5 Essential Tips for MAXIMIZING Credit Card Rewards

[@bikenraider99]

Appreciate your process on where and how to find the value in a card. .

[@TheCreditFrog]

Of course!

[@anthony.letto.]

Thanks!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Wow, thank you so much for the Super Thanks! I’m so happy you found a lot of value from the podcast!!

[@reneecopeland1095]

Thank you

[@TheCreditFrog]

You're welcome!

[@zyzzuschrist3410]

Love these long talking videos. Keep ‘em coming

[@TheCreditFrog]

Glad you're enjoying them! I'll absolutely keep making them!

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

Stan I must be getting older. These overnight flights and time zone changes are making Team Cash Back look so good!!! Or splitting the team up between Team Domestic and Team International!!!

[@TheCreditFrog]

For sure Luke! Yeah, time changes can be a B for sure, especially if it's a day/night reversal! I'll admit that cash back is nice for that immediate value, but that's why I'm a big fan of the hybrid setup which lets you experience the best of both worlds! Maybe you'll start the transition to Team Cash Back sooner than you think, hah! Hope you're enjoying your vacation!

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@TheCreditFrog great video, Stan. It’s a good example of a general video the has great information that we all need to review constantly!

[@djbrucewayne7777]

Honestly Well Said👍

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks!

[@Jay-vt2so]

Stan is out here dropping sooooo much useful information! Thank you! 😎🙏🔥

[@TheCreditFrog]

Of course! Glad you found some great value with this podcast!!

[@ConstantPoints]

Actually from all the great points the first is the one I did wrong last year. No clear goals and spread out my spending which messed up my returns big time!

[@TheCreditFrog]

For sure Kostas! There's always a question between points diversity vs. being structured with them. I think having a little diversity is ok, like 2-3 issuers, but having too many spreads out all the points and it can for sure make it harder to make that great redemption! It's ok, now you know and can hyperfocus on the ones that make the most sense for you!

[@ConstantPoints]

@@TheCreditFrog absolutely. Not only I made the too many issuers mistake but the Cashback and points so spread upon spread upon spread fml

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@ConstantPoints It's ok Kostas, we are all learning together!

[@jimmyjames6492]

Great tips! Thanks for the info + video!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Of course! Thanks Jimmy James!

[@srig7987]

Nice video! I have a chase reserve and chase freedom. I mostly use chase reserve for most of the purchases including travel n food and also use those points for travel. When should I use chase freedom? Just for cash back?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks! So for the Chase Freedom, this card has those 5X rotating categories every quarter so I would focus on using those when it makes sense. It would be nice to get the Chase Freedom Unlimited / Ink Unlimited so you can do 1.5X cash back on your non-category spend. Finally, don't forget that you can transfer your Chase UR points from that Freedom card over to your CSR so you can at the very least unlock that 1.5X redemption through the Chase Travel portal. It will also help to combine points to have more to target that higher redemption faster!

[@hugoalcala261]

Well done video with lots of useful information and things to think about. I’ve been watching some of your videos for a little while, this is the one that made me hit that subscribe button. A lot of the credit card videos are pretty similar, this one in particular is different from others I’ve watch. Nice job 👍

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Hugo! That means a lot, and thanks for the feedback about the video. I'm glad you enjoyed it and offered a new perspective on similar topics! Appreciate your support!!

[@JPBuffet]

Some good overall info for improving my strat. Thanks Stan.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Of course JP!

[@krs1905]

I agree with you about spending much less at the less expensive hotels. I stayed at a Hyatt Place on Friday night. I was out of state, picked up my new car, stopped at my cousins’ for dinner and had a couple of drinks - I didn’t want to drive home at night in my new car so I opened Hyatt app, booked a room 2 miles away for 8k points. I showed up at Hyatt 10:30 PM and checked in. They gave me a couple of bottles of water, checked out the next day at 9am and I spent $0 there. If I didn’t have the points then I’d probably never would have booked a room that night - it wouldn’t have crossed my mind. It was just a no-brainer with points.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Smooth Keith! Yeah, that was a great call. I would have totally done the same thing in your position. Sometimes I fly out of LAX which is close, but not really, from me in SoCal, but since traffic is so terrible, I often just go stay the night before at a Fairfield/Towneplace/Courtyard so I don't have to deal with LA traffic the day of. Also booked with points. Not a great CPP redemption, but man it feels good not to drive in 2hr LA morning traffic!

