The 3 Credit Card Lessons I Learned in 2024

[@thegamingpro9128]

I love how honest and trustworthy this guy is. Most the other videomakers I've seen on this topic only push the referral cards (Amex, Chase, C1) by overstating the pros of the cards, understating the cons, and doing zero math. Stan's a true hobbyist

[@TheCreditFrog]

I appreciate it! I just like to say it how it is because that's how I would want others to give me advice.

[@kenjiang21]

I think it’s bc some people really do this as a job and some people do this as their interest and hobby. So it’s gunna be a very different feel for what content they produce and provide.

[@scarling9367]

There's plenty out there. They all have their niche. Some focus on other things as well, like bank bonuses, oddball strategies and redemptions, investing, or business building.

[@SuperMrgentleman]

The best people sadly are the ones with the most limited resources because those pushing referrals are kept on a very tight leash as to what they can and can't say

[@Olafdaschneemann]

Most importantly, we’re not thrown around and put up close and personal like *some* YTers

[@TehAdrenalinePickle]

I learned that points from everyday spending are severely underrated. Everyone talks about and focuses on churning and chasing SUBs, but you get a shocking amount of points annually if you just optimize your spend. $16k a year- assuming you're chasing a $4k every quarter- gets you 24k points at 1.5x back, 32k at 2x back, or 40k if you're averaging somewhere close to 2.5x back across all your different spending multipliers. Pretty much a small SUB worth of points stress-free- and that's assuming you're only putting $16k spend through your cards and not using portals to get 5-10x back when you decide to go on vacation.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, I agree! It's not as cool as getting a welcome offers for sure, but spending multipliers are an example of a little bit over a long period time can lead to great things! While we all should watch out spending, we should definitely maximize the things that we spend on! Luckily for us, there are so many options to choose from to get those little returns back!

[@docsays]

- excellent point! especially with moderate or high spend at only 2x that's a nice chunk of points!

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@docsays Absolutely Doc!

[@jpknowledge8852]

Luke will be waiting in line with Adam's kids 🤣🤣 That line had me rolling. Great video Stan

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks JP! It's a new world in 2025 🤣🤣🤣

[@KevinMartinez-kp4tk]

This was indeed beautiful 😂

[@LK_EBM]

#2 on simplicity is key! Time is valuable and time is money! Can't waste it chasing small $.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Absolutely LK! We don't want to major in the minors!!

[@x1928]

I learned it's ok to cut cards. And thanks to Stan I leaned the game on Marriott

[@TheCreditFrog]

It definitely is! And I'm happy to hear that you've learned a lot about the Marriott Strategy!

[@jimmyjames6492]

Simplicity is the name of the game now. Thanks for the info + video!

[@TheCreditFrog]

You’re welcome Jimmy James! Glad you agree!

[@travis-travels]

9:53 nailed it 🤣

[@TheCreditFrog]

Haha!! The visual makes me laugh every time I think about it.

[@booq9168]

Excellent content, very insightful. Thanks for sharing Stan!

[@TheCreditFrog]

You’re welcome!

[@rudydaniels1601]

Great video! I would love it if you did a comparison video on using a multi card vs. only using the AMEX Platinum Card. Accumulating MR points and using those point spend on rooms, etc vs Marriott credit card usage.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks! Yes, that's a topic I hear of frequently, I'll have to add it to the list 👍

[@ItsMrKO]

Didn't realize just how powerful hotel cards were until i stumble on your channel. I got upgrade to the executive suite of a sheraton with silver status with the boundless on my first time booking marriott last year, now I'm spoiled. I told my wife as long as we arent bougie ALL the time we can find extreme value with the 35k and 50k awards which we have. Considering the brilliant card next year, and ritz and bonvoy business are still on my bucket list. Loved your marriott roadmap videos!

[@TheCreditFrog]

That's amazing that you were able to get upgraded on only Marriott Silver status! Definitely get the Brilliant card as Platinum status is probably going to be a great benefit for you and your wife! Heck, you may even go the same way as me and try to reach Titanium status with the Brilliant + Business combo! I'm so happy to hear that the Marriott videos were helpful for you!

