Credit Cards

A lot of people ask me about what credit cards I use to get all the points and perks, so here’s a rundown and summary of the credit cards I currently have:

1. CHASE FREEDOM = this is not really a credit card for traveling as there are associated foreign transaction fees, but I do keep this as a “just in case” card. Plus, there is a percentage cash back with certain purchases made.
2. CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED = this is a nice card in general for anyone that is getting their first credit card (#adulting). Aside from the 60,000/100,000 point bonus (bonus amount depends when you get this, I recall) from spending a certain amount within the first few months, the $95 annual fee is waived for the first year. Moreover, there are no foreign transaction fees and travel- and food-related purchases will get you extra points. You can also transfer Chase points to one of its many airline partners (e.g. United Airlines). Those who want airport lounge access will need to opt for its “superior” counterpart, the CHASE SAPPHIRE RESERVE. Do note that the annual fee for this one is $450 (NOT waived the first year), so it ain’t cheap. Cardholders will note that the $300 travel credit make it worthwhile, though. However, you won’t need the RESERVE if you have the American Express Platinum like me (see below).
3. AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM = this is one of the BEST travel credit cards in my opinion as it gets you access to the Priority Pass lounges, a network of airport lounges located around the world independent of airline companies, as well as access to the bougie Centurion Lounges (AND Delta Sky Club lounges when you fly with Delta). The Priority Pass lounges can be a hit or miss depending on which one (I’m a fan of the “library” lounge in Nice, France), but I’ve had pretty good luck with the Centurion Lounges (though not all are created equal and some, such as the one at SFO, are better than others). I’ll eventually publish a post on the different airport lounges I’ve patronized, but all in all this is an excellent credit card to have despite the hefty $550 annual fee. I will say that the Amex Platinum includes other wonderful perks besides airport lounge access, such as $50 SAKS Fifth Avenue credit every 6 months, $15 Uber monthly credits, free TSA Pre-Check/Global Entry (this is how I got my Global Entry for free), and $200 of airline credit for incidentals, so in the end you will get your money’s worth. Only caveat with an Amex – as I’m sure a lot of you are aware – is that many foreign countries do not accept it (hint: the ‘American’ in ‘American Express’) so it is beneficial to pair this with a Chase credit card (Visa) like I have.