As 2024 begins, I want to do a nice quick segment of what’s in my wallet and which cards do I currently utilized. I think this varies for most in the miles and points community with each person having different goals, so without further delay, here’s a fun segment on what’s in my wallet.
1.American Express Platinum
Annual Fee: $695
My favorite card in wallet for purchasing flights, the Amex Platinum Card carries a hefty annual fee of $695 but offers Centurion Lounge access, a plethora of credits, and excellent customer service.
Why I like this card:
I love this card for the High End Perks such as lounge access and the $240 Uber credit, the $200 airline credit, complimentary Walmart Plus ($120), $200 Fine Hotels and Resorts credit, and $100 Saks Fifth credit all help drop the net cost of the annual to something more manageable. In addition, Amex offers have also save me hundreds if not thousands of dollars making the annual fee less painful.
2.Chase Ink Business Trifecta (Cash, Unlimited, Preferred)
Annual Fee: $99 for Ink Preferred
The Chase Ink Business Trifecta is extremely valuable as all 3 cards have offered sign up bonuses of 90,000 points of more in the past few years. Additionally, each card has different earning rates and as a small business owner, the 5x of the Cash card can be helpful, while the 1.5 on the Ink Unlimited is great for everyday spend.
Why like these cards:
Everyone tends to rave about Chase combos especailly the Freedom/Freedom Unlimited and Chase Sapphire Preferred. For almost the same price, you can stack 3 of these Chase Business Ink cards that not only offer a far better sign up bonus, but also better earning rates for monthly expenses such as cable and internet. Earning 5x on cable and internet monthly could be way better than proactively earning the 5x at bonus categories each quarter with the Chase Freedom.
3.Chase World of Hyatt Credit Cards (Business and Personal)
Annual Fee: $95 Personal & $199 Business
The upfront annual fees may seem discouraging, but with the $95 annual on the personal Hyatt Card, you get a free night certificate which I routinely get over $150 in value. This year I will be using this certificate at the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor where rates were upwards of $400 for the nights I need. Additionally, the card also offers 5 elite credits, the ability to earn a second free night certificate with $15,000 in spend each Calendar Year, and the ability to earn 2 elite night credits for every $5,000 in spend.
The Business version comes with two $50 statement credits toward Hyatt bookings, the ability to gift Discoverist status to 5 employees, the ability to earn 10% rebate on redeemed points after spending $50,000 in a calendar year up to 200k points.
Why I like these Cards:
It’s no secret that I love top tier Hyatt Elite Status: Hyatt Globalist. I find this to be the most valuable elite status among travel programs. I love the ability to get off to a great start with the personal card and putting $15,000 on the card. Afterwards, it makes sense to shift spending onto the business version as it has a better elite night earning ratio. The biz card earns 5 elite nights for $10,000 of spend while the personal earns 2 nights per $5,000 of spend. I love the face that I can continue to bridge the gap to top tier status even though I am only spending 20 or so nights per year in Hyatt Hotels.
4. Citi American Airlines Business Card
Annual Fee: $99(Waived in First Year)
American Airlines may not be the best U.S. based airline, but they have one of the best loyalty programs and mileage redemption rates among comparable carriers. American Airline miles are also extremely valuable especially with the lack of easily attaintable transferable currecncies.
Why I like this card:
I love the American Airlines cards as it allows me to fast track my way to top tier elite status through putting business spend on this card. I’m able to earn plenty of loyalty points from everyday business spend and collect top tier status and continue to build a bank of AA Miles. The complimentary upgrades to first class on domestic flights provides plenty of value. In 2023, I got upgraded on 5 or 6 flights which easily got me roughly $2,000 in value.
Final Thoughts
I actually don’t carry that many cards and tend to focus my spend on a handful of cards depending on my elite status goals and potential travel plans.
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