Should You Have MULTIPLE Luxury Credit Cards?

[@artaudcharles]

Thanks!

[@jpknowledge8852]

Thank you so much!! This is very kind of you 🙏🏾

[@rmknicks]

Had both the CSR and the VX at the same time and I just canceled the VX. I was in Brussels last month where I exclusively used the CSR for 3x on train tickets, daily uber rides and all of my meals. I also have Sapphire lounges at both of my home airports. Got rid of the VX to simplify my life.

[@jpknowledge8852]

That makes sense. The benefits of the cards overlap too much to really justify both

[@newagain9964]

VX is overrated card (and so is venture program) But cap1 makes it easy to keep/justify card. That’s the only reason it’s still around.

[@jpknowledge8852]

@newagain9964 Chase is stronger than Capital One when it comes to transfer partners. But Captial One isn't bad. Most of their cards earn better than Chase's cards.

[@newagain9964]

@@jpknowledge8852 yeah. Only Chase cards I like are inks. They have 2 or maybe 3 decent cobranded cards. Maybe.

[@soapa4279]

I have the Amex Plat and CSR. Everytime I think I want to cancel the Amex Plat, I forget I'm net positive after all the credits and I do have Centurion lounges I'd go to. The CSR on the other hand, is just more useful as a travel card overall. 3X on everything travel and dining, ends up being most of the big spend. Everything else goes on my CFU. (Edit: Oh I guess since I also have the Hilton Aspire as a "Luxury" credit card)

[@jpknowledge8852]

I guess that makes sense. I use a bunch of credits on my Platinum card as well to justify it, plus I have a Centurion lounge at my home airport, so it gives me a lot more value than I pay for it.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

Biz Plat, CSR, C1VX right now. I've traveled 10+ times a year for the last 4 years. No I dont need 3 but man, i think I'll always have at least 2. Haha! Great video, JP!!

[@jpknowledge8852]

Haha, I wonder how many of us are truly gaining with more than 1 due to the overlap of the benefits. I currently have 2, but it is because the Venture X is so easy to justify

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@jpknowledge8852 well I know at least one guy that had the platinum for 4 year and only flew twice. Haha

[@juiceman2728]

New viewer & all you do is pump out great content 🤝. I will say, I think the Venture X (with savor one) makes a lot of sense with USBAR. Venture X: -easy to recoup annual fee -capital one & priority pass lounges -2x catch all if no mobile wallets -3x (savor 1) dining/groceries if no mobile wallets -flight/hotel bookings (I don’t mind C1 portal because budget airlines & fair pricing) -transfer partners USBAR: -easily recoup all but $75 in AF -priority pass restaurants (8x/year) -funnel as much 3x spend as possible through mobile wallet -guaranteed 1.5CPP value on travel without having to try/think about it (airlines booked directly, etc) Again, keep it rolling with the great content!

[@jpknowledge8852]

It seems that a lot of people have the Venture X & USBAR combo. I never thought those two would work together, because I imagine everyone who had both would only use the USBAR. But maybe the two cards can compliment each other nicely 🤔

[@juiceman2728]

I think the strategy is to let the VX/savor 1 function as a fallback if mobile wallets aren’t accepted. Plus, sometimes if I’m at a busy bar etc, mobile wallet isn’t the most practical. The VX can also be used for airline/hotel purchases. ^ for me this is solid because VX earns better on flights/hotels than USBAR (assuming you are okay booking through their portal) VX credits make the combo viable in my opinion. If it was a situation like the CSR where you are left with a $250 fee after credits, I’d be out. Thanks for the response!

[@keyKEYAdventures]

It’s almost time to do an audit of my card portfolio This video will be paramount in my keep vs cancel analysis

[@jpknowledge8852]

Always have to audit those cards. If the value isn't there✂️💳

[@jimmyjames6492]

💯💯💯 Thanks for the info + video!

[@jpknowledge8852]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

[@AnthonyVenture]

Great stuff JP! I like that you mention reevaluating, just did that this year and really cut some crazy annual fees. All I really want is Delta Skyclub access haha, but I’m not super sure about the Delta Reserve yet. I think you had some great points about which cards pair best with which, etc. Appreciate you JP!

[@jpknowledge8852]

Being where you live, Delta Skyclub lounge access with be clutch! In my opinion, Delta has the best lounges out of all the US airlines. I even think they are better than most centurion lounges.

[@LooseJointhiphopdance]

Good video. I don’t currently have any luxury cards. I’m getting to the point of applying for 1 or 2 and find your vid to make so much sense. It needs to make sense that I’m maximizing the benefits and the perks are not overlapping. It just becomes a waste of money

[@jpknowledge8852]

Exactly. 1 luxury card may give you $500 in positive value, but two may only give you $525 total in positive value due to overlapping benefits. You have to look at the trips you are taking and see if it really makes sense to have.