[@JPBuffet]

Best of luck on the move. Also, those are some solid cards to have. I am thinking of something along the same vane.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks JP! Yeah, it's important to nail down that core credit card setup!

[@飛向宇宙-o1s]

In addition to American Express, Capital One, Citibank, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America, which other company's credit card would you apply for?

[@TheCreditFrog]

I would look into US Bank. They have some phenomenal cards, but not available in some states!

[@mitchell.9632]

If you going for cashback the AAA card is good at 5% on up-to $10,000 spend a year on grocery. If your getting more in points then go for that. Either way one thing to consider is the spending at grocery store or a supermarket that has food.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, that AAA card is great for groceries and should definitely be talked about more often!

[@thorthur22]

My strat is have one primary rewards CC I use and pay off statement balance every month. The other 4 cards that I have acquired over the years get put into cardpulse that charges a buck a month against which keeps that active without me juggling them. Keeps it simple and keeps me from over spending on the extra cards that need some activity so they don't get closed.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Sounds like a solid strategy Thor! As long as you're getting some kind of rewards from your spending (hopefully on a no annual fee card), you're at least getting something back. And as your cards age on your report, you'll reap the benefits of a nice long positive credit history 👍!

[@BulldogTrading]

This is awesome. Thank you!

[@OfficialEricGao]

Great video Stan! Enjoyed the longer form content.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Eric! These are quite fun to make as well so that's a plus!

[@NurseMichaelTravels]

Hey Stan! Great great job giving an overview of credit card rewards for cash back and travel points!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Hey Mike! Of course! Glad you enjoyed the video, and I see you also have a points-related channel. Keep up the great work!

[@mintico]

Bonus will get bigger overtime because of “inflation” So be patience. Nothing to lose 😂

[@TheCreditFrog]

So true! I can't count the number of times where I was like, dang, I wish I waited and got this better bonus instead (looking at you Hilton Honors Business 👀)

[@ChaseYokoyama]

I love this longer podcast type of video Stan 👍🏼 Expense tracking is good for budgeting reasons but it also made me realize how much I spend on food. Which is why I got the Amex gold lol.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Chase! Glad you enjoyed the podcast format. Yeah, I love expense tracking, especially when I do it over a 6mo - 1yr period, which is where I can really nail down spending issues and look to improve in certain categories, and also shake up my credit cards, if necessary too haha! Amex Gold is 👑 for food!

[@Erodpacheco]

I really loved this type of video with minimal edits. It was the perfect length for my job commute back home . Great video Stan👍🏻

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks so much Emmanuel! Yeah, I'm also a big fan of listening to podcasts on my way home from work as well. Glad I was able to help your commute at least be a little more enjoyable! 😄

[@joshua.butler]

Love that you mentioned the purpose of credit cards...to extract money from the customers! It's also great that you're stressing how important it is to analyze whether you'll actually USE the perks that come with credit cards. Knowing which lounges are in your home airport is KEY. Excellent tips Stanley!!!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thank you Josh! Yeah, I think once we understand the core or something, it really opens up a lot of possibilities of how we can use (or not use) that item to benefit ourselves. Analyzing perks and benefits is key! Anything can sound good on paper, but if it doesn't apply to you, then it may not be as beneficial! Appreciate it brooo!!

[@scottshapiro2795]

I really liked the portion about finding what points work for you. When my wife and I travel, we don't care about status or loyalty. We just find the cheapest and most convenient flight, whether that's Delta, American, or United. For hotels, again, whatever is the cheapest and most convenient, so we don't care if it's Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, etc. For this reason, we much prefer to use travel portals rather than booking with the specific airline/hotel chain. This is why we use Cap One's travel portal, over Amex.

[@TheCreditFrog]

That's great Scott! Everyone's experience with credit card points are going to be different, and like you mentioned, you're more of an economy traveler, which actually is great because you get to save so much more money that way! Also your points go much farther and so you and your wife are getting some big time value!!