[@robertjarrell7276]

Thanks for the concise, well organized video. So many creators are shifting toward long-form rambling videos that no one needs to sit through, it’s nice to see you also putting out the work to make focused episodes.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Of course Robert! I want to make every second count in my videos so you can get the most out of it. Happy to hear that I'm doing something right 🤣

[@DicksonMaimouth]

Exactly! Many of the CC and travel videos out there feel like infomercials. Companies have to be paying some of these channels to promote products.

[@wilfredpapaya4739]

Love your content Stan! 🐸

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thank you Mr. Wilfred!! 🍍

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I loved this video Stan. I'd love to do my own rendition of it if that's okay with you! I feel like lesson #1 here is going to apply heavily to me in 2025 if my initial roadmap goes as planned. Thanks for the great content as always! 👊🏼

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks so much Spencer! Of course, you're welcome to do your own version of this. We all learn from our experiences with credit cards, and I'm curious to see what you've learned this year!

[@matthearon]

wondering if the smartly card will be replacing just yoir boa pre or for simplicity sake is the usbar on the cutting room floor as well, think 4% worth a 0.5% haircut for simplicity sakes... also the pp restaurants pulling a weight in the decision?

[@TheCreditFrog]

I don't think it will replace USBAR, simply because the USBAR is obsolete and I love that card. But, as you mentioned, it does come with those PP restaurant access (8/yr), but if I got rid of BofA PRE, I wouldn't have access so it may just be worth it to keep the USBAR open for that reason too. It's also nice to have that card since it offers primary auto rental CDW, and only USBAR and RC have that option with the cards that I have.

[@SleepyRod]

How have you stayed out of pop up jail? I want to climb up the Hilton ladder but I feel like it’s impossible to stay out of jail after one AMEX card application.

[@TheCreditFrog]

I was in pop-up jail. But when I applied for the cards, I used the DoC No Lifetime Language link, and was able to bypass it. Maybe it will come up again next year, and then you can jump on it like I did!

[@nicolassen5654]

would you say hilton or marriott it better ?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Depends on the person! They both have their pros and cons. Marriott has more choices and locations but Hilton has the better rewards program.

[@CharlesCharge99]

Yea, lesson #2 is something I learned relatively quickly when I got into the credit card rewards world. For context, I opened up a Venture card. Then opened up a Chase Sapphire Preferred 6 months later. Then i Opened a IHG Premier card, and then opened the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless later that year. Realized that I don't really need all of these cards. Downgraded the Venture card, cancelled the Sapphire preferred, and cancelled the IHG Premier. Especially because I'm on the lower end of spending that it does not make sense to be stretched so thin among 2 different issuers and multiple hotel cards.

[@newagain9964]

Yeah. Most cards aren’t keepers anyways. And don’t be hypnotized by the lure of marketing, and promise of pts and “free” stuff.

[@newagain9964]

I never can understand ppl capping for IHG in any way shape or form. Terrible loyalty program and mostly mediocre properties and service.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Absolutely! Just keep it simple, and build from there. No need to be fancy, and when it's time to be fancy, you'll know!

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@newagain9964 I find their properties to be quite nice. HI/HIE as well as Kimpton/ICs have all been enjoyable for me. But yeah, trying to get to Diamond status is super hard and not worth it compared to something like Hilton Gold, which is much easier to get, which offers similar benefits

[@joanreilly6419]

All good info. Thanks

[@TheCreditFrog]

You're welcome!

[@professorx8258]

Stan the Man!!!! Keep up the amazing videos, my friend!!! I hope you and your family had a happy and safe Thanksgiving!!!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thank you so much Professor X!! You as well!

