-known member
What in SMoove's wallet???? SMoove have a Speedway Reward Card that give Smoove an extra little gusto and discountation on Smoove's Go-Go Juice. Smoove also have a Sam's Club card, and the one that Smoove prize the mostest, a BJ card. GOod for a BJ anytime Smoove want it. Now Smoove ain't had to usinate it yet, 'Cuz when Smoove come around, e'erone can't wait to just wanna please Smoove.
Smoove also have a Discount card for Tallmadge Blue Devils good at Danny BOyz in T-madge. Smoove likifies they food alot, plus, there one waitress that Smoove just seem to hit it out the ballpark wit' each time Smoove go in ther. She enjoys the heck outta Smoove, but then agin, who don't enjoy Smoove??? Smoove is like a aberation, E'erbody know Wmoove and all the ladies and chickies in the COncessionary Stand want to take some of Smoov home wit' them. Smoove goot dad too, Smoove take care of all 13 of Smoove kids. Don't fo'get it, y'all: If y'all gonna spread the seed, y'all gots to fill the need!
Smoove out!
Smoove also have a Discount card for Tallmadge Blue Devils good at Danny BOyz in T-madge. Smoove likifies they food alot, plus, there one waitress that Smoove just seem to hit it out the ballpark wit' each time Smoove go in ther. She enjoys the heck outta Smoove, but then agin, who don't enjoy Smoove??? Smoove is like a aberation, E'erbody know Wmoove and all the ladies and chickies in the COncessionary Stand want to take some of Smoov home wit' them. Smoove goot dad too, Smoove take care of all 13 of Smoove kids. Don't fo'get it, y'all: If y'all gonna spread the seed, y'all gots to fill the need!
Smoove out!
pcbuck
Well-known member
I'm not even gonna try to top that one. LOL.
At the halfway point I just wanted to update my credit card journey so far this year.
I've paid $985 in annual fees so far with about $412 to pay later in the year. I've yet to have any interest or late fees.
So far I've gotten $7,197 back in free hotel nights, free flights, cash back, credit card benefits, and credit card offers.
The largest 3 categories are:
Free hotels: $3,670 (7 nights total)
Free flights: $872 (2 round trip flights)
Cash back: $821 ($250 were from a sign up bonus)
At the halfway point I just wanted to update my credit card journey so far this year.
I've paid $985 in annual fees so far with about $412 to pay later in the year. I've yet to have any interest or late fees.
So far I've gotten $7,197 back in free hotel nights, free flights, cash back, credit card benefits, and credit card offers.
The largest 3 categories are:
Free hotels: $3,670 (7 nights total)
Free flights: $872 (2 round trip flights)
Cash back: $821 ($250 were from a sign up bonus)
pcbuck
Well-known member
The latest card my wife and I got was the American Express Hilton Surpass card. I typically don't get this many cards so quickly (3 in the past 5 months) but this is my wife's first new card this year and we are just about done getting the other sign up bonuses.
This card has an elevated sign up bonus of 130,000 Hilton points and 1 free night certificate if you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months. Hilton points are typically valued at 0.5 cents per point so the points part of the bonus is worth $650. You can quite easily get a value of $500 on the free night certificate up to over $1,000 if you look hard enough. The annual fee for the card is $150 but you also get a statement credit of $50 each quarter if you spend that amount at Hilton hotels. If you stay at Hilton hotels at least once a year, you can make the argument that this card pays for itself.
This card has an elevated sign up bonus of 130,000 Hilton points and 1 free night certificate if you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months. Hilton points are typically valued at 0.5 cents per point so the points part of the bonus is worth $650. You can quite easily get a value of $500 on the free night certificate up to over $1,000 if you look hard enough. The annual fee for the card is $150 but you also get a statement credit of $50 each quarter if you spend that amount at Hilton hotels. If you stay at Hilton hotels at least once a year, you can make the argument that this card pays for itself.
pcbuck
Well-known member
This elevated sign up bonus for the Hilton Surpass card is still available until July 31. In addition to what I mentioned above you also get Hilton Gold Status which entitles you to a food and beverage credit ($15 to $50 per night) and room upgrades.
If you aren't into annual fee credit cards, the Hilton Honors card has a nice sign up bonus of 70,000 points and 1 free night certificate if you spend $2,000 in the first 6 months.
pcbuck
Well-known member
My credit card system is very complicated but it's very fun, rewarding, and profitable for me. I understand how that wouldn't be for everyone.
If you want a one a done credit card strategy with nothing to think about and 0 annual fee, you might want to consider the Citi Double Cash or the Wells Fargo Active Cash credit cards. Both of these give an unlimited 2% back on all purchases with no annual fee. Both cards also boast a $200 sign up bonus if you meet the spend requirements over the first 3-6 months.
If you want a one a done credit card strategy with nothing to think about and 0 annual fee, you might want to consider the Citi Double Cash or the Wells Fargo Active Cash credit cards. Both of these give an unlimited 2% back on all purchases with no annual fee. Both cards also boast a $200 sign up bonus if you meet the spend requirements over the first 3-6 months.
soccerdad72
Well-known member
The annual fee is coming up on our Marriott Bonvoy AmEx, so we're probably going to drop that one (the first year was free). Before we dropped it, however, we cashed in some Bonvoy certificates we were given when we bought into a Westin property in Maui. 5 certificates for 330,000 Bonvoy points at $2,375 a certificate, which worked out to less than if we were to buy the points straight up on Bonvoy's site, especially when adding in the 70,000 or so bonus Bonvoy points we got by using the AmEx card. We're at around 2.9 million points right now.