[@o.c.g.m9426]

Credit cards & banks love team travel rewards WHY ? Because you still spend more 💰 on their card while traveling 😂. After Cap-1 gives me my 75k bonus miles that $750 is going right back to pay my bill, which UNLIKE travel I had to do anyway 😮🤔

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yup, it’s a perpetual payment machine 😂

[@o.c.g.m9426]

​@TheCreditFrog If I recieved a vacation where I spent a total of $750 for round trip & hotel & spending money then that 750 would be key. Turns out it's not when your flight alone is 3k hotel is 2k n another 1k of spending money. If I'm getting $750 back that means Cap 1 is getting the other $5250 😂

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@o.c.g.m9426 Yes, they get to capitalize on that spending through merchant fees! Sometimes that “free” vacation isn’t that free after all!

[@J.11727]

10x on car rental and hotel from capital one portal is not as good as I thought. Rakuten usually has 6-8% for Expedia and Priceline. That translates to 6-8x Amex points, and if you have sapphire to pay, you can get additional 2-3x chase points in travel category.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, I guess it depends on what you're looking for. Since all 3 have transfer partners, knowing which one to target would be helpful, but you're right, numbers-wise, 3rd party travel portals with Rakuten using CSR would yield a better overall return. Great idea - I didn't know about this!!

[@TheAmazingDollarman]

Love my sign behind you! Great vid!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Haha! Thank you Dollarman! It's one of my favorite props as well!

[@Genericmember]

Great video Stan, really enjoying the longer content. Hoping to see some of your travel experiences or collabs with some of the other creators in the space in the future. Otherwise I shall continue to tune into your regular content! 🐸

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Aaron! I love collaborating with my fellow creators so you'll definitely see some more of those in the near future! My travels right now are mainly domestic for work so not exciting at all, but when I do a big redemption, I'll be sure to document it! Appreciate your support!! 🐸

[@seand99x]

Hey Stan, great video you made a lot of good points! My credit card set up sounds similar to yours. I have a hybrid approach as well.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Sean! Very cool!! Great minds think alike, right? Another one for #TeamHybrid !

[@chrisv4920]

Stan the man 🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@TheCreditFrog]

My man Chris! 🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@SledgeIncTeam]

Nothing but Truth here

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks so much Sledge!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

"Those landmines don't explode, they just destroy your life"... couldn't have summed up the irresponsible use of credit cards better myself!! 🤣 This was super fun to listen to Stan. As you can probably tell from my videos, I'm a big fan of the conversational style of videos so your podcast is right up my alley. Also, my Gold badge is looking pretty sweet, I must say 👀

[@TheCreditFrog]

Haha, I'm glad you liked that one Spencer! So important to be aware of the dangers of credit cards. I'm glad you enjoyed the podcast, and yeah I like the conversational style as well! And yes, Gold badge is looking pretty nice! Thanks for being a (now) 7-month member of the channel!

[@mf269]

Go Stan! Go! 💯🔥#Team Hybrid #Team Podcast🐸

[@TheCreditFrog]

Awesome S L! Glad to be on #TeamHybrid with you, and happy that you enjoyed the podcast as well!

[@JacobsPointsAndProfit]

Loved the podcast! I’m fully on team travel and if you’re going to earn points you should absolutely use them since they’re worth 0 cents/point until you do

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Jake! +1 for Team Travel! Yeah, you take a ton of trips so it totally makes sense hah! Glad you are on board with the earn and burn strategy because you're so right. Points have no inherent value - they must be redeemed to be worth anything!

[@dhruvsriv789]

Great video to watch post work today!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Of course Dhruv! Always a fun, relaxing time learning about credit cards! 👍

[@dhruvsriv789]

@TheCreditFrog funny thing is I lead credit card acquisition campaigns for a major bank, so this is not news to me, but the way you detail your videos is really fun and informative.

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@dhruvsriv789 Very cool!!

[@mtnbob]

Killing it!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks MtnBob!