[@Jason1fromNYC]

Amazing portfolio. Also, congrats on getting married. Great honeymoon trip! Tokyo and Bangkok are the truly great cities. Some outstanding bookings. Personally, I am just returning to the game after many years. I’ve started with the traditional Chase Preferred trifecta (banked with Chase or Bank of NY my entire adult life). Now looking at the two lower Ink cards for the business side. Interested in anything IHG (the biz premier card) and Marriott (for the Ritz card). An Amex Blue, United gateway, Amex blue business are all correct for me as well. Hilton honors maybe. Southwest not really needed these days. What’s the difference btw the Amex Platinum Schwab and Morgan Stanley cards? Also, do you bank with BoA and thus have their business cards? Or another reason? Thank you for explaining your current evolution and for sharing the redemption breakdown for your Tokyo Thailand trip

[@TheCreditFrog]

Of course! That's very exciting that you're getting back into credit cards! Amex Schwab Platinum is a lot more accessible and the better card since you get 1.1cpp redemption rate into your brokerage for cash back which gives you more options for those MR points. Amex MS Platinum is much harder to get now because you need an MS investing account which requires very high minimums! It's nice that it comes with a free AU though, $195 value. Yeah, I do business banking with BofA, but the BofA Biz CCR is nice because of ther 3% computer services category, and a lot of my softwares qualify for that category. Really enjoyed the honeymoon, and happy to hear you enjoyed the redemption breakdown!

[@nubianpwr]

Very sagacious advice as usual Stan... lately I've started to question the value of lounge access for the reasons mentioned. I take several Int'l trips per year usually in Bus or 1st class. The lounges that come with those tickets are clearly better than Centurion, Sapphire, etc., (e.g. Delta 1, Concord, etc.). Great content brother!👍🏾

[@TheCreditFrog]

Appreciate it Nkosi! Yes, that's another thing that's very important to consider as well. If flying interntaional first/business class, the lounges are already included! I think lounge access is important, but only for what you need. Having blanket access is becoming less and less important because a lot of those lounges - you can't even get in!

[@nubianpwr]

@@TheCreditFrog 💯 😄

[@harsha_mnath]

Hi Stan, what is the best no nonsense credit card for accumulating points which will be used to purchase flight tickets? With annual fee and without annual fee?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Amex Platinum is the best earner for flights with an annual fee IMO (booking directly through airline website). Without annual fee, it depends on what you're looking for, but there are a lot of 3X travel cards for no annual fee that would work! You could even go US Bank Smartly at the 4% level if that you could meet that upgraded cashback bonus!

[@DicksonMaimouth]

Considering the overcrowding in credit card lounges, I’ve often wondered if it wouldn’t make more sense to focus all spending on cash-back cards and/or a hotel card. I’ve often flown Business (domestically and internationally) and have never had any issues accessing airline lounges, even when traveling around the holidays.

[@TheCreditFrog]

That's what I'm starting to realize that cash back setups have their place. Very lucky that you don't have any overcrowding experiences. It happens to me very frequently!

[@DicksonMaimouth]

@@TheCreditFrog I’m actually surprised, because I fly out of LAX. That place is a nightmare, but the lounges have always been easily accessible in my experience-Star Alliance, AA, United.

[@PhilMosWorld]

I havent experienced the full lounges. Even at JFK and ATL I always seem to walk right in and have plenty of space. I still think I'd rather wait tho, as opposed to sitting at the gate. Thanks for the video Stan, good stuff as always!!!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Ok, so first you never have any downtime when it comes to having a welcome offer to meet, and now you're saying that lounges are empty when you go. Now you're just showing off!! 🤣

[@DJNYC23]

Any tips on booking IHG with points without paying taxes or an amenity fee?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Choose the right property that doesn't have amenity fees.

[@thejokerspeaks]

3 Lessons I've learned: #1. Unconventional cards like BILT and USBAR can be powerful tools. (Thanks to you!) #2. Going partially loyal to AS, AA is making sense too. Especially after January when I can book off the AS website, and if they become a Citi transfer partner. #3. I'm done with annoying statement credits, especially monthly. Amex Plat is on the chopping block.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Great lessons there! Yeah, there are some sweet spots with cards depending on how you use them. And I think there's definitely a trend going on with statement credit burnout!! Will be cool to see what happens with AA and Citi next year!