[@ranktank45]

My combo of choice is the CSR and Platinum. I use the platinum for credits, lounge access, Amex offers, and cash flights. The CSR is my go to dining, travel, and redemption taxes and fees. I’ve also found that the added layer of sapphire lounges is a nice complement to the centurion lounge network. I have thought about downgrading the CSR to CSP. Then adding the UA Infinite or AA Executive. I fly 6-8 AA segments a month and 2-4 UA segments. I’m EXP for AA and Gold for UA. The lounge access from either would cover far more gaps than the CSR currently does. The only issue is AA lounges are usually meh at best. UA lounges are great, but it’s my secondary airline.

[@jpknowledge8852]

You're right, AA lounges aren't grea. But you fly them so much that I feel like you are the perfect customer for the card.

[@newagain9964]

U don’t fly United enough for infinite. Get the UA card that gives u 2 passes a yr. And which untied lounges are great? Seriously asking.

[@ranktank45]

@@newagain9964 I’m at 26 PQF so while not nearly as much as my time with AA but I’d say I’m flying UA pretty often. My favorite UA lounges are EWR term C (near gate 130), ORD B 6 & 18, MSY, and LAX A71. The ones I’ve been to In IAH and other places admittedly weren’t good. Also, in LAX I’m going to hit a centurion lounge first if the wait isn’t terrible.

[@newagain9964]

@@ranktank45 interesting that u think EWR is excellent (haven’t been there, but actually thinking of getting infinite card because I go thru there a lot), considering they don’t have much competition there/EWR is a lounge desert….until centurion opens next year. 🤌

[@Texascbass]

I currently hold CSR and platinum, and just approved for the Venture X. We love the lounge access, especially with a CP1 lounge at our home airport. Have a feeling the CSR will lose the battle. Mostly because the AMX gold and platinum fits our spending/lifestyle. But have another 7 months to make the decision.

[@jpknowledge8852]

Congrats on getting the Venture X 👏🏾 I find it to be a better card than the CSR, and if the Amex cards fit your lifestyle the best, that is awesome because you can rack up a ton of points with them.

[@getsugatenshoFTW]

I have the Amex personal and biz plat as well as ritz Carlton !

[@jpknowledge8852]

Nice!

[@evangibson8020]

CSR + Hilton Aspire here, don't think there is a better 1-2 punch for domestic and international travel. Easyyyyy keepers.

[@jpknowledge8852]

@evangibson8020 That is a pretty good duo. The Aspire card is such a beast 💪🏾

[@chaz4867]

Csr and plat, plat pays for itself and the csr covers so much ground along with its points boost. I will say that the cvx would be an option, and if creators are going to push the card they should really acknowledge how hard it is to get approved for it.

[@jpknowledge8852]

Yeah, I was declined twice before finally getting approved for the Venture X. Capital One doesn't make it easy.

[@DC_Consulting_DC]

Flew back from YYC yesterday. The Aspire lounge said they prioritize the Amex Plat over all other PP cards. We are working on our 3rd Ritz-Carlton card and use them to pay for Alaska Lounge+ as well as 3 nights at a Ritz. My wife's VX will get us into the DEN lounge this Friday.

[@jpknowledge8852]

Wow, 3 Ritz-Carlton cards!! You are the first person I've heard say they have that many. If you can make it work for you, that is awesome 👏🏾

[@DCGEMINI202]

I have them all minus the top citi AA card and the rich folks cards like the black card and chase palladium card

[@jpknowledge8852]

Aren't you in the military and getting the annual fees waved you lucky son of a gun 😆

[@DCGEMINI202]

@@jpknowledge8852 yea. But in 8 years when I retire ill start getting charged 😔

[@yvjyang]

I have the VX and the Bonvoy Brilliant! Easy to recoup the AF and get value for what you pay!

[@jpknowledge8852]

The Bonvoy Brilliant has the potential to be pretty valuable for those who frequent top Marriott properties.

[@docsays]

Currently only have the AmEx Business Platinum & not even sure if i really need that one. I gravitate more towards the mid level AF cards, ie amex Green or CSP. If i felt i could get approved for the VX, i would probably get that. But for now 1 luxury card is plenty for me.

[@jpknowledge8852]

I think the Venture X is the easiest to justify. I hope you try for it and get approved

[@m3yfield]

I have no idea what I am doing but I am going to start my travel card journey with the Amex Plat and Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve😅(first year!)

[@jpknowledge8852]

The first year can always make sense to have multiple luxury cards due to the welcome offer. But in year two, if you mainly have the Delta Reserve for lounge access, the Amex Platinum gives you passes for Delta lounge. So it is best to see what you are getting from both cards that doesn't overlap.

