Top 10 Best Credit Cards for Travel in 2019

[@YellowProductions]

Want to learn more about using credit cards for free travel? Watch my video with more strategies for free and cheap travel in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWmbmmx-m9eWpc0

[@ofmiceandmandrakes1005]

Hi @yellow productions Im new to this. I have great credit so I qualify for any card. Im interested in travel points. Should I apply for more than one card at a time? Also im married, are there referral bonuses associated with referring a card to my wife and still getting the bonuses. Do you have a video on how married people/couples can best take advantage of this? Thanks!

[@al11220]

My dad is retiring, he did well in life and now wants to travel, thanks for the upload.

[@zenobiadavis5074]

I am apart of a pretty awesome VIP Club that is luxury travel let me know if you want to know more so you can tell your dad

[@al11220]

@@zenobiadavis5074 Thanks

[@VONonDemand]

Jesus Christ he's doing this one take per card. Not blinking once. #talented

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Jovonne :)

[@zeineddine228]

Subscribed! Long over due! Your video series in Hawaii helped us out a lot

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks and welcome!

[@unstungbee]

The Priority Pass value on the CSR (Chase Sapphire Reserve) and the Amex Platinum is way above $99. The lowest tier for Priority Pass is $99 and a year and with that you have to pay I think $27 every time you visit their lounges. Pretty much you pay the $99 to get the opportunity to pay to get into lounges. The highest level membership (the only one that gets you in unlimited times for free to all their lounges) is $429 a year and guests are still $32 per guest. With the CSR and the Platinum you have unlimited visits for free. As well with the CSR you get unlimited guests, and with the platinum you get 2 for free. Pretty big value in my opinion because Priority Pass lounges are freaking everywhere!

[@vladsamolya7658]

Very interesting video and lot of good tips! Thank you for doing this 👍🏼

[@zlistcelebrityYT]

Random piece of info: If you already have a Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you must first quality for a $10,000 limit with it before they will approve you for the Reserve (;

[@normandea]

You can only bring in 2 guests with you into a Priority Pass Lounge (not unlimited anymore) if you hold a Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, similar to AMEX Platinum these days.

[@YellowProductions]

Bummer that they changed that!

[@normandea]

@@YellowProductions Yup, it was also making Priority Pass Lounges too crowded, by selfish travelers always looking for a way to screw up the perk. Chase did the right thing.

[@caddieprom8608]

what about your children are they allowed if yu have more than two?

[@BobBridgesbob]

Great review. I learned quite a bit about some of the cards I don't have. However, I did notice that you neglected one big perk on the Amex Platinum card. You mentioned the lounge access as one of the biggest perks with Priority Pass and the Centurion Lounges, but you also forgot to mention the Delta SkyClub access. I live in Atlanta, so a big Delta market, and this is my go to travel card and that is one of the reasons I have it.

[@YellowProductions]

Good point..

[@cjhan47]

I would have included the Amex Ascend and Aspire cards for people who travel but don't fly often. They give really good hotel benefits for things you spend on every day. Hilton hotels get 12x and 14x points. Supermarkets, Gas and Resturants, get you 7X and 6x points and 3x on everything else, not to mention gold and diamond status as well as priority pass access. The signup bonus for both cards is pretty good as well with relatively low spends.

[@BossChronicles]

Great video love how you included the list in the text in the description really easy too look at it and read 👍

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Shawn!

[@jonathanvanboskerck2693]

The Barclay Arrival Plus should be on the list. Also, you can only use a MasterCard at Plasriq to pay your mortgage.

[@25jessieg]

I've had the Sapphire Preferred for about 5 years....love it.

[@YellowProductions]

That makes 2 of us that love it! :)

[@25jessieg]

​@@YellowProductions I'm sort of lucky in that I travel 20-30 times a year for work, so I basically get free points since I expense it all through my employer. And I'm basically hitting all the right marks with hotel, airfare, and eating out. I highly encourage anyone in a similar situation to get this card! I usually rack up enough card and airline points I can easily do 2 or 3 free trips to Vegas each year, enough to get hotel comps, so the whole thing is pretty much free. 100% worth taking advantage of points programs!