[@DavidKnicks]

Is it okay to get more than one card in 6 months?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yes, certainly!

[@HowToCredit]

🌟Stan is the man when it comes to the credit card game. Awesome knowledge given here buddy 😎

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks man! Appreciate it!

[@HowToCredit]

You Daniel, and Spence are the best in this space. Keep spreading that awesome knowledge 🏆

[@Creditcardnerd]

Everytime i get into the lounges i get lucky lol no line + a lot of seats

[@TheCreditFrog]

Lucky you!!

[@Polo1928-v2e]

You keeping the Amex platinum in 2025?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Still on the fence, but leaning towards no

[@Polo1928-v2e]

@ ❤️

[@juanmorales3251]

Can you do an update on the changes from Morgan Stanley American Express Platinum card and qualification to get the card.

[@TheCreditFrog]

I thought about that, but now it's so complicated, I'm not sure if I could do a good job. It was easier when I got it, and also, I was able to do a watch me apply, but now that I have the card, I'm more removed from the process. The main thing is to secure a "Morgan Stanley Investment Relationship." Unfortunately, a lot of their investment accounts have high minimums which is why it's so much harder now to get the card.

[@candiceabr]

I just recently went to a Sapphire lounge for the first time in Phoenix. There was a wait but I was surprised that the Ritz card bumped me up to the top of the list.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Wow that’s awesome Candice! I didn’t know that the RC could be even more exclusive than the CSR! I wonder how many lounges do that.

[@ethancross2068]

What’s the motivation for having two top tier Bonvoy cards and how do you choose which to spend on? I have the Brilliant already and am eyeing the Ritz Carlton. Sadly, US Bank cut off the Altitude Reserve from new applicants.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Bonvoy cards are not for spending. They are for looking pretty and generating FNAs! (and Platinum status for the Brilliant card / PP lounges for the RC card)

[@mlodyme3675]

I agree with you on point #2 simplicity. I have similar setup (USBAR, CCR for online shopping and UCR); however, I am surprised you use Bilt for dining where PRE in your case would give higher cash back. Am I missing something with preferring to use Bilt over PRE?

[@TheCreditFrog]

I need to use the Bilt card 5 times to get rent points. While I could charge a banana 5 times at the grocery store, I just use my Bilt card for dining and since I definitely eat out at least 5 times a month, I don't really have to think about it - and i get some Bilt points while I'm at it! But yeah, the PRE has better earnings if you value Bilt points at 1cpp.

[@mlodyme3675]

@@TheCreditFrog ah, it makes sense. thanks for clarifying!

[@Rolando-SE]

Definitely agree with you on 2 and 3. Its why I do a 2 card setup now. Altitude Reserve and Fidelity Visa. Now I’m retired, the PP restaurant priv on USBAR means No lines and a waitress brings my food/drink. 😂😂. Regarding the FV. Its no annual fee, no foreign transaction. And if you qualify for the elevated cash back, I maintain its the one card to rule them all.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, if you get enough assets in there, that's for sure a great card to have for that elevated CB! Very cool that you only need to have a 2 card setup. Keeps things nice and simple!

[@TheTravelingHatter]

The excellent Capitol One Lounge at DFW has been packed the last three times I have been there. I have had to fall back to the merely crowded Centurion Lounge. I am moving to a Tuesday/Wednesday travel schedule to avoid the weekend warriors 😀

[@TheCreditFrog]

Haha! You know what, I had the same experience, C1 lounge full (don't have VX so I was willing to pay!) but Centurion was open. Great move putting travel in the middle of the week! I wish I could do that, but not in the cards for me.

[@PingPingTravel]

You said something like you have been to multiple IHG properties in the US as well as Asia....did you go to Asia? I remember one video where you said you have only been to Vancouver. Anyhow, I think Asia has even more IHG properties than the US. For example, I heard that the US just got its first Regent Hotel recently, which is odd because Regent has been in Hong Kong and Taiwan for 30 years or so.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yes! I just came back from my honeymoon in Asia. Video coming out soon! Definitely enjoyed my stay at the Intercontinentals that I stayed at in Thailand! Hope to stay at more in the future!