[@Xavier_ID.]

Just the Venture X for my premium card, for now. Like you said, it’s easy to justify and get value. I agree with you though, I can’t see myself keeping more than two luxury travel cards due to the overlap. I’ll still get them for year 1 but won’t keep them around for long.

[@jpknowledge8852]

The Venture X is the easiest one to justify. I hope they never change that card 🙏🏾

[@chrisv4920]

When Chase opens the Sapphire Lounge at LAX. Would you be getting the CSR? Hopefully they opened it soon 👍

[@jpknowledge8852]

I probably still wouldn't get the CSR even if they opened a Sapphire lounge at LAX. But I wish they would just because I know a ton of people who would benefit from it

[@RewardHacksAndStacks]

I definitely agree with the sentiment of this video. In addition to the Platinum and Venture X combo that you mentioned, I think a case can be made for the USBAR and Venture X combo. The USBAR could be used everywhere mobile wallet is accepted and for Priority Pass restaurants (which you mentioned) and the Venture X could be used for everything else (as well as Priority Pass lounges).

[@jpknowledge8852]

That could make sense. I do think if I had both I would probably only use the USBAR because I get 4.5% return on spend after redemption, so unless I get in an unfortunate spot where there is no mobile wallet accepted, I wouldn't use the Venture X much at all.

[@RewardHacksAndStacks]

@@jpknowledge8852 I agree. I also would only use the Venture X when the USBAR was not accepted. I just feel the USBAR needs a catch-all card given mobile wallet is not available everywhere and the Venture X is a great catch-all for travel.

[@shawn.credit]

Amex Platinum is my jam it’s hard to beat all the status and travel value it brings.

[@jpknowledge8852]

It is my most valuable card

[@Thecreditcardconnection]

Thanks for the video JP. I have the Amex Platinum (personal and business) . Next up might be the CSR.

[@jpknowledge8852]

I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts on having both the CSR and Platinum cards after one year.

[@Thecreditcardconnection]

@@jpknowledge8852 I will definitely let you know.. Those annual fees are 👀🤣

[@alyssabenshoff1012]

I have 2 business Delta Reserve cards AND the business Platinum. I have the Reserves for the hotel credits, the companion pass, to earn status, and the free guest passes into the Skyclubs. I will never go in a Centurion lounge again- they are dirty, packed, and I got super sick the last time after I ate in one 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@jpknowledge8852]

It is unfortunate you had a terrible experience last time visiting the Centurion lounge. They have become a lot more full lately. I like the Delta Skyclub a lot at LAX. So much space and you can get some fresh air if you choose. I definitely go with that lounge over the Centurion lounge when I have the option.

[@chadpennycuff]

Plat, VX, USBAR, & Delta Reserve. IMHO, this all boils down to the airports you frequent and the lounges you want the option to visit. Do you get ROI on the AF? If you get value, rock as many as you want. I'm also considering adding another Delta Platinum card for instant silver status and coupons that more than cover the AF. The good news with the revamp, they're keeper cards and you only have use the coupons - otherwise sock draw the cards.

[@jpknowledge8852]

I see what you're saying. But do you not feel that the Venture X and the USBAR overlap too much? Both are good cards, both give lounge access, both have a pretty easy to justify annual fee, and both redeem for travel purchases. If I had both I would probably only use the USBAR because I get 4.5% return on spend after redemption, so unless I get in an unfortunate spot where there is no mobile wallet accepted, I wouldn't use the Venture X.

[@chadpennycuff]

@@jpknowledge8852@jpknowledge8852 It boils down to jumping through coupon hoops for free lounge access. That's the entire value props of the cards. Which is why I said - what lounges do you want access to? VX isn't a bad physical catch-all as an added bonus or a 2% travel eraser card if that's more your jam. VX is easiest coupon ever - buy a $400 flight in portal - there's your AF back. Easy peasy hoop - plenty of value. Put the card in a travel wallet and bust it out at C1 lounges for entry. If you ain't spending $400 a year on travel all these cards are no dice. I wanted to go to C1 lounge in Denver, but my layover was only 90 minutes and I was on SWA. Well Amex lounge is right outside the gate and you have to line up 30+ minutes early for SWA - so did I want to take 15 minutes to get to the C1 lounge, get a waitlist, and leave in time to be back? Nope - so I just went to the closer Amex option. I'd have kept the CSR if the coupons had value to me. $15 door dash order every 3 months is meh. Lift pink meh when you have uber credits and uber one from Savor. I don't care about functional overlap. Car collectors have multiple cars but they can only functionally drive one at a time - but having the option of 4x4, truck, convertible, etc. You could get it all in a Jeep Gladiator but why? This is a hobby - get the stang, the vette, the jeep and F150 if you can afford it and they all provide value.