[@fishshit]

may i ask what career you do where you constantly travel? @@25jessieg

[@25jessieg]

@@fishshit I'm a sales engineer. Have a small territory in south texas/lousiana I cover, so I get to bounce around 3 or 4 cities pretty regularly.

[@RealLifeMoney]

Wow thats a great set up you have there! Free trips at that point!

[@-Derp-]

some great tips chris, but is perhaps are usa specific. in australia for instance, credit cards are a waste of time, they have really gone out of their way to reduce the earn rates and sign up bonuses of late. for example, platinum american express is a (bowel trembling ..) $1450 annual fee, 80k points sing on after spending $3k in 3 months, earn is 3 points per dollar for restaurants, 2 points per dollar for flights and accomodation, 1 point per dollar for anything else. one major benefit is it includes unlimited lounge access, at any international terminal worldwide. not sure its worth the $1450 ask though. given that you can purchase a day pass to most lounges for around $50, thats around 29 lounge visits for $1450. i travel a bit, but not 29 lounge visits a year.

[@chaitanyat3961]

Most of the credit cards in the WORLD are for the US. Rest of the world does not use credit cards as much as the people of the US. In my country credit cards are good for getting rewards of like $10 USD a year on decent spending. The annual fees are also terrible on the cards that are decently good.

[@metaparcel]

This guy should teach my kids, great personality.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Eddie :)

[@markj9346]

Nice video. You left out that Chase ultimate rewards points can't be transferred to Delta airlines, however. That's a big deal

[@YellowProductions]

But you can transfer to KLM which is part of Sky Team and you can book Delta flights

[@elcompafelix]

Hello Cris, It's been an awesome 2018. I'm a happy subscriber! Great content all the time👍. Looking forward on your future 2019 videos. Greetings from the Felix Family 👋

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Felix Family! And a happy new year to you too!

[@adamarmadillo]

This is a tough video to make, and I commend you for it. It's impossible to know what your viewers want in terms of card features, annual fees, cashback vs. points, and which chains/families are available in their area, and I think you've done a good job. I'd like to call a few things out, though. 1) PLASTIQ WARNING: He doesn't mention that, after your $500 fee-free dollars, you'll pay a 2.5% fee on every dollar you spend through plastiq. Also, don't expect an immediate payment like you would with a check or ACH: there are tons of stories of plastiq taking 2+ weeks to get payments to their destinations, or just losing checks altogether. Not a bad service, but understand the risks and drawbacks before using. 2) The 25k public bonus offer for the AmEx Gold is not good - you can easily find a 50k referral offer by googling. 3) Not sure why you have the Costco and Fidelity cashback cards here for a "travel" video. The Uber card has better cashback earning on travel/dining than the Costco card, and the AmEx BBP earns 2x MR points per dollar with no annual fee. 4) Another benefit of the Hyatt card (and Hyatt properties, generally), is the great value-per-point of their currency. For example, I just used my 60k bonus from this card to book a $1,150 stay at a resort in California - better value than you are likely to get from Hilton or Marriott points. 5) The Citi AA Biz card is an odd choice for most people. If you're truly an AA loyalist, you'll likely want to upgrade to their Executive card. For anyone else, this $95 AF card has a mediocre bonus (better options are AAviator Red, Hilton, AmEx Platinum Biz) and doesn't have extra perks like the SW (free points every year and lower AF) or United (Extra options in redemption portal) cards do.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Adam for the additional cards and thoughts!

[@adamarmadillo]

@@YellowProductions love your work! Keep it up!

[@YellowProductions]

Double thanks Adam! Will do!

[@bradlarson5197]

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[@beccahealey5363]

Nice info, well this credit repair experts are great and attentive to every detail ensuring you maximize your dollars and improve your credit. I got my score increased to a high 800"s with their help and that has opened new financial oppurtunities for me. I totally recommend their services for any person in need of a real credit improvement. ( PATCHCREDIT at GMAIL COM )\

[@jasontran81]

Debit? Using debit only is the worst idea! Using cash-back credit cards responsively is king! Interestingly, most of my spending is on the first two cards in this video. Costco Citi VISA and Fidelity VISA are the best cash-back cards. My annual cash-back is over $2000. 4% gas, 3% restaurant and 2% Costco purchase + 2% Costco Membership and 2% for every dollar on everything else with Fidelity VISA. No annual fees. My balance is always zero. Spend but paid it off! Pretty straight forward. Build you credit at the same time.