[@PingPingTravel]

@@TheCreditFrog Wow, congrats!

[@dgasmd1]

Must ask: What are your end game cards?? I mean, if you couldn't get any more SUBS ever, and could just pick from the available cards in the market today, assuming you could qualify for all, which would you have forever based on your yearly expenses assuming they will be the same forever too?? Assuming also you are OK with their annual fees.

[@TheCreditFrog]

For the most part, I have a lot of them already. Basically my core setup would be USBAR, USB Smartly, and as many BofA CCR cards as possible. For my secondary setup, I'd have the hotel credit cards that I have, but I'd also add the Hilton Surpass card. Right now have the Bonvoy Brilliant, Ritz Carlton, Bonvoy Business, and IHG Premier Biz. Would probably want to add the IHG Premier card too.

[@dgasmd1]

@@TheCreditFrog Great, thanks. However, you must be still thinking "capture the most and business travel still" because regardless of how much you travel recreationally there is no way to justify all those hotel cards!! When I think of ultimate "end game set ups", I think of a single hotel card at most if at all, 1-2 cards from a single ecosystem where I can maximize their US AND abroad expenses, and a "catch all card' if not already, without an international fee. One of the cards must have unrestrictive lounge access. More than that is nonsense to me......................... .

[@dgasmd1]

example for me that I am trying to refine: 1. UABAR for all available ApplePay payments. regardless of what, USBank Cash_+ for US utilities, BofA Cash rewards at plat level for gas and groceries (2 cards), US BofA Elite card for ultimate lounge access and all other expenses to cash in points for travel portal redemptions of car rentals and hotels outside of "Hotel card", Amex Hilton card (Surpass) for hotel stays, and Apple/Bilt cards just to " keep them alive in case card "

[@alfredomireles3029]

Hey Stan, thanks for all your research and your clear presentation. I’ve watched and enjoyed a lot of your videos. I think why I have a hard time connecting with your point of view sometimes is that it doesn’t seem like you are trying to get excitement or adventure from maximizing credit card points and miles. If we’re just trying to save money then, for me, this hobby isn’t as fun. Maybe you could discuss why you have a passion for this hobby other than saving money at some point or highlight some exciting experiences you’ve had with points and miles. Obviously, it’s your channel and I’m just some internet commenter but it would be nice to see how you’ve used your immense knowledge and discipline to do fun and exciting adventures with points and miles. Thanks

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Alfredo! My next video of my recent honeymoon trip will highlight some of what you're talking about, but I'm in this hobby to try to save money like you said. I get excitement from saving money. That's the excitement and adventure for me. To make the best credit card strategy/setup for my spending to save money. I'm kind of weird like that, I guess, haha!

[@alfredomireles3029]

@ thanks, Stan! Looking forward to the next video!

[@MontyTheCardNerd]

Absolutely agree with your 2024 learnings Stan! Personally, since my air travel frequency is sporadic, and coupled with the uncertainty of even getting into a lounge due to overcrowding, I don't even consider it in my effective/net annual fee calculation. Though I imagine it works a bit differently for you given your travel frequency, I like that we both agree to not overvalue it.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Definitely Monty! If you don't travel too often, then lounge access is certainly less important! I would say don't worry about it though. If you travel at regional airports like me, there's some value to lounge access, but lounge access in the big cities are less relaxing and overall not worth it.