[@CesarJoel]

Great podcast Stan! Really enjoyed the format, pacing and information. Everything was on point Stan! Keep up the great work! 💪

[@TheCreditFrog]

Appreciate it César! I'm glad that you enjoyed this podcast, and hope to make more in the future!

[@Dong_Kim]

The Negroni from the Palazzo bars are fantastic, esp when I charge it to the FHR resort credit. Which Vegas FHR hotel would be your second favorite and least favorite? I usually stay at Encore.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Ooh, I've never tried their Negroni - definitely will have to check that out next time I'm in town! For me, any FHR hotel that offers a specific "dining credit" is my favorite. So the second would probably be Bellagio. I would love to stay at the Wynn/Encore and Cosmopolitan, but through FHR, it doesn't make sense because even though their rooms are sooo nice since it's a spa credit and I don't go to the spa. From a purely hotel accommodation perspective, I would say Palazzo is my favorite, then Wynn/Encore, then Cosmo, the Bellagio!

[@Dong_Kim]

@@TheCreditFrog That's a solid take on food credit, especially when Palazzo has great dining options like Bouchon and Mott32! If the Wynn/Encore had the food credit, that be amazing because I like a lot of their restaurants. But their spa is quite a nice experience too. Give it a go sometime! And thank you for replying, Stan!!!

[@WealthOfOpportunity]

I’m a fan of the long form video here sir! Sound rules and tips that apply to anyone at any point in their credit card adventure

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Ninja! Glad you enjoyed this long-form video. It's a nice way to go way more in-depth than a standard video, and these tips are super helpful to anyone like you said! We can always learn more when it comes to credit cards!

[@SectionChief]

Well done presentation for new and seasoned travel rewards users.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Appreciate it Sean! Glad you enjoyed it. I think no matter where you are in the credit card game, there's always going to be more to learn!

[@AndysCreditCorner]

Great list of tips and explanations! For Tip #1, I do tend to prefer more economical hotels as they tend to have fewer fees and expenses, for example often including free breakfast when more upscale hotels may not.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Hey Andy! That's awesome that you know what you prefer - and super important! I totally get where you're coming from. I do a lot of Fairfield stays with Marriott for the free breakfast too haha! I think once you get into the game and are able to get Hilton Gold and Marriott Platinum, a whole new level of hotels open up to you because then you get some free breakfast with the status!

[@edrasmata]

Great podcast Stan! Love these types of videos from you man! Great points across the video brother. Thank you for telling people about interest rates because too many people forget about them after chasing the multipliers/SUB’s! Also keep reminding people about patience in the credit card game (I’m guilty for this haha). Great video as always Stan! Always love watching your videos man! 🙌🏻

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Edras! I'm really happy to hear that you enjoyed the podcast. Yeah, I think going back to basics is always good for all of us credit card enthusiasts to review, and that patience is a virtue, which a habit that is harder to stick by, especially in the quick-moving digital age that we're in! And I always appreciate your support bro!! Keep tinkering with your credit card setup - you've got a long, wonderful journey ahead of you!

[@ItsMeCJ]

1

[@TheCreditFrog]

Congrats CJ! You got first!! 🏆! Rose Gold is still 2nd though 😘

[@OfficialChadsMoneyMinutes]

Bro how!?!?!?!?!??!!??!?!?!?!?!?!?

[@ItsMeCJ]

@@TheCreditFrognah bro, rose gold always wins!

[@ItsMeCJ]

@@OfficialChadsMoneyMinutesbecause I’m on #teamrosegold

[@AdamBA380]

I really enjoyed hearing your natural tone and intonation for this less scripted video. Very engaging :) I also appreciated that you addressed the precarious nature of credit cards right up front. Well done.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Adam! Glad you enjoyed this video, and yeah it's definitely different than my scripted ones! Credit cards are amazing, but like fire, they can be good or bad depending on how they're used!

[@chrisdo537]

3

[@TheCreditFrog]

Almost Brian! You got 4th! 🏅

[@JabbaDaNut156]

First comment!!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Almost! CJ beat you by a hair 🥈

[@JabbaDaNut156]

@@TheCreditFrog 😢

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@JabbaDaNut156 Sowwy