My wife is retiring this December, so her work perk of a United Club membership is going away, so we're probably going to upgrade our United card from the Explorer card up to Infinite Club card.
My wife is retiring this December, so her work perk of a United Club membership is going away, so we're probably going to upgrade our United card from the Explorer card up to Infinite Club card.
pcbuck
Well-known member
Enjoy using all those Bonvoy points.
One thing you may want to consider is to product change the Explorer card to the no annual fee Gateway card then wait about 1-2 weeks and apply for the Infinite card. By doing this you can get the sign up bonus for the Infinite which is currently 90K miles if you spend $5000 in 3 months.
I'm doing something similar to this with my American Airlines card shortly after the annual fee hits next month. You have at least 30 days after the annual fee hits your card to cancel or product change and they'll refund the annual fee.
pcbuck
Well-known member
I got 4 new credit cards in the last 1 1/2 years so I was a bit worried it would effect my credit score.
Fortunately my score stayed about the same during that time period.
Here's what makes up your credit score:
Payment History 35%
Amount Owed 30%
Length of Credit History 15%
New Credit 10%
Credit Mix 10%
I would think that with so many new cards my Length of Credit History and New Credit would take a hit.
That apparently was equalized by the Amount Owed, which is also called Credit Utilization.
Since my spending stayed about the same with no balances, my utilization went down since the new credit cards increased my total credit limit by over 48K.
Fortunately my score stayed about the same during that time period.
Here's what makes up your credit score:
Payment History 35%
Amount Owed 30%
Length of Credit History 15%
New Credit 10%
Credit Mix 10%
I would think that with so many new cards my Length of Credit History and New Credit would take a hit.
That apparently was equalized by the Amount Owed, which is also called Credit Utilization.
Since my spending stayed about the same with no balances, my utilization went down since the new credit cards increased my total credit limit by over 48K.
Thavoice
Well-known member
All of this in a nutshell.
Some people actually believe carrying a balance helps your score..which it doesn't. Cos want u to keep a balance, pay interest, but your score isn't based on what VVs want.
My utilization is between 0-2% l...dependant on when they pull their reports. I ensure each card is paid off each week and my main card whonwas giving me 5% is now adding 2% to that for 6.months and money in their money market acct is over 5% so it's nice getting nearly 200 in interest.
pcbuck
Well-known member
One of the more underrated benefits of the American Express Platinum card is the Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR) program. Just finished a 4 day stay in Scotland booked through FHR.
We got a $120 a night room upgrade, free breakfast at $45 per person, and another $75 off incidental charges. We also got some Scottish Gin and Tonic, a bottle of IRN BRU, and some local snacks. You also get early 12PM check in and 4PM guaranteed check out if needed.
I also entered my Hilton Rewards number to earn Hilton points during the stay, something you can’t do if booked through Expedia or Priceline, etc.
The key is you have to compare prices with booking through the hotel itself to make sure it’s worth it for you.
We got a $120 a night room upgrade, free breakfast at $45 per person, and another $75 off incidental charges. We also got some Scottish Gin and Tonic, a bottle of IRN BRU, and some local snacks. You also get early 12PM check in and 4PM guaranteed check out if needed.
I also entered my Hilton Rewards number to earn Hilton points during the stay, something you can’t do if booked through Expedia or Priceline, etc.
The key is you have to compare prices with booking through the hotel itself to make sure it’s worth it for you.
pcbuck
Well-known member
I mentioned earlier that the quickest way to earn credit card points is from Sign Up Bonuses (SUBs).
Some people think that if they received a sign up bonus before that they can't get another one for the same credit card. That's not necessarily true.
For example, for the Chase Sapphire cards if you haven't received a SUB in the last 48 months and don't currently have the card you can get another SUB. For the Chase Southwest cards, the time period is only 24 months. For most American Express cards (Platinum/Gold/Hilton Aspire/Marriot Bonvoy Brilliant) the SUB is once per lifetime. You really have to check each card that you want to get a repeat Sign Up Bonus to see if this is possible.
I'll give you an example of what I'm doing currently. I have the Citi American Airlines Platinum Select card and received the SUB over 48 months ago. I didn't want to cancel this card due to the length of credit history (9 years) with this card so I product changed to the no annual fee Citi AA Mile Up Card. I can apply for the Platinum Select at least 1 month from now and earn the SUB again which is currently 75K points with 3.5K spend in the first 4 months.
Some people think that if they received a sign up bonus before that they can't get another one for the same credit card. That's not necessarily true.
For example, for the Chase Sapphire cards if you haven't received a SUB in the last 48 months and don't currently have the card you can get another SUB. For the Chase Southwest cards, the time period is only 24 months. For most American Express cards (Platinum/Gold/Hilton Aspire/Marriot Bonvoy Brilliant) the SUB is once per lifetime. You really have to check each card that you want to get a repeat Sign Up Bonus to see if this is possible.
I'll give you an example of what I'm doing currently. I have the Citi American Airlines Platinum Select card and received the SUB over 48 months ago. I didn't want to cancel this card due to the length of credit history (9 years) with this card so I product changed to the no annual fee Citi AA Mile Up Card. I can apply for the Platinum Select at least 1 month from now and earn the SUB again which is currently 75K points with 3.5K spend in the first 4 months.