[@heykeith]

Stan going Team CB

[@TheCreditFrog]

Looks like I’m headed that way 😕

[@SuperMrgentleman]

Obvious solution to the lines and bustle of the Centurion lounge is to get the Centurion card!😂

[@TheCreditFrog]

Obviously! 😂

[@CallMeLani]

IMO, restaurant food will always be better than lounge buffet food. Nice video, Stan

[@newagain9964]

There are some lounges with very good food. Not as much domestic but they exist. Just depends how stressful the lounge experience is tho what decides if it’s valueable

[@TheCreditFrog]

You're forgetting the secret part though, Lani. Food tastes better when it's free!! 🤣. Just kidding, I actually agree with you, usually lounge is just mass-produced buffet food. In 2021 (rona times), the Centurion lounge in Las Vegas served oysters in a half shell. Those were the days!! Appreciate you being here, Lani!

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@newagain9964 Yeah, there are definitely lounges with better food than others. International lounges are way better for sure - at least in my limited experience!

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

Once again, Stan, i completely agree. With record numbers of travelers, lounge access has been less of an emphasis for me as well. Dont even get me started on how powerful these Hotel Cards are these days!!!!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Uncle Luke! Lounges definitely need to have better conditions or else why even call them lounges! The new hot stuff is hotel cards for 2025 🔥. Well, that and AA as a potential new transfer partner with Citi 😎. Hope that works out.

[@newagain9964]

@@TheCreditFrogas someone whose churned barclay AA cards at least 6 times, I’m not a fan of the deal. At all. 🙁

[@ChristopherLarkby]

Regarding US Bank Smartly, are you honestly going to deposit $100k into a US Bank savings account in order to earn 4% cash back on everything?

[@TheCreditFrog]

I was. Until the APY dropped literally 2 days after I posted that video 🤣. The interest rate is now 3.44% 😱. I may have to open a US Bank brokerage sooner than anticipated.

[@ahmed-g4x2r]

Please help! I have Amex points as well as chase points. I found great flights on American airways for 40k miles from Doha to Japan (different airports) in July. I tried booking through British and Qatar and they want significantly more points for the same flights. How do I get around that. Also we need 6 seats

[@TheCreditFrog]

I'm sorry that is certainly a dilemma. I'm not the best person to ask for this, and I'm not sure if there's any way around that other by having the AA points to book directly.

[@ahmed-g4x2r]

@ that’s what I was thinking as well Ok thanks

[@shawn.credit]

I may let go of my Amex Platinum at the beginning of 2025 will decide then. Lounges are solid options as long as you can get in, if I don’t travel into next year I will most likely cancel and reapply when I start traveling more it’s cheaper to rent a car these days haha. Amex Platinum holds tons of value so I will need to reevaluate next year.

[@newagain9964]

The plat is GOATED. But if you’re not traveling much, certainty not more than 4 times a year. No need to

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, that's a good idea. You can always reapply, or at the very least, maybe PC to a Green card for awhile. I've considered doing this since I've been using CLEAR a lot more recently because there are a surprising number of people with TSA Pre now that are flying out of the regional airports I fly through. Would be nice to get rid of some of the statement credits on the Platinum too if you decide to cancel!

[@MattWelterOfficial]

Definitely agree with you in terms of the sometimes "intangible" benefits from Hotel Cards being incredibly valuable in terms of improving hotel stays! Haha OR NOT! I say you ramp it up past 50 stays haha- lots of great experiences I'm sure with all of that travel (especially your most recent one!) I still haven't had a ton of experiences with IHG yet- but my initial experiences are leaving me pretty impressed as well! Loving the IHG Premier Biz so far. Great video Stan!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Matt!! Hah! 50 stays would be craaaazy!! Honestly though, it'd probably good if I tone it down with the hotel stays just a little bit. IHG is kind of a sleeper for me. Definitely loved my last 2 stays with them at the Intercontinentals. Hoping to drop my honeymoon video next week so you'll be able to see all the details and redemptions that I made!!

[@soapa4279]

Amex credit burnout is real, and agreed Lounges are starting to be so overcrowded it’s no longer an easy selling point. Kinda makes me appreciate C1 being weird and not approving everyone for the VX.

[@TheCreditFrog]

I'm like deathly afraid of C1 and they're 3 hard pulls with a high rejection probability. I probably shouldn't be, but it's very effective on their end, and keeps me at bay to not apply for their cards.