[@chadpennycuff]

@@jpknowledge8852 No they don't overlap in features I value. I needed to fill the PP Restaurant hole left by the CSR. USBAR is literally $75 at renewal if the retention offer trick fails (the credits kick in before the AF hits), so it's not even "effective." It's actually if you're dining out and traveling the month this renews. VX gets P2, P3, and P4 no-additional-cost PP cards. 4.5% is heck of a lot better than 2% travel eraser. C1 lounges are top notch - flying SWA - Denver layovers happen and I may not always have the Platty around. Give the easy to justify AF, the VX is an airport lounge keeper card.

[@balloonpark]

I'm a nerd and keep a spreadsheet to track the value I'm getting from each card. If it looks like it won't make sense for me long term I'll cancel. I have the CSR, VX and recently canceled the plat because it stopped making sense for me.

[@jpknowledge8852]

There are a lot of people who have all 3, but I think it rarely can make sense due to how much they overlap.

[@nubianpwr]

How do you define winning? If it's simply making sure you come out ahead on the AF in terms of $$/cents, then most will lose having multiple Lux cards. On the other hand, winning for some may not boil down to $$/cents; rather, the total travel experience, perks, and statuses may be the trump card. Interesting vid JP👍🏾 btw: I have Plat, CSR, and VX (only test driving VX for a yr to see if it can replace my CSR)

[@jpknowledge8852]

My thinking is, we can only spend so much, and these luxury cards have high annual fees that cut into our gains. Sure, each one gives us benefits, but many of those benefits overlap. So it isn't as simple as the more cards you add, the more you gain. Instead, for most people, for each luxury card you add, the gains become smaller, yet the cost to have that card is still high.

[@MrHawaiiboy510]

What if you have the CSR, Venture C and Platinum? Not worth all three?

[@jpknowledge8852]

I think too many benefits overlap and all those high annual fees cut into your gains.

[@MrHawaiiboy510]

@@jpknowledge8852 my problem is. I have a bunch of chase cards and the venture X but no capitol one or chase airport lounges in my area but we do have the centurion lounge here in San Francisco. Unless I just want to settle for priority pass lounges. Also too I like to transfer a lot of my points to Hyatt . But I need to explore more international travel

[@Sinisterniinja]

Makes sense to active duty who gets all those annual fees waived

[@jpknowledge8852]

Absolutely. I try to tell my brother who is active duty military, but he doesn't care🙃

[@Sinisterniinja]

@@jpknowledge8852 WHAT!!!??? Dude your brother is super missing out, I got 7000 in annual fees just waived it’s amazing, tell your bro to watch your channel and he will be convinced! Just not this video lol your other videos explaining the great benefits

[@jpknowledge8852]

I wish it was that easy, but he doesn't care at all about credit cards and just wants the couple he already has

[@Ritchie_The_CEO]

Vanilla Plat and VX are what's in my wallet. I just can't justify the CSR since I already have those two.

[@jpknowledge8852]

I have the same two. If you have the Venture X, I don't think you need the CSR.

[@newagain9964]

I’m hoping Chase makes CSR a decent card in time for spring 2026 elevated sub. It would make a good end game travel card due to its travel protections. But Chase hoping it’s (no longer earned) hype continues so they don’t have spend more on it. Costed them a lot $

[@andreeldridge8457]

JP, Are you able to do a video without comparing the credits on Amex vs another card? Getting old. Everyone knows how everyone else feels about the Amex credits. Some of you don’t like them, a lot of us are fine with them. Can we leave it there?

[@jpknowledge8852]

Did you watch this video that you are commenting on? That wasn't the topic of the video, lol. I talk about if you should have multiple luxury cards or if it leads to diminishing returns

[@andreeldridge8457]

I sure did watch the whole video. My point is what you just stated. The video isn’t about AMEX credits so, IMO, you don’t have to use Amex credits IRT why they may choose to have a luxury card over another.

[@Leoprieto74]

😂,.. I just posted a video (just for fun) about my multiple premium & luxury travel cards. I am very happy with my multiple luxury travel cards. 🥂

[@jpknowledge8852]

If you can make them all work, good on you 🥂😎

[@M2K-01]

Im team no premium cards 😆

[@jpknowledge8852]

I used to be like that. But once you go premium, it is hard to go back 😆

[@M2K-01]

My player two wasn't overly impressed with the couple of lounges we stopped by last week. It's nice but we dont travel enough to pay the premiums.

[@lewis20002000]

Totally understand in term of freedom, but I mitigate those high af within the first week of every month.