[@DragonHeartTree]

Like this video? I LOVED this video! Saved, liked, subscribed. Thx for the great tips

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks K!

[@akashsudhakar9626]

What about bank of America travel rewards? They have 0 annual fees and 0 foreign transaction fees

[@johndunbar5611]

Great idea for a video thanks for the tips

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks John!

[@yurigermain8326]

Great info Chris!!!!!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Yuri!

[@lohengrinknight]

Hi. I have a question. How can I get another 5000 points on the Chase Sapphire Preferred once I add an authorized user? How does that work? Will I get the 5k points just by adding this other user or will I get the points once the user spends a certain amount of money with the card? Thanks.

[@YellowProductions]

Unfortunately Chase pulled the Authorized user bonuses on the Sapphire cards

[@lohengrinknight]

@@YellowProductions oh no. That sucks! I appreciate your quick answer.

[@frankcastle546]

Capital one venture. Great card. Great perks

[@evanarafat1]

Great video but wanted to let you know the CSR priority pass no longer allows unlimited guests. They cut it down to only 2 additional guest :-(

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the update! That's a bummer!

[@usarmy0096]

Mastercard black and gold. Why didn’t you include them.

[@crxracer805]

Lol they're awful cards...are you serious?

[@scottman895]

Thank you for the video! I'll keep these in mind in case I want to apply for another card. As I am a frequent flier of Delta Air Lines, how familiar are you with the Delta SkyMiles American Express card (I can't recall what the actual name is)? I have received offers several times in the past few years to apply for it, but I haven't decided yet if I want to apply for it.

[@YellowProductions]

I have the Amex Delta card purely for slightly better boarding and a free checked bag. I don't put any spend on it because I don't think the earn rates are that good

[@scottman895]

Thanks for the feedback! I feel that it is probably not a good investment then since I always travel with a carry-on.

[@iraqkenya8696]

Is possible to use a gold card visa to shop online when you are in Africa?

[@m4st3rowner]

I got my second chase card 11/2018. How long do I need to wait before I can apply for another card? Looking to get Discover-It next. Just looking for another category card. Thanks!

[@WoodChuck1312]

I'm looking for a card that I can use for the benefit of traveling and so far I'm leaning to Costco because it sounds more versatile and i dont want to pay a hefty annual fee.. what would you recommend for someone that only does minimal traveling through preferred airline such as United Airlines to California and Las Vegas. I have 2 trips coming up and that's why I ask. I'd also use the card for ONLY small things like gas or maybe a restaurant meal. I'd like to avoid racking up a $5,000 bill within 3 months AND I want to sway away from a hefty interest rate. Thoughts?

[@YellowProductions]

In my opinion the interest rate doesn't matter as you should be paying off the balance every month. If you aren't paying off your balance in full then the interest you pay will greatly surpass whatever rewards you earned. I typically recommend the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you are only going to get 1 card.. but it does have a $90/year annual fee

[@WoodChuck1312]

@@YellowProductions Thanks! And I have a store card with best buy through Citi that I always pay way more than just the minimal amount. So sorry if there was confusion there I'm kinda new to the credit card world.

[@LomilomiHealing]

Aloha, great info! Mahalo.

[@benedicttorre3401]

Just quick correction on American Express gold card. It also earns 3x if you buy your ticket directly from the airline.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the correction Benedict!

[@benedicttorre3401]

Yep. No problem.

[@kcribb1]

With Citi AA , you can match offers on the personal card with the business bonus and get 75k miles. Worked for me. I just sent them a message and they honored my request.

[@yourmanzach2307]

Why wasn't discover mentioned. Revolving 5% and no fee.

[@markwils5042]

I do not agree, for a Sophisticated International Traveler, NOTHING compares to the AMEX Platinum Card, absolutely nothing. It also comes with Marriott & Starwood Gold Status. Chase Sapphire is good for a domestic lower end traveler.