[@soapa4279]

@@TheCreditFrog Yeah, I just meant that if the VX was more easily attainable, imagine all the A/Us with PP and C1 lounge access flooding the lounges even further.

[@ociinos]

The weight off your shoulders is real. I was an Amex stan for the longest time but finally gave them up this year for a more simplistic set-up and happier than I've ever been!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Great to hear that I'm not the only one! These monthly statement credits are getting ridiculous, and more work than they're worth!

[@travelingwith_lv9917]

Hotel credit cards are definitely overpowered. Especially since it benefits more than 1 person. Keep up the great work!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Vince! Maybe one day I'll try out that Hyatt Globalist and see what's the big deal about that! I hear and see pics of very good things from your travels!

[@jeffreybacot]

I still think that trying to count teh cost you pay for the Platinum card as part of the cost of getting into the CL is faulty. Very few YT people ever included it when they calculate teh value of the card in teh coupon book. Plus it is so variable based on how many times you can even use it. What could help out is making teh number of times you can use it for free come down to 4 then charging a fee per use. This way you don’t charge higher annual fees for the card for those who don’t use the lunge. As far as kids in the lunch in Cl it was only a Centurion member area 2 times on the 3 times in Houston that I have seen them. The other CL lounges I did not see any kids. Now the one time I was in the COL in Denver there were several kids.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, it's all really going to depend on how much you use the lounge. Personally, I rarely go to Centurion lounges since I go to Escape lounges in my frequented airports. But when they switched Escape lounges to PP lounges, the benefit really lost it's importance to me. There are definitely more kids in the lounges these days - maybe not in your experience, but definitely mine!

[@raifhol]

The airport lounge crowding has gotten absurd. There needs to be some limits, waiting to get into a lounge defeats its purpose.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Definitely! Not sure what the best solution is, but lounges need to have more space or something!

[@raifhol]

@TheCreditFrog Amex could start with a limit of say 15 to 20 visits per year for platinum members, this would be sufficient for many, power users would have to choose more carefully when and how they use their entry.

[@jasongray8016]

You should include a second card fee as well as part of your cost. So Amex is not $695 per year, it’s $1000 per year with a second card for your wife.

[@TheCreditFrog]

I have the Morgan Stanley Platinum so her AU card is free.

[@jasongray8016]

@ most people don’t and it’s misleading when most of you guys don’t mention it. Just a recommendation.

[@L-Man-Gaming]

But Stan, haven’t you heard, as long as you like to eat the Gold card is a no brainer and the credits are so easy to use.

[@TheCreditFrog]

The Gold card?! It's the best foodie card out there!!! 😅

[@L-Man-Gaming]

@@TheCreditFrogsomeone really has to step up and challenge the Gold Card. It’s still unique at what it does, and as much as I hate it I can’t get it out of my head. Dread it, run from it, the Gold card still arrives.

[@newagain9964]

Bruh. If it fits ur lifestyle, the gold is a top 3 card. It doesn’t for me, but I can easily see the value.

[@99guesswhat]

Stan - Marriott is pronounced "Mary-it".

[@TheCreditFrog]

Oh ok

[@CesarJoel]

Mi hermano Stan!🫵 You nailed it with the airport lounge experience, I no longer take it in considerartion when evaluating if I want to keep a card. This year I rarely visited a lounge because of lines and overcrowding. Great video and information!🙌

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks, hermano César!! Yeah, that's probably a great way to look at it. It's no longer a given benefit, but something that's nice when you get to use it (which is totally backwards btw!)

[@paulstein916]

Hi Stan, I was thinking of applying for the Smartly because I could use it for things like insurance and taxes that usually don’t have a bonus category. I’m not clear on the order of the steps needed to open the account. I understand that a brokerage and checking account are needed, in addition to the card. Thanks.

[@TheCreditFrog]

@ if you apply for the Smartly card, they will guide you on how to open a Savings account. Then you can open a brokerage account to put the assets in to meet the tier levels!