[@YellowProductions]

In my case I really like to redeem my points for Hyatt stays.. Amex points don't transfer to Hyatt. But yes..bthe Amex Platinum is a great card for the benefits. I think the Sapphire has better redemption options in their transfer partners

[@eltigre5469]

Some of us live in places where none of the $10 monthly restaurants and Uber come into play making it not such a good deal. It just depends where you live. I’d say the $149/yr Southwest Priority credit card looks good too but not if you don’t live in a SW market.

[@akin242002]

What? No Citi Prestige. Begining January 4th, 5x on all flights and dinning.

[@YellowProductions]

It was on the list last year.. but I removed it since they changed the hotel benefit to only be valid twice per year, and not cover taxes..

[@akin242002]

@@YellowProductions True, but even $250 pre-tax twice a year covers the annual fee. Add on 5x on airfare, 5x on dinning internationally, Priority pass lounge access, price rewind up to $200, and a flexible $250 travel credit should still help this card make the list. Those benefits are far better than Citi Double cash.

[@robertstanton8954]

@@akin242002 Agreed. CITI Prestige has the best rewards now with 5x on restaurants & air. What makes it preferable to the AMEX card is that it includes trip insurance. Another key benefit only on this card is the Entertainment insurance. If you buy an expensive ticket to a concert, game, etc. and cannot make it you get your money back.

[@franziagirl]

So you think the chase reserve is the best? I just got it

[@YellowProductions]

Yes :)

[@jako997]

I'm surprised the capital one venture credit card wasnt on here. Is that card not good or what? I saw what they offered and I thought it was cool but idk

[@YellowProductions]

Venture was good when it had the 100K signups bonus.

[@ninc1037]

GREAT VIDEO

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks N Inc!

[@patriciadelacruz6032]

Sams Credit Card is run by Synchrony, not Citibank. Although it pays only 1% on Sam's purchase, it has a broader definition of Travel for the 3%(includes bus, rail, travel sites and timeshare (including HOA). Gas is 5% back on the first 6K.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the correction on the Sams Club card!

[@redafr5272]

What card would you recommend for someone "bouncing back" from ID Theft, to earn primarily for travel? thx

[@YellowProductions]

One of the Chase Sapphire cards :)

[@redafr5272]

@@YellowProductions Awesome! Thanks so much for your very informative travel videos, and Happy New Year! *Smiles*

[@HyRoProductions1]

Awesome tips!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Hyro!

[@sgtginga]

The American Express cards yes have good rewards. But are not accepted everywhere. And when you are traveling. Basically don't work anywhere

[@mr.bornagain9846]

Hey I just subscribed to your channel I like your videos but I have a question can you tell me about a global international debit card you can use it for traveling but what I need it for is to purchase items international on line I have a (green dot ) debit VISA card which you can only purchase items here in the USA I try purchasing some clothes and shoes on line out off state keep saying TRANSACTION DECLINED so I call and they told me this card is USA only purchase PLEASE HELP THANKS

[@YellowProductions]

I use a Charles Schwab debit card when I travel internationally.. you can look in to that

[@mr.bornagain9846]

@@YellowProductions do you know about any more debit cards other than Charles Schwab thanks

[@mssagebydavelmt]

oh my god thank you thank you thank you I'm going to Plastiq now

[@YellowProductions]

Cool :)

[@mssagebydavelmt]

@@YellowProductions by the way I have the amex gold and both the Capitol one venture card and the spark miles business card and found the Capitol one cards superior in that their miles are worth double what the points on amex are worth

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the tip David

[@justinherrera4514]

Amazing, THANKS

[@MattAHTatTat]

I love your videos Chris but I don't think this video is for everyone...meaning that a "one size fits all" mentality about credit cards works for everyone. Many already live paycheck to paycheck and are in no shape financially to open up a bunch of cards to earn points in order to travel. I think a disclaimer should have preceeded this video.

[@YellowProductions]

I'll add a disclaimer next time.. but my disclaimer is definitely not to spend more than you can afford.. actually I treat my credit cards like cash. They are all set to auto pay every month. I am definitely not recommending that people go in to debt for free travel.. that doesnt make sense

[@OzTravelGuide]

Beautiful video

[@aTodaCreature]

Do you travel alone?

[@YellowProductions]

Sometimes... but often with my wife

[@burgerkingler_anim]

btw what do you think of Wells Fargo Propel?

[@YellowProductions]

The Wells Fargo propel card earns it's own currency that basically redeems for a certain amount of money towards travel... my personal preference is earning a currency in an actual airline or hotel program, or one that can be transferred to them... the redemption values can be better directly through the airlines or hotels

[@burgerkingler_anim]

@@YellowProductions oh ok that makes sense. Thanks!

[@glockman9c]

You really missed the boat on this one. Uber, Propel, and Venture just off the top of my head. 2-4% back and $100-$500 sign up bonus.

[@YellowProductions]

Personal preference -- you'll notice most of the cards on my list earn a currency that transfers to some other program that you can redeem the rewards via that program -- not cash back cards (Yes, I know I had a couple) or cards that redeem for a certain amount of cents per point on travel. I think you can get more value out of transferring to an airline or hotel program, and redeeming there.

[@PittsensX]

They just sent me today an American Express gold card invitation in my mail with a 50000 bonus points offer if spend $2000 the first 3 months

[@YellowProductions]

That's pretty good

[@PittsensX]

But the card has $250 ANNUAL FEE. $120 dining credit and $100 airline credit. Do you think it still worth it. I never had a bonus point reward credit card before. And my monthly spending are not that high for that $2000 unless i could pay my rent with a credit card which unfortunately i can't.

[@YellowProductions]

If you can't meet the minimum spend then no :). Regarding the annual fee. You just need to do the math to make sure you can use those credits. The AMEX airline credit has gotten harder to use lately

[@burgerkingler_anim]

you should consider being a voice actor. you voice kind of reminds me of Sokka's from Avatar

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks h novo!

[@wanderlustspirit4607]

Woah you forgot the Alaska Airlines VISA. 40k miles sign up bonus, 1 point per dollar spent and triple bonus on Alaska Airlines flights purchases. Companion ticket per year for $0plus taxes and fees, and free checked bag for up to 6 passengers. Also a $75 annual fee.

[@YellowProductions]

That's a good addition... I've had that card a few times :) It would easily make a top 20 cards!

[@Z3CHB4DB0Y]

Can you do a review of capital one cafes

[@YellowProductions]

If I go to one sure.. I've never been to a Capital one cafe! :)

[@joebrown6657]

Why do you have 10+ cards

[@FourThreeSeven]

business cards are easy to get. you dont even need to own a business. Just make shit up and its not an issue

[@NicklasUlvnas]

*"Top 10 Best Credit Cards in US for Travel in 2019"

[@YellowProductions]

Yes... sorry international viewers!

[@RealLifeMoney]

Do you think they will ever realize they are giving too much away in points and rewards? 😅

[@YellowProductions]

Hopefully not :).. but yes.. I'm sure they will eventually

[@johnsantiago4810]

Debt is dumb, cash is king. Credit cards are evil.

[@HectorLopez-rc6wf]

Clearly this guy is sponsored by Chase! Every Travel Hacker knows Amex platinum and Gold give you far better perks. Funny how he left out 50% of the perks they offer (Global Entry for all free authorized users, personal concierge, $100 annual Saks fifth avenue credit, Delta Sky club access, and many more)

[@TheBriceKennedy]

Spend is a verb.

[@paulmadiha5792]

THE BEST CARD IS THE DEBIT CARD AND BEING DEBT FREE..........

[@tusancho6587]

Shut up broke boy

[@sunoveristambul]

Stop trying to be fun. It's annoying.

[@YellowProductions]

Hah! Ok.. I'll try to be more depressing next time

[@jeffcollins4533]

Well

[@brightmandonald4514]

Can I talk to you privately?, If yes please drop your contact. Thanks.

[@yahya2700]

Stop looking at yourself 🤦‍♂️

[@ohiowatching]

He is reading the info.. Geesh